U-331 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
25 Nov 41	16.19	32°27'N, 26°18'E	HMS Barnham 04	31,000	British
			Total = 31,000
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.

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U.331  "
				from 12.10.41 to 3.12.1941
				Kommandant:  Oberleutnant z.S.
				Frhr. v. Tiesenhausen
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

				Kriegstagebuch
				"U.  331"
				from 12.10.41 to 3.12.41.
				Oberleutnant z.S. and Kommandant

	- 1 -
		12. - 22.10.41	U-boat base "Salamis"	Shipyard work.
				Torpedoes were not handed over, remained in the boat.
		23. - 31.10.41	Piraeus	Dry dock.
		from
		01.11.41	Salamis	Shipyard period, equipping.
		03.11.41		Shipyard trial and trim test.
		11.11.41		Trim test.
		12.11.41
		18.00		Departed from U-boat base Salamis on the 3rd war patrol of the boat.  After putting to sea took aboard the Special Commandos "Hai" in the strength of 1 Officer, 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal, 5 men.  Carried out a preliminary exercise of the "Hai" mission.  In the meantime
		20.11 - 20.29		trim test.
		21.30		Passed the base.  Because contrary to arrangements no patrol vessel arrives as escort, ran at slow speed to the Piraeus minefield.
		23.00		After some waiting patrol boat "12V9" arrives from Salamis.
				In 40 minutes, with much shouting and even more engine maneuvers the vessel finally finds the minefield gap, before which we had laid for some time, and leads us through.  It gives the impression that there is heavy drunkenness on the vessel. With zig-zag courses and speed level changes headed for Phleves Passage.
		13.11.41	Calm, 2/10, Sea 0
		00.53		Phleves Island abeam.
		01.00		Released escort.
				Passed east of "Agieos Georgios" Island.
				Then ran west of 24°E to the south.
		01.12		Passed a sailing vessel.
		04.00	CO 2373
			E 1, 5/10, Sea 1
		05.13		Passed "Phalkonera" Island to port.
		05.34		Evasion for a motor vessel, apparently a patrol vessel.
		06.34	CO 2379
			C  r  a  s  h    d  i  v  e.	(morning twilight).
		08.00	CO 2613
		11.52		Surfaced, because radio direction finder is stuck in the extended position.
				Malfunction repaired.
		12.00	CO 2618	Day's run:       87 nm
				16.5 nm
				103.5 nm
		12.38		With
			C  r  a  s  h    d  i  v  e.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41

	- 2 -
		continued
		13.11.41
		16.00	CO 2645
		17.45	Deep diving test	to depth T = 75 meters.  [actual depth 150 meters] Forward periscope leaks more then normally, despite new packing.
		18.28	CO 2647	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 2911
			E 2, Sea 2, 2/10
		24.00	CO 2985
			E 3-4, Sea 2, 3/10
		14.11.41
		04.00	CO 6144
			S 4, Sea 3-4, 1/10
		06.45		With
			C  r  a  s  h    d  i  v  e.	Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	CO 6422
		12.00	CO 6434	Day's run:    161.2 nm
				42.0 nm
				203.2 nm
		13.00 - 13.20	CO 6437	Blew.  Boat ventilated.
		16.00	CO 6462
		17.55	CO 6463	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 6572
			E 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10
		24.00	CO 6837
		15.11.41
		04.00	CO 6973
			E 1, Sea 0, 3/10
		06.08	CO 9323
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	CO 9323
		12.00	CO 9337	Day's run:    134.0 nm
				41.4 nm
				175.4 nm
		12.58 - 13.20	CO 9338	Blew, ventilated the boat.
		16.00	CO 9363
		17.38	CO 9366	Surfaced.
		18.20	CP 7147
			Crash dive	for aircraft, that throws a red parachute flare to port, bearing 135°, 6 nm away, altitude 100 meters.
		19.07	CP 7147	Surfaced.
		20.00	CP 7172
		20.20	CP 7176	A lighter with course 90° bearing 225°T, range 3000 meters.  Because attack is still forbidden did not attack.
		24.00	CP 7176
		16.11.41
		04.00	CP 7189
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10
		05.59	CP 7189
			D  i  v  e  d.
		07.10	CP 7129	Put the boat on the bottom, depth 19.5 meters.
		08.00	CP 7129	Due to turbulent conditions and after calculating the exact ship's position initially back away from the coast and headed on courses 0°, 270°,

	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		16.11.41		and 180° to the bay east of Ras Gibeisa.
				The aft periscope can no longer be extended.  It was retracted completely while backing down and so sand got in.  Navigated with the forward periscope.  The coast is easily recognized.  Very heavy truck-traffic to the west on the coastal road.  Replenishment traffic for the English airbase.  Also one aircraft is seen.
		11.28	CP 7129	Put the boat on the bottom, depth 28 meters.
		12.00	CP 7129	Day's run:     63.3 nm
				34.0 nm
				97.3 nm
		16.00	CP 7129
		17.30		Proceeded submerged at periscope depth for the forward periscope into the inner Bay off Ras Gibeisa on southerly courses.
		18.15	NE 4, Sea 4, 7/10, Swell	Surfaced and closed the coast on the surface at about 1 knot.
				Special commandos get ready.
				However, due to heavy Sea State the operation can not take place tonight.
				It seems hopeless to let the rubber boat go ashore with 8 soldiers not accustomed to the swell with heavy packs and water-sensitive equipment and ammunition so that the most important devices are still usable. Getting back seems hopeless in the surf and sea conditions.  Again very heavy vehicle traffic is observed on the coastal road.
		20.00	CP 7426
			NE 4, Sea 4, 8/10
		23.00		Aft periscope again in service, moves but rotation is difficult.
		24.00	CP 7426
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10
		17.11.41
		04.00	CP 7423
		06.05	CP 7426
			D  i  v  e  d.	Ran submerged off the coast.  The boat is still west of Ras Gibeisa.
				Maneuvered accordingly.
		08.00	CP 7426
		12.00	CP 7426	Day's run:     52.6 nm
				15.0 nm
				67.6 nm
		12.04		East of Ras Gibeisa in the bay, when putting the boat on the bottom, the maneuver began in 30 meters water.  The bottom rose so steeply that touching bottom occurred at 15 meters and at first the boat was in 11 meters water. This water depth results in the unpleasant situation: "on the bottom and above the surface".  Backed away at minimum speed.
		13.02	CP 7426	Boat put on the bottom, depth 32 meters.
		16.00	CP 7426
		17.40	CP 7426	Boat raised from the bottom.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		17.11.41
		17.11		Surfaced.
		18.10	CP 7426	The weather is calmer.  Completion of the special task appears promising.  Got out the rubber boat and made all preparations.  A radioman from the boat went along. VHF radio was not taken, packs were lightened to about 13 days' provisions so that the boat does not lie too deep in the swell.
			NbyE 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
				Boat lies in the bay with 8-10 meters water under the keel about 2000 meters from land, which can be seen easily.
				The vehicle traffic (slightly dimmed) is as heavy as yesterday.
		19.16		Rubber boat sets off and makes course for land.
		19.46		Light on land, which is probably the agreed arrival signal.
		20.00	CP 7426   New moon	Spent the entire night at the 15 meter location from where the rubber boat set off, back and forth observing the coast.  Except for cars there are no lights or agreed signals which indicate the return of the rubber boat.  In case of failure of the mission the commandos are to shoot a red star. When setting off from land and afterwards they are to give signals with a directional lamp.  Then, the boat will give course direction with a red or green light.
		24.00	CP 7426	I said that at 05.00 hours and at the very latest 5:30 hours, I will set off to the north and lie on the bottom, then in accordance with orders be ready again the next night.
			WbyN 3, Sea 3, 9/10
		18.11.41
		04.00	CP 7426	About 05.00 hours I flash green two times.
			NbyE 3, Sea 2, 9/10	It is bright, however a rubber boat is nowhere to be seen.
				In the west anti-aircraft fire the entire night.
		05.45		I set off to the north.  It is nearly as bright as day.
		06.00	CP 7426
			D  i  v  e  d.
		06.33		Put the boat on the bottom, depth 44 meters.
		08.00
		12.00		Day's run:     3 nm
				2 nm
				5 nm
		14.55 - 15.10		Propeller sounds.  A convoy in order 1 destroyer with sound gear, 1 steamer, 1 destroyer, 1 motor vessel running close along the coast on a westerly course.
				Distance about 4-6 nm, speed about 8 knots.
				This is the second target that passes undisturbed.
		16.00
		17.41		Boat raised from the bottom.
		18.30		Surfaced.  Ran back and forth off the coast at the 10 meter location.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		18.11.41
		18.30	NNW 4, Sea 3	It seems hopeless for the rubber boat to come back in the strong rising wind and sea conditions.  Charged with diesel.
		20.00	CP 7426
		24.00	CP 7426
			NNW 3, Sea 3, cloudy no moon, Vis. good
		19.11.41
		04.00	CP 7426
		03.52		Aircraft flies at low altitude towards the boat and then turns off towards land.
		05.50		Set off to the north.  Again it is nearly as bright as day.  On the road at Ras Gibeisa there is a distinct long transport column.
		05.56		On frequency "Kp":	Short Signal sent:  Troop deployment ashore on the night of 18 November.  Recovery failed after 24 hours.
				On frequency "re":
				"VXZEI"
				Was not repeated.
		06.08	CP 7423
			NW 3, Sea 3
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged in the operations area.
		08.00	CP 7423
		12.00	CP 7186	Day's run:       2 nm
				17 nm
				19 nm
		16.00
		17.44		Surfaced.
			NNW 4-5, Sea 4
		17.58		Short Signal:  "vxz" given once again.
				Was repeated.
		18.08		Radio Message 0741.
				Tiesenhausen had in the night of 18 November set on land and after 24 hours not recovered.        23.U.Flottille.
		18.11		Radio Message 1004 from 23.U.Flottille  Officer-Only
				Tiesenhausen take waiting position square CO 6420.  Gain strength.
		20.00	CO 9369
			NW 3, Sea 3, 8/10
		20.32		Radio Message 1922.
				Second Short Signal from U-331, that after 24 hours there was no recovery was acknowledged.
				23.U.Flottille.
				Course passed just north of Mersa Matruh to occupy ordered area.  I intend to move back and forth in position east of Mersa Matruh to the northwest.
		23.00		Searchlights in Mersa Matruh are easily distinguished.  Distance from Mersa Matruh about 6 nm.
		24.00	CO 9349
			NW 4, Sea 3, 3/10
		20.11.41
		04.00	CO 9232
			NNW 4, Sea 3
		06.26	CO 6855
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		20.11.41
		08.00	CO 6854
		11.00		To depth 14 meters for longwave program time.  No traffic.
		11.25 - 11.23	CO 6819	Surfaced.
				Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
		12.00	CO 6819	Day's run:     145 nm
				34 nm
				179 nm
		16.00	CO 6811
		17.45	CO 6577	Surfaced.
		18.45		Radio Message 1408 Kr.
				Tiesenhausen from 23.U.Flottille.
				1.)  Immediately occupy operations area CO 9160, 9130, 9210, 9240.
				2.)  Alexandria warships at sea operate against Sollum Front from sea.
				3.)  English advance in the Cyrenaica began on 19 November.  Situation from DAK 19 November judged favorable.
				23.U.Flottille.
		18.49		Radio Message:
				U-boats:
				Longwave transmitter is out of service.  In service report follows.
				MNO Salamis.
		19.15		Came to course 175° at 2 x HF.
		20.00	CO 6796
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good
		21.11.41
		00.21		Artillery fire in direction of the coast Bardia - Ras Azzaz.
				In operations area.
		00.25 - 00.48	D  i  v  e  d	to listen.
				Faint sound bearing in 225°T.
				Came to course 230° on the sound bearing.
		00.50		Parachute flares or star shells over the coast at Bardia.  4-5 lights suspended in the air illuminate the coast.  Further to the north muzzle fire shines strongly in the direction of Tobruk.
				Below the illuminated coast apparently artillery combat.
				Among the star shells a green star.
		02.09		End of the star shells.
		02.52 - 03.20	D  i  v  e  d.	Weak sound bearing in 45°T.  Came to the course of the sound bearing.  Nothing comes in sight up to dawn.
		04.00	CO 9135
			NW 1, Sea 1, 8/10
		06.19	CO 9135
			D  i  v  e  d.	The coast at Sidi Barani is recognized.  Steered east-west courses in the operations area at depth 20 meters.  Nothing heard or seen up to midday.
		08.00	CO 9195
		12.00	CO 9135	Day's run:      132 nm
				30.5 nm
				162.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		21.11.41
		15.00 - 15.30		At periscope depth.  Program time.
				No reception.
		16.00	CO 9214
		17.55	CO 9214	Surfaced.
		18.32		Radio Message 1213 Kr. K.r.
				From Chef.
				09.45 hours 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers square CO 9217 course 120°, 24 knots.
				U-Chef.
				At this time the boat was positioned about 13 nm from this formation without hearing anything.  In the existing sound conditions one should have heard the formation.  Location therefore inexact.
		19.49		Radio Message 1917 Kr. Kr.
				Heavy warships sighted by air reconnaissance in square CO 9323, course 300°, medium speed at 17.08 hours.
				23.U-Flottille.
		20.00	CO 9146
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10
		20.45		On land west of Sidi Barrani the Morse signal "WK"   was given with a shielded red light.
				Moreover on land back and forth muzzle fire is recognized.
				Ran at HF close under the coast - about 5 nm off - along to the west, advanced to Raz Azzaz and then turned to the east on course 90°.
		24.00	CO 9134
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 4/10
		22.11.41
		01.30 - 02.00	CO 6786
			D  i  v  e  d	to listen.  No sound bearings.
		04.00	CO 6796	During these nights news about possible bombardments of the coast by British naval forces and the location and other actions of British units reported on the Cyrenaica coast would be very desirable.
			NNW 1, Sea 1, 3/10
				Likewise of course, information and details about the Front situation.
		06.20	CO 9212
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
		08.00	CO 9212
		11.00		At program time at 14 meters, all around periscope sweep.
				Heavily interference, broken reception on long wave.
		12.00	CO 9218	Day's run:      120 nm
				38.5 nm
				158.5 nm
		16.00	CO 9139
		17.55	CO 9139	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 9126	In search legs east of Ras Azzaz to the east.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, Swell, 5/10
		24.00	CO 6794
			NNW 2, Sea 2, 2/10

	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

	- 8 -
		23.11.41
		00.00		U-boat passed on course 315°, 800 meters away.  Apparently a reported Italian transport U-boat proceeding to Benghazi.  Had not detected us.
		00.07		Out of sight.
		04.00	CO 6796
			NNW 3, Sea 2, 3/10
		06.25	CO 9212
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
		08.00	CO 9115
		11.00		Longwave program time, no reception.
		12.00	CO 9136	Day's run:     121.4 nm
				35.0 nm
				156.4 nm
		15.10		Sound bearing in 60°T.
		15.37		At periscope depth, nothing distinguished.
				Sound bearing was louder and shifted out to the north.
		15.30		Came to course 0°.
		15.41 - 15.45		Blew.  All around sweep with binoculars.
				Two mastheads bearing 10°T, 12 nm away, shifting quickly to the west.  2 destroyers.  Sound bearings were fainter and shifted out to the west, however did not cease but instead grew louder and shifted back to the east.  In the periscope a destroyer is recognized, distance 9 nm, easterly course, target angle 80-90°, speed by sound bearing and plotting 25 knots.  Thereafter 3 additional destroyer masts.
		15.50		Shifted very quickly and unfortunately could notget close.
		16.00	CO 9135
		17.53	CO 9135	Surfaced.
				With large search legs steered various courses at LF.
		19.48	CO 6792	One aircraft flies on a westerly course at an altitude of 400 meters over the boat.  A monoplane.  In the back a white light.
		20.00	CO 6792
			NNE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, moon in the first third, Vis. good
		20.35		Radio Message 1911.
				Tiesenhausen.  From Italian report 5 units 15.20 hours in square 9214, course 270°, undetermined speed.
				23.U-Flottille.
				Apparently it was the 2 destroyers sighted proceeding west and then the 4 proceeding east.
		24.00	CO 6796
			NNE 3, 2/10, Sea 2
		24.11.41
		00.00 - 00.25	CO 6796
			D  i  v  e  d	to listen.  Nothing heard.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		24.11.41
		04.00	CO 6877
			NNW 2, Sea 2, Swell, 4/10
		06.31	CO 9215
			D  i  v  e  d.
		06.40		Sound bearing 318°T.
				Went to periscope depth.  A destroyer mast shifting to the east.
				Attempted to reach attack position at GF.  To "Action Stations".  The upper part of the bridge of the destroyer occasionally comes over the horizon, however I cannot get close enough.  Minimum distance 9000-10000 meters.  Destroyer runs at 25 knots.
		07.35		Secured from Action Stations.
				After these several meetings with destroyers where one could not get close, I hold myself north of the northern edge of the ordered squares.
				Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
		08.00	CO 9212
		11.00		To periscope depth for program time.
				Long wave reception at depth 13.5 meters is so so.  Parts are missing.
		12.00	CO 6875	Day's run:     116.0 nm
				39.0 nm
				155.0 nm
		16.00	CO 6877
		16.00 - 16.13	CO 6799	Due to sound bearing at periscope depth.  Nothing distinguished.  Bearing heard suddenly.
		17.45	CO 9133	Surfaced.
		17.55		Radio Message 1617 Kr.
				12.55 hours square CO 9312, 1 battleship, 4 cruisers, 4 destroyers, course 300°, medium speed.
				13.38 hours square CO 6898, 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers, medium speed, course 300°.
				U-Chef.
		19.10		Again bright light bearing 230°T.  Apparently star shells over land.
		20.00	CO 9123
			NW 2, Sea 1, 1/10
		23.55 - 00.07	CO 9135
			D  i  v  e  d	to listen.  Nothing heard.
		24.00	CO 9132
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 1/10, bright, Vis. good
		25.11.41
		04.00	CO 6875
			NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10
		06.32	CO 9215
			D  i  v  e  d.
		08.00	CO 9215
		08.55		Broad sound bearing to the north.  Apparently a formation.  To periscope depth.  Nothing seen.  Also not with extended periscope.  Intend to run on the surface towards the sound bearing.
		09.29		While blowing
			D  i  v  e  d

	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		25.11.41
				dived for aircraft bearing 10°T, altitude 400 meters, course 280°, range 13000 meters.
		12.00	CO 9211	Day's run:     125.0 nm
				34.2 nm
				159.2 nm
		12.45		Surfaced.
				Course for the sound bearing.
		13.00	CO 6877
		13.15	Crash dive	for aircraft bearing 90°T, range 8000 meters, altitude 300 meters, Italian markings are recognized.  Aircraft turns towards.
		13.55		Surfaced.
		14.00	CO 6873
		14.30		Faint smoke cloud bearing 60°T.
		14.41		Destroyer mast in sight bearing 70°T.  Range 12 nm.
				Course 60°, ahead GF.
		15.00	CO 6857	3 battleships bearing 15°T (recognizable by their masts) at 10-11 nm on southerly course.
				Masts were barely recognized, subsequently were larger and more distinct.
		15.32		An aircraft bearing 125°T 10 nm away flying on an easterly course.
				The battleships are directly ahead and two have their entire masts out.  Apparently have turned to a westerly course.
		15.43		The distance is always decreasing, turned away and
			d  i  v  e  d.	Submerged turned to close again.  The battleship formation comes exactly towards me.  The three battleships are in the center close to one another.  To each side several destroyers.
		16.00	CO 6855	The exact formation is then as follows:  in the center somewhat in echelon to port one behind the other 3 battleships.  To each side of these 3 to 4 destroyers in line abreast formation.
		15.47		To Action Stations!
				Now or never - opportunity has come.  Two of the destroyers move forward to take position ahead of and just to port of the battleships. Apparently, the destroyer formation is a screen against torpedo planes.  I succeed in passing unseen between these two [destroyers] at periscope depth.
				Distance to each 250 meters.
				I can no longer reach shooting position on the first battleship due to the difficult target angle [too broad/too far aft].
				Therefore on the second.  Type not recognized.  I must turn towards hard.  Shot despite the difficult target angle [to broad].  I have the sun at my back.
		16.19	CO 6858	4-fan on battleship, range  375 meters (by running time), running time 24 seconds, depths: tube I - 3 meters, tube III - 4 meters, tube II - 5 meters, tube IV - 4 meters.  Target angle 70°, torpedo course 295°.
			NNE 2, Sea 2, 7/10, sun, Vis. good
				After 24 seconds running time followed at the shot interval 3 bright detonations, somewhat later one more.
				By sound bearings the torpedoes ran together with the

Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		25.11.41
				battleship sounds.  After the detonations cracking sounds which suggest bulkheads are breaking.  The three detonations themselves were not very heavy.  The effect of the shot can not be observed because due to the hard turn while shooting there is danger of broaching.  At depth 9.5 meters the boat was brought down.  Because the 3rd battleship followed the one shot closely there was danger of ramming.  I evacuated the conning tower and closed the hatch.  Fortunately the boat gets under at AK.  And yet despite all measures remains hanging at depth 80 meters.  I have the forward depth gage read and by this it turns out that the deep control room depth gauge and at the same time the pressure gauges of the ballast tanks and bunkers are turned off, at the hull valves.  In the rush, of the four valves located awkwardly, the wrong one was turned off.  In any case, when the supply lines are opened to the large depth gauge and the ballast tank pressure gauges the pointers register at full scale.  From their position the boat is actually at depth T = 130 meters. [actual depth 260 meters] Blew immediately and pumped and finally - the pointer is steady, the pointer trembles - the boat comes up.  It holds tight well except: slight leak at the rear construction hatch (6 places), both periscopes leak heavily.  Main ballast tank 3 leaks at three places on the weld seam.  The port hull valve of the E-motor leaks a bit.  Due to the pressure and high speed setting the clutch grinds at the packing sealing ring.  The heat was reduced with fire extinguishers. The boat holds well.  A good testimonial for the North Sea Shipyard, Emden.
				Continued to steer at depth T = 80 meters.  [actual depth 160 meters] The destroyers only threw depth charges once after the torpedo shots.  I run to the north and then off to the east.  Destroyer sounds in the bearing of the shooting location and throwing of depth charges strongly suggest that the battleship has had it.  Locating is not determined.
				Depth charges:
		18.30		4 charges bearing 250°T    )
		18.40		8      "           "      200°T    )
				12    "           "      190°T    )        medium distance.
				2      "           "      260°T    )
		20.00
		20.39		Surfaced.
		21.06		A fiery glow to the south.
		22.26		Several shadows come in sight ahead on northerly course.  Moved off on course 120°, because the tubes are still not finished being loaded.  Distance 6 nm.

Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		25.11.41		To avoid being spotted by this parallel formation before the moon track,
		22.53	d  i  v  e  d.	Came to course 300°.
		23.29		Surfaced.
				Came to course for the old square.
		21.31		Sent Radio Message:
				Radio Message 2100.  On frequency rc.
				23.U.Flottille.
			[presumably typo for CO 6858]	16.19 hours CO 6855 battleship torpedoed.
				Tiesenhausen.
				Was not acknowledged or repeated, therefore not heard.
		01.12		Radio Message 2106 on frequency Kp (newly added).
				23.U.Flottille second sending.
				16.19 hours CO 6858 battleship torpedoed.
				Tiesenhausen.
				Was again not acknowledged or repeated.
		02.25		Just now at 02.25 hours without Serial No., apparently from a boat.
		05.08		Radio Message 2106 on frequency Lp.
				Sent once again.
		05.16		Finally there follows a repeat with Serial No.
				It is absolutely important for the boat that a sent Radio Message is repeated immediately when it is heard, so that immediately after delivery the boat then has the certainty that the Radio Message is understood.  Otherwise, it must be sent again and there is the danger of bearings being taken again.
		24.00	CO 6823
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, 41/0
		26.11.41
		04.00	CO 6884
		05.30		Parachute flares in the direction of land (Bardia coast).
		06.28	D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
				Steered course 270°.
		08.00	CO 9133	Faint sound bearings in the north.
		11.00		Came to course 100°.  All around periscope sweep.
		12.00	CO 9123	Day's run:     160.5 nm
				42.5 nm
				203.0 nm
		15.00		Nothing hear on long wave at depth 13.5 meters.
		16.00	CO 9132	Sound bearing coming from the east.
		16.25		At periscope depth.  A formation of 2 destroyers, apparently gun boats and fishing trawlers, is distinguished.  Unfortunately I cannot get close enough to attack.  It is possible that it is a U-boat hunting group.  Sound gear is determined from two vessels.  The formation steers a westerly course.
				Periscope is heavily fogged.
				1 sound bearing still persists.
				1 detonation, apparently a torpedo shot (thereafter in the distance individual depth charges).
		18.29	CO 9132	Ran off to the north, to approach the Tobruk coast in an arc from the north and still meet the formation.
			Bright moonshine, E 1, Sea 1, 6/10

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		26.11.41
		20.00	CO 6792	In the News Service we hear, as already reported in a Special Report, that we have severely damaged the battleship.  Naturally there is great joy throughout the boat.
				Summer lightening to the W and N.
		23.30	Lightening, Vis. bad, rain	I hope to get a fan on one of the destroyers tonight whose propeller sounds and depth charges we heard.
		24.00	CO 6749
			SE 4, Sea 3, 9/10 (rain)
		27.11.41
		00.55 - 01.26	D  i  v  e  d	to listen.  In 270°T propeller sounds of an escorting destroyer, stops from time to time.  After surfacing with E-motors steered course 270° towards the sound bearing.
		03.17		To Action Stations, destroyer ahead.
				However he comes at high speed, target angle 0°, so quickly towards us that there is no opportunity to shoot, instead. . .
		03.20	CO 6771
			C  r  a  s  h    d  i  v  e.	Destroyer runs past over the boat at 30 meters from port ahead to starboard astern.  Came to southerly course.
		04.00	CO 5993
			NW 3, Sea 3, Swell, 8/10 (rain), black horizon
		04.35		Surfaced.
		05.00		Came to easterly course.
		06.10		A German U-boat bearing 110°T easily recognized against the bright eastern sky.  Distance 4000 meters,  Probably Heidtmann.  He dives directly ahead of us.  Bearing 170°T 9000 meters a brightly illuminated hospital ship that is probably still searching for survivors from the destroyer that Heidtmann sank tonight.
		06.27	CO 6776
			D  i  v  e  d	Proceeded submerged at depth 20 meters.
				Until 13.00 hours moved off to the N, then steered an easterly course.
		08.00	CO 6773
		11.00		Bad long wave reception during program time at depth 13.5 meters.
		12.00	CO 6746	Day's run:       82.4 nm
				56.6 nm
				139.0 nm
		16.00
		16.55		Sound bearings in the east.  It is 2-3 destroyers, that pass at a great distance.  In the periscope nothing is seen.
		18.57	CO 6753	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 6761
			NNE 4, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. medium, very bright, wind shifting
		24.00	CO 6851
			NW 3, Sea 4, 3/10 (rain)

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41

	- 14 -
		28.11.41
		04.00	CO 6882
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 7/10
		04.30		Brightly illuminated hospital ship passes on easterly course at a distance of 9000 meters.
		06.27	CO 9225
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	CO 9222
		12.00	CO 6885	Day's run:     111.2 nm
				39.3 nm
				150.5 nm
		15.00		Program time.  No reception at periscope depth.
		16.00	CO 6857
		16.25		Faint sound bearing astern to port.
				At periscope nothing seen.  Sounds are lost.
		17.54	CO 6849	Surfaced.
		19.15	CO 6769	3 quickly shifting shadows briefly in sight bearing 250°T.
		20.00	CO 6769
			NEbyN 1, Sea 1, 8/10, very bright, however half moon, Vis. good
		24.00	CO 6798
			E 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2
		29.11.41
		04.00	CO 9215
			E 2, Sea 1, 4/10
		06.37	CO 6846
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	CO 6843
		12.00	CO 6844	Day's run:     131.2 nm
				35.2 nm
				166.5 nm
		15.00		Program time.  Weak reception at periscope depth 12 meters.
		16.00	CO 6766
		17.52	CO 6765	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 6767
			E 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, very bright moon
		20.05		In 270°T a quickly shifting and only briefly visible shadow.  Apparently a destroyer.  Too bright for surface attack.  Therefore only a submerged attack is in question.  When ready to dive the shadow, apparently a destroyer, passes out of sight.
		20.25	Very bright	An aircraft flies past.  Only heard.
		24.00	CO 6849
			NE 2, Sea 1, 4/10
		30.11.41
		04.00	CO 6874
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, indistinct horizon
		06.33	CO 6783
			D  i  v  e  d.	Proceeded at depth 20 meters.
		08.00	CO 6782

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		30.11.41
		12.00	CO 6791	Day's run:     122.5 nm
				33.5 nm
				156.0 nm
		16.00	CO 6765
		17.47	CO 6796	Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 6765
		24.00	CO 6879
		01.12.41
		04.00	CO 9132
		06.37	CO 6798
			D  i  v  e  d.
		08.00	CO 6798
		09.30		Sound bearing in 200°T.
				In the periscope nothing seen.
		10.05 - 10.12		Blew.  Also on the surface nothing seen.
		10.55	CO 6877	Sounds were stronger again.
				At periscope depth.
				To the west 2 quickly approaching vessels are seen.
				On coming closer 2 groups of 2 destroyers are recognized.  I come to course 0° to reach attack position to the north.
				The 4 destroyers approach quickly from the west.
		11.00	CO 6877	To Action Stations.  The attack periscope is heavily fogged (despite several days of drying), attack despite this.
				The swell is too heavy for use of the forward periscope.  Do not succeed geting in the good sea and sun position.
		11.27	CO 6877	Three-fan on one of the destroyers.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, Swell, 3/10, Vis. good	Range 1500 meters, depth 2 meters, target speed 25 knots, torpedo course target angle 110°.
				Miss!
				Apparently the destroyer reduced speed at the moment of or shortly before the shot.
				Went to depth T = 50 meters [actual depth 100 meters]and then depth T = 80 meters. [actual depth 160 meters]
				There follows a heavy detonation and then 3 weak depth charges at medium range.  Because only 1 G7a is available, began return transit.
				Now and then depth charges and propeller sounds are heard, that are lost to the SW.
		12.00	CO 6877	Day's run:     117.4 nm
				38.5 nm
				155.9 nm
		16.00	CO 6793
		17.40	CO 6769	Surfaced.  Course 330°.
		20.00	CO 6731
			NbyW 1, Sea 1, 8/10
		21.39		Radio Message Kr. 2114.
				21.30 hours convoy of 8 steamers, 6 destroyers square CO 9132, westerly course, 8 knots.
				U-Chef.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		01.12.41
		22.24		Radio Message Kr 2152.
				Air reports 19.25 hours large units, with them a battleship, easterly course, high speed, in CO 9213.
				23.U-Flottille.
		23.29		Radio Message Kr 2301.
				20.25 hours in CO 9161 enemy warships, course east, high speed.
				U-Chef.
		24.00	CO 6416
			NNW 1, Sea 0, 9/10 (mist)
		02.12.41
		00.55		Radio Message KR 2315.
				Kaufmann, Heidtmann, Tiesenhausen.
				English ground forces attack continuously from east of Bardia to west of Tobruk.  Tobruk resupply runs day and night.  You must help our Africans, therefore go energetically and intercede.
				U-Chef.
				Intended to send first at 04.00 hours a Short Signal concerning return.  After this urgent Radio Message I give
		02.58		Radio Message.
				23.U.Flottille.
				After fan miss on destroyer yesterday, since 12.00 hours one Ato return transit.  Square CO 6174
				Tiesenhausen.
		03.46		Radio Message.
				3 cruisers, 2 destroyers entered Tobruk, 5 misses.  Short wave transmitter out of service.
				U-79.
		03.59		Alpha Alpha Short Signal.
				Position in 30 hours off return harbor.
				U-331.
		04.00	CO 5331
			NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		06.57	CO 2973
			D  i  v  e  d.
		08.00	CO 2949
		12.00	CO 2944	Day's run:     180 nm
				33 nm
				213 nm
		13.20 - 13.40		At periscope depth.  Attack periscope can no longer be used, completely fogged from water entry.
		15.00	CO 2917
		17.55	CO 2914	Surfaced.
			NE 6, Sea 5, 9/10, very high, steep however short sea	Only both ahead LF can be used against the seas, strong westerly displacement.
		18.25		Radio Message Kr 1136.
				Heidtmann and Tiesenhausen.
				Using strict scale report what repairs or damage delay short term departure.
				U-Chef.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		02.12.41
		20.00	CO 2914
			NE 7, Sea 5, 9/10, very heavy, high however short sea
		20.13		Radio Message 1921.
				23.U.Flottille.
				Construction hatch 6 leak locations, main ballast tanks 3 weld seam torn, attack periscope unusable due to water intake, starboard negative buoyancy tank linkage immovable.  Bearing damage to gyro transformer.
				Tiesenhausen.
		21.24		Radio Message 2052.
				Tiesenhausen.
				Escort located 3 December 09.30 hours at Point 140 A.
				U-Chef.
		24.00	CO 2618
			N 7, Sea 6, overcast
		03.12.41
		04.00	CO 2381
			NNE 5, Sea 4, overcast
		08.00	CO 2321
			NE 5, Sea 3, 7/10
		09.00	Point 140A	Taken in convoy by escort vessel 12V9.
		09.24 - 09.27	Crash dive	for training.
		10.27		Passed Aigina minefield.
		11.00		Passed Piraeus minefield.
		11.30		Made fast Salamis base.
		11.30		Day's run:     159.4 nm
				19.1 nm
				178.5 nm
				Oberleutnant z.S. and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

	Enclosures to U-331's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log for 25 November
Sketches	Combat sketches

	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 331" from 12.10 - 3.12.1941.
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	1.) The Kommandant had an excellent opportunity to reach shooting position on a battleship formation, used it calmly and deliberately and achieved an excellent success. 2.) As a result of incorrectly shutting the depth gauge cock the boat was greatly endangered. The incident proves that most danger situations can be caused by the operating error of a single man.
		Signed in draft: Dönitz.
		For correctness.
		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

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