U-269 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Skjomenfjord	5 September 1943	Bergen	8 September 1943	4
Bergen	4 November 1943	St. Nazaire	15 December 1943	42

 

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

None

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.

---

			3rd Patrol                                                                        Copy No.      1
				Geheime-Kommandosache!
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "U  269".
			Beginning:	4.9.  1943.
			Ending    :	15.12.1943
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant    H  a  r  l  f  i  n  g  e  r.
			Distribution:     O.K.M. Copy No. 1 - 2 B.d.U.     "      " 3 Komd.Adm.U.-Boote     "      " 4 F.d.U. West     "      " 5 F.d.U.-Ausbildung     "      " 6 27. U.-Flottille     "      " 7 6.   U.-Flottille     "      " 8
			Enclosures:     1 Track chart For Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 x Combat sketches   "       "       " 3 and 8 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log   "       "       " 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 K.T.B. Maschine   "       "       " 3
			Supplemental for F.d.U. West: Barograph strips could not be enclosed because the same was out of service from the beginning of the patrol.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		1943		Month of September 1943.
		04.09.43	Vestfjord
		20.30	Narvik	Cast off.
				Shifted to Skjomenfjord.
		23.50	Skjomenfjord	Made fast alongside "KÄRNTEN" for fuel loading.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		05.09.43	Skjomenfjord
		19.00	Skjomenfjord	Cast off "KÄRNTEN".
				Transit to Bergen.
		24.00	AF 3391
			SSW 3, Sea 1-2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		06.09.43	AF 3582
		08.00	AF 3582
			SSW 3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb
		12.00	AF 3489	Day's run:  Surfaced 177 nm
			SW 2, Sea 1, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb
		16.00	AF 3717
			SW 2-4, Sea 2-3, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1022 mb
		20.00	AF 2997
			SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		24.00	AF 5349
			SW 4, Sea 3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		07.09.43	North Sea
		04.00	AF 5539
			WbyS 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		07.09.43
		08.00	AF 5588
			WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		12.00	AF 5872	Day's run:  Surfaced 274 nm
			WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. low, 1020 mb
		16.00	AF 8162
			W 2, Sea 1-2, nearly cloudy, Vis. low, 1019 mb
		20.00	AF 8425
			W 2-3, Sea 1-2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb
		24.00	AF 8477
			W 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		08.09.43	West of Norway
		04.00	AF 8777
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, 1018 mb
		08.00	AN 2362
			W 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1012 mb
		10.15	Hellisøy	Taken in convoy.
		14.00	Bergen Marineholm	Made fast.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		09.09.43	Bergen
		08.00	Marineholm	Cast off.
		08.50	Askøy	Torpedo offload.
		15.15	Askøy	Cast off.
		16.00	Marineholm	Made fast
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		11.09.43	Bergen
			Danziger Werft	Began shipyard period.
		25.09.43	"           "	Dry-docked.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43

	- 3 -
		09.10.43	Danziger Werft	Un-docked.
		20.10.43	"           "	Installation of weapons.
		23.10.43	Bergen
		09.00	Danziger Werft	Cast off for shipyard sea trial.
		17.30	"           "	Made fast.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
				Final adjustments
		28.10.43	Bergen
		08.00	Danziger Werft	Cast off for Askøy to load torpedoes.
		15.00	Askøy	Cast off.
		16.05	Marineholm	Made fast.  Ammunition loading and fuel loading.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		29.10.43	Bergen
			Marineholm	Provisions loading.
		30.10.43		Final adjustments and training.
		31.10.43	Byfjorden	Degaussing and training.
		01.11.43	"
		02.11.43	"	2 cm weapons fired, training.
				Dry-docked and un-docked to redistribute ballast.
		03.11.43		Radio direction finder and magnetic compass calibration.
				Training.
		04.11.43	Bergen
		08.00	Marineholm	Departed to shoot (2 cm weapons and for magnetic compass calibration)
		12.00	"	Made fast.
		14.30	"	Cast off for final trim test.
		16.30	Byfjorden	Taken in convoy.
		19.30	Hellesøy	Released from convoy.
				Departed for patrol in accordance with Operational Orders Gkdos Skl.B.d.U.-Op- 00212/Fn A2:
				Outbound Orders "U-962" and "U-269".
				1)  Depart Bergen on 3 November with escort.
				2)  Outbound transit via square AE 60 and 80 and AK 91 in accordance with Outbound Orders No. 13.
				3)  Objective: "U-962" green square Sophie Richard 11.  "U-269" square AK 57.
				4)  Radio Silence except for tactically important and war emergency reports.
				5)  Passing report first on request.  Operations Order 56 in effect.
		20.00	Hellesøy	Due to K.B. schedule delay departed on 4 instead of the anticipated 3 November 1943.  [K.B. - presumably Kriegsmarinewerft Bergen]
			SEbyS 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, 1013 mb

Sun and Moon Data 04.11.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		04.11.43
		24.00	AF 8779
			SEbyS 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. bad, 1011 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		05.11.43	Northern North Sea
		05.15	AF 4934
			SEbyS 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, 1021 mb, +18°C
		08.00	AF 7667	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		11.35	AF 7665	Surfaced.
		12.00	AF 7658	Day's run:  Surfaced       122 nm
			S 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1014 mb, +17°C	Submerged     25 nm
				Total             147 nm
		16.00	AF 7619	Proceeded on the surface to charge.
		20.00	AF 7378
			S 4, Sea 3-4, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1010 mb
		22.03	AF 7238	Presented Radio Message 2049/5/69:
				1)  From now Wanze (G 1) is not to be used.  Will be replaced by Wanze (G 2) or Borkum receiver.
				2)   Outbound and inbound boats east of 18°W, boats departing from the homeland up to and including naval square AE radio reception only via very low frequency with dived boat.  Short-wave receiver on the surface in these areas only when equipped with receiver type "Main".  Do not use receiver "E 437S" in these areas.
		23.07	AF 7238	Dived, proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		06.11.43	Northern of the North Sea
		04.00	AF 7238
		06.xx	AF 7234	Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface to charge.
		08.00	AF 7231
		09.00	AF 4897	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AF 4886	Day's run:  Surfaced       40.7 nm
				Submerged    38.0 nm
				Total             79.7 nm
		16.00	AF 4835
			NW 4, Sea 2-3, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1008 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		06.11.43
		23.02	AF 4854	Surfaced to charge.
			NW 5, Sea 3-4, cloudy, rain shower, 1010 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		07.11.43	Northern North Sea
		01.40	AF 4763	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		08.55	AF 4737	Surfaced to charge.
		11.29	AF 4726	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AF 4726	Day's run:  Surfaced       43.7 nm
				Submerged   44.6 nm
				Total             88.3 nm
		17.37	AF 4724	Presented Radio Message 1651/7/129:
				Harlfinger and Liesberg switch to Ireland Circuit on 8 November at 08.00 hours.  Both boats report their position passing the latitude of square AL 14.
		18.31	AF 4724	Surfaced to charge.
		21.38	AF 4711	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 17 meters for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		08.11.43	North Atlantic
		05.53	AE 6698	Surfaced to charge.
			S 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, 1005 mb
		07.55	AE 6696	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AE 6685	Day's run:  Surfaced       33 nm
				Submerged   31 nm
				Total             64 nm
		14.45	AE 6683	Surfaced to charge.
		16.00	AE 6672
			SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1001 mb, +4°C
		17.41	AE 6569	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 15 meters for radio reception.
		18.10	AE 6569	Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.43

	- 6 -
		09.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.34	AE 6559	Surfaced to charge.
		04.00	AE 6573
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3, light Swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1004 mb, +4°C
		04.11	AE 6573	Dived due to aircraft with searchlight in 75°T, course 250°.
				Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AE 6499	Day's run:  Surfaced       50.9 nm
				Submerged   50.8 nm
				Total           101.7 nm
		12.54	AE 6499	Surfaced to charge.
		15.59	AE 6728	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 15 meters for radio reception, then to depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		10.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.18	AE 6746	Surfaced to charge.
		04.34	AE 5995	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
			WSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. low, rain, 998 mb
		12.00	AE 5997	Day's run:  Surfaced       61.6 nm
				Submerged   29.8 nm
				Total             91.4 nm
		13.20	AE 8323	Surfaced to charge.
		16.06	AE 8327	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		11.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.02	AE 8345	Surfaced to charge.
			W 5-6, Sea 4, moderately cloudy, Vis. low, 1010 mb
		04.15	AE 8269	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AE 8294	Day's run:  Surfaced       44 nm
				Submerged   37 nm
				Total             83 nm
		12.35	AE 8294	Surfaced to charge.
			NNW 8, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. good, 1001 mb
		15.57	AE 8535	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.43

	- 7 -
		12.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.27	AE 8519	Surfaced to charge.
		04.00	AE 8545
			NNW 7-8, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good, 1008 mb
		05.46	AE 8466	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AE 8492	Day's run:  Surfaced       36 nm
				Submerged   30 nm
				Total             66 nm
		13.26	AE 8492	Surfaced to charge.
		15.08	AE 8491	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 250°T, (type not determined) course southerly.  Range 10000 meters.  Was not noticed.
			NNW 7, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1006 mb
				Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		22.40	AE 8722	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		13.11.43	North Atlantic
		03.02	AE 8716	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AE 8744	Day's run:  Surfaced       26 nm
				Submerged   40 nm
				Total             66 nm
		12.32	AE 8744	Surfaced to charge.
			NbyE 7, Sea 5, moderately cloudy, Vis. low, 1017 mb
		16.01	AE 7991	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		22.45	AE 7988	Surfaced to charge.
		23.01	AE 7985	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		14.11.43	North Atlantic
		03.51	AL 3113	Surfaced to charge.
		07.40	AL 2256	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 2258	Day's run:  Surfaced       68 nm
				Submerged   33 nm
				Total           101 nm
		15.55	AL 2257	Surfaced to charge.
			N 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, 1035 mb
		20.28	AL 2332	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.43

	- 8 -
		15.11.43	North Atlantic
		02.27	AL 2373	Surfaced to charge.
		04.00	AL 2513	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 34 nm in 196°T.
			N 2, Sea 1, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1038 mb
		05.31	AL 2515	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 1662	Day's run:  Surfaced       77 nm
				Submerged   35 nm
				Total           112 nm
		14.23	AL 1667	Surfaced to charge.
		16.57	AL 1673	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		16.11.43	North Atlantic
		00.35	AL 1675	Surfaced to charge.
		03.38	AL 1677	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		03.59	AL 1677	Presented Radio Message 2052/15/112:
				1.  Gossler Short Signal weather report, Dültgen and Herwartz position and fuel.
				2.  New objective for Liesberg, Petersen and Harlfinger is square AK 93.
				3.  Witzendorf and Davidson switch to Coastal Circuit on 16 November .
		03.27	AL 1677	Sent Short Signal 0327/16/117:
				Have reached prescribed line to give check report.
				"U-269"
		12.00	AL 1736	Day's run:  Surfaced       55 nm
			SW 3, Sea 2, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1035 mb	Submerged   30 nm
				Total            85 nm
		12.38	AL 1736	Surfaced to charge.
		15.56	AL 1765	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		17.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.15	AL 1794	Surfaced to charge.
			SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good, 1034 mb
		04.21	AL 1989	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		17.11.43
		12.00	AL 4126	Day's run:  Surfaced       61 nm
				Submerged   37 nm
				Total            98 nm
		13.13	AL 4128	Surfaced to ventilate.
		13.38	AL 4128	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		21.36	AL 4152	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		18.11.43	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 4473
			SSW 3, Sea 2-3, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1039 mb
		04.15	AL 4473	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 4448	Day's run:  Surfaced       73 nm
				Submerged   31 nm
				Total           104 nm
		13.18	AL 4473	Surfaced to ventilate.
			SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. low, 1040 mb
		13.52	AL 4473	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		17.16	AL 4473	Presented Radio Message 2170/17/148:
				1)  Bruns, Hellrigel and Mattke switch to Ireland Circuit on 18 November at 08.00 hours.  Boats report their position when passing the latitude of square AL 15.
				2)  Harlfinger tonight send 2 Radio Messages one of which is a Short Signal weather report.
		21.26	AL 4714	Surfaced to charge.
		23.50	AL 4721	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		19.11.43	North Atlantic
		02.08	AL 4744	Surfaced to charge.
			SSW 3, Sea 2-3, nearly cloudy, Vis. low, 1040 mb
		02.52	AL 4744	Sent Short Signal weather report.
		05.37	AK 6969	Sent Radio Message 0232/19/184:
				Sent Radio Message and Short Signal weather report first tonight due to late reception.  Serial No. 148.  Naval square AL 4744, 99 cbm.
		05.48	AK 6969	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		19.11.43
		12.00	AK 9391	Day's run:  Surfaced       65 nm
				Submerged   29 nm
				Total            94 nm
		13.22	AK 9391	Surfaced to ventilate.
		13.45	AK 9394	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		21.02	AK 9367	Surfaced to charge.
		23.42	AK 9625	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		20.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.27	AK 9628	Presented Radio Message 1314/19/197:
				1)  As temporary attack areas occupy:  Liesberg square AL 71, 74 and 77.  Harlfinger square 72, 75 and 78 all square AL.
		02.50	AK 9628	Surfaced to charge.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, moderately cloudy, Vis. medium
		06.00	AL 7544	Reached ordered attack area.  Monitored the ordered area at economical transit speed on northerly and southerly legs.
		06.28	AL 7418	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7545	Day's run:  Surfaced       57 nm
				Submerged   33 nm
				Total            90 nm
		14.17	AL 7546	Surfaced to ventilate.
		14.40	AL 7546	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.30	AL 7557	Surfaced to charge.
		23.46	AL 7582	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		21.11.43	North Atlantic
		03.07	AL 7585	Surfaced to charge.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, rain, Vis. moderate
		09.01	AL 7858	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7885	Day's run:  Surfaced       91 nm
				Submerged   26 nm
				Total           117 nm
		16.37	AL 7888	Surfaced to ventilate.
		16.52	AL 7888	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		21.11.43
		20.10	BE 1123	Surfaced to charge.
		22.43	BE 1133	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		22.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.17	AL 7899	Surfaced to charge.
		09.03	AL 7839	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7833	Day's run:  Surfaced       67 nm
				Submerged   27 nm
				Total             94 nm
		15.07	AL 7596	Surfaced to ventilate.
		15.28	AL 7596	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.39	AL 7569	Surfaced to charge.
		23.29	AL 7536	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		23.11.43
		01.51	AL 7291	Surfaced to charge.
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad, 1002 mb
		09.06	AL 7256	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7255	Day's run:  Surfaced       61 nm
				Submerged   32 nm
				Total             93 nm
		16.16	AL 7251	Surfaced to ventilate.
		16.30	AL 7251	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.56	AL 7237	Surfaced to charge.
		21.15	AL 4873	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix in 35°T, 40 nm.
		23.49	AL 4887	Naxos detection.  Dived.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		24.11.43	North Atlantic
		01.30	AL 4887	Surfaced to charge.
		09.28	AL 7254	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7267	Day's run:  Surfaced       100 nm
				Submerged    27 nm
				Total            127 nm
		14.42	AL 7257	Surfaced to ventilate.
		15.07	AL 7291	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.44	AL 7292	Surfaced to charge.
			NNW 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1001 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		25.11.43	North Atlantic
		07.44	AL 7568	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AK 7592	Day's run:  Surfaced       62 nm
				Submerged   21 nm
				Total             83 nm
		16.05	AL 7595	Surfaced to ventilate.
			NNW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, Vis. good, 1005 mb
		16.21	AL 7595	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		20.10	AL 7585	Surfaced to charge.
		22.26	AL 7585	Presented Radio Message 1842/25/175:
				Due to intended convoy operation boats maintain radio silence between the latitudes of AL 19 and 77 except for tactically important reports.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		26.11.43	North Atlantic
		02.47	AL 7813	Dived for radio reception.
		08.08	AL 7828	Surfaced to charge.
		09.47	AL 7823	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7832	Day's run:  Surfaced       45 nm
				Submerged   35 nm
				Total             80 nm
		16.43	AL 7894	Surfaced to ventilate.
		17.50	AL 7895	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		20.35	AL 7893	Surfaced to charge.
			WNW 4-5, Sea 4, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1006 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		27.11.43	North Atlantic
		02.44	AL 7831	Dived for radio reception.
		04.18	AL 7813	Surfaced to charge.
		09.58	AL 7538	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7564	Day's run:  Surfaced       71 nm
				Submerged   23 nm
				Total             94 nm
		17.08	AL 7337	Surfaced to ventilate.
		17.35	AL 7537	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 40 meters.
		20.17	AL 7298	Surfaced to charge.
			NW 5, Sea 4-5, moderate overcast, Vis. good, 1007 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________

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

	- 13 -
		continued
		28.11.43	North Atlantic
		02.x3	AL 7283	Dived for radio reception.
		04.41	AL 7258	Surfaced to charge.
			NWbyW 5, Sea 4, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1010 mb
		09.34	AL 7522	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7588	Day's run:  Surfaced       59 nm
				Submerged   27 nm
				Total             86 nm
		16.07	AL 7288	Surfaced to ventilate.
		16.38	AL 7258	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		20.15	AL 7228	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		29.11.43	North Atlantic
		09.40	AL 7586	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7583	Day's run:  Surfaced       72 nm
				Submerged   22 nm
				Total             94 nm
		15.30	AL 7552	Surfaced to ventilate.
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1011 mb
		16.12	AL 7567	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.31	AL 7561	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		30.11.43	North Atlantic
		09.57	AL 7534	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7231	Day's run:  Surfaced       82 nm
				Submerged   21 nm
				Total           103 nm
		14.16	AL 7231	Presented Radio Message 1249/30/150:
				To boats in square AL 10, 40 and 70:
				In the named sea area at the moment one west- and 2 eastbound convoys are expected.  On sighting the same give report and use offered attack opportunities.  Boats positioned favorably, which can approach in the night, operate may operate on it.
		19.42	AL 7264	Surfaced to charge.
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1012 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.43

	- 14 -
				Month of December 1943.
		01.12.43	North Atlantic
		09.40	AL 7531	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7531	Day's run:  Surfaced       56 nm
				Submerged   17 nm
				Total             73 nm
		16.44	AL 7556	Surfaced to ventilate.
			SbyW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1010 mb
		17.08	AL 7556	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		20.05	AL 7559	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		02.12.43	North Atlantic
		09.48	AL 7888	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	BD 1123	Day's run:  Surfaced       74 nm
				Submerged    22 nm
				Total             96 nm
		16.00	AL 7888	Surfaced to ventilate.
			NE 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb
		16.29	AL 7888	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 40 meters.
		20.03	AL 7885	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		03.12.43	North Atlantic
		04.58		Presented Radio Message 1323/2/193:
				1.  Bugs, Geider, Lawaetz, Mattke, Benker, Colbus, Blauert, Petersen, Harlfinger, Bruno, Schröteler, Neide form Group "Coronel".
				2.  With named boats intend on 5 December 12.00 hours to establish a patrol line from about square [omited text - AL 1982 to] AL 7195 for night operation on a slow westbound convoy.  Proceed with course and speed such that arrival in position is unseen.
				3.  On 4 and 5 December there will be reconnaissance of the area east of the line by own air.  More to follow.
		10.04	AL 7553	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	AL 7526	Day's run:  Surfaced        83 nm
				Submerged    28 nm
				Total            111 nm

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

	- 15 -
		continued
		03.12.43
		16.20	AL 7523	Surfaced to ventilate.
		16.45	AL 7523	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
		19.43	AL 7269	Surfaced to charge.
			NE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		04.12.43	North Atlantic
		10.13	AL 4881	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix in 156°T, 16 nm.
			AL 4884	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.
				Afterwards slowly went to depth 2A +10 meters, to check around the manhole cover for main ballast tank 3 which was repacked the previous day.
		11.10		After checking the bilges and outboard closures 2 one after another strong knocking sounds, together with strong concussion of the boat.  Immediate "Blow!" and "Both motors ahead GF" ordered.  Despite this initially the boat settled to about depth 2A +40 meters.  Report from the diesel room:  "Water intake through the drain of the diesel air intake duct!".
		11.26		Surfaced and began return transit because the following damage was determined:  Regulating and reserve fuel oil tank port and diesel air intake duct between the head and foot valve dented and torn.
				Boat was not clear to dive for about 1/2 hour, because the drain valve and diesel air intake head valve could not be closed.  Assumed that the boat was not clear to dive because the possibility exists that the pressure hull is damaged.  Therefore when surfacing manned anti-aircraft weapons and the crew "Ready with life vests".
		12.00	AL 4828	Day's run:  Surfaced       79 nm
			NE 5, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1027 mb	Submerged    19 nm
				Total             98 nm
		14.37	AL 7225	Outgoing Radio Message 1549/4/123:
				From Harlfinger:
				Limited ability to dive.  Diesel air intake duct and regulating and reserve fuel oil tank port torn.  Have begun return transit.  AL 7225.  70 cbm.
				By all available means pumped out the penetrated water and then carried out a careful trim test at periscope depth.  In so doing determined that the pressure hull was not damaged.  Report from the Chief Engineer: "Boat is divable to depth A -40 meters".  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		23.30	AL 7588
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43

	- 16 -
		05.12.43	North Atlantic
		01.05	AL 7822	Surfaced to charge.
		03.49		Presented Radio Message 1705/4/126:
				Group Coronal:
				1.  Contrary to previous orders:  On 5 December, 18.00 hours with 15 boats without Harlfinger in new patrol line positioned from AK 6689 to AL 7781.  Surface at 18.30 hours.
				2. On 5 December 08.00 hours switch to Diana Circuit.
		09.32	BE 1188	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BE 1425	Day's run:  Surfaced      201 nm
				Submerged      8 nm
				Total            209 nm
		15.23	BE 1428	Surfaced to ventilate.
			N 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb
		15.43	BE 1428	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		19.58	BE 1452	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		06.12.43	North Atlantic
		09.31	BE 1921	2 smoke feathers bearing 8°T, range 28000 meters closing quickly in the morning twilight.
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, horizon moderately clouded, otherwise Vis. good, 1024 mb
		09.41	BE 1921	Dived to periscope depth.
		10.30		Smoke feathers clearly distinguished in the periscope, still not possible to distinguish vessel type, took directly ahead.
				"To Action Stations".
		12.00	BE 1922	Day's run:  Surfaced      142 nm
				Submerged    18 nm
				Total            160 nm
				New sound band reported bearing 70°T.  (Because sound band is relatively small (1-2°) suspect that I am positioned ahead of the convoy.)
				Sound bearing taken directly ahead.
				In the meantime the two initially sighted smoke feathers were recognized as destroyers and have turned away to starboard, bearing 270°T, range 7000 meters.  One corvette bearing 50°T, bow right, target angle 50°, range 8000 meters and a second on 100°T, range 6000 meters, coming a bit closer, zigzagging.  At intervals scare depth charges are heard.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		06.12.43
		12.16		The horizon has grown clearer, the overlying cloud edge has lifted.
				Convoy in sight bearing 65°, bow right target angle 90°, range 10000-12000 meters, took directly ahead.  Convoy proceeds in line ahead, in the outer column 16 steamers counted.  Other columns are not observed.
		12.56		Convoy steamers pass out of sight.
		13.30		The closest corvette has come closer.  Took astern, turned to 280°.
		13.53		Last visual bearing of the convoy (screen) bearing 160°T, range 18000 meters.  (smoke feathers)
				Sound bearing shortly before surfacing bearing 245°T, presumably a destroyer of the aft screen.
				"Secured from Action Stations".
		14.04	BE 1935	Surfaced.  Pursued on the last sound bearing.
			NNE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1024 mb
		14.10	BE 1935)	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 0°T in 30 nm.
			BE 1665)
		14.14		Sent Short Signal 1414/6/147:
				Convoy in BE 19.    "U-269"
		14.20	BE 1665	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 350°T, range 10000 meters, altitude 700-800 meters, course westerly, type presumably Sunderland.
		14.58	BE 1665	Surfaced.
				Attempted to send a new Short Signal, did not succeed, because
		15.04	BE 1665	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 160°T, range 8000 meters, altitude 600-700 meters, course westerly, type land-based aircraft.
				Engine malfunction corrected.  (Re-tightened the clutch)
		16.23	BE 1665	Surfaced.
				Sent Short Signal 1626/6/150:
				Convoy speed 5-7 knots, steered southerly course, convoy has air escort.
		16.37		Smoke cloud in sight bearing 250°T, range 25000 meters.
		16.42	BE 1664	Crash dive before aircraft bearing 180°T, range 10000 meters, altitude 200 meters, course easterly, type land-based aircraft.
				(Main transmitter out of service, water through the air intake.)

Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		06.12.43
		18.00		Aircraft disappeared from sight in the periscope after large west and east legs.  Last bearing 230°T, range 6000-7000 meters.
		18.39	BE 1659	Surfaced.
		19.04		Smoke clouds were getting bigger.  Decreased with the speed.  Pursued again at highest speed.  Due to clutch damage highest speed was 2 x HF.
		20.48		Attempted to send a Radio Message report with the 40-Watt transmitter concerning loss of contact.  Was not confirmed by Control.
		21.06		Reduced speed, because the clutch ran hot.
		21.53	BE 1637	Dived.  Naxos detection.
				Clutch repaired.
		22.49		Presented Radio Message 1706/6/151:
				Harlfinger report immediately, what was sighted, important for approach of Weddigen, if a convoy with certainty and exact speed and course.
		23.06		Presented Radio Message 1445/6/148:
				Harlfinger immediately report the course of the convoy.
		23.15	BE 1912	Surfaced.
				With a large SE-leg and afterwards SSW-leg, searchrd the area where I presumed the convoy to be, if it did not encounter group "Weddigen".
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		07.12.43	North Atlantic
		04.07		Sent Radio Message 0123/7/161:
				Main transmitter out of service.  Last convoy position 19.35 hours naval square BE 1676, course south, 16 ships per column, strong day air.  Contact lost.  21.50 hours Naxos detection.  Position naval square BE 1924, NNE 3, Sea 2, medium-Swell, Vis. changing, 60 cbm.
		09.49	BE 4269	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		11.12		Presented Radio Message 1103/7/92:
				Return harbor for Harlfinger is "Nazaire".
				F.d.U. West.
		12.00	BE 4269	Day's run:  Surfaced      183 nm
				Submerged    22 nm
				Total            205 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		07.12.43
		15.21	BE 4269	Surfaced to charge.
		15.42	BE 4347	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
			NbyE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb
		20.08	BE 4348	Surfaced to charge.
		23.34		Sent Short Signal:  2334/7/98:
				Have begun return transit.  BE 4389.
				"U-269"
		23.45	BE 5184	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		08.12.43	North Atlantic
		01.40	BE 4395	Surfaced to charge.
		09.28	BE 9511	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BE 5512	Day's run:  Surfaced      117 nm
				Submerged    25 nm
				Total            142 nm
		16.27	BE 5513	Surfaced to ventilate.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		16.50	BE 5521	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		17.27		Presented Radio Message 0029/8/99:
				Serial No. 98 settled.  Contents:  Have begun return transit from naval square BE 4389.  Signature not solved.  Assume was Henke.
		20.00	BE 5523	Surfaced to charge.
		23.49	BE 5618	Dived for radio reception.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		09.12.43	North Atlantic
		01.24	BE 5619	Surfaced to charge.
		09.06	BE 6464	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		08.49		Sent Radio Message 0825/9/15:
				From Harlfinger.  Serial No. 98 is from me.
		12.00	BE 6465	Day's run:  Surfaced      143.5 nm
				Submerged      25 nm
				Total            168.5 nm
		14.00	BE 6465	Surfaced to ventilate.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb
		14.37	BE 6469	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		19.46	BE 6573	Surfaced to ventilate.
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.43

	- 20 -
		10.12.43	North Atlantic
		01.52	BE 6679	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		06.12	BE 6688	Surfaced to charge.
		08.03	BE 6931	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BE 6931	Day's run:  Surfaced        88 nm
				Submerged     24 nm
				Total            112 nm
		14.23	BE 6932	Surfaced to ventilate.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, light changing Swell, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1030 mb
		14.54	BE 6933	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		19.53	BF 4711	Surfaced to charge.
		23.09	BF 4731	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		11.12.43	North Atlantic
		04.56	BF 4819	Surfaced to charge.
		07.40	BF 4853	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BF 4864	Day's run:  Surfaced        62 nm
				Submerged     30 nm
				Total              92 nm
		15.02	BF 4865	Surfaced to ventilate.
		15.26	BF 4866	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
			NE 3-4, Sea 2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1030 mb
		19.23	BF 4865	Surfaced to charge.
		22.48	BF 4948	Aircraft bearing 180°T, range 500-600 meters, altitude 100 meters, flew directly over, without attacking, course 0°, type 4-engined.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		12.12.43	Western Bay of Biscay
		01.01	BF 4957	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		03.37	BF 4958	Surfaced to charge.
		07.37	BF 4996	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BF 5775	Day's run:  Surfaced         96 nm
				Submerged     24 nm
				Total             120 nm

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

	- 21 -
		continued
		12.12.43
		15.22	BF 5776	Surfaced to charge.
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, freshening, cloudy, Vis. moderate, 1027 mb
		15.47	BF 5787	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		19.37	BF 5788	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		13.12.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.37	BF 8314	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		05.00	BF 8324	Surfaced to charge.
		07.03		Sent Short Signal 0703/13/61:
				Am 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
				"U-269"
		07.17	BF 8334	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BF 8336	Day's run:  Surfaced        72 nm
				Submerged     28 nm
				Total             100 nm
		15.38	BF 9117	Surfaced to ventilate.
			ENE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. bad, 1018 mb
		15.57	BF 1917 [typo 9117]	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		22.55	BF 9124	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		14.12.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.55		Presented Radio Message 0901/13/62:
				"U-269":
				Escort positioned on 15 December 08.00 hours Herz 439.
				6. U-Flottille.
		03.55	BF 9134	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		05.55	BF 9132	Surfaced to charge.
		06.59	BF 6788	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		12.00	BF 6782	Day's run:  Surfaced        57 nm
				Submerged     28 nm
				Total              85 nm
		15.22	BF 6738	Surfaced to ventilate and take bearings.
			ENE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. bad, 1019 mb	Sighted 2 Spanish trawlers each to port and starboard, they steered southerly courses.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		14.12.43
		16.58	BF 6757	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		23.49	BF 6734	Surfaced to charge.
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		15.12.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.05	BF 6729	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 228°T, 13 nm.
		01.49	BF 6731	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.
		05.50	BF 6497	Surfaced.
		07.55	BF 6493	Meeting point with escort.
			NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. bad, fog, Vis. 0.5 nm, 1022 mb	Escort not met due to fog.
				Radio direction finder out of service.
		12.00	BF 6468	Day's run:  Surfaced         86 nm
				Submerged     23 nm
				Total             109 nm
		12.44		Presented Radio Message 1054/15/91:
				To Harlfinger:
				Report position immediately.  Inner escort waits again at Point 439, that is naval square 6493, upper-center edge.
				F.d.U. West.
		13.20	BF 5493	Taken in convoy.
		18.30	St. Nazaire	Made fast.
				Total distance covered on the surface: 3514.4 nm
				Total distance covered submerged:     1156.2 nm
				Total distance covered:                       4670.6 nm
				==================================
				On board 15 December 1943.
				Kaptlt. and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.43

 

	Enclosures to U-269's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio	Excerpt of the radio log
Chart	Track chart covering the entire patrol

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-269" (Harlfinger) from 4.9. - 15.12.1943.
	First Atlantic deployment of the Kommandanten previously assigned in the Norwegian Sea after a long operational pause due to illness.
	Apparently due to pressure gauge failure, on 4 December the boat went too deep and suffered damage that limited the ability of the boat to operate and justified the intention of the Kommandant to return.
	On 6 December positioned in Group "Coronel" the boat detected the awaited convoy.  Unfortunately, due to inexact reporting by the the Kommandant at 14.14 hours ad 16.23 hours a planned approach of the other boats was prevented.  The correction given in Radio Message 0123/7/161 on 7 December was not recognizable as such and was too late to evaluate for the operation.  Radio failure and clutch damage had a negative effect on the Kommandant in his decisions, as well as strong air on 6 December which made contact keeping during the day impossible.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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