U-255 8th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Bergen	26 February 1944	St. Nazaire	11 April 1944	46

 

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
9 Mar 44	22.00	57°51'N, 26°48'W	USS LEOPOLD (DE-319)	1,200	American	CU-16
			Total = 1,200
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.

---

				Copy No.
			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 255 "
			Kommandant:  Oberleutnant zur See d.R.  H  a  r  m  s
			Beginning on:   19.9.1943
			Ending on:       11.4.1944
			Distribution:     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 OKM. 2 Abt. Skl./B.d.U./Op. Copy No. 3 Kommandierender Admiral der U-Boote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote - West Copy No. 5 Führer der U-Boatsausbildung Copy No. 6 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7   7. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8             Enclosures:     Brief Narrative Copy No. 3-3x + 5 + 8 Track Chart Copy No. 2 - 7 Excerpt of the Radio Log Copy No. 2 - 7 Convoy Sketch Copy No. 3 + 8 Combat Sketch Copy No. 3 + 8 Shooting Data Copy No. 3 + 4 + 8 K.T.B. Maschine Copy No. 3
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		19.09.43	Narvik
		15.00		Entered Narvik, made fast alongside "METEOR".  Reported to F.d.U. Norwegian.
		18.23		Shifted to Skjomenfjord.
		20.17		At "STELLA POLARIS".
		20.09.43	Skjomenfjord	Alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
		21.09.43	Skjomenfjord
		06.45		Shifted to "KAMERUN".  Torpedo transfer, begin shipyard work.
		22.09. - 26.09.43	Skjomenfjord	Moored at "KAMERUN".
		27.09.43	Narvik
		13.25		Shifted from Skjomenfjord to Narvik.
		15.13		Moored "STELLA POLARIS".
		28.09.43
		06.23		Shifted to Bogen Bay.
		09.35		Dry docked.
		29.09. - 02.10.43	Narvik	In dock.
		15.10		Undocked, shifted to "KAMERUN".
		19.16		Made fast to "KAMERUN".
		03.10. - 04.10.43	Narvik	Alongside "KAMERUN".
		20.00		Coastal alarm level 2.  Ordered to quickly make ready and depart.
		22.05		Departed, to Rombackenfjord for arming.
		23.35		Made fast "KÄRNTEN".  Provisions and fuel loading.
		05.10.43	Rombackenfjord
		00.00	NE 1, 8/10, 6°, 1008 mb, Vis. good
		03.17		Incoming Radio Message 0202/788:  5 October occupy attack area:  U-387 (Büchler) AF 3750.  U-255 (Harms) AF 3750.  F.d.U.
		06.15		Departed for trim test.
		06.31		Dived.
		06.54		Surfaced, departed.
		07.05		Outgoing Radio Message 0707/5/22:  06.30 hours "U-255".

	- 2 -
		05.10.43	Ofotfjord
		08.00	NE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 5°C, 1004 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		08.35		He 115 bearing 245°T, range 15000 meters.
		09.30		Morse call sign exchange with MSS Rotvær.
		09.50		Recognition signal exchange with patrol boat.
		12.00	AF 3613 right edge lower
			NE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 8°C, 1009 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		14.58		Incoming Radio Message 1353/799:  Harms, Büchler have entered.  Harms go to Skjomen to complete fitting out.  Report passing V2 by Short Signal.
		15.35		Outgoing Radio Message 1535/5/704:  15.30 hours.  U-255.
		16.00	AF 3597 right edge upper	Came about, entered port.
			E 2, Sea 1, 4/10,  1011 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		18.10		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 3397
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), 8°C, 1014 mb, Vis. moderate
		06.10.43	Skjomenfjord
		00.00	SE 4, See 3, blue sky rain, 6°C, 1016 mb, Vis. bad
		00.22		Made fast alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
				Major shipyard work arose from propulsion system check of the diesel which cannot be performed by "KAMERUN".
		16.20		Departed, shifted to Narvik.
		18.26	Narvik	Made fast at "METEOR".  Reported to F.d.U.
				Boat is to go the shipyard in Bergen.
		07.10.43	Narvik
		07.00		Departed "METEOR", put to sea for Ramsund.
		08.00	Ofot Fjord
			SE 2, Sea 2, 9/10 (rain), 976 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		09.42		Made fast Ramsund Torpedo Depot.
				Torpedo unloading, and loading 4 Etos.
		12.00	Ramsund	Day's run:  Surfaced 45.6 nm; Submerged 0 nm.
		18.00		Put to sea, departed for Trondheim, Archipelago Route.

Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		07.10.43	Ofot Fjord
		18.18		Outgoing Radio Message 1818/7/56:  18.00 hours.  "U-255".
		19.47		Morse call sign exchange with MSS Rotvær.
		19.59		Rotvær bearing 320°T, 1 nm.
		20.00	Vestfjord
			W 2, Sea 1, blue sky (rain), 9°C, 992 mb, Vis. good
		08.10.43
		00.00	AF 3621 center
			NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast mist, 1001 mb, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AF 3642 left edge upper
		08.00	Bodoe
		08.40		Taken in convoy in Bodoe, transit to Rörvik.
		12.00	AF 3838 lower-left corner	Day's run:  Surfaced 150.8 nm; Submerged 0 nm.
		16.00	AF 3886 center
		20.00	AF 6467
		09.10.43
		00.00	AF 6514 center-right edge
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast rain, 5°C, 1020 mb, Vis. moderate
		03.10		Rörvik, made fast at MSS.
		06.43		Put to sea, continued in convoy to Trondheim.
		08.00	AF 6491 upper-left
		12.00	AF 6719 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced 205 nm; Submerged 0.
		15.43		Incoming Radio Message 1051/615:  13. U.flottille to "U-255"
				Report anticipated arrival Trondheim immediately.
		16.30		Outgoing Radio Message 1605/64:  Anticipated arrival 21.00 hours.  Harms.
		20.00	Trondheim Fjord
		21.15	Trondheim	Made fast in the bunker.
				Private luggage and the boat's chests were taken over.
		10.10.43	Trondheim
		10.00		Put to sea, departed for Bergen.
		10.30		Taken under escort by MGN.
		12.00	AF 9178 lower-left	[position wrong, may be AF 6778]
			NW 1, Sea 0, 9/10, 11°, 1026 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		16.00	AF 3351 center	[position wrong, may be AF 8351]
		20.00	AF 8294
		23.16	Aalesund South Harbor	Made fast alongside MGN.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43

	- 4 -
		12.10.43	Aalesund	Because no escort boat is available, further transit cannot take place.
		13.10.43	Aalesund
		03.00		Departed in convoy to Bergen.
		04.00	AF 8562 center-right edge
			S 5-6, Sea 3, 8/10, 10°C, 1014 mb, Vis. medium
		08.00	AF 8547 upper-center
		12.00	AF 8736 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 82 nm; Submerged 0 nm.
		16.00	AF 8871 upper-left
		20.00	Hjeltefjorden
		22.20	Bergen	Made fast Marineholmen.
		13.10. - 14.10.43	Bergen	Moored Marineholmen.
		13.53		Cast off Marineholmen, for the shipyard.
		16.10		Moored Marineholmen.
		15.10.43	Bergen
		07.05		Cast off Marineholmen, for the shipyard.
		08.12		Made fast shipyard.
		16. - 19.10.43	Bergen
		13.00		Cast off shipyard, shifted to Marineholmen.
		13.32		Cast off Marineholmen.
		14.42		Made fast shipyard.
				Begin shipyard period.
		20.10. - 04.11.43	Bergen	Moored Dokkeskjaerskalen.
		08.00		Shifted from the shipyard to the bunker.
		05.22. - 13.12.43	Bergen	Moored in the bunker.
		09.30		Cast off, shifted to Dokkeskjaerskalen.
		10.27		Moored Dokkeskjaerskalen.
		14.12. - 20.12.43
		08.40		Cast off Dokkeskjaerskalen.
		09.45		Moored Navy shipyard.
		21.12.43 - 01.02.44	Bergen	Moored at the shipyard.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.43

	- 5 -
		01.02.44	Bergen
		09.47		Shifted to pumping station II.
		10.30		Dry docked.
		14.00		Dock shifted in the shipyard.
		02.02. - 06.02.44	Bergen	In the dock in the shipyard.
		09.50		Dock shifted to pumping station II.  Did not undock, because the port diesel hull valve leaked.
		07.02.44	Bergen
		08.50		Undocked.
		11.50		Made fast shipyard.
		08.02. - 12.02.44	Bergen	Moored at the shipyard.
		10.15		Cast off for sea trial in Byfjord.
				Exercise torpedo firing, firing of the anti-aircraft weapons, deep dive test, to depth 2A -20 meters.
		17.47		Made fast at the shipyard.
		13.02. - 14.02.44	Bergen	Final adjustments and overhaul in the shipyard.
		15.45		Cast off shipyard for deep diving test.
				At depth 2A -40 meters interior fuel oil tank 2I was over pressurized and tore.
		18.20		Moored at the shipyard.
		15.02. - 19.02.44	Bergen	Navy shipyard.
		07.50		Cast off shipyard, for Asköy for  torpedo loading.
		08.50		Made fast Asköy.  Torpedo loading,
		02.40		Cast off, exercises in Byfjord
		13.18		Dived, trim test.
		13.57		Surfaced, returned.
		14.40		Made fast Marineholmen.  Loaded ammunition.
		20.02.44	Bergen	Loaded provisions, took over the boat.
		21.02.44	Bergen
		08.30		Cast off, final trim test.
		08.40	Byfjorden	Dived, depth 2A meters.
		09.57		Surfaced.
		10.30		Moored pumping station II, dry docked to ballast.

	- 6 -
		22.02.44	Bergen
		08.20		Undocked.
		08.50		Departed for Asköy for degaussing.
		09.00 - 11.45		Through the [degaussing] loops.
		13.00		Radio direction finder calibration.
		14.50		Made fast Marineholmen.
		23.02.44	Bergen
		08.00		Cast off Marineholmen, departed for anti-aircraft firing in Hjeltefjorden.
		10.00	Hjeltefjorden	Anti-aircraft firing at balloon.
		11.30		Returned to Byforden for diving exercises.
		13.25	Byfjorden	Crash dive for training, to depth 2A -40 meters.
		13.56		Surfaced.
		14.50		Moored Marineholmen.
		24.02.44	Bergen
		08.00		Cast off, training exercises.
		08.45	Byfjorden	Crash dive for training, to depth 2A -40 meters.
		09.06		Surfaced.
		09.25		Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.
		10.13		Surfaced.
		12.22		Crash dive for training, depth 2A meters.
		12.50		Surfaced.
		12.53		Crash dive for training, depth 2A -40 meters.
		12.56		Surfaced.  Trimming the boat.
		15.40		Moored Marineholmen.
		25.02.44	Bergen
		14.17		Cast off Marineholmen for Asköy.
		15.00		Moored Asköy, torpedo loading.
		19.15		Cast off Asköy.
		20.05		Moored Marineholmen.
		26.02.44	Bergen
		14.30		Cast off Marineholmen, departed on 8th war patrol.
				Outbound orders:  1)  Depart Bergen 26 February in convoy.  2)  Outbound transit via AE 60 and AI 80 in accordance with Serial Order 13 March.  3) Initial objective AK 61.  4)  Radio silence except for tactically important and war emergency messages.  Passing report only by request.  5)  Operations Order No. 56 in effect.

Sun and Moon Data 26.02.44

	- 7 -
		continued
		26.02.44	Bergen
		15.00	Puddefjorden	Final trim test.
		16.00		Taken under escort by "UNITAS", departing by way of Marsteinen.
		17.30		Escort ended, released "UNITAS".
		17.40		Marstein bearing 160°T, 0.6 nm.
		18.26	AN 2481	Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.
		20.00	AN 2473
		21.55	AN 2472	Surfaced.
		23.25	AN 2447	Detection, 120 cm.  Crash dive, depth A.
		27.02.44	West Coast of Norway
		00.00	AN 2447 lower-right
			N 4, Sea 3, overcast, 3°C, 1005 mb, Vis. moderate, medium swell
			Intend to introduce Atlantic time, that is lunch at 00.00 hours during surfaced cruise.
		04.00	AN 2369
		08.00	AN 2365
		12.00	AN 2362 upper edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 38 nm; Submerged 38.
		16.00	AN 2326 lower-right
		20.15		Surfaced.  Course 330°, HF with charging.
		21.20	AF 8775	Detection in Naxos, dived, depth A meters.
		28.02.44	West Coast of Norway
		00.00	AF 8747	Surfaced.
			N 4, Sea 3, blue sky, -4°C, 1009 mb, Vis. good, medium swell
		01.10	AF 7966	Detection in Naxos, dived depth A meters.
		02.00	AF 7963	Surfaced.
		04.00	AF 7931
			NW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 4°C, 1008 mb, Vis. medium, low swell
		05.50		Dived to proceed submerged depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AF 7659 lower-left
		12.00	AF 7655 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 74 nm; Submerged 42.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.44

	- 8 -
		continued
		28.02.44	West Coast of Norway
		15.20		Incoming Radio Message 0837/28/95:  On 29 February at 08.00 hours switch:  Leupold America I Circuit, Harms Ireland Circuit.
		16.00	AF 7651 upper-right
		20.00	AF 7627 upper-left
		20.02		Surfaced, LF with charging, course 340°.
		29.02.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AF 7348 lower-left
			WNW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), 6°C, 981 mb, Vis. moderate, high swell
		04.00	AF 7329 lower-right
			WNW 5, Sea 5, 8/10, 3°C, 981, Vis. medium
		06.10		Beginning of twilight.
		06.55		Crash dive for training, depth A meters.
				Proceeding submerged depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AF 4898 upper-left corner
		12.00	AF 4891	Day's run:  Surfaced 90.6 nm; Submerged 30 nm.
			WNW 6, Sea 4, 5/10, 981, Vis. good
			Intend to surface briefly to get a navigation fix.
		12.25		Surfaced.
		12.28	AF 4891	Crash dive for "Sunderland" in 270°T, range 6000 meters, altitude 300 meters, course 140°.
				Proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		16.00	AF 4859 lower-right
		20.00	AF 4856 upper half
		21.35	AF 4853	Surfaced to charge.  HF with charging.
		22.05	AF 4853	Naxos detection, dived to depth A -20 meters.
		22.50		Surfaced.
		23.00	AF 4829	Naxos detection, dived to depth A -20 meters.
		23.57		Surfaced.
		01.03.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AF 4826 upper-center
			WNW 9, Sea 7, overcast (mist), 3°C, 980 mb, Vis. moderate
		01.30		Incoming Radio Message 1336/29/131:  1)  Wittenberg on 1 March at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.  2)  Weingärtner, Harms and Wittenberg passing report on passing the latitude of AL 1855.  3)  Kaiser give position as passing report.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.44

	- 9 -
		continued
		01.03.44	European North Sea
		01.55	AF 4589	Aircraft illuminated with searchlight bearing 280°T distance about 5 nm.  Dived to depth A -20 meters.  No detection established.
			I assume that the "Sunderland" had seen us today at midday, and the aircraft are searching for us tonight, will remain below and proceed submerged.
		02.45		2 depth charges, far off.
		04.00	AF 4585 lower-right
		08.00	AF 4584 lower edge
		12.00	AF 4581 left edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 29.5 nm; Submerged 30 nm.
		12.05		2 depth charges at great range.
		16.00	AF 4573 upper-half
		20.00	AF 4548
		20.20		Surfaced.  Course 270°, LF with charging.
		02.03.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AF 4465 center
			NNW 7, Sea 6, overcast (mist), 987 mb, Vis. changing, high swell
		0x 50		Beginning of twilight.
				Dived to proceed submerged, depth A meters.
		04.00	AE 6666
		08.00	AE 6665 center
		12.00	AE 6664 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 69 nm; Submerged 30 nm.
		16.00	AE 6656 center-right
		20.00	AE 6654 center
		20.40		Surfaced.  Course 260°, LF with charging.
		22.50	AE 6645	Naxos detection, dived to depth A meters.
				It has been observed several times, that with a detection small blue lights appear on the dipole and the tops of the barrels of the 2 cm, like Saint Elmo's fire.
		03.03.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AE 6647 upper-right
			NNW 8, Sea 7, overcast (rain snow), 1016 mb, Vis. bad
		01.15		Surfaced.
		04.00	AE 6567 lower-right
			NNW 8, Sea 7, 3°C, 1017 mb, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.44

	- 10 -
		continued
		03.03.44	European North Sea
		06.07	AE 6582 upper-right	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AE 6582 lower-left
		12.00	AE 6576 upper-right corner	Day's run:  Surfaced 48 nm; Submerged 34.5 nm.
		16.00	AE 6575 center
		20.00	AE 6577 upper half
		22.55	AE 6733	Surfaced.  HF with charging.  Course 260°.
		04.03.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AE 6731 upper-right
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast rain, 1017 mb, Vis. bad, medium swell
		01.32	AE 6724	Naxos detection.  Attempt to start Aphrodite, was unsuccessful due to heavy wind.
			NW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast (mist)
		01.35		Dived to depth A meters.
		01.40		2 depth charges far off.
		02.10		2 depth charges.  I consider range at least 5 nm.
		03.00		Surfaced, HF with charging, course 250°.
		04.00	AE 6719 upper-center
			NNW 6, Sea 4, overcast (mist), 1017 mb, Vis. changing
		06.20		Beginning of twilight.
		06.40	AE 5963	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AE 5962
		12.00	AE 5964 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 63 nm; Submerged 39 nm.
		16.00	AE 5959 center
		20.00	AE 5982 lower half
		22.30	AE 5984	Surfaced.  HF with charging.  Course 225°.
				Naxos detection, dived to depth A meters.
		05.03.44	European North Sea
		00.00	AE 8341 upper-center
			W 7-8, Sea 6, 8/10 (mist), 1017 mb, Vis. moderate
		06.15		Beginning of twilight.
		06.47		Crash dive for training, to depth 2A -20 meters.
				Proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AE 8293 center-left edge
		12.00	AE 8295	Day's run:  Surfaced 50 nm; Submerged 42 nm.
		16.00	AE 8297 center

	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		05.03.44	European North Sea
		20.00	AE 8523 lower-left
		22.00		Surfaced.  HF with charging.  Course 225°.
		06.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AE 8543 lower-center
			S 3, Sea 2, overcast, 9°C, 1026 mb, Vis. medium, high swell
		04.00	AE 8732 upper-left
			SSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, 8°C, 1026 mb, Vis. good
		06.25		Beginning of twilight.
		07.00		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AE 8751 upper-right
		12.00	AE 8751 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 88.5 nm; Submerged 22 nm.
		16.00	AE 8746
		20.00	AE 8748 right edge
		20.35		Surfaced.  LF with charging, course 225°.
		20.40		Beginning of twilight.
		07.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 3132 center
			SSE 6, Sea 4, overcast (rain), 1023 mb, Vis. moderate, high swell
		04.00	AL 3154 center
			SSE 6, Sea 4, overcast, 9°C, 1027 mb, Vis. medium
		07.15		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 2298 upper-right	Dived to proceed submerted at depth A -20 meters.
			SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, 9°C, 1028 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 2431 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced 102 nm; Submerged 25 nm.
		16.00	AL 2426 lower-right
		20.00	AL 2452 upper-center
		21.05		Surfaced.  HF with charging.  Course 225°.
		08.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2471 lower-right
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), 9°C, 1018 mb, Vis. good 5 nm, high swell
		04.00	AL 2527
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2, 8/10, 8°C, 1017 mb, Vis. medium
		07.35		Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.44

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.03.44	North Atlantic
		08.00	AL 1692 center-left
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 9°C, 1017 mb, Vis. good
		08.05		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1685 right edge upper	Day's run:  Surfaced 120 nm; Submerged 28 nm.
		16.00	AL 1685 upper-center
		20.00	AL 1687 lower-center
		20.30		Surfaced.  LF with charging, course 235°.
		20.40		Beginning of twilight.
		21.40		Incoming Radio Message 1802/8/159:  Harms give position as passing report tonight.  After that switch Diana Circuit.
		23.27		Outgoing Short Signal:  AL 1815.  Missing Serial No. was not acknowledged.
		09.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1763 upper-left
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, 8°C, 1030 mb, Vis. good, medium swell
		04.00	AL 1758 lower-right
			SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 8°C, medium swell
		04.03		Outgoing Radio Message 0403/9/198:  AL 1761, Missing Serial No. 138.  U-255.
				The first transmission was delivered outside the beat, because it was not confirmed, delivered again on Ireland Circuit.
		05.55		Incoming Radio Message 0512/9/742:  Missing Serial No. unimportant.
		07.45		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 1777 lower-right
			xxx 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 6°C, 1032 mb, Vis. good
		08.27		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 0333 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 90 nm; Submerged 26.5 nm.
		12.30	[typo above should be AK 0333]	Incoming Radio Message 0904/9/745:  Harms join Group Preussen and occupy with economical transit speed AK 3869 as attack area, depth 40 nm.
		16.00	AK 3899 lower-left
		19.15	AK 3896 lower-left	Sound bearing 290°T.
				At periscope depth nothing seen.
		19.25		Surfaced, visibility 15 nm, nothing seen.
		19.35		Dived again to get exact sound bearing and determine shift.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		09.03.44
		19.35		Sound bearing 300°T, shifting to the east.
		19.55		Surfaced, course 340°, HF with charging.
		20.00	AK 3896 lower-left
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 9°C, 1038 mb, Vis. 10-15 nm
		20.40		Beginning of twilight.
		21.30	AK 3865	Dived to listen.
				Sound bearing 355°T, apparently an independent.
		21.42		Surfaced, pursued, course 20°, GF.
		21.50		A shadow bearing 350°T, turned away, vanished.
				To Action Stations.
		21.55	AK 3862 lower-center	Suddenly several shadows in sight, bearing 10°T, target angle right 120°.
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1036 mb, Vis. changing
				By the bright moon, recognize 10-15 vessels.
			Because I am positioned to starboard behind the convoy, I want to move behind the convoy to get the dark side, turned away to port.
				While turning see a destroyer bearing 10°T turning towards us.  Shoots star shells range 1000 meters.  Crash dive, still want to shoot tube II, however, the Mech.Gaste [Torpedomen] had already shut the outer tube door.  Opened again to still fire.  The destroyer is now directly ahead target angle 0°.
		22.00		Range 600 meters, fixed shooting angle 0°, TV, from tube II, depth 4 meters.
				Detonation after 27 seconds, in the bow room and sound room loud cracking and breaking is heard.
				Went to depth 2A meters.  No sound bearing from the destroyer, fired at with antiaircraft weapons.  One stack destroyer, no depth charges, has not run over us.
				While diving was shot at by the destroyer with anti-aircraft weapons.  Single stack destroyer with apparently only one cannon on the forecastle.
		22.30		Asdic impulse from 2 vessels.
		22.56		1 depth charge, numerous double detonations.
				Apparently 2 destroyers are searching for us, stop alternately, and over run us several times.
		22.30		Several double detonations.
				From sound bearings convoy bears 70°T far off.
		23.55		Bolde ejected.
		10.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3862 upper-right corner
		01.00		Destroyers bear 60°T, far off.
		01.20		Surfaced, pursued in the direction of the last sound bearing 60°T.
		01.32		Outgoing Short Signal:  Convoy AL 17.  U-255.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.44

	- 14 -
		continued
		10.03.44
		01.50		Outgoing Short Signal:  Convoy AL 17.  U-255.
				Sent on Coastal Circuit, because it was not repeated on Diana Circuit.  Was also not repeated on Coastal.
		02.11		Outgoing Short Signal 0110:  Convoy located 22.00 hours in naval square AK 3862.  Course 70°.  Weather.
				Was not confirmed.
		03.11		Outgoing Radio Message 0110:  Was again not confirmed.
		03.15	AL 1727	Searchlights bearing 180°T, range 5 nm.
				Started Aphrodite.
		03.35		Searchlight from aircraft astern, where the Aphrodite must be located now.
		04.00	AL 1725 lower-left
			SW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 1036 mb, Vis. moderate, medium swell
		04.30	AL 1725	Dived to listen.
				Weak sound bearing 150°T.
		05.30		Surfaced.
		05.42		Outgoing Radio Message 0510:  Convoy located by sound bearings 150°.  Position AL 1725.  U-255.
				Was not confirmed.
		06.34		Repeated Radio Message 0110 again on Diana Circuit.
				No confirmation.
		07.45		Dived to listen, weak bearing 180°T.
		08.00	AL 1817 center-right	Surfaced, pursued.
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1036 mb, Vis. 15 nm, high swell
		08.15		Beginning of twilight.
		08.45		Naxos detection.  Aphrodite started, breaks at the anchor however rises slowly.
		09.34		Outgoing Radio Message 0610/10/2:  Convoy located 22.00 hours AL 1771, easterly course.  "U-255".
				Sent on Coastal Circuit and confirmed.
		09.35		Outgoing Radio Message 0910/10/3:  At 22.00 on 9 March sighted convoy after sound bearing.  T 5 was fired at approaching destroyer. Detonation after 27 seconds.  Sinking sounds.  3 hour sound pursuit.  No contact.
		10.45	AL 1858	Dived to listen.  Sound bearing 70°T.
		10.48		Surfaced, pursued.
		12.00	AL 1865 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 150 nm; Submerged 26 nm.
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, 10°C, 1035 mb, Vis. 15 nm
		12.30		Dived to listen.
				No sound bearings.
		12.45		Surfaced.

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.44

	- 15 -
		continued
		10.03.44	North Atlantic
		14.40		Incoming Radio Message 1309/10/764:  To Harms.  Ordered Circuit is Diana.
		15.00	AL 2778	Dived to listen.  Sound bearing 40°T.
		15.20		An independent is made out at periscope depth.  Running submerged to attack.
		16.00	AL 2778
		16.10		Swedish steamer "CHILE".  Ran off submerged.
		17.05		Surfaced.
		17.40		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 21°T, 68 nm.
				The first reliable navigation fix since putting to sea.
		20.00	AL 2841
			W 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 10°C, 1034 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		20.05		Dived to listen.  Depth charges bearing 130°T.
		20.42		Surfaced.
		20.50		Beginning of twilight.
		22.40	AL 2858	Dived to listen.
				Sound bearing 210°T, rapidly approaching.
			Because there is bright moonlight, a surface attack is very doubtful, I want to make a submerged night attack with the night targeting periscope.
		23.40		It must be an individual destroyer, that has probably located us.  In the periscope still nothing can be distinguished.  He stops and I see 3 star shells.  Ran off again.
		11.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2858	Very bright moonlit night, 1 day after full moon.
			WSW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1035 mb, Vis. good
		00.05		Surfaced, pursued on heading 220°.
		00.43	AL 2882	Was illuminated by an aircraft with a searchlight flying past from port and across behind us.  Illuminated only at short range, as a result he couldn't throw and I couldn't fire.  Aircraft threw flares.
				Dived immediately after overflight.
		01.30	AL 2882	Destroyer propeller sounds bearing 270°T.  Went

	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.44

	- 16 -
		continued
		11.03.44	North Atlantic
		01.30		Went to periscope depth, to fire with T V if it is a search group.
				However, it remains far off, again see star shells.  Moved off on course 100°.
		03.09		Surfaced, pursued on course 120°.
		03.30	AL 2867 center	Aircraft in low attack from port across course, range 2000 meters with searchlight.
				Opened fire immediately with both twin machine guns, well placed.  Threw 3 bombs, which were too short, about 30 meters away, and fires with onboard weapons.
				No damage from bombs, Masch.Ob.Gefr. Nothnick was seriously wounded by splinters.  Matr.Gefr. Kostka grazing shot to the right upper arm.
				While departing aircraft threw a flame marker.  Locating was not determined.
		03.36		2nd run without searchlights, however was already seen perfectly at range 3000 meters in the moonlit night.  Opened fire with all weapons.  Aircraft remained at about 100 meters altitude and flew past astern at a distance of 500 meters.  4-engined land-based aircraft.
		03.46		Outgoing Short Signal:  Was attacked by aircraft.  U-255.
		03.50		Detection on the Wanze 160 cm.
				Started Aphrodite.
		04.00	AL 2867 lower-right
			W 4, Sea 3, 4/10, 9°C, 1034 mb, Vis. clear, bright moonlit night.
		04.05		Detection on the Wanze 160 cm.
				Dived to depth A -20 meters.
			Have no hope of catching the convoy again, no further indications, and the search group seemingly holds me.  Proceeding submerged back to the attack area.
		12.00	AL 2858	Day's run:  Surfaced 115 nm; Submerged 32.1 nm.
		16.00	AL 2857
		18.15		Surfaced.
		19.10		Outgoing Radio Message 1730/11/155:  No contact, going to attack area, night AL 2860 3 low attacks, 2 x HF moonlit, with searchlight.  Bombs thrown no damage, onboard weapons 1 seriously wounded, 1 lightly wounded.  Wanze 160 cm.
		21.25	AL 2735	Naxos detection, dived to depth A.
		21.40		6 depth charges, estimated 3-4 nm distant.
		22.10		3 depth charges far off.

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.44

	- 17 -
		continued
		11.03.44	North Atlantic
		23.50		Surfaced, LF with charging.  Course 300°.
		12.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2734 upper-right
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast (mist), 1024 mb, Vis. changing
		00.40		Incoming Radio Message 2144/11/7x8:  To Harms.  Report if meeting with doctor boat is necessary.
		01.06		Outgoing Radio Message 0945:  Doctor boat is necessary.
				Was not confirmed.
		04.30	AL 2575 lower-center
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast (mist), 8°C, 1020 mb, Vis. bad
		05.18	AL 2577	Naxos detection.  Dived.
		06.30		Surfaced.
		08.00	AL 1659 upper-left corner
			W 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1018 mb, Vis. moderate
		08.10		Beginning of twilight.
		08.30		Dived.  Proceeding submerged depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1657 upper edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 74 nm; Submerged 23 nm.
		12.30		Surfaced to send Radio Message.
		12.32		Outgoing Radio Message 0045/12/713:  Doctor boat is necessary.    U-255.
		12.45		Dived.
		16.00	AL 1688
		20.00	AL 1687 lower-left	Surfaced.
		23.45		Incoming Radio Message 14x4/12/714:  Reisener [U-608] and Harms.  Meeting point tonight AL 0176.
				No execution report, after completion occupy attack area.  Report only if not met.
		13.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1738 upper-left
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast dew, 9°C, 1025 mb, Vis. medium
		04.00	AL 1992 center	Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.
		06.00		Surfaced.
		07.03		Dived to listen.  Sound bearing 40°T.
		07.17		Surfaced, pursued.
		08.00	AL 0175 center
			W 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1024 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.44

	- 18 -
		continued
		13.03.44	North Atlantic
		08.06	AL 0175	Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.
		08.32		Surfaced.
		08.44		Outgoing Radio Message 0844/13/131:  Have not met boat.  U-255.
		09.03		Dived.
		12.00	AL 0776 left edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 152.3 nm; Submerged 26.8 nm.
		13.05		Incoming Radio Message 1114/13/734:  Harms, Reisener dive.  Attempt to meet again tonight if meeting does not take place go to attack area. No other meeting.
		16.00	AL 0176
		19.72		Surfaced.
		19.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  32°T, 29 nm.
		20.00	AL 0195
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1020 mb, Vis. 15-20 nm
		20.40		Beginning of twilight.
		21.30		Incoming Radio Message 1752/13/738:  Group Preussen new attack areas.  Harms AK 2432.
		14.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 0184
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 9°C, 1020 mb, Vis. moderate
		02.10		Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.
		02.37		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1969 lower-right
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1023 mb, Vis. medium
		08.10		Beginning of dawn.
		08.55		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	AL 1965	Day's run:  Surfaced 1x1 nm; Submerged 27 nm.
		16.00	AL 1961
		1912		Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 1925
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 10°C, 1010 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		21.15		Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.44

	- 19 -
		continued
		14.03.44	North Atlantic
		22.30		Incoming Radio Message 2052/14/754:  Reisener report by Short Signal if meeting took place.
		15.03.44	North Atlantic	Course 3x5°  HF with charging.
		00.00	AL 1772
			NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1009 mb, Vis. medium
		04.00	AK 3837 lower-right
			WNW 4, Sea 3, overcast threatening skies, 10°, 1008 mb, Vis. medium
		07.45		Incoming Short Signal:  U-boat not met at meeting point.  Continuing transit.  U-608 (Reisener)
		08.00	AK 3687
			WNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, 10°C, 1006 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low swell
		08.10		Beginning of twilight.
		09.00		Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 3676 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 118.2 nm; Submerged 27 nm.
		16.00	AK 3648 lower-left
		20.00	AK 3566 right-edge lower
		20.07		Surfaced.
		21.10		Beginning of twilight.
		16.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 3389 upper-left
			WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, 7°C, 996 mb, Vis. medium
		04.00	AK 3354
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 997 mb, Vis. medium
		08.00	AK 3315
			W 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 8°C, 996 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		08.15		Beginning of twilight.
		08.36		Dived to proceed submerged depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 3311	Day's run:  Surfaced 85 nm; Submerged 31 nm.
		16.00	AK 3431
		21.05		Surfaced.
		22.21	AK 2295	Naxos detection, dived.
		22.39		4 depth charges far off.
		23.12		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.44

	- 20 -
		17.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2292 upper-left
			WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), 1024 mb, Vis. moderate
		01.55		Incoming Radio Message 154/16/776:  Group Preussen with economical transit speed transfer attack areas 180 nm in direction 160°T.
		03.26	AK 2433	Borkum detection, dived.
		04.00	AK 2433 upper-right
		04.12		Surfaced.
		08.00	AK 3345 upper-left
			SW 4, Sea 3, 8/10 (mist), 1009 mb, Vis. moderate
		08.10		Beginning of twilight.
		08.55		Dived, proceeding submerged depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 3372 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 70.9 nm; Submerged 33.7 nm.
		16.00	AK 3376 center
		20.00	AK 3379 lower-right
		21.12		Surfaced.
		21.30		Beginning of twilight.
		22.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 331°T, 26.5 nm.
		18.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3513 lower-left
			W 4, Sea 3, 4/10 (mist), 1022 mb, Vis. medium, low swell
		04.00	AK 3557 upper-right
		07.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AK 3723 lower-left
			W 3, Sea 3, blue sky snow, 5°C, 1020 mb, Vis. bad
		09.05		Dived, proceeding submerged depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 3729 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 96 nm; Submerged 24.7 nm.
				Depth charge series, far off.
				Repeated heavy depth charge series every 10-15 minutes.
				At periscope depth nothing is made out.
		16.00	AK 3767 upper-left
		20.00	AK 3767 upper-right	Surfaced.
		21.18		Beginning of twilight.
		21.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  241°T, 13.5 nm.
		23.30	AK 3934	Dived to listen.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.44

	- 21 -
		19.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3934
			W 4, Sea 3, 4/10 (mist), 8°C, 1022 mb, Vis. medium
		00.55		Surfaced.
		03.41	AK 3941	Naxos detection, dived.
		03.55		Quickly running destroyer propeller sounds.  Nothing seen in the night periscope.  Went to depth A meters.
				Sound bearing remains nearly unchanged, however apparently approaching.
		05.15		Locating gear, 150 impulses/minute.
		06.00		It is several vessels with similar detection gear, sometimes so loud that it could be heard over the entire scale of the GHG.  Between impulses peculiar rattling as if a clock is being wound.
		07.20		Bolde ejected.  With the second ejection the outer door does not close.
		08.00	AK 3965 upper-right
		10.15		Depth charge series far off.
		11.30		Search group moves away slowly.
		11.50		Went to periscope depth, nothing seen.
		12.00	AK 3968	Day's run:  Surfaced 40.7 nm; Submerged 38.6 nm.
		16.00	AK 3966
		20.00	AK 0348 center-left edge
		20.45		Surfaced.
		21.15		Beginning of twilight.
		22.10		Incoming Radio Message 1241/19/732:  Group Preussen with economical speed occupy new attack areas depth 50 nm.  Harms AL 1634.
		20.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 0321 lower-center
			WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, 8°C, 1023 mb, Vis. bad
		04.00	AL 3894 lower-left
			WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, 8°C, 1021 mb, Vis. bad
		08.00	AL 1745 upper-left
			WSW 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 10 nm, low swells
		08.45		Meeting with U-Kaiser [U-986].  Navigation comparison.
		09.21		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1719 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 95.5 nm; Submerged 25 nm.
		16.00	AL 1727 upper-center

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.44

	- 22 -
		continued
		20.03.44	North Atlantic
		20.00	AL 1725 upper-center	Must remain submerged longer due to work on the port diesel.
		21.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1723
			SSE 6, Sea 5, 4/10, 10°C, 1013 mb, Vis. moderate
		00.05		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1677 lower-right
			SSE 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 9°C, 1013 mb, Vis. moderate
		07.45		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 1657
			SSE 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1013 mb, Vis. 20 nm.
		08.25		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1651 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 52.8 nm; Submerged 34.1 nm.
		16.00	AL 1627 upper-center
		16.35		Incoming Radio Message 1117/21/762:  Group Preussen from now expand attack area to 100 nm.
		20.00	AL 1621
		21.02		Surfaced.
		21.15		Beginning of twilight.
		22.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1459 center-right
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast rain, 7°C, 1009 mb, Vis. moderate, SW-swell
		02.07		Naxos detection, dived.
		03.20		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1462	Sometimes very bright Northern Lights.
			SW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, 8°C, 1012 mb, Vis. good
		04.56		Naxos detection, dived.
		06.00		Surfaced.
		07.20		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 2377 center
			SW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 10°C, 1013 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		08.20		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  245°T, 8 nm.
		08.30		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1636 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 66.5 nm; Submerged 30.5 nm.
		16.00	AL 1639 center-right
		20.00	AL 2541 lower-left	Surfaced.
		20.10		Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.44

	- 23 -
		continued
		22.03.44	North Atlantic
		21.50	AL 1666	Naxos detection, dived.
		22.20		Surfaced.
		23.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1559 center
			ESE 5, Sea 3, overcast rain, 8°C, 1002 mb, Vis. bad
		01.50		Incoming Radio Message 224/22/794:  Group Preussen disbanded.
		03.37	AL 1648	Naxos detection, dived.
		04.00	AL 1647
			ESE 6, Sea 5, overcast rain, 1002 mb, Vis. bad
		04.35		Incoming Radio Message 2338/22/795:  Occupy as attack area east-west line at the latitude of the following squares:
				Harms, Kaiser square AL 11,13.
				Western limit longitude of AK 6115, eastern limit longitude of AL 6335.  Boats free to maneuver within indicated lines.  East or western part depending on defenses, moon and weather conditions
		04.42		Surfaced.
		07.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 1614 lower-left
			SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast rain, 1004 mb, Vis. bad
		08.10		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1611 center-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 76 nm; Submerged 28.2 nm.
		16.00	AL 1477 upper-left
		20.00	AL 1474 upper-left
		20.55		Surfaced.
		22.10	AL 1369	Naxos detection, dived.
		22.43		Surfaced.
		24.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1361 upper-right
			S 4, Sea 3, 5/10, (rain), 992 mb, Vis. changing
		02.15	AL 1323	Naxos detection, dived.
		02.53		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1188 lower-left	In attack line.
			SSW 6, Sea 4, overcast (squalls passing showers), 990 mb, Vis. changing, high S-swell
			Intend to operate in the western part on Iceland convoys initially.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.44

	- 24 -
		continued
		24.03.44	North Atlantic
		06.17	AL 1173	Naxos detection, dived.
		08.00	AL 1172 upper-right	Proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1171	Day's run:  Surfaced 76 nm; Submerged 28.2 nm.
		16.00	AK 3268 lower-right
		20.00	AK 3267 lower-center
			SSW 8, Sea 8, 6/10, 996 mb, Vis. changing
		20.15		Surfaced.
		22.32	AK 3269
			SSW 8, Sea 8, 4/10 (squalls passing showers), 8°C, 998 mb, Vis. changing
		25.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3269 upper-right
		04.00	AK 3265	Surfaced.
		05.44		Naxos detection, dived.
		07.30		Surfaced.
		07.40		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AK 3261 center-right
			SW 8, Sea 7, 8/10 (hail), 1008 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm, high SSW-swell
		10.20	AK	Dived, depth A -10 meters.
		12.00	AK 3234	Day's run:  Surfaced 39.6 nm; Submerged 37.7 nm.
		16.00	AK 3225 center
		20.00	AK 3227 upper-center
			SW 8, Sea 7, 8/10 (gloomy weather hail), 1012 mb, Vis. medium
		26.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AD 8887
		04.00	AK 3212 center
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	AK 3211
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 7°C, 1016 mb, Vis. 5-10 nm
		08.13		Naxos detection, dived.
		12.00	AK 3135 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 18.6 nm; Submerged 41 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.44

	- 25 -
		continued
		26.03.44	North Atlantic
		16.00	AK 3137 upper-right
		20.00	AK 3129 lower-right corner
			WSW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 7°C, 1023 mb, Vis. 15 nm, medium SW-swell
		20.10		Surfaced.
		21.40		Beginning of twilight.
		23.05		Incoming Radio Message 1707/26/765:  Harms report fuel inventory tonight.
		23.30		Outgoing Radio Message:  Fuel inventory 61 cbm.  U-255.
				Was not confirmed.
		27.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 312x upper-left
			W 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 8°C, 1022 mb, Vis. good, medium SW-swell
		04.00	AK 2263 center
			W 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 6°C, 1022 mb, Vis. good
		07.20		Beginning of twilight.
		07.42		Dived, depth A -40 meters.
		08.00	AK 2991 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 89 nm; Submerged 25 nm.
		16.00	AK 2267
		20.00	AK 2261 lower-left
		20.55		Surfaced.
		21.50		Beginning of twilight.
		22.07		Outgoing Short Signal:  Fuel inventory 61 cbm.
		23.07		Again on 20.
				Was not confirmed both times.
		23.48		Naxos detection, dived.
		28.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2265 x-left
			SE 2, 1018 mb, Vis. moderate, low SW-swell
		03.09		Surfaced.
				The port exhaust valve, which did not close once during the shipyard sea trial cannot be closed.  The full external pressure rests on the exhaust gas space which leaks at 100 meters.  The closed drain does not hold tight and leaks

	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.44

	- 26 -
		continued
		28.03.44	North Atlantic
		03.09		600 liters/hour at depth A -30 meters.  The starboard cooling water intake hull valve is also leaking, full pressure rests on the cooling water piping.  During the patrol heavy leakage appeared through pitting and corrosion in the cooling lines, therefore, one supposes that the piping does not withstand the pressure at depths over A meters.
			Broke off the patrol and began the return transit.
		04.00	AK 2293 center-left
			SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10 (mist), 1019 mb, Vis. changing
		04.45		Outgoing Radio Message 0340/28/792:  Return transit, clear to dive to depth A -20 meters.  Exhaust gas valve is jammed, closed drain leaks heavily, further propulsion system malfunctions, 59 cbm.  AK 2269.  U-255.
		07.20		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AK 2465 upper-right
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast (mist), 8°, 1018 mb, Vis. 5-10 nm
		12.00	AK 2635 center-right
			ESE 2, overcast mist, 8°C, 1017 mb, Vis. 5-10 nm
		12.25		Dived.
		16.00	AK 2665 upper-right
		20.00	AK 2665 center	Surfaced.  HF with charging, course 180°.
			ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast mist, 8°C, 1012 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		21.40		Beginning of twilight.
		29.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2835 lower-center
			E 2, Sea 1, overcast (mist), 8°C, 1012 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AK 2895 upper-center
			ESE 4, Sea 3, overcast (mist), 1012 mb, Vis. bad, low E-swell
		07.40		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AK 0265 center
			SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast (mist), 1008 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm
		11.20		Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 6127 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 141.2 nm; Submerged 18 nm.
		16.00	AK 6151 upper-left
		20.00	AK 6154	Surfaced.
			ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast drizzle, 8°C, 1012 mb, Vis. 1-4 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.44

	- 27 -
		30.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 6427 lower-left
			E 2, Sea 2, overcast drizzle, 8°C, 1012 mb, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AK 6727 center-left
			ESE 4, Sea 3, overcast (mist), 1009 mb, Vis. bad
		07.40		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AK 9127 upper-left
			E 5, Sea 4, 9/10 (mist), 1007 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		09.40		Incoming Radio Message 0718/30/72:  Return harbor for Harms St. Nazaire.
		10.15	AK 9181	Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 9184 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 179 nm; Submerged 19.5 nm.
		16.00	AK 9817 upper-center
		20.00	AK 9422 upper-left
			E 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, 10°C, 1004 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		21.50		Beginning of twilight.
		31.03.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9481 upper-right
			ENE 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, 9°C, 1001 mb, Vis. bad
		04.00	AK 9727
			E 8, Sea 7, overcast (mist), 995 mb, Vis. bad
		08.00	AK 9784 lower-right	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
			E 8, Sea 7, overcast rain, 11°C, 992 mb, Vis. 1-3 nm
		12.00	BD 2322 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 100 nm; Submerged 31.5 nm.
		16.00	BD 2329
		20.00	BD 2361	Surfaced, HF with charging, course 180°.
		21.50		Beginning of twilight.
		01.04.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2637 upper-center
			SE 1, overcast, 11°, 998 mb, Vis. good
		04.00	BD 3738 center-right
			ESE 3, See 2, 3/10, 12°C, 997 mb, Vis. good
		07.40		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	BD 6215 upper-left
			ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 13°C, 995 mb, Vis. 9 nm
		08.32		Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -40 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.44

	- 28 -
		continued
		01.04.44	North Atlantic
		12.00	BD 6219 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 148 nm; Submerged 27.9 nm.
		16.00	BD 6251 lower-right
		19.53		Surfaced.
		20.00	BD 6255 center-right
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast mist, 986 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm
		21.50		Beginning of twilight.
		22.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  355°T, 58 nm.
		02.04.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6312 center-left
			NE 2, Sea 1, 8/10 (mist), 984 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	BD 6359 lower-right
			SE 3, Sea 2, 8/10 (rain), 984 mb, Vis. good
		07.30		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	BE 4416 lower-left
			S 3, Sea 2, 8/10 (rain), 984 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		09.06		Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -40 meters.
		12.00	BE 4461 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 157 nm; Submerged 22.5 nm.
		16.00	BE 4438 center
		20.00	BE 4463 upper-center
			S 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 13°C, 985 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		21.40		Beginning of twilight.
		03.04.44	North Atlantic
			BE 4591 upper-right
			SSW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 18°C, 986 mb, Vis. good
		02.00 - 03.00		Clocks set to German Summer Time.
		04.00	BE 4679 center-right
			SSW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, (rain), 987 mb, Vis. good
		07.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	BE 5717 upper-right
			SSW 2, Sea 2, 4/10 (rain), 989 mb, Vis. good
		09.45		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  55°T, 2 nm.
		10.12		Dived, proceeding submerged at depth A -30 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.44

	- 29 -
		continued
		03.04.44	Central Atlantic
		12.00	BE 5753 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 172 nm; Submerged 21.6 nm.
		16.00	BE 5661 upper-right
		20.00	BE 5762
		20.43		Surfaced.
		21.50		Beginning of twilight.
		04.04.44	Central Atlantic
		00.00	BE 5853 lower-left
			SSW 3, Sea 2, 4/10 (rain), 994 mb, Vis. good
		04.00	BE 5973 center-right
			SSW 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), 13°C, 998 mb, Vis. good
		07.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	BE 9111 lower-right
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, 2/10, 14°C, 1002 mb, Vis. 15-20 nm
		09.30	BE 9122	Dived.
		12.00	BE 9122	Day's run:  Surfaced 166.4 nm; Submerged 21.8 nm.
		16.00	BE 9123
		20.00	BE 9131
		21.50		Surfaced to charge.
		05.04.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 9219 upper-right
			WSW 1, Sea 1, blue sky, 14°C, 1016 mb, Vis. good
		02.00	BE 6897	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		04.00	BE 6898
		12.00	BE 6977	Day's run:  Surfaced 67 nm; Submerged 34.5 nm.
		16.00	BE 6978
		16.20		Incoming Radio Message 1139/5/742:  Until further notice, for radio deception all returning boats in the area south of the latitude of 4355 and between the longitudes of 4615 and 6415 send a Short Signal or Radio Message.  All BE.
		20.00	BE 6979 center
		22.02		Surfaced to charge, 2 x HF, course 110°.
		22.16	BE 6987	Naxos detection, dived depth A -30 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.44

	- 30 -
		06.04.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 6988 lower-center	Surfaced to charge.
			E 2, Sea 1, overcast, 13°C, 1019 mb, Vis. good
		04.00	BF 4779 upper-left
			ENE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, rain, 1017 mb, Vis. medium
		04.35	BF 4787	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 4788 lower-left
		12.00	BF 4789 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 65.8 nm; Submerged 33 nm.
		16.00	BF 4797
		20.00	BF 4798 lower-left
		07.04.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4799 lower-left	Surfaced to charge, 2 x HF, course 100°.
			E 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 14°C, 1012 mb, Vis. good
		04.00	BF 7266 upper-right	Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
			E 3, Sea 2, overcast (mist), 13°C, 1012 mb, Vis. moderate
		08.00	BF 7344 upper-right
		12.00	BF 7345	Day's run:  Surfaced 50 nm; Submerged 34 nm.
		16.00	BF 7354
		20.00	BF 7355 upper-left
		23.58		Surfaced to charge.
		23.00		Incoming Radio Message 1630/7/777:  On 8 April at 08.00 hours Harms switch Coastal Circuit.
		08.04.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7456 upper-right
		00.13		Naxos detection, dived.
		01.03		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 8121 upper-right
			ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast, 13°C, 1013 mb, Vis. good
		05.11	BF 4999	Dived, depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 5774 center-left
		12.00	BF 5771 lower-right corner
		16.00	BF 5772 lower-right
		09.04.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5757 upper-right	Surfaced to charge.
			SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast rain, 14°C, 1008 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.44

	- 31 -
		continued
		09.04.44	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 5874 upper-center
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast rain, 14°C, 1008 mb, Vis. variable
		04.04		Outgoing Short Signal:  0404/9/89:  Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  U-255.
		04.08		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -40 meters.
		08.00	BF 5872 upper-right
		12.00	BF 5849 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 48.8 nm; Submerged 36 nm.
		16.00	BF 5857 center
		20.00	BF 5855 center
		20.10		Incoming Radio Message 1104/9/95:  Harms from 7.U.Flottille.
				Escort positioned on 11 April 1944 at 05.00 hours Herz 439.
		22.39		Surfaced to charge.
		10.04.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5894 upper-center
			S 1, Sea 1, blue sky, 13°C, 1023 mb, Vis. very good
		00.40		Incoming Radio Message 2116/9/5:  Vogler, Mahrholz, Harms.
				1)  For admission escort commander places short red with top lantern or N.S.A.  In poor weather, if U-boat is not at the admission point at the appointed time, a star cluster cartridge is fired.  Repeated half-hourly at non-arrival.  In fog, bearing signals in accordance with Serial Order 30.
		00.45		Incoming Radio Message 2159/9/6:
				2)  On 10 April a flight of Ju 88 close escort for Mahrholz.  On 11 April for Harms.  Arrival at about 07.30 hours.
				3)  Volger expect overflight by Ju 88.     F.d.U. West.
		01.14		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -40 meters.
		04.00	BF 9111 upper-right
		08.00	BF 9113 upper-left
		12.00	BF 9121 upper-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 31.2 nm; Submerged 38.5 nm.
		16.00	BF 6777 lower-center
		20.00	BF 6778 upper-x
		23.50		Surfaced, proceeding on the surface to enter port.
		11.04.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 6781 center-left
			SW 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 13°C, 1022 mb, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.44

	- 32 -
		continued
		11.04.44
		00.24	BF 6754	Naxos detection, dived to depth A -50 meters.
		00.52		Surfaced, on deploying the Naxos roaring loud detection, immediately dived again.
		02.24		Surfaced, proceeding on the surface 2 x HF, zig zag course by 30°.
		04.37	BF 6741	2 fishing vessels with working lights, range 3000 meters.
		06.05		Star signal cluster from escort bearing 100°T.
		06.40		Taken under escort, 4 M-boats and 1 speerbrecher.
		07.30		10 Ju 88 fly close escort.
		08.00	BF 6463
			SW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, 14°°, 1022 mb, Vis. 20 nm
		09.35	BF 6517	Suddenly the Ju 88s are in combat with enemy aircraft.  They attack us with onboard weapons.  I hold myself under the cover of the M-boats as much as possible.  The impacts of heavy aircraft weapons are short.  An aircraft attacks from starboard with cannons.  With AK I get a little ahead of the cover of the convoy commander.  Impacts are up to 20 meters astern.  The Ju 88s and the enemy aircraft are in a fantastic air combat.  One cannot say what are our own or enemy aircraft, the enemy are also 2-engined, I estimate at minimum 10 attackers, 3 crashes are observed, cannot determine if they are ours or enemy.  The speerbrecher has been hit, burns and sheers out.
		10.20		The aircraft have all disappeared, we are again well organized.   No hits, running now at highest speed still with 2 M-boats.
		11.40		Made fast in the outer harbor at St. Nazaire, report to Flottille Chef.
				After over 4-months shipyard time boat and crew needed a patrol.  For the most part the new and inexperienced crewmen were heavily stressed by the heavy weather during the most of the patrol but all adapted well to the changed conditions.  There were only few cases of prolonged sea sicknesses. Except for minor colds no diseases, the supply of provisions was very good and appropriate.

Sun and Moon Data 11.04.44

	- 33 -
				Unfortunately, the boat did not gain contact again on convoy sighted only briefly 9 March, so only one destroyer was sunk from it.   The mood and cheerfulness of the whole crew was very good throughout the entire voyage.  Excellent fighting spirit prevailed after the first aircraft attack on 11 March, as fear of the aircraft was overcome.   The same was the case with the second aircraft attack on 11 April.  The severely wounded Masch.Gefr. Nothnick, displayed an exemplary attitude.   It is a joy to serve with a such a crew.
				The installed, overhauled diesels have disappointed There were malfunctions and failures not expected in overhauled engines.
				Oberleutnant z.See d.R. and Kommandant

	Enclosures to U-255's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Track Chart	Track Chart of entire patrol             26 February to 11 April 1944

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	On the K.T.B. of "U-255" (Harms) from 19.9.43 - 11.4.1944.
	The boat assigned up to now in the [European] North Sea has proved itself well on its first Atlantic enterprise.  The convoy was energetically and purposefully attacked, the destroyer paid for forcing the boat away with its sinking. The aircraft attacks were repelled successfully.  The crew adapted to the new combat conditions and proved itself.
	Accredited success:  1 destroyer sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations -

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