U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-255 5th War Patrol

U-255 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Narvik	22 February 1943	Narvik	15 March 1943	22

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

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
5 Mar 43	09.26	72°21'N, 10°50'E	EXECUTIVE	4,978	American	RA-53
10 Mar 43	16.36 - 21.07	67°03'N, 14°22.5'W	RICHARD BLAND	7,191	American	RA-53

			Total = 12,169
Richard Bland was hit by one torpedo from U-255 on 5 March. The torpedo did not explode and passed completely through the ship which remained in convoy. On 10 March U-255 attacked Richard Bland again breaking the ship in two. The stern section sank, the forward section was towed to Iceland and declared a total loss.
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.

             G e h e i m e   K o m m a n d o s a c h e !

                            K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

of

                   U n t e r s e e b o o t e s U 2 5 5

                                 Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Reche

                              Beginning   :    10.2.1943

                              Concluding : 15.3.1943

Enclosure



© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

- 1 -

1943

10.02.43 Narvik

10.30 Reported to F.d.U. Norwegen

Torpedo offload.

11. - 19.02.43 Narvik Repair work with repair ship "KAMERUN"

Torpedo loading.

20.02.43 Skjomenfjord Sea trial. Outfitted from tender ship "KÄRNTEN"

21.02.43 Narvik Final adjustments.

22.02.43

11.00 Narvik Departed for war patrol. Attack area AB 6630.

12.30 MSS Rotvaer passed

16.10 Harstad Reported to MSS. Made fast supply depot.

Took over fresh provisions.

Reported readiness to F.d.U.

19.15 Harstad Departed through Topsund, Andfjord.

20.00 Wind calm, flat sea, (snow) 10/10, 0°C, 999 mb, driving snow

20.30 Andenes abeam Zizaged a few times while departing.

23.02.43 Norwegian Sea

00.00 AB 9861

N 2, Sea 2, (snow) 3/10, -2°C, 998 mb, clear, low Swell

04.00 AB 9567 lower-right

NW 1, Sea 1, 4-8/10, -1°C, 1006 mb, clear, low Swell

07.42 - 08.20 AB 9377 Test dive.

NNE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, -2°C, 1008 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell

11.25 - 11.45 AB 9343 lower-right Shot a drifting mine.

11.55 AB 9351 upper-left Passed a drifting mine.

NE 2, Sea 2, (overcast) 9/10, +1°C, 1007 mb, Vis. 20 nm Day's run: Surfaced 219 nm, Submerged 2.3 nm

14.41 AB 9322 Radio Message 1334: 1) Convoy 11.25 hours square 5866, easterly course.

2) Form patrol line from square 6435 to 6816 for 00.00 hours in order LaBaume, Queck, Gollnitz, Timm, Reche.

Came to course 306° and 10 knots.

15.07 AB 9321 Drifting mine.

15.25 - 15.52 AB 9321 Crash dive for training to depth A.

16.03 AB 6987 lower-left corner Drifting mine.

SE 4, Sea 3, gloomy 10/10, +2°C, 1000 mb, Vis. 15 nm

Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

- 2 -

23.02.43 Norwegian Sea

17.15 Radio Message 1455 from Fliegerführer Lofoten: Reported convoy consists of 25 merchant ships, 20 escorts in complete screen. Deep loose formation. Course 100°. Aircraft broke contact at 12.45 hours because of no visibility.

20.00 AB 6868 upper-left Radio Message 1903: If there is no enemy contact up to 01.00 hours set off to new patrol line from square 6377 to 6687. Be there at 06.00 hours.

SE 7, Sea 6, (snow, hail, passing showers) 10/10, 988 mb, Vis. changing, dark night

24.02.43

00.10 - 01.07 AB 6816 lower-right Reached station. Dived to listen.

S 5, Sea 5, rain 10/10, +1°C, 981 mb, Vis. bad, medium Swell

04.10 AB 6832 center-right edge Radio Message 0253: If there is no enemy contact by 08.00 hours patrol line proceed on course 90° at 10 knots.

S 7, Sea 6, (passing showers) 10/10, +3°C, 977 mb, Vis. medium

06.15 AB 6687 Reached second patrol line.

Twilight

08.00 AB 6687 center The tasked air reconnaissance falls out due to the weather.

S 7, Sea 6, (hail) 9/10, +3°C, 978 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell Proceeded to the east.

10.30 Radio Message 0945: 11.00 hours be in patrol line from AB 6391 to 6931.

11.05 Received bearing signals from unknown station in 306°T.

12.15 AB 6931 Day's run: Surfaced 212 nm, Submerged 3.4 nm

SW 4, Sea 5, (hail) 3/10, +3°C, 977 mb, Vis. 15 nm, high Swell Outgoing Radio Message 1156: Position 11.40 hours square 6932. Radio bearing 306°T, 446 KHz. Identifier BIK1. Weather.

14.34 Radio Message 1407 from Queck: Convoy AB 6632, easterly course, strong snow squalls.

Operated at increased speed on this report.

15.36 Radio Message 1500 from Queck: Convoy square 4179, course 90°, speed 9 knots.

15.50 AB 6931 lower-right 2 detonations under water.

SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, hail) 6-10/10, 978 mb, Vis. 500 meters - 20 nm

16.56 Radio Message 1414: All attack free on air reported convoy 13.00 hours AB 6382, course 90°, speed 8-9 knots.

LaBaume reports at 15.56 hours last bearing from air contact keeper in 142°T from AC 4427.

Radio Message 1517: 1) Operate on Queck report.

                                    2) Queck bearing Signals Fritz.

Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43

- 3 -

continued

24.03.43 Barents Sea

17.06 Queck reports 16.18 hours convoy in AC 4172.

17.25 AC 4427 Queck bears 355°T.

17.50 Queck reports 17.11 hours convoy in AC 4181, that agrees with my radio bearing.

18.32 AC 4425 Radio Message 1758 from Queck: Remote and close escort at convoy in square 4182, course 90°, 9-10 knots.

He bears 332°T, bearing signals are unintelligible

18.56 Three detonations to port.

19.04 Abeam to port 2 white stars.

Depth charge detonation.

19.36 Light rockets and star shells bearing 325°T.

Radio Message 1901 from Queck: Square 4191, course 80°, speed 10 knots.

Queck's report and bearing signals agree perfectly after my celestial navigation fix.

20.00 AC 4431 lower-right I am now about 20 nm from the convoy.

S 4, Sea 3, (snow) 6-10/10, +2°C, 977 mb, clear, medium Swell

21.02 - 21.32 AC 4199 upper-left Dived to listen, because nothing is seen.

Sound bearing 310-320°T.

Diesel air intake head valve does not close perfectly. We proceed with the diesel air shaft flooded; also the ventilation air intake shaft is flooded.

23.04 - 23.38 AC 4276 Dived to listen and balance the boat.

25.02.43 Barents Sea

00.00 AC 4284 center

W 5, Sea 7, (snow, fog) 10/10, +3°C, 971 mb, Vis. changing

00.50 AC 4282 Shadow to port, apparently the starboard flank escort.

01.10 Driving snow Radar detection, horizontally polarized, 140 cm, medium tone 3 seconds long. Later steady tone.

An own U-boat comes up at high speed from astern and turns away.

02.22 Three shadows astern to port.

I want to maneuver ahead for a day attack because I cannot get an overall view of the situation in the low visibility.

03.59 AC 4348 upper-center Outgoing Radio Message 0329: 03.00 hours convoy AC 4269 lower-left. Course 80°. Detection 140 cm, horizontally polarized. Weather.

SW 5, Sea 4, (snow, hail) 8-10/10, 972 mb, Vis. moderate, medium Swell, now and then moonshine

04.45 Outgoing Radio Message 0430: Convoy AC 4346, course 80°.

07.31 AC 4365 Outgoing Radio Message 0700: Convoy AC 4355, course 90, flier's weather.

08.00 AC 5145 center-left Aircraft bearing 70°T, 7000 meters away, course 90°.

SW 5, Sea 4, 3-7/10, +2°C, 973 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell Queck and Göllnitz report contact.

I am now positioned directly ahead of the convoy.

I want to attempt a submerged attack despite the Swell.

Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43

- 4 -

continued

25.02.43 Barents Sea

08.33 AC 5145 Outgoing Radio Message 0808: Convoy square 4365, course 90°, cloudy 2 lifting, abating, Vis. 25 nm. Aircraft.

I just get the Radio Message out. Then Crash dive for land-based aircraft from 90°T, 4000 meters away, course 270°.

08.56 Ran in to attack. Was noticed by the screen probably in the wave troughs and apparently already at 1500 meters shot at or depth charges were thrown. I cannot see where the always closer detonations come from.

Went to depth 2A meters, depth charges.

I attempt to go up again and still reach attack position, however at depth A meters well-placed depth charges again.

11.07/09 Ejected four Bolde and zigzagged against the seas to 250°. All together 54 depth charges for us.

11.15/19

11.30 Distant depth charge detonations. Went higher slowly.

12.00 AC 5149 center-left Day's run: Surfaced 216 nm, Submerged 13.4 nm

13.32 Destroyer sounds have gone away.

Surfaced. Pursued on course 120°.

13.50 Radio Message 1312 from LaBaume: Convoy located AC 5188, general course about 125°. Screen set far out.

14.50 Radio Message 1406 from LaBaume: AC 5189, course 100°.

16.00 AC 5423 upper-right corner

W 4, Sea 3, 6/10, -0.5°C, 977 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell

17.05 Radio Message 1609 from LaBaume: Convoy located AC 5433. Speed 9 knots, course 120°.

A part of the detonations that we heard under water, must have come from an air attack, which we learn of now, F.d.U. reports damaged ships.

17.40 2 white stars bearing 65°T over the horizon.

19.30 1 white star bearing 20°T.

19.50 AC 5558 upper-left Radio Message 1859 from LaBaume: Last convoy position 17.30 hours AC 5511, course east.

W 4, Sea 3, 4/10, +1C, 980 mb, clear, medium Swell

Göllnitz and Timm have also attacked in vain. I operate on southeasterly main course. Came to course 90°.

21.18 - 21.50 AC 5568 center Dived to listen. No bearings.

Operated on convoy course 110°.

Radio Message 2036: 1) Suspect during the night a southeasterly convoy course.

2) Who has contact? 3) 23.00 hours all report position by Short Signal.

22.47 Outgoing Short Signal: AC 5644.

Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43

- 5 -

continued

25.02.43 Barents Sea

23.16 AC 5642 Star shells bearing 100°T, 10000 meters away.

Depth charge detonations.

26.02.43

00.15 AC 5646 center Light rockets bearing 90°T.

00.28 W 4, Sea 3, 10/10, +1°C, 983 mb, clear, medium Swell 2 shadows bearing 100°T. Apparently the starboard screen. Maneuvered ahead.

01.22 AC 5658 Outgoing Radio Message 0035:  Position 5657. Light rockets and depth charges bearing 90°T. Radar detection.

Visibility deterioration

02.10 Outgoing Radio Message 0132: Have contact on aft screen square 5658.

Must run off before destroyers several times. Cannot see anything of the convoy except for these quite far offset escorts.

02.45 Radio Message 0109: 07.00 hours be in patrol line from square 6749 to 8342, Göllnitz, Reche, LaBaume, Queck, Timm.

Advanced ahead of the far offset escorts. Did not get through the flank screen.

03.40 Outgoing Radio Message 0310: Convoy AC 5697, speed 9 knots, course southeast. Weather.

04.00 AC 5934 center It was already brighter. I decide at least to attack a destroyer. Ran as far ahead as possible and turned towards the screen. Hound's curve on the starboard aft destroyer. However, I do not get close enough at a usable target angle. The steamer columns were now visible in front of the already brighter eastern sky. At the moment there is a gap behind the destroyer.

NW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 989 mb, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell

04.32 Two-fan tubes II and III on three overlapping steamers: speed 9 knots, target angle right 70°, range 2500 meters. However the range may have been underestimated; in any case it seems our cold Etos did not reach.

I can only run off, because it is evermore brighter. In so doing I advance on a far offset destroyer, which forces us to go too far off.

05.11 Driving snow Outgoing Radio Message 0445: Convoy AC 5935, course 140°.

06.20 AC 5965 center-left edge Have lost sight of the convoy. Maneuvered ahead by plotting.

06.41 Light ice formation Outgoing Radio Message 0604: Contact lost after unsuccessful attack in driving snow. Convoy located 05.00 hours AC 5939, southerly course.

06.52 Several escort masts come at us out of the mist bearing 100°T, about 10 nm away.

I suspect that the convoy has advanced into heavy ice and must avoid.

Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43

- 6 -

continued

26.02.43 Barents Sea Turned away and ran before them out of the ice slush, where we leave a nice trail. 1 aircraft over the convoy.

07.30 Twice 2 depth charge detonations astern.

07.40 Outgoing Radio Message 0709: Convoy square 6747, course 280°, Ice formation to the SE. Vis. 12 nm, clouds 500 meters.

07.57 AC 5934 center An own U-boat seen on the northern horizon and turned towards us. I pass him my last observation by flag signal. Then came to a southerly course again to re-establish contact.

SW 4, Sea 3, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 989 mb, Vis. changing, snow showers, medium Swell

Again escort masts came again, which steer to the south again.

08.59 Outgoing Radio Message 0832: Convoy located AC 6774, course south, aircraft. Flier's weather.

09.35 - 11.05 AC 5995 Dived before 2 escorts which appeared out of a snow band bearing 120°T, 3 nm away. On surfacing difficulty with an ice field.

11.15 Aircraft bearing 160°T, 8000 meters, course 240°.

11.35 AC 5998 U-boat bearing 80°T, 10000 meters away, course 180°.

12.00 AC 5999 lower-left Day's run: Surfaced 237 nm, Submerged 10.9 nm

Calm, flat sea, 5/10, -2°C, 987 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell

13.21 AC 8369 One Ju88 bearing 270°T, 200 meters away, course 160°.

13.24 Escort emerges from a mist band bearing 180°T, turned away. Pursued.

14.19 Radio Message 1151: 1) Do not cross a line from square AW 2215 to square AT 7455 to the south. 2) Until then continue pursuit, take advantage of every opportunity to attack. 3) Watch for steamers damaged by air.

The line lies before the White Sea, however the convoy seems to head for Murmansk.

14.44 AC 8368 Large drifting mine.

15.10 Outgoing Radio Message 1427: 13.24 hours in AC 8363 last contact with escort. Forced off. Vis. 6 nm.

15.37 - 16.05 AC 8369 Dived to listen. Bearing 225°T.

AC 8393 upper-right edge

SW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 6-10/10, -3°C, 989, Vis, 2-30 nm, low Swell

16.30 Outgoing Radio Message 1604: Position AC 8393. Small sound band in 255°T.

Driving snow. Vis. 3 nm.

16.50 Just like us the aircraft have found no success in their attacks.

Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43

- 7 -

continued

26.02.43 Murman Sea Operated on convoy course 200.

17.08 Radio Message 1613 from Göllnitz: Convoy 16.00 hours by plotting AC 8631, course 200°. Contact lost. Heavy driving snow.

That corresponds to our sound bearing. I pursued.

17.58 Radio Message 1724 from Queck: Convoy square AC 8634, course 210/220. Radar detection in 150 cm band.

18.50 AC 8631 U-boat bearing 260°T, course 140°, 300 meters away. Must turn away hard. It runs close past us and then turns away.

Very dark

19.13 - 20.39 AC 8628 Skolpen Bank Dived to listen and reload.

Sound band in 150-160°T, shifted ahead. Single engine in 270°T.

Queck give a sound bearing from AC 8665 in 205-245°T; that results with ours a cross bearing. I can be there in 2 hours.

20.00 AC 8629 lower-left

SW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 987 mb, misty, low Swell

21.30 Detection 140 cm horizontally polarized. First search tone, then steady tone, finally 2 steady tones.

22.12 - 00.26 AC 8685 Dived to listen. The destroyer sounds are getting closer in the direction of the detection. 1 depth charge in the vicinity. No bearings from the convoy.

23.05 Radio Message 2056: 1) Insofar as there is information on any partial convoy, continue to operate on it. 2) Otherwise expect convoy destination Murmansk. 3) After breaking off pursuit occupy: LaBaume AC 8640, Göllnitz AC 8670, Queck AC 8680, Reche AC 8920.

27.02.43

00.00 AC 8683 center The Chief Engineer reports that a lubricating oil pump has failed. To have the diesel operable, I want to move off for repairs, especially since I am now too far behind the convoy and cannot reach it before the operations limit.

NW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 987 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell

01.53 Outgoing Radio Message 0045: Position AC 8691. Was detected by a locating destroyer. Moving off to the north for 10 hours for repairs to a lubricating oil pump and thereby failure of the starboard diesel.

04.00 AC 8636 right edge upper

NNW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 986 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell, strong Northern Lights

08.00 AC 8333 lower-right

NW 3, Sea 2, (snow) 9/10, -1°C, 985 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell

12.00 AC 8667 center Day's run: Surfaced 236 nm, Submerged 10.3 nm

NNW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 2/10, -1°C, 986 mb, Vis. 30 nm

Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

- 8 -

continued

27.02.43 Murman Sea

12.40 AC 8691 U-boat bearing 140°T, 5 nm away. Course 270°. Recognition Signal exchange with Queck.

13.26 Navigation comparison.

13.45 AC 8920 Reached disposition.

14.35 Radio Message 1157: New attack areas from 15.00 hours LaBaume AC 8670, Göllnitz AC 8680, Queck AC 8920, Reche AC 8930.

16.00 AC 8926 center

NNW 3, Sea 2, (snow) 5/10, -2°C, 982 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell

17.30 U-boat shadow bearing 130°T, 1000 meters away, course south. Badly distinguished. Turned away.

20.00 AC 8698 lower-right

NNW 3, Sea 2, blue sky, -3°C, 981 mb, misty, low Swell

28.02.43 Murman Sea

00.17 - 00.44 AC 8699 lower-center Dived to listen.

ENE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, -2°C, 981 mb, Vis. changing

04.00 AC 8932 upper-center

NNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, -1.5°C, 986 mb, Vis. moderate

08.00 AC 8932 upper center

N 4, Sea 3, (snow), 6/10, -1°C, 990 mb, Vis. 30 nm

11.00 - 11.32 AC 8939 Dived to listen.

12.00 AC 8936 center-right edge Day's run: Surfaced 185.5 nm, Submerged 3 nm

NNW 4, Sea 4, (snow, fog, hail) 7/10, 992 mb, Vis. 20-25 nm

16.00 AC 8935 center

NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, 993 mb, Vis. 1-20 nm

18.07 - 19.32 Dived to listen.

20.00 AC 8932 upper-left

NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 9/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. medium

01.03.43 Murman Sea

00.00 AC 8932 upper-center

NW 2, Sea 2, mist 3-5/10, -2°C, 990 mb, Vis. medium

04.00 AC 8932 upper-center

NW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -1°C, 990 mb, Vis. moderate

08.00 AC 8932 upper-center

E 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -2°C, 990 mb, Vis. 30 nm

Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43

Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43

- 9 -

continued

01.03.43 Murman Sea

12.00 AC 8936 center-right Day's run: Surfaced 181 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm

NE 2, Sea 1, (snow) 6/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. 5-20 nm

13.28 Radio Message 1039: From 1 March 17.00 hours occupy attack areas with depth 14 nm: Bugs AC 8569 lower center, LaBaume AC 8672 upper-center edge, Göllnitz AC 8678 upper-right, Queck 8924 upper-left corner, Reche AC 8919 lower-left corner.

13.55 Radio Message 1047: According to aerial imagery assessment Kola Bay 28 February 8 destroyers, 51 freighters totaling 280000 GRT, 4 tankers totaling 40000 GRT, 1 tanker 6800 GRT. In floating dock, 1 tanker 9300 GRT in dry-dock.

One gets an appetite!

16.00 AC 8935 center

NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, 993 mb, Vis. 1-20 nm

16.32 AC 8919 Land bearing 200-220°T, 30 nm away.

18.02 AC 8919 Gavrilovskiy lighthouse bearing 209°T, 30 nm away.

Reached attack area with some offset.

The burning of beacons means sure traffic off the Kola Bay. The mountain infantry have reported departing ships.

20.00 AC 8932 upper-left The lighthouse is extinguished again.

NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 9/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. medium

21.40 AC 8919 Powerful searchlights bearing 153°T and 213°T sweep over the sea, about 20 nm away. We lie just beyond horizon. After a time they were extinguished again.

22.41 - 2318 AC 8943 Dived to listen and surfaced.

02.03.43 Murman Sea

00.00 AC 8943 upper-left

NE 4, Sea 4, 5/10, -2°C, 995 mb, clear

01.04 Radio Message 1859: If there are no enemy reports up to 22.00 hours, set off for patrol line from square AC 8317 to AC 9127, be there 2 March at 08.00 hours. Order: Bugs, LaBaume, Göllnitz, Reche, Queck.

Therefore I head for square 9117 and must go at 2 x GF because first the starboard lubricating oil line must be welded.

04.00 AC 8681 center

NNE e, Sea 2, 8/10, -4.5C, 993 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell

05.50 AC 8634 Masts of 3 escorts and smoke clouds bearing 330°T, 12 nm away.

Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

- 10 -

continued

02.03.43 Murman Sea, Skolpen Bank

06.24 Outgoing Radio Message 0550: Convoy square 8625, course northeast.

Held contact on the escorts, maneuvered ahead.

07.17 AC 8632 Dived for 2 land-based aircraft bearing 300°T, 3000 meters away, course 40°.

Sound bearing 295-325°T.

08.00 AC 8632 center

NNE 2, Sea 1, 7/10, -5°C, 992 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell

08.30 Outgoing Radio Message 0717: Convoy square 8389, course 40°, speed 9 knots. 3 escorts to starboard. Crash dived for 2 land-based aircraft. Weather.

The visibility was worse, masts and smoke clouds disappear in fog.

09.56 Outgoing Radio Message 0925: Since report at 07.17 hours no contact. Position square 9171, Vis. 5 nm.

11.08 AC 8336 U-boat bearing 350°T, 3000 meters away. Recognition Signals exchanged with LaBaume. Had also seen nothing.

Light ice

11.29 - 12.05 AC 8336 center Dived to listen.

N 2, Sea 1, (fog, snow) 10/10, -5°C, 993 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm, low Swell Day's run: Surfaced 212.7 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm

12.40 Smoke clouds bearing 150°T. I expect continuing on northeast course. Maneuvered ahead.

13.11 Outgoing Radio Message 1240: Smoke clouds in square 9117.

13.25 Soft new ice. One escort mast bearing 130°T on course 25°. We rush through thin, soft ice fields ahead. Now and then the mast disappears in the mist.

U-Queck appears to the north and turns towards us. I pass the last bearing of the escort.

14.10 Outgoing Radio Message 1325: Have contact on port forward escort square 9111, general course 25°.

I now hold more to the northwest, because the ice is getting stronger.

14.48 Outgoing Radio Message 1415: Position square 6772 in light ice field. Convoy lost in the mist. Met Queck.

A third boat disappears to the west.

14.49 - 15.10 AC 6747 In an ice-free place dove to listen, sound bearing 150-170°T. Nothing seen.

14.53 Radio Message 1208: 1) If there is no contact do not search east of 37°30'E.

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

- 11 -

continued

02.03.43 Barents Sea Continuation Radio Message 1208: Initially expect northerly general course. 2) Air reconnaissance.

The Radio Message comes too late for us. The ice was always thicker. Set off to the west.

16.00 AC 6744 center

N 3, Sea 1, (mist) 8/10, -11°C, 992 mb, Vis. 4-12 nm, ice

16.20 AC 6744 Outgoing Radio Message 1556: from Göllnitz AC 8334, probably NW-course, ice fields.

Apparently only one patrol vessel pushed us north into the ice, while the convoy passed us by to the south.

17.30 Closed ice fields Radio Message 1650 from Göllnitz: Convoy AC 5989, course 320°. Heavy drift ice fields.

Must pass through with Queck expansive, closed and fairly heavy ice sheets before we return to clear water.

19.19 - 20.56 AC 5961 After getting clear of the ice dove to de-ice.

19.20 Radio Message 1900 from Queck: Convoy AC 5959, course 310°.

If Queck is already there again, we must also be close by.

19.50 Detonation.

Sound bearing of the convoy 240-250°T.

20.00 AC 5953 center 1 depth charge. Fast propeller sounds coming closer. Let them pass and then surfaced. Pursued.

N 2, Sea 1, (mist) 8/10, -11°C, 990 mb, clear

22.30 Radio Message 2151 from Queck: Convoy located 20.25 hours square 5955, probably general course change to 280°.

03.03.43 Barents Sea

00.00 AC 5838 lower-left corner

NW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -10°C, 990 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell

01.38 - 02.20 AC 5825 Dived to listen and surfaced.

Sound band 320°T.

01.56 Radio Message 0036: If no contact or reliable clues, on 3 March at 06.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 5279 to 5482, order Göllnitz, Queck, Reche, LaBaume, Bugs.

04.00 AC 5576 lower-center

NNE 6, Sea 4, (fog) 7/10, -7°C, 989 mb, Vis. 100 meters - 8 nm

07.52 - 08.40 AC 5426 Dived to de-ice and listen.

NNE 6, Sea 5, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. 15 nm Sound band from 140-160°T.

09.46 AC 5462 Met LaBaume. He had not seen anything.

Probably we heard him [LaBaume] before, the G.H.G. is not worth much now.

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43

- 12 -

continued

03.03.43 Barents Sea

09.44 Radio Message 0905: Immediately shift position about 20 nm in 230°T, be there by 12.00 hours.

12.00 AC 5455 lower-left Surfaced. Day's run: Surfaced 206 nm, Submerged 13.6 nm

N 5, Sea 4, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. changing

12.45 Radio Message 1159: If there is no contact, at 14.00 hours set off to position line from AC 4266 to 4569, pass there at 23.00 hours.

16.01 AC 5446 upper-center Radio Message 1522: From Göllnitz: Convoy 12.10 hours AC 5542, course 280°.

N 5, Sea 4, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. 5-15 nm

Operated on Göllnitz-report.

17.41 - 18.21 AC 5415 Dived to listen. No bearings.

19.40 Radio Message 1730: If there is no contact, at 22.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4337 to 4629, old order.

20.00 AC 5432 lower-right

N 4, Sea 3, (mist, snow) 9/10, -2°C, 1002 mb, clear

22.41 Radio Message 2220 from LaBaume: Convoy AC 4623, course NW.

That was south of us, therefore zigzagged again to the south.

23.40 Radio Message 2305: 1) [Operate] On him. 2) LaBaume send bearing signals.

23.42 AC 4388 Searchlight and 4 light rockets bearing 315°T, 4 nm away. Depth charges.

I have the impression that set off destroyers want to mislead us with signals. Only these destroyers seem to locate.

23.54 - 00.47 AC 4388 Dived to listen. In the direction of the rockets and depth charges an individual destroyer was heard. Further sound bearings in 340°T.

04.03.43 Barents Sea

00.00 AC 4388 upper-right Advanced in the direction of the sound bearing.

N 1, Sea 1, 2/10, -3°C, 1003 mb, clear

02.30 AC 4354 lower-left Nothing seen. Operated only on the westerly course accepted from LaBaume.

03.30 Radio Message 0310: from Queck. Convoy AC 4354, course 280°, speed 8 knots.

So where we came from! Pursued back to the northwest.

04.15 AC 4293 upper-center Star shells bearing 245°T and 340°T, 20 nm away.

NNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, -3°C, 1002 mb, Vis. medium

04.48 AC 4293 Destroyer shadow bearing 290°T, 4 nm away. Must turn away to the east.

05.40 AC 4265 At dawn smoke clouds come in sight: 240°T, 15 nm away.

Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

- 13 -

continued

04.03.43 Barents Sea

06.37 Outgoing Radio Message 0615: Smoke clouds in square 4243, course west. NE 2, Cumulus clouds 1000 meters, Vis. 20 nm. Sending bearing signals.

My navigation seems uncertain to me after the experience of the last night.

07.58 AC 4217 upper-right Outgoing Radio Message 0745: Convoy square 4241, course west, speed 8 knots, Vis. 10 nm.

NNE 3, Sea 2, (snow) 9/10, -5°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 15-30 nm

Maneuvered ahead. Lost the escort sometimes due to rising sea smoke.

09.51 Outgoing Radio Message 0930: Convoy by plotting square 4162. Weather.

Our Radio Messages were not heard by Control and only the first was repeated by another boat. We receive most only on very long wavelengths.

10.20 Vis. 3 nm Radio Message 0820: If no contact by 13.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4154 to 4454.

11.10 Ice blocks By plotting I am positioned 13 nm ahead of the convoy. I cannot check position by a visual bearing, I want to remain unnoticed by radar locating.

11.30 AC 4146 By sound bearings I am positioned to starboard ahead of the convoy. Ran at HF submerged for half an hour athwart the convoy course, until I have it in the opposite bearing.

Day's run: Surfaced 272 nm, Submerged 8.3 nm

12.32 A destroyer of the forward screen turns towards at target angle 0° and turns with me. Went to depth A. Propeller sounds shift astern, again to periscope depth.

I am positioned too far to starboard,I can now see the steamer column in a broad target angle far off. The convoy probably heading 10° or 20° further to the south. Will attempt to attack a destroyer of the flank screen.

13.35 Ran towards the starboard astern destroyer. The two-fan is ready. While passing through the favorable shooting position the low hanging sun come exactly into the periscope and nothing more could be recognized.  Range was about 600 meters. When the destroyer is made out again, their target angle is already much too broad. A pity! The stern escort remained too far away.

14.10 AC 4146 upper-right Surfaced. Pursued. I want to maneuver ahead again on the port side of the convoy because I fear there will be ice to the north, and to keep convoy before the bright sky.

NNE 3, Sea 2, (snow, fog) 9/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm

Due to frost mist and strong mirages it is difficult to hold contact. Masts always come out in their full length.

15.10 Radio Message 1317: 16.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4117 to 4417.

Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

- 14 -

04.03.43 Bear Island

15.16 Outgoing Radio Message 1430: Convoy square 4145, course 270°, speed 8 knots. Attack failed. Weather.

16.00 AB 6351

NNW 4, Sea 2, (fog) 6/10, -6C, 1004 mb, Vis. 4 nm

16.15 Smoke feather bearing 280°T, 15 nm away

17.20 AB 6391 Destroyer masts bearing 275°T and 290°T

17.32 Outgoing Radio Message 1650: Convoy AB 6383. Suspect southwest course.

17.50 Stellar navigation fix difference between dead reckoning and actual position: 136°T, 11 nm A destroyer forces me off to the south.

18.20 Bugs reports: 16.50 hours contact in 6356.

18.25 Outgoing Radio Message 1800: Convoy AB 6382. Was forced off.

19.45 AB 6615 Destroyer bearing 340°T, 4000 meters away, forced me off to the south again.

Intend to maneuver ahead by night with lose contact, to be able to attack in the early morning. The visibility is best in the morning. A night attack in the prevailing visibility and the locating destroyers is too unsafe.

20.05 AB 6613 lower-right Bugs reports the convoy on course 280°.

NNW 3, Sea 2, blue sky, -5°C, 1015 mb, clear

21.14 AB 6566 Red-white signal lights bearing 330°T, 5 nm away.

21.40 AB 6565 Star shells bearing 0°T, 4 nm away.

23.17 AB 6559 Destroyer shadow bearing 10°T, 2 nm away.

05.03.43 Southwest of Bear Island

00.00 AB 6582 upper-right

WNW 1, Sea 1, (snow) 6/10, -5°C, 1016 mb, Vis. changing

00.55 Outgoing Radio Message 0030: 23.15 hours contact on 2 destroyers in square 6556. Position square 6581, Vis. greatly changing.

02.26 - 02.54 AB 6577 Dived to listen and thaw.

Sound band from 15-35°T, individual bearings in 10°T and 25°T.

A patrol line ordered by F.d.U. was shifted to the south however apparently still not enough.

03.54 AB 6731 upper-left Outgoing Radio Message 0245: Position square 6577, sound band around 25°T.

WNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, -2°C

04.45 AB 6728 4 star shells bearing 80°T.

06.02 AB 6718 Smoke feather bearing 60°, 15 nm away.

07.00 A sound bearing from Queck agrees with the smoke clouds which were now sighted in 50°T. Maneuvered exactly ahead. I expect in this area trusted convoy course 240°.

Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43

- 15 -

continued

05.03.43 Nordmeer

08.01 AB 5938 lower-right Dived to attack.

NNE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, -3°C, 1015 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell After a destroyer stationed far ahead the full screen of the close escort comes. The columns of steamers proceed quite tightly so that I have little room to turn in. The center one is led by a destroyer. I will shoot at the first steamers behind the destroyer.

09.26 AB 5939 Three associated single shots tube I, III and IV (the outer tube door of tube II was jammed from ice damage): speed 8 knots, target angle right 80°, 87° and 50°; range 1000, 600 and 400 meters each on a center column freighter. The last steamer was already very close, so that it was probably undershot and to prevent contact with the periscope I retracted it and went deep.

2 hits after 79 seconds (1170 meters) and 41 seconds (600 meters) running time.

Turned away and went deep in expectation of the defense. There followed a total of 35 inexact and random depth charges. In between the crackle and cracking of a sinking ship.

11.47 AB 5939 center Surfaced. Day's run: Surfaced 226 nm, Submerged 14.7 nm

W 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -3°C, 1014 mb, Vis. 25 nm, low Swell Smoke clouds of the convoy bearing 240°T.

A BV138 and a Ju88 circle in the area. In the direction of the shooting location a burning freighter is sinking, before we are close. Additionally we find a second sinking location with boats of the "EXECUTIVE", New York, 4978 GRT.

12.37 Outgoing Radio Message 1150: 09.26 hours AB 5939 each one hit on 2 medium freighters. Sinking sounds heard.

Anti-aircraft clouds bearing 200°. Apparently the announced 14 Ju 88.

12.45 Radio Message 1135: Air reports 11.05 hours AB 5836 three heavy cruisers course 90°. Composition of the convoy 29 steamers, 8 destroyers, 12 escorts full screen.

15.20 Outgoing Radio Message 14.30: When surfacing a burning freighter 6000 GRT sunk. A second sinking location "EXECUTIVE" New York determined.

16.00 AB 5956 center Pursued in 240°T.

E 5, Sea 4, mist (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 1014 mb, Vis. 10 nm

20.00 AB 5899 upper-left

E 5, Sea 4, (snow, hail) 10/10, 0°C, 1014 mb, clear

21.04 AB 8231 Shadow bearing 240°T, locating.

Maneuvered ahead further to port.

22.25 Outgoing Radio Message 2104: Square 8231 two destroyers. Suspect stern screen.

Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43

- 16 -

06.03.43 East of Jan Mayen

00.00 AB 8212 lower-right

E 5, Sea 4, 10/10, -1°C, 1014 mb, clear

03.28 Radio Message 0207 from Queck: 00.10 hours convoy AB 8216, course 230°, 8 knots.

03.33 - 04.25 AB 8167 Dived to listen. Must be 12 nm ahead of the convoy by plotting. Sound bearing 65-80°.

AB 8159 upper-right

ESE 6, Sea 5, 10/10, +2°C, 995 mb, Vis. moderate

05.39 SE 7, Sea 5, rain 10/10, 994 mb, Vis. low Outgoing Radio Message 0507: 04.08 hours from square 8159 sound band around 70°T. Weather.

07.08 Radio Message 0319: All from 07.00 hours 2 hours 60°, 8 knots.

08.00 - 09.55 AB 6412 lower-left Dived to listen. No bearings. Suspect that the convoy cruises against the high seas.

SW 7, Sea 6, 10/10, +2°C, 995 mb, Vis. 5 nm

12.00 AB 8411 lower-left Day's run: Surfaced 212 nm, Submerged 5.6 nm

SW 10, Sea 8, 8/10, +2°C, 989 mb, Vis. 10 nm Can only make 6 knots against the seas. The largest ever diving depth while cruising on the surface was 13 meters. The drain pump can barely keep up with the water penetrating through the latched conning tower hatch and the diesel air shaft. Also the battery has taken some water through the ventilation ducts.

13.00 AB 7662 Reached station.

13.20 Radio Message 1159: By air at 09.10 the convoy is in AN 7364, course 250°.

That is 40 nm to the north.

14.11 Radio Message 1155: If there is no contact by 15.00 hours set off. On 7 March at 06.00 hours be in patrol line from AB 7711 to AE 3313 in old order, until then search independently.

I can first reach the new patrol line in a straight course 12 hours later. Obviously Leadership is not correctly informed of the weather conditions.

16.00 AB 7635 lower-right

SW 9, Sea 8, 5/10, +1°C, 979 mb, Vis. 12 nm

16.50 Outgoing Radio Message 1530: 1) Position AB 7661. Cannot reach new disposition against heavy seas before tomorrow at 18.00 hours. SW 9, Sea 8, Vis. 12 nm.

1x.05 The air contact keeper observed the sinking of our two steamers during yesterday's attack.

19.03 - 23.12 AB 7637 lower-left Dived for work on the diesel and battery.

SW 9, Sea 8, 6/10, +1°C, 979 mb, Vis. 14 nm

Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

- 17 -

07.03.43 East of Jan Mayen

00.00 AB 7654 upper-left

SW 8, Sea 7, 7/10, +1°C, 980 mb, clear

04.00 AB 7647 lower-right

SW 8, Sea 7, (hail) 8/10, -2°C, 980 mb, Vis. moderate

08.00 AB 7595 upper-left

SW 9, Sea 8, (snow) 8/10, -2°C, 980 mb, Vis. moderate

11.24 - 13.06 AB 7822 center Day's run: Surfaced 111 nm, Submerged 11.6 nm

W 10, Sea 9, (snow) 8/10, +1°C, 990 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm Dived.

16.13 AB 7818 upper-center Outgoing Short Signal (position for 17.00 hours): AB 7817.

WSW 8, Sea 7, (snow) 10/10, 991 mb, Vis. 12 nm

19.25 On orders Outgoing Short Signal weather report.

20.00 AB 7765 upper right

W 10, Sea 8, (snow) 7/10, -1°C, 995 mb, Vis. 5 nm

22.11 Radio Message 2128: After reaching patrol line continue on course 250°.

08.03.43 East of Jan Mayen

00.00 AB 7782 upper-right

WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, -1°C, 1000 mb, Vis. medium

02.00 AB 7781 Reached patrol line. Continued on course 250°.

03.47 - 04.39 Dived to de-ice.

04.45 AA 9999 Individual ice floes.

WSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, -6°C, 1002 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell

07.00 AE 3212 Drift ice fields to the north.

08.00 AE 3211 lower-right Radio communications with Leadership are interrupted, went to Group Circuit.

N 3, Sea 2, 5/10, -8°C, 1004 mb, Vis. 15 nm

09.20 Outgoing Radio Message 0831: Position AE 3211. NNE 4, abating, Sea 2, no Swell, drifting pack ice fields. Believe that last patrol line is favorable.

10.00 Bugs report ice limit in AA 9934, 29, 28 then SW.

10.15 AE 3163 Aircraft bearing 240°T, 10000 meters away, course 315°.

10.22 - 10.50 AE 3166 Crash dive for aircraft.

12.00 AE 3168 center-right edge Day's run: Surfaced 152 nm, Submerged 7.1 nm

NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, -7°C, 1003, Vis. 10 nm, mirages Drift ice limit.

Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

- 18 -

continued

08.03.43 South of Jan Mayen

13.06 Esch reports an independent in AB 8178, course 230°, 8 knots yesterday at 19.00 hours.

Assume that the convoy, or a parts of it, steers main course 230° and will pass east of our disposition.

15.xx Radio message 1407: 1) Expect convoy speed up to 6 knots. 2) Breaking off operation intended on 10 March at 22°W.

15.21 Outgoing Radio Message 1406: Heavy drift ice west of AE 3212 via 3136 to 96. Weather. Position 3277.

I keep trying again in vain to break through between the ice fields.

I do not believe that the convoy or also individual ships can break through the ice to the west, because from their own air reconnaissance they would rather head for the northeast corner of Iceland and then go around to the south.

16.00 AE 3513 lower-right Ice limit.

N 3, Sea 3, 8/10, -8°C, 1002 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low Swell

16.25 Air reports 12.00 hours 1 cruiser in AA 9669, course 210° and suspects the convoy is there.

With the occasionally completely broken communications with Leadership it seems the ice situation did not get through. On my own, I intend to order a provisional patrol line before the suspected route of the convoy.

17.36 Outgoing Radio Message 1616: 1) Drift ice to square 3278. 2) Suspect main course of the convoy or a part of it 230°. 3) Until receiving further orders from F.d.U. will occupy patrol line from AE 3513 to 3677, old order. (square corrected with Radio Message 1746)

17.45 Radio Message 1548: 1) Operate on the air report.

2) Give Short Signal position at 18.00 hours.

19.45 AE 3513 center-right Radio Message 1907: 1) Head for AE 2370. 2) Send position, if necessary by Radio Message. 3) Reche order settled.

NNW 5, Sea 4, (mist) 5/10, 1002 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low Swell

20.14 - 20.50 AE 3513 Dived to de-ice and listen.

21.11 Outgoing Radio Message 2028: Position 3513.

09.03.43 South of Jan Mayen

00.00 AE 3413 lower-right Again we encounter ice on out transit to the west and cannot get through anywhere. The boat is very icy.

N 3, Sea 2, 8/10, -7°C, 1007 mb, Vis. medium

03.42 Radio Message 0033: 1) If there is no contact, 9 March 07.00 hours be in patrol line from AE 2341 to 3445 in order Bugs, Göllnitz,

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

- 19 -

continued

09.03.43 South of Jan Mayen Continuation of Radio Message 0033: . . . Reche, Queck, Esch. 2) Report ice encountered in positions.

Göllnitz and Bugs positions are further west. I suspect I have a large navigation offset, because we have had no further navigation fixes since the bad visibility days.

04.00 AE 3433 lower-right Cannot get through the ice to the west. Set off to the east and will go around to the south.

NNE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -10°C, 1009 mb, Vis. medium, large ice fields.

04.33 - 05.11 AE 3436 Dived to de-ice.

08.00 AE 3546 center-left

NNE 1, flat sea, (mist) 9/10, -9°C, 1009 mb, Vis. medium

09.13 Heavy drift ice Outgoing Radio Message 0809: Cannot get through the ice at night in square 3430. Going around to the south. Position 3546.

10.05 Göllnitz reports 04.35 hours fast independent in AE 2669, course 230°.

12.26 AE 3453 upper-right Outgoing Radio Message 1156: Göllnitz requests bearing signal Group Fritz from 13.00 to 13.30 to check navigation, if there is free water.

E 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, -8°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 2-10 nm, low Swell, large ice fields

Day's run: Surfaced 205 nm, Submerged 3.7 nm

14.15 The visibility is too bad. I cannot get further to the west. The heavy ice drifts quickly westward. I set off to the east.

16.00 AE 3466 left edge upper

E 9, Sea 7, fog (snow) 10/10, -7°C, 976 mb, Vis. 1-4 nm, weather worsens, drift ice

17.11 Radio Message 1119: 1) 13.00 hours set off to patrol line from AE 2425 to 2762, be there at 05.00 hours. Order Göllnitz, Reche, Queck, Esch, Bugs. 2) Insofar as there is other information, give this in transit.

18.19 Outgoing Radio Message 1738: Up to now cannot get west of square 3452 due to heavy ice. Going further south. Weather.

20.15 AE 3495 upper-right = Celestial navigation fix: Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 67 nm in 331°T! Therefore athwart our course.

AE 3173 lower-center

SW 5, Sea 4, (snow) 10/10, -1°C, 968 mb, Vis. 1-10 nm, high cross Swell

10.03.43 North of Iceland.

00.00 AE 3178 lower-right

SSW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 0°C, 966 mb, clear, high Swell

04.00 AE 3442 center-right

SSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, -1°C, 964 mb, Vis. medium, high cross Swell

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

- 20 -

continued

10.03.43 North of Iceland

0x.28 Esch reported sinking a steamer yesterday at 22.00 hours in AE 3574. The independent still seemed to steer east of Iceland. Bugs fell out due to ice damage.

08.00 AE 3xxx

[weather illegible] Now occupy the ordered patrol line on course 260°.

12.00 AE2 Day's run: Surfaced 139 nm

[weather illegible]

14.39 AE 2587 Independent bearing 290°, course 240°, 6 knots, 2000 meters away. Turned away immediately and was not sighted. Apparently it is a freighter lost by Göllnitz in AE 2913.

Misty

Maneuvered ahead by plotting in the low visibility.

15.25 Outgoing Short Signal: 1 steamer AE 2585

16.02 AE 2824 Dived to attack: No sound bearings. In the periscope he was suddenly picked up at 600 meters. The boat broaches continually despite high speed, however in the sea spray we are not seen. It must all be done quickly.

NW 5, Sea 4, fog snow 10/10, -8°C, 969 mb, Vis. 1-5 nm

16.36 AE 2824 Fan from tubes I. III, IV: Speed 6 knots, target angle left 110°, range 800 meters, spread angle 8.5°, depth 2 meters.

I had to shoot against the sea.

After 50 seconds running time one hit. Steamer stopped, settled astern only a bit deeper and lay athwart the seas. I could not observe the hit. Blows off steam.

16.45 Surfaced. Steamer transmits position and as name KENZ. Had 2 cannons each forward and astern, several machine gun platforms.

Ran in for a coup de grâce.

16.56 Shot from tube V: Speed 0, target angle right 90°, range 1500 meters, depth 2 meters. The torpedo broke the surface several times, became a bayonet [turned sharply] to port and passed by astern. For the quite fast drift of the steamer a low speed should have been set.

17.24 Dived to reload. Steamer drifts to the south quickly before the seas.

18.22 Surfaced. Ran in. He has not launched a lifeboat yet It is uncomfortable. [for men in lifeboats]

18.45 AE 2824 Dived for coup de grâce. I want to go as close as possible this time. Must first catch up at GF. I let the First Watch Officer shoot.

19.47 Shot from tube V: Speed 2, target angle right 100°, range 500 meters. After 62 seconds hit at the forward edge of the bridge.

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

- 21 -

continued

10.03.43

19.53 AE 2824 Explosion column with bright fiery glow in the steamer. Breaks apart in front of the bridge. Aftership stands vertically and sinks slowly. Foreship remains high out of the water continues to float.

19.54 AE 2824 lower-left Surfaced. Foreship has wooden cargo. The freighter seems to be a Liberty type of 7000 GRT. A buoy is fished out, the unfortunately has no name. The foreship requires another torpedo.

NW 6, Sea 5, (snow) 10/10, -5°C, 989 mb, Vis. 1-6 nm, high cross swell

21.07 AE 2827 Shot from tube III on the drifting foreship: Speed 0, right 90°, range 400 meters, depth 2 meters. After 22 seconds hit center. Black fiery explosion column. The ship part settles deeper forward. We leave him slowly sinking over the forestem.

22.03 - 23.00 AE 2819 Dived to de-ice and reload.

11.03.43 North of Iceland

00.16 AE 2815 center-left Radio Message 1510: 1) Return transit 10 March 20.00 via position lines at the following times:

NNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, -4°C, 995 mb, clear, medium Swell

I. Square 2867 to 2916 on 11 March at 07.00 hours.

II.  Square 5619 to 6418 on 11 March at 23.00 hours.

III Square 3519 to 3911 on 13 March at 00.00 hours.

Further to Narvik Vestfjord. 2) All squares AE.

Named Order Queck, Reche, Göllnitz.

02.55 AE 2828 Passed the sinking location again. Except for one boat in which nothing moves, nothing more is seen.

04.00 AE 2829 center

NNW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, -6°C, 997 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell

05.08 AE 2829 Shadow astern bearing 330°T, 1000 meters away, course 90°.

The Obersteuermann shows the stern. I see a shadow as from a German supply boat through the high Swell. A light cannon is behind the conning tower, forecastle and stern high out. Shifts very quickly out and passes out of sight.

05.48 AE 2862 Dived to de-ice and listen. Fast propeller sounds and Asdic (3.5 seconds) which rose up quickly and then ran back to the west again.

It seems a U-boat hunt was initiated on the emergency call of the steamer.

06.33 Surfaced and moved off at 2 x HF, to get away from here, while it is still dark.

07.44 AE 2916 2 star shells bearing 300°T, 20 nm away.

08.00 AE 2971 lower-center

NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, -7°C, 999 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

- 22 -

continued

11.03.43 Northeast of Iceland

12.00 AE 5xxx Day's run: Surfaced 207 nm, Submerged 17.4 nm

[weather illegible]

16.00 AE 5xxx

[weather illegible]

19xx Coast of Iceland bearing 270°T, 56 nm away.

20.00 AE 56xx

[weather illegible]

20.50 Outgoing Radio Message 2005: 10 March 16.36 hours AE 2821 heavily armed freighter 7000 GRT torpedoes three-fan, left sinking in two pieces. Call KENZ. Still 1 plus 2 torpedoes.

12.03.43 Norwegian Sea

00.00 AE 5637 upper-right

NNW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, -4°C, 1005 mb, clear, low Swell The gyro-compass repeater in the conning tower failed and for a while we steer a wild course.

04.00 AE 6xxx

NW 2, Sea 1, 2-5/10, -3°C, 1003 mb, Vis. moderate

07.45 - 08.25 AE 6xxx Dived to de-ice.

SW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, -2°C, 1005 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell

12.00 AE 3767 Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm, Submerged 2 nm

SW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 0°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 25-30 nm

14.52 AE 3757 Drifting mine.

16.00 AE 3756 lower-center

SW 2, Sea 1, 6-8/10, -2°C, 12001 mb, Vis. up to 30 nm, low Swell

20.05 AE 3843 upper-right In the broadcast comes the Special Report, that in the last 24 hours in the Mediterranean, Norwegian Sea and Atlantic 11 ships of 75000 GRT, so in the last three days 47 ships of 2802000 GRT were sunk by the U-boat force.

E 4, Sea 3, 10/10, -2°C, 997 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell

13.03.43 Norwegian Sea

00.00 AE 3583 upper-right Passed position line III.

ENE 3, Sea 2, 10/10, -3°C, 993 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell

04.00 AE 3681 center

ENE 5, Sea 4, 10/10, -1°C, 988 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

- 23 -

continued

13.03.43 Norwegian Sea

07.26 Outgoing Short Signal: Intend to be in Vestfjord at 18.00 hours, request special measures.

08.00 AF 1472 lower-left Also Göllnitz and Queck will be at V 1 on 14 March at 18.00 hours.

SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, mist) 9/10, +1°C, 989 mb, Vis. 1-20 meters, low Swell

12.00 AF 1574 center-left edge Day's run: Surfaced 238 nm

SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog, hail) 8/10, 991 mb, Vis. 2-15 nm

13.45 Aircraft bearing 300°T, 5000 meters away, course 110°.

13.51 - 14.08 AF 1584 Dived, because it is getting close.

16.00 AF 1595 lower-center

SW 5, Sea 4, (snow) 6/10, +2°C, 991 mb, Vis. 2-10 nm, medium S-Swell

20.00 AF 1697 center-right

SSW 7, Sea 5, (snow, mist) 10/10, 988 mb, Vis. 1-10 nm, medium Swell

14.03.43 Norwegian Sea

00.00 AF 2723 upper-right

SSW 4, Sea 5, (snow) 5/10, +2°C, 989 mb, clear, high Swell

04.00 AF 2822 center

SSW 4, Sea 4, (lightening) 6/10, +2°C, 990 mb, Vis. moderate, high Swell

08.00 AF 2924 upper-left

SSW 7, Sea 6, 5/10, +3°C, 988 mb, Vis. 20 nm, high Swell

12.00 AF 3712 center Day's run: Surfaced 268 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm

SW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, +4°C, 990 mb, Vis. 20 nm, high Swell

13.53 AF 3719 2 drifting mines.

15.30 Land bearing 70°T, 30 nm away.

16.00 AF 3491 center

WSW 5, Sea 5, (hail) 7/10, +3°C, 988 mb, Vis. 10-25 nm, high Swell

17.22 Skomvær lighthouse abeam

18.00 Reached Point V 1. Nothing is seen of Queck or Göllnitz in the high Swell.

20.00 Vestfjord

W 5, Sea 5, (snow, mist) 10/10, +3°C, 990 mb, Vis. 3-20 nm, high Swell

Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43

- 24 -

15.03.43 Vestfjord

00.00 WSW 4, Sea 3, (snow, hail) 5/10, 991 mb, medium Swell

03.30 Tranøy abeam

WSW 3, Sea 2, 5-8/10, +2°C, 990 mb, low Swell

05.15 Recognition Signals exchanged with M31 MSS Rotvaer does not reply.

07.18 Recognition Signal exchange with U-boat hunter.

07.30 Ofotfjord U-Göllnitz and U-Queck on opposite course, close up.

09.40 Reported to MSS Narvik.

10.00 Narvik Made fast GRILLE. Reported to F.d.U.

            ---------------------------------------------------

               After a short overhaul the boat had a new opportunity to familiarize itself with the difficulties of the Norwegian Sea at this time of year. To the aggravating visibility and ice conditions this time came especially stormy weather and strong defenses at the convoy. With radar detection appearing for the first time with the uncertain visibility especially also uncomfortable at night. It is therefore gratifying that, given the small number of boats and the limited use of the Luftwaffe at least on the return route an air and an underwater attack succeeded. Still regret that it was not possible to detect and sink more steamers of the storm scattered convoy. The boat knocked off 3 steamers of about 18000 GRT.

               Minor malfunctions of the engines were corrected underway. There was ice damage on the over deck and the outer tube doors.

               The crew performed well, especially the bridge watch with the heavy seas. Except for minor cases all were healthy and seaworthy. The Midshipmen continued their training and performed especially well as plotting mates.

On board, 15.3.1943



      Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant

Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

	Enclosures to U-255's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

Chart	Track chart of the entire patrol

Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

Enclosure to F.d.U. Norw. Gkdos

Comments of the F.d.U. - Norwegen

on the K.T.B. of "U-255" from 10.2.43 - 15.03.43.

1.)	To 24 February 11.05 hours: It turned out to be the Holmes Luftwaffe Radio Beacon that worked on the same frequency as the contact keeper. Side probably determined incorrectly.
2.)	To 4 March 09.51 hours: The propagation conditions of short wavelengths in the period from 2 to10 March 1943 in the Polar area were very bad due to electromagnetic storms. Radio communications with the boats at sea was frequently broken. The disturbances constantly announced by the Rechlin Radio Advisory Center and the Tromsö Radio Observation Center actually occurred. For example on 3 March the following report was issued: Double interference short wave propagation for the second half of the night until noon on 4 March. In the Polar zone failures are to be expected.
	Against these propagation disturbances a frequent change is ineffective and the boats must rely on very long wavelength reception.
3.)	The success and toughness of the proven boat is recognized.



	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-255" (Reche) from 22.2.43 - 15.03.43.

	A very pleasing and exemplary patrol.
	Otherwise 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

- 1 -



	1943
	10.02.43	Narvik
	10.30		Reported to F.d.U. Norwegen
			Torpedo offload.

	11. - 19.02.43	Narvik	Repair work with repair ship "KAMERUN"
			Torpedo loading.

	20.02.43	Skjomenfjord	Sea trial. Outfitted from tender ship "KÄRNTEN"

	21.02.43	Narvik	Final adjustments.

	22.02.43
	11.00	Narvik	Departed for war patrol. Attack area AB 6630.
	12.30	MSS Rotvaer passed
	16.10	Harstad	Reported to MSS. Made fast supply depot.
			Took over fresh provisions.
			Reported readiness to F.d.U.
	19.15	Harstad	Departed through Topsund, Andfjord.
	20.00	Wind calm, flat sea, (snow) 10/10, 0°C, 999 mb, driving snow
	20.30	Andenes abeam	Zizaged a few times while departing.

	23.02.43	Norwegian Sea
	00.00	AB 9861
		N 2, Sea 2, (snow) 3/10, -2°C, 998 mb, clear, low Swell
	04.00	AB 9567 lower-right
		NW 1, Sea 1, 4-8/10, -1°C, 1006 mb, clear, low Swell
	07.42 - 08.20	AB 9377	Test dive.
		NNE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, -2°C, 1008 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell
	11.25 - 11.45	AB 9343 lower-right	Shot a drifting mine.
	11.55	AB 9351 upper-left	Passed a drifting mine.
		NE 2, Sea 2, (overcast) 9/10, +1°C, 1007 mb, Vis. 20 nm	Day's run: Surfaced 219 nm, Submerged 2.3 nm
	14.41	AB 9322	Radio Message 1334: 1) Convoy 11.25 hours square 5866, easterly course.
			2) Form patrol line from square 6435 to 6816 for 00.00 hours in order LaBaume, Queck, Gollnitz, Timm, Reche.
			Came to course 306° and 10 knots.
	15.07	AB 9321	Drifting mine.
	15.25 - 15.52	AB 9321	Crash dive for training to depth A.
	16.03	AB 6987 lower-left corner	Drifting mine.
		SE 4, Sea 3, gloomy 10/10, +2°C, 1000 mb, Vis. 15 nm

- 2 -




	23.02.43	Norwegian Sea
	17.15		Radio Message 1455 from Fliegerführer Lofoten: Reported convoy consists of 25 merchant ships, 20 escorts in complete screen. Deep loose formation. Course 100°. Aircraft broke contact at 12.45 hours because of no visibility.
	20.00	AB 6868 upper-left	Radio Message 1903: If there is no enemy contact up to 01.00 hours set off to new patrol line from square 6377 to 6687. Be there at 06.00 hours.
		SE 7, Sea 6, (snow, hail, passing showers) 10/10, 988 mb, Vis. changing, dark night

	24.02.43
	00.10 - 01.07	AB 6816 lower-right	Reached station. Dived to listen.
		S 5, Sea 5, rain 10/10, +1°C, 981 mb, Vis. bad, medium Swell
	04.10	AB 6832 center-right edge	Radio Message 0253: If there is no enemy contact by 08.00 hours patrol line proceed on course 90° at 10 knots.
		S 7, Sea 6, (passing showers) 10/10, +3°C, 977 mb, Vis. medium
	06.15	AB 6687	Reached second patrol line.
		Twilight
	08.00	AB 6687 center	The tasked air reconnaissance falls out due to the weather.
		S 7, Sea 6, (hail) 9/10, +3°C, 978 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell	Proceeded to the east.
	10.30		Radio Message 0945: 11.00 hours be in patrol line from AB 6391 to 6931.
	11.05		Received bearing signals from unknown station in 306°T.
	12.15	AB 6931	Day's run: Surfaced 212 nm, Submerged 3.4 nm
		SW 4, Sea 5, (hail) 3/10, +3°C, 977 mb, Vis. 15 nm, high Swell	Outgoing Radio Message 1156: Position 11.40 hours square 6932. Radio bearing 306°T, 446 KHz. Identifier BIK1. Weather.
	14.34		Radio Message 1407 from Queck: Convoy AB 6632, easterly course, strong snow squalls.
			Operated at increased speed on this report.
	15.36		Radio Message 1500 from Queck: Convoy square 4179, course 90°, speed 9 knots.
	15.50	AB 6931 lower-right	2 detonations under water.
		SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, hail) 6-10/10, 978 mb, Vis. 500 meters - 20 nm
	16.56		Radio Message 1414: All attack free on air reported convoy 13.00 hours AB 6382, course 90°, speed 8-9 knots.
			LaBaume reports at 15.56 hours last bearing from air contact keeper in 142°T from AC 4427.
			Radio Message 1517: 1) Operate on Queck report.
			2) Queck bearing Signals Fritz.

- 3 -



	continued
	24.03.43	Barents Sea
	17.06		Queck reports 16.18 hours convoy in AC 4172.
	17.25	AC 4427	Queck bears 355°T.
	17.50		Queck reports 17.11 hours convoy in AC 4181, that agrees with my radio bearing.
	18.32	AC 4425	Radio Message 1758 from Queck: Remote and close escort at convoy in square 4182, course 90°, 9-10 knots.
			He bears 332°T, bearing signals are unintelligible
	18.56		Three detonations to port.
	19.04		Abeam to port 2 white stars.
			Depth charge detonation.
	19.36		Light rockets and star shells bearing 325°T.
			Radio Message 1901 from Queck: Square 4191, course 80°, speed 10 knots.
			Queck's report and bearing signals agree perfectly after my celestial navigation fix.
	20.00	AC 4431 lower-right	I am now about 20 nm from the convoy.
		S 4, Sea 3, (snow) 6-10/10, +2°C, 977 mb, clear, medium Swell
	21.02 - 21.32	AC 4199 upper-left	Dived to listen, because nothing is seen.
			Sound bearing 310-320°T.
			Diesel air intake head valve does not close perfectly. We proceed with the diesel air shaft flooded; also the ventilation air intake shaft is flooded.
	23.04 - 23.38	AC 4276	Dived to listen and balance the boat.

	25.02.43	Barents Sea
	00.00	AC 4284 center
		W 5, Sea 7, (snow, fog) 10/10, +3°C, 971 mb, Vis. changing
	00.50	AC 4282	Shadow to port, apparently the starboard flank escort.
	01.10	Driving snow	Radar detection, horizontally polarized, 140 cm, medium tone 3 seconds long. Later steady tone.
			An own U-boat comes up at high speed from astern and turns away.
	02.22		Three shadows astern to port.
	I want to maneuver ahead for a day attack because I cannot get an overall view of the situation in the low visibility.
	03.59	AC 4348 upper-center	Outgoing Radio Message 0329: 03.00 hours convoy AC 4269 lower-left. Course 80°. Detection 140 cm, horizontally polarized. Weather.
		SW 5, Sea 4, (snow, hail) 8-10/10, 972 mb, Vis. moderate, medium Swell, now and then moonshine
	04.45		Outgoing Radio Message 0430: Convoy AC 4346, course 80°.
	07.31	AC 4365	Outgoing Radio Message 0700: Convoy AC 4355, course 90, flier's weather.
	08.00	AC 5145 center-left	Aircraft bearing 70°T, 7000 meters away, course 90°.
		SW 5, Sea 4, 3-7/10, +2°C, 973 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell	Queck and Göllnitz report contact.
		SW 5, Sea 4, 3-7/10, +2°C, 973 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell	I am now positioned directly ahead of the convoy.
	I want to attempt a submerged attack despite the Swell.

- 4 -



	continued
	25.02.43	Barents Sea
	08.33	AC 5145	Outgoing Radio Message 0808: Convoy square 4365, course 90°, cloudy 2 lifting, abating, Vis. 25 nm. Aircraft.
			I just get the Radio Message out. Then Crash dive for land-based aircraft from 90°T, 4000 meters away, course 270°.
	08.56		Ran in to attack. Was noticed by the screen probably in the wave troughs and apparently already at 1500 meters shot at or depth charges were thrown. I cannot see where the always closer detonations come from.
			Went to depth 2A meters, depth charges.
			I attempt to go up again and still reach attack position, however at depth A meters well-placed depth charges again.
	11.07/09		Ejected four Bolde and zigzagged against the seas to 250°. All together 54 depth charges for us.
	11.15/19
	11.30		Distant depth charge detonations. Went higher slowly.
	12.00	AC 5149 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 216 nm, Submerged 13.4 nm
	13.32		Destroyer sounds have gone away.
			Surfaced. Pursued on course 120°.
	13.50		Radio Message 1312 from LaBaume: Convoy located AC 5188, general course about 125°. Screen set far out.
	14.50		Radio Message 1406 from LaBaume: AC 5189, course 100°.
	16.00	AC 5423 upper-right corner
		W 4, Sea 3, 6/10, -0.5°C, 977 mb, Vis. 30 nm, medium Swell
	17.05		Radio Message 1609 from LaBaume: Convoy located AC 5433. Speed 9 knots, course 120°.
			A part of the detonations that we heard under water, must have come from an air attack, which we learn of now, F.d.U. reports damaged ships.
	17.40		2 white stars bearing 65°T over the horizon.
	19.30		1 white star bearing 20°T.
	19.50	AC 5558 upper-left	Radio Message 1859 from LaBaume: Last convoy position 17.30 hours AC 5511, course east.
		W 4, Sea 3, 4/10, +1C, 980 mb, clear, medium Swell
			Göllnitz and Timm have also attacked in vain. I operate on southeasterly main course. Came to course 90°.
	21.18 - 21.50	AC 5568 center	Dived to listen. No bearings.
			Operated on convoy course 110°.
			Radio Message 2036: 1) Suspect during the night a southeasterly convoy course.
			2) Who has contact? 3) 23.00 hours all report position by Short Signal.
	22.47		Outgoing Short Signal: AC 5644.

- 5 -



	continued
	25.02.43	Barents Sea
	23.16	AC 5642	Star shells bearing 100°T, 10000 meters away.
			Depth charge detonations.

	26.02.43
	00.15	AC 5646 center	Light rockets bearing 90°T.
	00.28	W 4, Sea 3, 10/10, +1°C, 983 mb, clear, medium Swell	2 shadows bearing 100°T. Apparently the starboard screen. Maneuvered ahead.
	01.22	AC 5658	Outgoing Radio Message 0035: Position 5657. Light rockets and depth charges bearing 90°T. Radar detection.
		Visibility deterioration
	02.10		Outgoing Radio Message 0132: Have contact on aft screen square 5658.
			Must run off before destroyers several times. Cannot see anything of the convoy except for these quite far offset escorts.
	02.45		Radio Message 0109: 07.00 hours be in patrol line from square 6749 to 8342, Göllnitz, Reche, LaBaume, Queck, Timm.
			Advanced ahead of the far offset escorts. Did not get through the flank screen.
	03.40		Outgoing Radio Message 0310: Convoy AC 5697, speed 9 knots, course southeast. Weather.
	04.00	AC 5934 center	It was already brighter. I decide at least to attack a destroyer. Ran as far ahead as possible and turned towards the screen. Hound's curve on the starboard aft destroyer. However, I do not get close enough at a usable target angle. The steamer columns were now visible in front of the already brighter eastern sky. At the moment there is a gap behind the destroyer.
		NW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 989 mb, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell
	04.32		Two-fan tubes II and III on three overlapping steamers: speed 9 knots, target angle right 70°, range 2500 meters. However the range may have been underestimated; in any case it seems our cold Etos did not reach.
			I can only run off, because it is evermore brighter. In so doing I advance on a far offset destroyer, which forces us to go too far off.
	05.11	Driving snow	Outgoing Radio Message 0445: Convoy AC 5935, course 140°.
	06.20	AC 5965 center-left edge	Have lost sight of the convoy. Maneuvered ahead by plotting.
	06.41	Light ice formation	Outgoing Radio Message 0604: Contact lost after unsuccessful attack in driving snow. Convoy located 05.00 hours AC 5939, southerly course.
	06.52		Several escort masts come at us out of the mist bearing 100°T, about 10 nm away.
	I suspect that the convoy has advanced into heavy ice and must avoid.

- 6 -



	continued
	26.02.43	Barents Sea	Turned away and ran before them out of the ice slush, where we leave a nice trail. 1 aircraft over the convoy.
	07.30		Twice 2 depth charge detonations astern.
	07.40		Outgoing Radio Message 0709: Convoy square 6747, course 280°, Ice formation to the SE. Vis. 12 nm, clouds 500 meters.
	07.57	AC 5934 center	An own U-boat seen on the northern horizon and turned towards us. I pass him my last observation by flag signal. Then came to a southerly course again to re-establish contact.
		SW 4, Sea 3, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 989 mb, Vis. changing, snow showers, medium Swell
			Again escort masts came again, which steer to the south again.
	08.59		Outgoing Radio Message 0832: Convoy located AC 6774, course south, aircraft. Flier's weather.
	09.35 - 11.05	AC 5995	Dived before 2 escorts which appeared out of a snow band bearing 120°T, 3 nm away. On surfacing difficulty with an ice field.
	11.15		Aircraft bearing 160°T, 8000 meters, course 240°.
	11.35	AC 5998	U-boat bearing 80°T, 10000 meters away, course 180°.
	12.00	AC 5999 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 237 nm, Submerged 10.9 nm
		Calm, flat sea, 5/10, -2°C, 987 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell
	13.21	AC 8369	One Ju88 bearing 270°T, 200 meters away, course 160°.
	13.24		Escort emerges from a mist band bearing 180°T, turned away. Pursued.
	14.19		Radio Message 1151: 1) Do not cross a line from square AW 2215 to square AT 7455 to the south. 2) Until then continue pursuit, take advantage of every opportunity to attack. 3) Watch for steamers damaged by air.
	The line lies before the White Sea, however the convoy seems to head for Murmansk.
	14.44	AC 8368	Large drifting mine.
	15.10		Outgoing Radio Message 1427: 13.24 hours in AC 8363 last contact with escort. Forced off. Vis. 6 nm.
	15.37 - 16.05	AC 8369	Dived to listen. Bearing 225°T.
		AC 8393 upper-right edge
		SW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 6-10/10, -3°C, 989, Vis, 2-30 nm, low Swell
	16.30		Outgoing Radio Message 1604: Position AC 8393. Small sound band in 255°T.
			Driving snow. Vis. 3 nm.
	16.50		Just like us the aircraft have found no success in their attacks.

- 7 -



	continued
	26.02.43	Murman Sea	Operated on convoy course 200.
	17.08		Radio Message 1613 from Göllnitz: Convoy 16.00 hours by plotting AC 8631, course 200°. Contact lost. Heavy driving snow.
	That corresponds to our sound bearing. I pursued.
	17.58		Radio Message 1724 from Queck: Convoy square AC 8634, course 210/220. Radar detection in 150 cm band.
	18.50	AC 8631	U-boat bearing 260°T, course 140°, 300 meters away. Must turn away hard. It runs close past us and then turns away.
		Very dark
	19.13 - 20.39	AC 8628 Skolpen Bank	Dived to listen and reload.
			Sound band in 150-160°T, shifted ahead. Single engine in 270°T.
	Queck give a sound bearing from AC 8665 in 205-245°T; that results with ours a cross bearing. I can be there in 2 hours.
	20.00	AC 8629 lower-left
		SW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 987 mb, misty, low Swell
	21.30		Detection 140 cm horizontally polarized. First search tone, then steady tone, finally 2 steady tones.
	22.12 - 00.26	AC 8685	Dived to listen. The destroyer sounds are getting closer in the direction of the detection. 1 depth charge in the vicinity. No bearings from the convoy.
	23.05		Radio Message 2056: 1) Insofar as there is information on any partial convoy, continue to operate on it. 2) Otherwise expect convoy destination Murmansk. 3) After breaking off pursuit occupy: LaBaume AC 8640, Göllnitz AC 8670, Queck AC 8680, Reche AC 8920.

	27.02.43
	00.00	AC 8683 center	The Chief Engineer reports that a lubricating oil pump has failed. To have the diesel operable, I want to move off for repairs, especially since I am now too far behind the convoy and cannot reach it before the operations limit.
		NW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 987 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell
	01.53		Outgoing Radio Message 0045: Position AC 8691. Was detected by a locating destroyer. Moving off to the north for 10 hours for repairs to a lubricating oil pump and thereby failure of the starboard diesel.
	04.00	AC 8636 right edge upper
		NNW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -3°C, 986 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell, strong Northern Lights
	08.00	AC 8333 lower-right
		NW 3, Sea 2, (snow) 9/10, -1°C, 985 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell
	12.00	AC 8667 center	Day's run: Surfaced 236 nm, Submerged 10.3 nm
		NNW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 2/10, -1°C, 986 mb, Vis. 30 nm

- 8 -



	continued
	27.02.43	Murman Sea
	12.40	AC 8691	U-boat bearing 140°T, 5 nm away. Course 270°. Recognition Signal exchange with Queck.
	13.26		Navigation comparison.
	13.45	AC 8920	Reached disposition.
	14.35		Radio Message 1157: New attack areas from 15.00 hours LaBaume AC 8670, Göllnitz AC 8680, Queck AC 8920, Reche AC 8930.
	16.00	AC 8926 center
		NNW 3, Sea 2, (snow) 5/10, -2°C, 982 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell
	17.30		U-boat shadow bearing 130°T, 1000 meters away, course south. Badly distinguished. Turned away.
	20.00	AC 8698 lower-right
		NNW 3, Sea 2, blue sky, -3°C, 981 mb, misty, low Swell

	28.02.43	Murman Sea
	00.17 - 00.44	AC 8699 lower-center	Dived to listen.
		ENE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, -2°C, 981 mb, Vis. changing
	04.00	AC 8932 upper-center
		NNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, -1.5°C, 986 mb, Vis. moderate
	08.00	AC 8932 upper center
		N 4, Sea 3, (snow), 6/10, -1°C, 990 mb, Vis. 30 nm
	11.00 - 11.32	AC 8939	Dived to listen.
	12.00	AC 8936 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 185.5 nm, Submerged 3 nm
		NNW 4, Sea 4, (snow, fog, hail) 7/10, 992 mb, Vis. 20-25 nm
	16.00	AC 8935 center
		NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, 993 mb, Vis. 1-20 nm
	18.07 - 19.32		Dived to listen.
	20.00	AC 8932 upper-left
		NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 9/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. medium

	01.03.43	Murman Sea
	00.00	AC 8932 upper-center
		NW 2, Sea 2, mist 3-5/10, -2°C, 990 mb, Vis. medium
	04.00	AC 8932 upper-center
		NW 2, Sea 1, (snow) 10/10, -1°C, 990 mb, Vis. moderate
	08.00	AC 8932 upper-center
		E 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -2°C, 990 mb, Vis. 30 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43

- 9 -



	continued
	01.03.43	Murman Sea
	12.00	AC 8936 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 181 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm
		NE 2, Sea 1, (snow) 6/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. 5-20 nm
	13.28		Radio Message 1039: From 1 March 17.00 hours occupy attack areas with depth 14 nm: Bugs AC 8569 lower center, LaBaume AC 8672 upper-center edge, Göllnitz AC 8678 upper-right, Queck 8924 upper-left corner, Reche AC 8919 lower-left corner.
	13.55		Radio Message 1047: According to aerial imagery assessment Kola Bay 28 February 8 destroyers, 51 freighters totaling 280000 GRT, 4 tankers totaling 40000 GRT, 1 tanker 6800 GRT. In floating dock, 1 tanker 9300 GRT in dry-dock.
			One gets an appetite!
	16.00	AC 8935 center
		NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, 993 mb, Vis. 1-20 nm
	16.32	AC 8919	Land bearing 200-220°T, 30 nm away.
	18.02	AC 8919	Gavrilovskiy lighthouse bearing 209°T, 30 nm away.
			Reached attack area with some offset.
	The burning of beacons means sure traffic off the Kola Bay. The mountain infantry have reported departing ships.
	20.00	AC 8932 upper-left	The lighthouse is extinguished again.
		NNW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 9/10, -2°C, 992 mb, Vis. medium
	21.40	AC 8919	Powerful searchlights bearing 153°T and 213°T sweep over the sea, about 20 nm away. We lie just beyond horizon. After a time they were extinguished again.
	22.41 - 2318	AC 8943	Dived to listen and surfaced.

	02.03.43	Murman Sea
	00.00	AC 8943 upper-left
		NE 4, Sea 4, 5/10, -2°C, 995 mb, clear
	01.04		Radio Message 1859: If there are no enemy reports up to 22.00 hours, set off for patrol line from square AC 8317 to AC 9127, be there 2 March at 08.00 hours. Order: Bugs, LaBaume, Göllnitz, Reche, Queck.
			Therefore I head for square 9117 and must go at 2 x GF because first the starboard lubricating oil line must be welded.
	04.00	AC 8681 center
		NNE e, Sea 2, 8/10, -4.5C, 993 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell
	05.50	AC 8634	Masts of 3 escorts and smoke clouds bearing 330°T, 12 nm away.

- 10 -



	continued
	02.03.43	Murman Sea, Skolpen Bank
	06.24		Outgoing Radio Message 0550: Convoy square 8625, course northeast.
			Held contact on the escorts, maneuvered ahead.
	07.17	AC 8632	Dived for 2 land-based aircraft bearing 300°T, 3000 meters away, course 40°.
			Sound bearing 295-325°T.
	08.00	AC 8632 center
		NNE 2, Sea 1, 7/10, -5°C, 992 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell
	08.30		Outgoing Radio Message 0717: Convoy square 8389, course 40°, speed 9 knots. 3 escorts to starboard. Crash dived for 2 land-based aircraft. Weather.
			The visibility was worse, masts and smoke clouds disappear in fog.
	09.56		Outgoing Radio Message 0925: Since report at 07.17 hours no contact. Position square 9171, Vis. 5 nm.
	11.08	AC 8336	U-boat bearing 350°T, 3000 meters away. Recognition Signals exchanged with LaBaume. Had also seen nothing.
		Light ice
	11.29 - 12.05	AC 8336 center	Dived to listen.
		N 2, Sea 1, (fog, snow) 10/10, -5°C, 993 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm, low Swell	Day's run: Surfaced 212.7 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm
	12.40		Smoke clouds bearing 150°T. I expect continuing on northeast course. Maneuvered ahead.
	13.11		Outgoing Radio Message 1240: Smoke clouds in square 9117.
	13.25	Soft new ice.	One escort mast bearing 130°T on course 25°. We rush through thin, soft ice fields ahead. Now and then the mast disappears in the mist.
			U-Queck appears to the north and turns towards us. I pass the last bearing of the escort.
	14.10		Outgoing Radio Message 1325: Have contact on port forward escort square 9111, general course 25°.
			I now hold more to the northwest, because the ice is getting stronger.
	14.48		Outgoing Radio Message 1415: Position square 6772 in light ice field. Convoy lost in the mist. Met Queck.
			A third boat disappears to the west.
	14.49 - 15.10	AC 6747	In an ice-free place dove to listen, sound bearing 150-170°T. Nothing seen.
	14.53		Radio Message 1208: 1) If there is no contact do not search east of 37°30'E.

- 11 -



	continued
	02.03.43	Barents Sea	Continuation Radio Message 1208: Initially expect northerly general course. 2) Air reconnaissance.
	The Radio Message comes too late for us. The ice was always thicker. Set off to the west.
	16.00	AC 6744 center
		N 3, Sea 1, (mist) 8/10, -11°C, 992 mb, Vis. 4-12 nm, ice
	16.20	AC 6744	Outgoing Radio Message 1556: from Göllnitz AC 8334, probably NW-course, ice fields.
	Apparently only one patrol vessel pushed us north into the ice, while the convoy passed us by to the south.
	17.30	Closed ice fields	Radio Message 1650 from Göllnitz: Convoy AC 5989, course 320°. Heavy drift ice fields.
			Must pass through with Queck expansive, closed and fairly heavy ice sheets before we return to clear water.
	19.19 - 20.56	AC 5961	After getting clear of the ice dove to de-ice.
	19.20		Radio Message 1900 from Queck: Convoy AC 5959, course 310°.
	If Queck is already there again, we must also be close by.
	19.50		Detonation.
			Sound bearing of the convoy 240-250°T.
	20.00	AC 5953 center	1 depth charge. Fast propeller sounds coming closer. Let them pass and then surfaced. Pursued.
		N 2, Sea 1, (mist) 8/10, -11°C, 990 mb, clear
	22.30		Radio Message 2151 from Queck: Convoy located 20.25 hours square 5955, probably general course change to 280°.

	03.03.43	Barents Sea
	00.00	AC 5838 lower-left corner
		NW 3, Sea 2, (mist) 10/10, -10°C, 990 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell
	01.38 - 02.20	AC 5825	Dived to listen and surfaced.
			Sound band 320°T.
	01.56		Radio Message 0036: If no contact or reliable clues, on 3 March at 06.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 5279 to 5482, order Göllnitz, Queck, Reche, LaBaume, Bugs.
	04.00	AC 5576 lower-center
		NNE 6, Sea 4, (fog) 7/10, -7°C, 989 mb, Vis. 100 meters - 8 nm
	07.52 - 08.40	AC 5426	Dived to de-ice and listen.
		NNE 6, Sea 5, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. 15 nm	Sound band from 140-160°T.
	09.46	AC 5462	Met LaBaume. He had not seen anything.
	Probably we heard him [LaBaume] before, the G.H.G. is not worth much now.

- 12 -



	continued
	03.03.43	Barents Sea
	09.44		Radio Message 0905: Immediately shift position about 20 nm in 230°T, be there by 12.00 hours.
	12.00	AC 5455 lower-left	Surfaced. Day's run: Surfaced 206 nm, Submerged 13.6 nm
		N 5, Sea 4, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. changing
	12.45		Radio Message 1159: If there is no contact, at 14.00 hours set off to position line from AC 4266 to 4569, pass there at 23.00 hours.
	16.01	AC 5446 upper-center	Radio Message 1522: From Göllnitz: Convoy 12.10 hours AC 5542, course 280°.
		N 5, Sea 4, (fog, snow) 8/10, -6°C, 1001 mb, Vis. 5-15 nm
			Operated on Göllnitz-report.
	17.41 - 18.21	AC 5415	Dived to listen. No bearings.
	19.40		Radio Message 1730: If there is no contact, at 22.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4337 to 4629, old order.
	20.00	AC 5432 lower-right
		N 4, Sea 3, (mist, snow) 9/10, -2°C, 1002 mb, clear
	22.41		Radio Message 2220 from LaBaume: Convoy AC 4623, course NW.
	That was south of us, therefore zigzagged again to the south.
	23.40		Radio Message 2305: 1) [Operate] On him. 2) LaBaume send bearing signals.
	23.42	AC 4388	Searchlight and 4 light rockets bearing 315°T, 4 nm away. Depth charges.
	I have the impression that set off destroyers want to mislead us with signals. Only these destroyers seem to locate.
	23.54 - 00.47	AC 4388	Dived to listen. In the direction of the rockets and depth charges an individual destroyer was heard. Further sound bearings in 340°T.

	04.03.43	Barents Sea
	00.00	AC 4388 upper-right	Advanced in the direction of the sound bearing.
		N 1, Sea 1, 2/10, -3°C, 1003 mb, clear
	02.30	AC 4354 lower-left	Nothing seen. Operated only on the westerly course accepted from LaBaume.
	03.30		Radio Message 0310: from Queck. Convoy AC 4354, course 280°, speed 8 knots.
	So where we came from! Pursued back to the northwest.
	04.15	AC 4293 upper-center	Star shells bearing 245°T and 340°T, 20 nm away.
		NNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, -3°C, 1002 mb, Vis. medium
	04.48	AC 4293	Destroyer shadow bearing 290°T, 4 nm away. Must turn away to the east.
	05.40	AC 4265	At dawn smoke clouds come in sight: 240°T, 15 nm away.

- 13 -



	continued
	04.03.43	Barents Sea
	06.37		Outgoing Radio Message 0615: Smoke clouds in square 4243, course west. NE 2, Cumulus clouds 1000 meters, Vis. 20 nm. Sending bearing signals.
	My navigation seems uncertain to me after the experience of the last night.
	07.58	AC 4217 upper-right	Outgoing Radio Message 0745: Convoy square 4241, course west, speed 8 knots, Vis. 10 nm.
		NNE 3, Sea 2, (snow) 9/10, -5°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 15-30 nm
		NNE 3, Sea 2, (snow) 9/10, -5°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 15-30 nm	Maneuvered ahead. Lost the escort sometimes due to rising sea smoke.
	09.51		Outgoing Radio Message 0930: Convoy by plotting square 4162. Weather.
	Our Radio Messages were not heard by Control and only the first was repeated by another boat. We receive most only on very long wavelengths.
	10.20	Vis. 3 nm	Radio Message 0820: If no contact by 13.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4154 to 4454.
	11.10	Ice blocks	By plotting I am positioned 13 nm ahead of the convoy. I cannot check position by a visual bearing, I want to remain unnoticed by radar locating.
	11.30	AC 4146	By sound bearings I am positioned to starboard ahead of the convoy. Ran at HF submerged for half an hour athwart the convoy course, until I have it in the opposite bearing.
			Day's run: Surfaced 272 nm, Submerged 8.3 nm
	12.32		A destroyer of the forward screen turns towards at target angle 0° and turns with me. Went to depth A. Propeller sounds shift astern, again to periscope depth.
	I am positioned too far to starboard,I can now see the steamer column in a broad target angle far off. The convoy probably heading 10° or 20° further to the south. Will attempt to attack a destroyer of the flank screen.
	13.35		Ran towards the starboard astern destroyer. The two-fan is ready. While passing through the favorable shooting position the low hanging sun come exactly into the periscope and nothing more could be recognized. Range was about 600 meters. When the destroyer is made out again, their target angle is already much too broad. A pity! The stern escort remained too far away.
	14.10	AC 4146 upper-right	Surfaced. Pursued. I want to maneuver ahead again on the port side of the convoy because I fear there will be ice to the north, and to keep convoy before the bright sky.
		NNE 3, Sea 2, (snow, fog) 9/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm
			Due to frost mist and strong mirages it is difficult to hold contact. Masts always come out in their full length.
	15.10		Radio Message 1317: 16.00 hours be in patrol line from AC 4117 to 4417.

- 14 -




	04.03.43	Bear Island
	15.16		Outgoing Radio Message 1430: Convoy square 4145, course 270°, speed 8 knots. Attack failed. Weather.
	16.00	AB 6351
		NNW 4, Sea 2, (fog) 6/10, -6C, 1004 mb, Vis. 4 nm
	16.15		Smoke feather bearing 280°T, 15 nm away
	17.20	AB 6391	Destroyer masts bearing 275°T and 290°T
	17.32		Outgoing Radio Message 1650: Convoy AB 6383. Suspect southwest course.

	17.50	Stellar navigation fix difference between dead reckoning and actual position: 136°T, 11 nm	A destroyer forces me off to the south.
	18.20		Bugs reports: 16.50 hours contact in 6356.
	18.25		Outgoing Radio Message 1800: Convoy AB 6382. Was forced off.
	19.45	AB 6615	Destroyer bearing 340°T, 4000 meters away, forced me off to the south again.
	Intend to maneuver ahead by night with lose contact, to be able to attack in the early morning. The visibility is best in the morning. A night attack in the prevailing visibility and the locating destroyers is too unsafe.
	20.05	AB 6613 lower-right	Bugs reports the convoy on course 280°.
		NNW 3, Sea 2, blue sky, -5°C, 1015 mb, clear
	21.14	AB 6566	Red-white signal lights bearing 330°T, 5 nm away.
	21.40	AB 6565	Star shells bearing 0°T, 4 nm away.
	23.17	AB 6559	Destroyer shadow bearing 10°T, 2 nm away.

	05.03.43	Southwest of Bear Island
	00.00	AB 6582 upper-right
		WNW 1, Sea 1, (snow) 6/10, -5°C, 1016 mb, Vis. changing
	00.55		Outgoing Radio Message 0030: 23.15 hours contact on 2 destroyers in square 6556. Position square 6581, Vis. greatly changing.
	02.26 - 02.54	AB 6577	Dived to listen and thaw.
			Sound band from 15-35°T, individual bearings in 10°T and 25°T.
			A patrol line ordered by F.d.U. was shifted to the south however apparently still not enough.
	03.54	AB 6731 upper-left	Outgoing Radio Message 0245: Position square 6577, sound band around 25°T.
		WNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, -2°C
	04.45	AB 6728	4 star shells bearing 80°T.
	06.02	AB 6718	Smoke feather bearing 60°, 15 nm away.
	07.00		A sound bearing from Queck agrees with the smoke clouds which were now sighted in 50°T. Maneuvered exactly ahead. I expect in this area trusted convoy course 240°.

- 15 -



	continued
	05.03.43	Nordmeer
	08.01	AB 5938 lower-right	Dived to attack.
		NNE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, -3°C, 1015 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell	After a destroyer stationed far ahead the full screen of the close escort comes. The columns of steamers proceed quite tightly so that I have little room to turn in. The center one is led by a destroyer. I will shoot at the first steamers behind the destroyer.
	09.26	AB 5939	Three associated single shots tube I, III and IV (the outer tube door of tube II was jammed from ice damage): speed 8 knots, target angle right 80°, 87° and 50°; range 1000, 600 and 400 meters each on a center column freighter. The last steamer was already very close, so that it was probably undershot and to prevent contact with the periscope I retracted it and went deep.
			2 hits after 79 seconds (1170 meters) and 41 seconds (600 meters) running time.
			Turned away and went deep in expectation of the defense. There followed a total of 35 inexact and random depth charges. In between the crackle and cracking of a sinking ship.
	11.47	AB 5939 center	Surfaced. Day's run: Surfaced 226 nm, Submerged 14.7 nm
		W 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -3°C, 1014 mb, Vis. 25 nm, low Swell	Smoke clouds of the convoy bearing 240°T.
		W 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -3°C, 1014 mb, Vis. 25 nm, low Swell	A BV138 and a Ju88 circle in the area. In the direction of the shooting location a burning freighter is sinking, before we are close. Additionally we find a second sinking location with boats of the "EXECUTIVE", New York, 4978 GRT.
	12.37		Outgoing Radio Message 1150: 09.26 hours AB 5939 each one hit on 2 medium freighters. Sinking sounds heard.
			Anti-aircraft clouds bearing 200°. Apparently the announced 14 Ju 88.
	12.45		Radio Message 1135: Air reports 11.05 hours AB 5836 three heavy cruisers course 90°. Composition of the convoy 29 steamers, 8 destroyers, 12 escorts full screen.
	15.20		Outgoing Radio Message 14.30: When surfacing a burning freighter 6000 GRT sunk. A second sinking location "EXECUTIVE" New York determined.
	16.00	AB 5956 center	Pursued in 240°T.
		E 5, Sea 4, mist (snow) 10/10, -2°C, 1014 mb, Vis. 10 nm
	20.00	AB 5899 upper-left
		E 5, Sea 4, (snow, hail) 10/10, 0°C, 1014 mb, clear
	21.04	AB 8231	Shadow bearing 240°T, locating.
			Maneuvered ahead further to port.
	22.25		Outgoing Radio Message 2104: Square 8231 two destroyers. Suspect stern screen.

- 16 -




	06.03.43	East of Jan Mayen
	00.00	AB 8212 lower-right
		E 5, Sea 4, 10/10, -1°C, 1014 mb, clear
	03.28		Radio Message 0207 from Queck: 00.10 hours convoy AB 8216, course 230°, 8 knots.
	03.33 - 04.25	AB 8167	Dived to listen. Must be 12 nm ahead of the convoy by plotting. Sound bearing 65-80°.
		AB 8159 upper-right
		ESE 6, Sea 5, 10/10, +2°C, 995 mb, Vis. moderate
	05.39	SE 7, Sea 5, rain 10/10, 994 mb, Vis. low	Outgoing Radio Message 0507: 04.08 hours from square 8159 sound band around 70°T. Weather.
	07.08		Radio Message 0319: All from 07.00 hours 2 hours 60°, 8 knots.
	08.00 - 09.55	AB 6412 lower-left	Dived to listen. No bearings. Suspect that the convoy cruises against the high seas.
		SW 7, Sea 6, 10/10, +2°C, 995 mb, Vis. 5 nm
	12.00	AB 8411 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 212 nm, Submerged 5.6 nm
		SW 10, Sea 8, 8/10, +2°C, 989 mb, Vis. 10 nm	Can only make 6 knots against the seas. The largest ever diving depth while cruising on the surface was 13 meters. The drain pump can barely keep up with the water penetrating through the latched conning tower hatch and the diesel air shaft. Also the battery has taken some water through the ventilation ducts.
	13.00	AB 7662	Reached station.
	13.20		Radio Message 1159: By air at 09.10 the convoy is in AN 7364, course 250°.
			That is 40 nm to the north.
	14.11		Radio Message 1155: If there is no contact by 15.00 hours set off. On 7 March at 06.00 hours be in patrol line from AB 7711 to AE 3313 in old order, until then search independently.
	I can first reach the new patrol line in a straight course 12 hours later. Obviously Leadership is not correctly informed of the weather conditions.
	16.00	AB 7635 lower-right
		SW 9, Sea 8, 5/10, +1°C, 979 mb, Vis. 12 nm
	16.50		Outgoing Radio Message 1530: 1) Position AB 7661. Cannot reach new disposition against heavy seas before tomorrow at 18.00 hours. SW 9, Sea 8, Vis. 12 nm.
	1x.05		The air contact keeper observed the sinking of our two steamers during yesterday's attack.
	19.03 - 23.12	AB 7637 lower-left	Dived for work on the diesel and battery.
		SW 9, Sea 8, 6/10, +1°C, 979 mb, Vis. 14 nm

- 17 -




	07.03.43	East of Jan Mayen
	00.00	AB 7654 upper-left
		SW 8, Sea 7, 7/10, +1°C, 980 mb, clear
	04.00	AB 7647 lower-right
		SW 8, Sea 7, (hail) 8/10, -2°C, 980 mb, Vis. moderate
	08.00	AB 7595 upper-left
		SW 9, Sea 8, (snow) 8/10, -2°C, 980 mb, Vis. moderate
	11.24 - 13.06	AB 7822 center	Day's run: Surfaced 111 nm, Submerged 11.6 nm
		W 10, Sea 9, (snow) 8/10, +1°C, 990 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm	Dived.
	16.13	AB 7818 upper-center	Outgoing Short Signal (position for 17.00 hours): AB 7817.
		WSW 8, Sea 7, (snow) 10/10, 991 mb, Vis. 12 nm
	19.25		On orders Outgoing Short Signal weather report.
	20.00	AB 7765 upper right
		W 10, Sea 8, (snow) 7/10, -1°C, 995 mb, Vis. 5 nm
	22.11		Radio Message 2128: After reaching patrol line continue on course 250°.

	08.03.43	East of Jan Mayen
	00.00	AB 7782 upper-right
		WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, -1°C, 1000 mb, Vis. medium
	02.00	AB 7781	Reached patrol line. Continued on course 250°.
	03.47 - 04.39		Dived to de-ice.
	04.45	AA 9999	Individual ice floes.
		WSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, -6°C, 1002 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell
	07.00	AE 3212	Drift ice fields to the north.
	08.00	AE 3211 lower-right	Radio communications with Leadership are interrupted, went to Group Circuit.
		N 3, Sea 2, 5/10, -8°C, 1004 mb, Vis. 15 nm
	09.20		Outgoing Radio Message 0831: Position AE 3211. NNE 4, abating, Sea 2, no Swell, drifting pack ice fields. Believe that last patrol line is favorable.
	10.00		Bugs report ice limit in AA 9934, 29, 28 then SW.
	10.15	AE 3163	Aircraft bearing 240°T, 10000 meters away, course 315°.
	10.22 - 10.50	AE 3166	Crash dive for aircraft.
	12.00	AE 3168 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 152 nm, Submerged 7.1 nm
		NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, -7°C, 1003, Vis. 10 nm, mirages	Drift ice limit.

- 18 -



	continued
	08.03.43	South of Jan Mayen
	13.06		Esch reports an independent in AB 8178, course 230°, 8 knots yesterday at 19.00 hours.
	Assume that the convoy, or a parts of it, steers main course 230° and will pass east of our disposition.
	15.xx		Radio message 1407: 1) Expect convoy speed up to 6 knots. 2) Breaking off operation intended on 10 March at 22°W.
	15.21		Outgoing Radio Message 1406: Heavy drift ice west of AE 3212 via 3136 to 96. Weather. Position 3277.
			I keep trying again in vain to break through between the ice fields.
	I do not believe that the convoy or also individual ships can break through the ice to the west, because from their own air reconnaissance they would rather head for the northeast corner of Iceland and then go around to the south.
	16.00	AE 3513 lower-right	Ice limit.
		N 3, Sea 3, 8/10, -8°C, 1002 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low Swell
	16.25		Air reports 12.00 hours 1 cruiser in AA 9669, course 210° and suspects the convoy is there.
	With the occasionally completely broken communications with Leadership it seems the ice situation did not get through. On my own, I intend to order a provisional patrol line before the suspected route of the convoy.
	17.36		Outgoing Radio Message 1616: 1) Drift ice to square 3278. 2) Suspect main course of the convoy or a part of it 230°. 3) Until receiving further orders from F.d.U. will occupy patrol line from AE 3513 to 3677, old order. (square corrected with Radio Message 1746)
	17.45		Radio Message 1548: 1) Operate on the air report.
			2) Give Short Signal position at 18.00 hours.
	19.45	AE 3513 center-right	Radio Message 1907: 1) Head for AE 2370. 2) Send position, if necessary by Radio Message. 3) Reche order settled.
		NNW 5, Sea 4, (mist) 5/10, 1002 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low Swell
	20.14 - 20.50	AE 3513	Dived to de-ice and listen.
	21.11		Outgoing Radio Message 2028: Position 3513.

	09.03.43	South of Jan Mayen
	00.00	AE 3413 lower-right	Again we encounter ice on out transit to the west and cannot get through anywhere. The boat is very icy.
		N 3, Sea 2, 8/10, -7°C, 1007 mb, Vis. medium
	03.42		Radio Message 0033: 1) If there is no contact, 9 March 07.00 hours be in patrol line from AE 2341 to 3445 in order Bugs, Göllnitz,

- 19 -



	continued
	09.03.43	South of Jan Mayen	Continuation of Radio Message 0033: . . . Reche, Queck, Esch. 2) Report ice encountered in positions.
	Göllnitz and Bugs positions are further west. I suspect I have a large navigation offset, because we have had no further navigation fixes since the bad visibility days.
	04.00	AE 3433 lower-right	Cannot get through the ice to the west. Set off to the east and will go around to the south.
		NNE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, -10°C, 1009 mb, Vis. medium, large ice fields.
	04.33 - 05.11	AE 3436	Dived to de-ice.
	08.00	AE 3546 center-left
		NNE 1, flat sea, (mist) 9/10, -9°C, 1009 mb, Vis. medium
	09.13	Heavy drift ice	Outgoing Radio Message 0809: Cannot get through the ice at night in square 3430. Going around to the south. Position 3546.
	10.05		Göllnitz reports 04.35 hours fast independent in AE 2669, course 230°.
	12.26	AE 3453 upper-right	Outgoing Radio Message 1156: Göllnitz requests bearing signal Group Fritz from 13.00 to 13.30 to check navigation, if there is free water.
		E 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog) 10/10, -8°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 2-10 nm, low Swell, large ice fields
			Day's run: Surfaced 205 nm, Submerged 3.7 nm
	14.15		The visibility is too bad. I cannot get further to the west. The heavy ice drifts quickly westward. I set off to the east.
	16.00	AE 3466 left edge upper
		E 9, Sea 7, fog (snow) 10/10, -7°C, 976 mb, Vis. 1-4 nm, weather worsens, drift ice
	17.11		Radio Message 1119: 1) 13.00 hours set off to patrol line from AE 2425 to 2762, be there at 05.00 hours. Order Göllnitz, Reche, Queck, Esch, Bugs. 2) Insofar as there is other information, give this in transit.
	18.19		Outgoing Radio Message 1738: Up to now cannot get west of square 3452 due to heavy ice. Going further south. Weather.
	20.15	AE 3495 upper-right =	Celestial navigation fix: Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 67 nm in 331°T! Therefore athwart our course.
		AE 3173 lower-center
		SW 5, Sea 4, (snow) 10/10, -1°C, 968 mb, Vis. 1-10 nm, high cross Swell

	10.03.43	North of Iceland.
	00.00	AE 3178 lower-right
		SSW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 0°C, 966 mb, clear, high Swell
	04.00	AE 3442 center-right
		SSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, -1°C, 964 mb, Vis. medium, high cross Swell

- 20 -



	continued
	10.03.43	North of Iceland
	0x.28		Esch reported sinking a steamer yesterday at 22.00 hours in AE 3574. The independent still seemed to steer east of Iceland. Bugs fell out due to ice damage.
	08.00	AE 3xxx
		[weather illegible]	Now occupy the ordered patrol line on course 260°.
	12.00	AE2	Day's run: Surfaced 139 nm
		[weather illegible]
	14.39	AE 2587	Independent bearing 290°, course 240°, 6 knots, 2000 meters away. Turned away immediately and was not sighted. Apparently it is a freighter lost by Göllnitz in AE 2913.
		Misty
			Maneuvered ahead by plotting in the low visibility.
	15.25		Outgoing Short Signal: 1 steamer AE 2585
	16.02	AE 2824	Dived to attack: No sound bearings. In the periscope he was suddenly picked up at 600 meters. The boat broaches continually despite high speed, however in the sea spray we are not seen. It must all be done quickly.
		NW 5, Sea 4, fog snow 10/10, -8°C, 969 mb, Vis. 1-5 nm
	16.36	AE 2824	Fan from tubes I. III, IV: Speed 6 knots, target angle left 110°, range 800 meters, spread angle 8.5°, depth 2 meters.
			I had to shoot against the sea.
			After 50 seconds running time one hit. Steamer stopped, settled astern only a bit deeper and lay athwart the seas. I could not observe the hit. Blows off steam.
	16.45		Surfaced. Steamer transmits position and as name KENZ. Had 2 cannons each forward and astern, several machine gun platforms.
			Ran in for a coup de grâce.
	16.56		Shot from tube V: Speed 0, target angle right 90°, range 1500 meters, depth 2 meters. The torpedo broke the surface several times, became a bayonet [turned sharply] to port and passed by astern. For the quite fast drift of the steamer a low speed should have been set.
	17.24		Dived to reload. Steamer drifts to the south quickly before the seas.
	18.22		Surfaced. Ran in. He has not launched a lifeboat yet It is uncomfortable. [for men in lifeboats]
	18.45	AE 2824	Dived for coup de grâce. I want to go as close as possible this time. Must first catch up at GF. I let the First Watch Officer shoot.
	19.47		Shot from tube V: Speed 2, target angle right 100°, range 500 meters. After 62 seconds hit at the forward edge of the bridge.

- 21 -



	continued
	10.03.43
	19.53	AE 2824	Explosion column with bright fiery glow in the steamer. Breaks apart in front of the bridge. Aftership stands vertically and sinks slowly. Foreship remains high out of the water continues to float.
	19.54	AE 2824 lower-left	Surfaced. Foreship has wooden cargo. The freighter seems to be a Liberty type of 7000 GRT. A buoy is fished out, the unfortunately has no name. The foreship requires another torpedo.
		NW 6, Sea 5, (snow) 10/10, -5°C, 989 mb, Vis. 1-6 nm, high cross swell
	21.07	AE 2827	Shot from tube III on the drifting foreship: Speed 0, right 90°, range 400 meters, depth 2 meters. After 22 seconds hit center. Black fiery explosion column. The ship part settles deeper forward. We leave him slowly sinking over the forestem.
	22.03 - 23.00	AE 2819	Dived to de-ice and reload.

	11.03.43	North of Iceland
	00.16	AE 2815 center-left	Radio Message 1510: 1) Return transit 10 March 20.00 via position lines at the following times:
		NNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, -4°C, 995 mb, clear, medium Swell
		NNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, -4°C, 995 mb, clear, medium Swell	I. Square 2867 to 2916 on 11 March at 07.00 hours.
			II. Square 5619 to 6418 on 11 March at 23.00 hours.
			III Square 3519 to 3911 on 13 March at 00.00 hours.
			Further to Narvik Vestfjord. 2) All squares AE.
			Named Order Queck, Reche, Göllnitz.
	02.55	AE 2828	Passed the sinking location again. Except for one boat in which nothing moves, nothing more is seen.
	04.00	AE 2829 center
		NNW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, -6°C, 997 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell
	05.08	AE 2829	Shadow astern bearing 330°T, 1000 meters away, course 90°.
			The Obersteuermann shows the stern. I see a shadow as from a German supply boat through the high Swell. A light cannon is behind the conning tower, forecastle and stern high out. Shifts very quickly out and passes out of sight.
	05.48	AE 2862	Dived to de-ice and listen. Fast propeller sounds and Asdic (3.5 seconds) which rose up quickly and then ran back to the west again.
	It seems a U-boat hunt was initiated on the emergency call of the steamer.
	06.33		Surfaced and moved off at 2 x HF, to get away from here, while it is still dark.
	07.44	AE 2916	2 star shells bearing 300°T, 20 nm away.
	08.00	AE 2971 lower-center
		NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, -7°C, 999 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell

- 22 -



	continued
	11.03.43	Northeast of Iceland
	12.00	AE 5xxx	Day's run: Surfaced 207 nm, Submerged 17.4 nm
		[weather illegible]
	16.00	AE 5xxx
		[weather illegible]
	19xx		Coast of Iceland bearing 270°T, 56 nm away.
	20.00	AE 56xx
		[weather illegible]
	20.50		Outgoing Radio Message 2005: 10 March 16.36 hours AE 2821 heavily armed freighter 7000 GRT torpedoes three-fan, left sinking in two pieces. Call KENZ. Still 1 plus 2 torpedoes.

	12.03.43	Norwegian Sea
	00.00	AE 5637 upper-right
		NNW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, -4°C, 1005 mb, clear, low Swell	The gyro-compass repeater in the conning tower failed and for a while we steer a wild course.
	04.00	AE 6xxx
		NW 2, Sea 1, 2-5/10, -3°C, 1003 mb, Vis. moderate
	07.45 - 08.25	AE 6xxx	Dived to de-ice.
		SW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, -2°C, 1005 mb, Vis. 20 nm, medium Swell
	12.00	AE 3767	Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm, Submerged 2 nm
		SW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 0°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 25-30 nm
	14.52	AE 3757	Drifting mine.
	16.00	AE 3756 lower-center
		SW 2, Sea 1, 6-8/10, -2°C, 12001 mb, Vis. up to 30 nm, low Swell
	20.05	AE 3843 upper-right	In the broadcast comes the Special Report, that in the last 24 hours in the Mediterranean, Norwegian Sea and Atlantic 11 ships of 75000 GRT, so in the last three days 47 ships of 2802000 GRT were sunk by the U-boat force.
		E 4, Sea 3, 10/10, -2°C, 997 mb, Vis. 30 nm, low Swell

	13.03.43	Norwegian Sea
	00.00	AE 3583 upper-right	Passed position line III.
		ENE 3, Sea 2, 10/10, -3°C, 993 mb, Vis. medium, medium Swell
	04.00	AE 3681 center
		ENE 5, Sea 4, 10/10, -1°C, 988 mb, Vis. medium, low Swell

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

- 23 -



	continued
	13.03.43	Norwegian Sea
	07.26		Outgoing Short Signal: Intend to be in Vestfjord at 18.00 hours, request special measures.
	08.00	AF 1472 lower-left	Also Göllnitz and Queck will be at V 1 on 14 March at 18.00 hours.
		SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, mist) 9/10, +1°C, 989 mb, Vis. 1-20 meters, low Swell
	12.00	AF 1574 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 238 nm
		SW 4, Sea 3, (snow, fog, hail) 8/10, 991 mb, Vis. 2-15 nm
	13.45		Aircraft bearing 300°T, 5000 meters away, course 110°.
	13.51 - 14.08	AF 1584	Dived, because it is getting close.
	16.00	AF 1595 lower-center
		SW 5, Sea 4, (snow) 6/10, +2°C, 991 mb, Vis. 2-10 nm, medium S-Swell
	20.00	AF 1697 center-right
		SSW 7, Sea 5, (snow, mist) 10/10, 988 mb, Vis. 1-10 nm, medium Swell

	14.03.43	Norwegian Sea
	00.00	AF 2723 upper-right
		SSW 4, Sea 5, (snow) 5/10, +2°C, 989 mb, clear, high Swell
	04.00	AF 2822 center
		SSW 4, Sea 4, (lightening) 6/10, +2°C, 990 mb, Vis. moderate, high Swell
	08.00	AF 2924 upper-left
		SSW 7, Sea 6, 5/10, +3°C, 988 mb, Vis. 20 nm, high Swell
	12.00	AF 3712 center	Day's run: Surfaced 268 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm
		SW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, +4°C, 990 mb, Vis. 20 nm, high Swell
	13.53	AF 3719	2 drifting mines.
	15.30		Land bearing 70°T, 30 nm away.
	16.00	AF 3491 center
		WSW 5, Sea 5, (hail) 7/10, +3°C, 988 mb, Vis. 10-25 nm, high Swell
	17.22	Skomvær lighthouse abeam
	18.00		Reached Point V 1. Nothing is seen of Queck or Göllnitz in the high Swell.
	20.00	Vestfjord
		W 5, Sea 5, (snow, mist) 10/10, +3°C, 990 mb, Vis. 3-20 nm, high Swell

- 24 -




	15.03.43	Vestfjord
	00.00	WSW 4, Sea 3, (snow, hail) 5/10, 991 mb, medium Swell
	03.30	Tranøy abeam
		WSW 3, Sea 2, 5-8/10, +2°C, 990 mb, low Swell
	05.15	Recognition Signals exchanged with M31	MSS Rotvaer does not reply.
	07.18	Recognition Signal exchange with U-boat hunter.
	07.30	Ofotfjord	U-Göllnitz and U-Queck on opposite course, close up.
	09.40		Reported to MSS Narvik.
	10.00	Narvik	Made fast GRILLE. Reported to F.d.U.

		---------------------------------------------------

	After a short overhaul the boat had a new opportunity to familiarize itself with the difficulties of the Norwegian Sea at this time of year. To the aggravating visibility and ice conditions this time came especially stormy weather and strong defenses at the convoy. With radar detection appearing for the first time with the uncertain visibility especially also uncomfortable at night. It is therefore gratifying that, given the small number of boats and the limited use of the Luftwaffe at least on the return route an air and an underwater attack succeeded. Still regret that it was not possible to detect and sink more steamers of the storm scattered convoy. The boat knocked off 3 steamers of about 18000 GRT.
	Minor malfunctions of the engines were corrected underway. There was ice damage on the over deck and the outer tube doors.
	The crew performed well, especially the bridge watch with the heavy seas. Except for minor cases all were healthy and seaworthy. The Midshipmen continued their training and performed especially well as plotting mates.

		On board, 15.3.1943

			Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant