U-333 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Kiel
27 December 1941
La Pallice
9 February 1942
45

   
 
        Peter Cremer was born in Lorraine France on 25 March 1911 of a German father and French Mother.  His paternal grandmother was English.   
        During WW II he commanded U-152 (type IID), famously the U-333 (type VIIC) and U-2519 (type XXI).  Cremer carried out some of the most exciting patrols of the war, returning with the boat badly damaged and Cremer wounded three times.  He sank or damaged 8 ships for a total of 36,125 tons and was awarded the Knights Cross.  
        In April 1945 Cremer became Field Commander of the Marine-Panzervernichtungsbataillon (Naval Tank Destroying Battalion) credited with destruction of 24 tanks in the defense of Hamburg.   
        In the final days of the war be commanded Admiral Dönitz's guard unit at the Naval Base at Mürwik.  
        After a month in British captivity Cremer settled in Hamburg and became the General Manager for Sperry Electronic Systems in Germany.  
       After a most eventful life he died on 5 July 1992.  
   
 
Photograph courtesy of Andi Forster
 
   
Korvettenkapitän 'Ali' Cremer

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 Attacked
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
22 Jan 42
20.45
44°15'N, 52°45'W
VASSILIOS A. POLEMIS
3,429
Greek
ON-53
24 Jan 42
15.25 - 15.26
46°03'N, 51°15'W
RINGSTAD
4,765
Norwegian
ON-53
31 Jan 42
16.50 - 18.33
45°25'N, 24°15'W
SPREEWALD
5,083
German
     
 Total = 13,277
   
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.


 
 
           
           
           
           
                                                 
           
           
                                   Kriegstagebuch  U-333  
                            = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
           
            Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    C  r  e  m  e  r  
           
           
            Beginning on 25 August 1941  
            Ending on 26 December 1941  
           
                              
       
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
       
 
           
           
                                
           
           
         © U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.08.41 Nordseewerke Emden Commissioning of the boat.  
    11.00      
    26./27.08.41           "                  " Equipping of the boat.  
    28./29.08.41 Emden-Northsea-Kaiser Wilhelm Canal-Kiel Transit of the boat from Emden to Kiel for UAK testing.  
    30.08. - 10.09.41 Kiel UAK testing.  
    11. - 12.08.41 Western Baltic, Rönne Sound testing in Rönne  
    13. - 15.09.41 Gotenhafen Transit of the boat from Rönne to Gotenhafen for TEK testing.  
    16. - 19.09.41   TEK testing.  
    20.09.41 Gotenhafen-Danzig Transit of the boat to Danzig for UAG.  
    21. - 23.09.41 Danzig, Danzig Bay Testing with U.A.G. I.  
    24. - 25.09.41 Danzig-Eastern Baltic, Swinemünde-Danzig Transit of the boat from Danzig to Swinemünde and back.  
    26.09. - 21.10.41 Danziger Werft Final adjustments and overhaul of the boat.  
    22. - 31.10.41 Hela, Harber, Danzig Bay Testing by the Agru-Front.  
    01. - 02.11.41 Danzig Shore tactics training.  
    03. - 19.11.41 Pillau Torpedo firing training.  
    20. - 24.11.41 Danziger Werft Final adjustment and overhaul.  
    24. - 26.11.41 Gotenhafen Equipping and planning meetings for the tactical training.  
    27.11. - 05.12.41 Eastern Baltic Tactical training.  
    06. - 07.12.41 Gotenhafen-Kiel Transit of the boat from Gotenhafen to Kiel.  
    08. - 18.12.41 Kiel Shipyard period at the Kriegsmarinewerft.  
    19. - 26.12.41 Kiel, Kiel harbor Equipping and testing for war patrol.  
           
                                 
                  Oberleutnant z.S. and Kommandant  i.V.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
                                                                      
           
           
                   K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
                   = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
           
                                    "  U-333  ".  
                                    = = = = = =  
           
          Kommandant     Kapitänleutnant  C  r  e  m  e  r  
           
          Beginning on:     27.12.1941  
          Ending     on:       9.  2.1942.  
           
                                      
       
Distribution:    
" U-333 "    Copy No. 1
2. U-Flottille     "      " 2
2. A.d.U.     "      " 3
B.d.U.     "      " 4, 5, 6.
 
           
       
Enclosures:
1 Track chart
1 Excerpt of the incoming and outgoing radio messages
6 Torpedo firing reports
   
 
           
           
         
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.12.41      
    12.00 ENE 2-4, overcast Cast off Tirpitz Mole.  
    12.40   Made fast Holtenau Lock.  
    13.05 ENE 2-4, snow Cast off Holtenau Lock.  
    16.00 NE 3-4, overcast    
    20.00 N 3-4, snow, starry clear Made fast Brunsbüttel quay wall.  
    24.00 NW 3, starry clear    
                                               
    28.12.41      
    04.00 W 2, overcast    
    07.00   Brunsbüttel:  Cast off quay wall.  
    07.15   Brunsbüttel:  Made fast in the lock.  
    07.45    Brunsbüttel:  Cast off from the lock.  
    08.00  SW 1, overcast     
    08.20   Taken under escort by sperrbrecher.   
    12.37   Between Elbe II and I diesel out of service for 20 minutes.  
    12.00 SW 1-2, Sea 1    
    16.17 SW 2, Sea 1 Drifting mine to port.  
    16.54   Released escort.  
    17.05   Drifting mine to port.  
    17.15   Drifting mine to starboard.  
    18.05 SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, low clouds, moonshine, 1008 mb    
    20.00  AN 6632    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, swell, overcast, low clouds, no moonshine     
    24.00 AN 6395    
      W 4-5. Sea 3, overcast    
                                               
    29.12.41      
    04.00 AN 6337    
      W 5-7, Sea 5, overcast, rain    
    08.00 AN 3848     
      WNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, occasional rain    
    09.10   Dived.  Proceeded submerged in the North Sea, test dive, service the torpedoes.  
    12.00 AN 3818  Day's run:  Surfaced       236.0 nm  
                         Submerged       6.3 nm   
                                              242.3 nm  
     14.00   Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface.   I believe that this is prudent with the skies partly overcast in the North Sea, because it is difficult for an aircraft to spot the boat in Sea 6 and bad visibility, besides, on the surface I will reach the operations area faster.  
    16.00 AN 2578 Steamer in sight bearing 340°T, came to course 310°.  Steamer comes from the Skagerak, therefore already checked.   
      NNW 5-6, Sea 5, lightly overcast, Vis. clear, 998 mb  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.12.41   Boat goes to old course 0°.  
    20.00 AN 3541    
      NW 4-6, Sea 4, lightly overcast, moonshine, 999 mb    
    24.00 AN 3432    
      NNW 3-5, Sea 3, lightly overcast, occasional moonshine, 1000 mb    
                                               
    30.12.41      
     04.00 AN 3118    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast     
    05.35 AN 3115 Aircraft bearing 320°R, came to KF.  Aircraft over flies me at 800 - 1000 meters.  Boat was not detected, aircraft displays a green and a white top light.  Type not determined.  
    08.00 AN 2892    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, drizzle    
    09.22   Dived, test dive, serviced the torpedoes.  
    12.00   Day's run:  Surfaced       169.5 nm  
                         Submerged      14.4 nm   
                                              183.9 nm.  
    13.20   Surfaced, proceeded on the surface because of the very high clouds there is no danger of surprise by aircraft.  
    16.00 AN 2383    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Swell    
    20.00 AF 8774    
      NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Swell, occasional moonshine    
    24.00 AF 7929    
      W 2, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, no moonshine    
                                               
    31.12.41      
    04.00 AF 7673    
      W 2, Sea 2, overcast    
    08.00 AF 7581    
      W 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    10.16 AF 7571 Dived, Proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 AF 7496 Submerged.  
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
    14.08 AF 9493 Surfaced, a mine 30 meters to port.  Began breakthrough, proceeding on the surface without regard for aircraft, 2 x HF, can not run faster due to the overcoming sea.  
    16.00 AF 7497 Dived, brief dive, cheerful New Year's Day celebration with apple juice.  
      WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Swell  
    18.50   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AF 7727    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Swell    
    24.00 AE 9995 Sea increases strongly, HF to ensure effective lookout.  
      WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Swell    
                                               
    01.01.42      
    02.00 AN 1111    
    03.20   LF, boat is completely overcome at HF.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.01.42      
    04.00 SW 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, heavy swell, storm    
    08.00 AM 3258    
      S 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, heavy Swell Intend to proceed on the surface with 1 diesel LF between the Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands  
    12.00 AM 3273 Day's run:  Surfaced       155 nm  
      SW 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, Swells, Vis. medium                  Submerged      9.5 nm   
                                           164.5 nm.  
        Sea state was so heavy that a crash dive of the boat for aircraft in the normal diving time is no longer guaranteed, therefore proceeded submerged, here we received the first scare depth charge to the delight of the crew.  
    18.45   Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.  
    20.00 AM 3274    
      WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium Swell, Vis. medium    
    24.00 AM 3225    
      W 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium Swell, occasional moonshine, Vis. good    
                                               
    02.01.42      
    04.00 AM 2463    
      W 5, Sea 5, partial overcast, Swell, moonshine, Vis. good    
    06.50 AM 2458 10° to starboard a smoke cloud in sight.  Came to course 315°.  Smoke cloud is a tanker with bow right, target angle 70°, range = 4000 meters.  Showed small silhouette, turned towards him at high speed setting.  Tanker zig zags directly towards me, so that initially I suspect that he has sighted me.  To the dark horizon the moon is covered by clouds.  Target angle of the steamer after the zig zag:  bow right 15°.  Turning is no longer possible, because the moon comes completely out of the clouds, the luck.  
    06.57   Shot at 400 meters, 3-fan.  3-fan because I have no data concerning the speed of the enemy and the target was quite appropriate for 3 torpedoes, target angle bow right 50°, speed 9 knots.  Shortly before the shot the steamer must have noticed me.  The fan was just out as the tanker turned towards me at highest speed.  Fan passed by ahead.  At both diesels AK ramming by the tanker could just be averted by diving.  Stern shot target angle bow right 90°, speed 15 knots missed because the Torpedo Officer in his excitement fired at 100 meters without permission.  Tanker gives his name "ALGOQUINE" - 7200 tons - American, his position and Sophie Sophie on the surface.  Transmitter was heard on the 600 meter wave.  The Captain can definitely celebrate his birthday.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.01.42      
        Maneuvered ahead again on the surface.  Torpedo tube II out of service, outer tube door can not be moved by force.  Unfortunately attempt to reload on the surface is impossible, boat swings and pounds too heavily.  Course of the steamer is determined.  I fall behind to allow reloading submerged.  Due to the heavy swinging and pounding reloading is first possible below depth 50 meters.  
    10.27   Surfaced, pursued on the same course to the entrance to the North Channel.  
    12.00 AM 2474 Day's run:  Surfaced       122 nm  
      W 4, Sea 5, partial overcast, medium clouds, Vis. good                  Submerged       9 nm   
                                           131 nm.  
    12.20 AM 2474 "U-701" reports a convoy in square AM 3377.  I operate on the convoy, abandoned pursuit of the tanker, came to course 200°.  
        Crash dive, aircraft abeam to starboard, low altitude, reloaded tube V.  
    14.08 AM 2474 Surfaced.  
    14.58   Came to course 130°, pursued.  
    15.35 AM 2479 Crash dive.  Aircraft to port bearing 345°T, circling course, land based aircraft.  
    16.06 S 4, Sea 4, overcast, hail, rain, Vis. good Surfaced, pursued in the direction of the North Channel on course 130°.  
    16.48 Rain, Vis. 3000 meters    
    20.15   After incoming Radio Messages from B.d.U. and Degen, it is apparent that convoy is not bound for the North Channel but instead for the North Minch, on new course 272°.  
    19.00 Heavy rain    
    20.00 AM 2655    
      S 4-6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, misty    
    20.29 - 20.55   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Degen and Kremer [typo Cremer] go via square NJ 56, FI 57, PK 26 to FH 84 [AL 26, AK 27, AJ 96 for BC 54]  
    24.00 AM 2654    
      S 7, Sea 5-6, low clouds, from time to time bright moon, seas from abeam    
                                               
    03.01.42      
    04.00 AM 2568    
      W 7, Sea 4-5, overcast, no moonshine, abeam sea    
    08.00 AM 2557    
      NNW 5, Sea 4, medium high Swell, partial moonshine, overcast.    
    12.00 AM 1659 Day's run:  Surfaced      138.5 nm  
      NNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Swell                  Submerged      3.5 nm   
                                           142.0 nm.  
    16.00 AM 1659    
      N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Swell    
    20.00 AN 1645 Longitude determined by celestial observation.  
      N 3, Sea 3, light Swell, cloud deck breaking up    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.01.42      
    24.00 AM 1564    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, drizzle    
                                               
    04.01.42      
    04.00 AM 1554    
      N 3-5, NW-Swell, hail, rain, overcast, Vis. medium    
    08.00 AM 1544    
      N 7-8, Sea 5, overcast, low clouds, occasional rain    
    12.00 AL 3664 Day's run:  Surfaced      125 nm  
      NNE 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, snow squalls Noon latitude taken:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a fix = 10 nm, S.  
    16.00 AL 3646                    
      NE 4-7, Sea 5-7, heavy Swell, squalls, snow hail, light overcast, Vis. good, occasional sun    
    20.00 AL 3592    
      NNE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Swell, Vis. good    
    24.00 AL 3585    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium    
                                               
    05.01.42      
    04.00 AL 2696    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    08.00 AL 2685    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    11.01   Dived. test dive.  
    12.00 AL 2678 Day's run:  Surfaced      140 nm  
      N 2, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell                  Submerged      1 nm   
                                           141 nm.  
    12.20   Surfaced.  
    16.00 AL 2731    
      NW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, light Swell, low cumulus clouds    
    20.00 AL 2713    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, light Swell    
    24.00 AL 1835    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell    
                                               
    06.01.42      
    04.00 AL 1824    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell    
    08.00 AL 1739    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell    
    11.20 AL 1719    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Swell, rain showers    
    11.22   Dived, test dive.  
    12.09 AL 1719 Day's run:  Surfaced      178 nm  
                         Submerged      2 nm   
                                             180 nm  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.01.42      
    16.00 AK 3862    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Swell, Vis. good    
    20.00 AK 3855 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 4 nm, S.   
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Swell  
    24.00 AK 3844    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Swell, occasional drizzle, Vis. medium    
                                               
    07.01.42      
    04.00 AK 3765    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, occasional moonshine    
    08.00 AK 3754    
      SW 1-2, Sea 2, Swell, occasional moonshine, rain showers, Vis. decreasing to 5 nm    
    11.23   Dived, test dive.  
    11.51   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AK 3747 Day's run:  Surfaced      125 nm  
      S 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium                   Submerged      2 nm   
                                           127 nm.  
    16.00 AK 2800    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    20.00 AK 2800    
      S 5, Sea 3-4, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    24.00 AK 28.00    
      ESE 4-6, Sea 5, overcast, Swell, Vis. bad    
                                               
    08.01.42      
    04.00 AK 2700    
      ESE 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    08.00 AK 2900    
      SE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Swell, Vis. bad    
    12.00 AK 2900    
      SSE 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, rain and hail, Vis. medium    
     16.00 AK 2900 The after deck torpedo canister was smashed from the seas. Fenders and lines were washed overboard even though they were well fastened.  The cover of the forward Marks rescue buoy is torn.  Both boat hooks are bent over.  The snap hook of the wire sling attached to the waist belts of the lookouts, are weak and come apart. Over half of the dishes are broken in the seas. Perhaps tin ware would serve better.  
      WSW 8-9, Sea 7, squalls, abeam seas, Swells, changing:  sun, rain, hail snow  
     20.00 AK 2900     
      SW 8-9, Sea 7, light overcast, Swell, Vis. good     
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.01.42      
    24.00 AK 5200    
      WSW 8-9, Sea 7, partial overcast, Swell, Vis. medium, hail and snow showers    
                                               
    09.01.42      
    04.00 AK 5200    
      WSW 8-9, Sea 7, Swell, rain showers, Vis. changing    
    08.00 AK 5200    
      SW 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, Swell, moonshine, Vis. decreasing to 100 meters    
    12.00 AK 5200 Day's run:  Surfaced:  75 nm.  
      S 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, moonshine, rain showers    
    12.36 AK 5200 Tanker in sight at range = 3000 meters.  Type WB-WALKER, 1000 GRT.  Intention:  hold contact and attack at night.  Submerged attack in this sea state is impossible.  I hope quietly in Peter and that the weather improves.  Came to a parallel course and held contact at 6-7000 meters.  Wind increases, visibility decreases, closed to 4000 meters.  Conning tower hatch must be kept closed due to overcoming seas.  Wind increases, strength 9-10, Sea 7-8, visibility bad, close to 2000 meters.  Due to heavy swell could only shoot at 400 meters on the same crest or trough of a swell.  Steamer out of sight. One only sees wave crests.  Snowstorm, visibility changes between 100 and 1000 meters.  Closed on plotted course, ordered "Action Stations" and tubes ready.  Steamer is briefly in sight at 1000 meters.  Bow right target angle 40°.  Tanker immediately turns hard towards me.  Snow squall, visibility 50 meters, steamer out of sight.  At high speed in the direction that the steamer turned.  Must immediately reduce speed because the bridge watch can not be held due to overcoming seas.  Snow and hail storms.  Visibility 50-100 meters.  Tanker has disappeared, contact is lost, more sea damage.  Heave-to to ride out the storm.  Peter is definitely a plutocrat.  
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
    16.00 ESE 9-10, Sea 8-9, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium  
         
         
         
         
         
    20.00 S 11-12 (hurricane), Sea 8-9, high Swell, overcast  
         
         
    24.00 AK 5200    
      SSW 11-12, Sea 8-9, high Swell, overcast    
                                               
    10.01.42      
    04.00 AK 5200    
      SW 7-9, Sea 7, overcast, high Swell, hail, snow    
    08.00 AK 5200    
      SW 9-10, Sea 8, overcast, high Swell, snow, rain, Vis. bad    
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.01.42      
    12.00 SW 9-10, Sea 8-9, high Swell, snow, rain, Vis. bad    
    15.15   Out of a show squall a steamer in sight ahead to starboard, bow right, target angle 110°, range = 1000 meters, about 8000 GRT - freighter.  Continually disappears behind wave crests, running before the sea at about 7 knots.  Came to HF.  Must immediately again come to LF because the boat runs totally submerged.  The boat can not turn with hard rudder, steamer easily runs away from me.  After a few minutes out of sight.  It's insane, I almost rammed the steamer and he just runs away from me, I can not close and can not shoot.  With the over coming seas a lookout's waist belt breaks off at the steel sling, rings for hooking the steel sling on the waist belt are weak.  
    16.00 AK 5200    
      SW 11, Sea 8-9, overcast, Swell, rain showers    
    20.00 SW 10, Sea 8, overcast, high Swell, hail showers    
    24.00 SW 7-9, Sea 8, partial overcast, high Swell, hail, Vis. medium    
                                               
    11.01.42      
    04.00 AK 5200    
      W 7, Sea 7, Swell, changing cloudiness, Vis. good    
    08.00 AK 5200    
      SW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    12.00 AK 5200 Day's run:  Surfaced:  60 nm.  
      SW 6-7, Sea 6, Swell, overcast, rain, Vis. bad    
    13.23   Dived, test dive.  
    16.20 AK 5500 Surfaced.  
      SW 10-11, Sea 8-9, Swell, snow storm, Vis. 300 meters    
    20.00 AK 5400    
      SSW 9-10, Sea 8-9    
    24.00 AK 5400    
      SSW 8-9, Sea 8-9    
                                               
    12.01.42      
    00.10   Dived, came to course 170° to move ahead submerged.  Speed on the surface is 1 knot better if accepted, the speed measurement system no longer indicates.  Days since a navigation fix.  
    12.00   Day's run:  33 nm  
    12.45 AK 5400 Surfaced.  
      W 11-12, Sea 9, high Swell, very cold    
    16.00      
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.01.42      
    16.00 AK 5400    
      W 8-10, Sea 7-8, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    20.00 AK 5400    
      SW 6-7, Sea 7, high Swell, in squalls the wind rises to 8, Vis. good    
    24.00 AK 5400    
      NNW 10-11, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. bad (500 meters), confused, unpredictable seas, high Swell    
                                               
    13.01.42      
    04.00 AK 5400    
      W 7-9, Sea 6, Swell, Vis. medium, decreasing in snow squalls    
    08.00 AK 5400    
      W 6-8, Sea 6, Swell, Vis. medium, snow and rain squalls, hail showers    
    12.00 AK 5700 Day's run:  55 nm  
      W 6-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium    
    16.00 AK 5700    
      SW 6-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 AK 4900    
      SW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. decreasing in rain showers, Swells    
    24.00 AK 4900    
      SW 5-7, Sea 5-6, Swell, occasional rain showers, Vis. bad    
                                               
    14.01.42      
    04.00 AK 7300    
      SW 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad, Swell    
    08.00 AK 7300    
      SW 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, Swell, Vis. medium    
    12.00 AK 7300 Day's run:  80 nm.  
      SW 5-7, Sea 5, overcast, Swell, hail, snow, rain, Vis. medium    
    16.00 AK 7300    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 5, abeam seas, Swell, overcast, Vis. decreasing in snow and rain    
    20.00 AK 7300    
      WNW 5-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, medium-high SW-Swell    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.01.42      
    24.00 AK 7200 A lookout is flung to the deck by an overcoming sea, eye injury.  
      NW 5-7, Sea 6, changing overcast in squalls, wind strength freshening to 9-10  
                                               
    15.01.42      
    04.00 AK 7200    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, Swell, cloud deck breaking up, snow shower, Vis. changing    
    08.00 AK 7200    
      NW 6-8, Sea 6, medium-high W-Swell, overcast, hail and snow showers, Vis. bad    
    12.00 AK 7200 Day's run:  75 nm.  
      W 7-8, Sea 6-7, Swell, clear to cloudy, occasional snow squalls    
    16.00 AK 7200    
      WSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, Swell, overcast, snow and sleet showers    
    19.20   Radio Message:  Occupy as attack area:  "U-333" square PF 04 and 07.   [BC 74 and 77]  
        Proceeded to attack area.  
    20.00 AK 7500    
      SW 7-9, Sea 8, heavy Swell, overcast    
    24.00 AK 7500    
      SW 7-8, Sea 8, Swell, overcast, rain    
                                               
    16.01.42      
    00.05   Dived, because on the surface due to bad weather only made good 1 knot, submerged to advance.  Pulled and reloaded torpedo tubes II, III and IV.    Determined that torpedo tube II is torn beyond the pressure hull.  
    12.00 AK 7400 Day's run:  52 nm  
    12.55   Surfaced.  
    16.00 AK 7700    
      SW 4-6, Sea 5, medium-high Swell, Vis. good    
    20.00 AK 7700    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, medium-high SSW Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BC 3300    
      SSW 3-5, Sea 4, medium-high S-Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    17.01.42      
    04.00 BC 3300    
      SW 5, Sea 5, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.01.42      
    08.00 BC 3600    
      SW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, drizzle, Vis. bad    
    12.00 BC 3900 Day's run:  180 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 BC 3900    
      SSW 4, Sea 4, heavy Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    17.40   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Cremer occupy Berger attack area.  With that boat joins Group "Ziethen". [BB 98 and 99]  
        Proceeded to attack area.  
    20.00 BC 6300    
      N 3-5, Sea 4, Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BC 6200    
      N 5, Sea 5-6, Swell, rain showers, Vis. bad    
                                               
    18.01.42      
    04.00 NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, overcast, drizzle, Vis. bad    
    08.00 WNW 5-6, Sea 5, Swell, overcast, rain shower, Vis. bad    
    12.00 BC 6500 Day's run:  145 nm.  Steamer in sight astern to starboard, on a wave crest, range = 4000 meters.  Type:  large freighter estimated at 7-8000 GRT.  2 masts small pole masts, 1 especially large cargo hatch between the bridge and smokestack.  Special feature:  astern a cannon of large caliber, clearly visible.  
      WNW 6-7, Sea 5-6, medium Swell, freshening in squalls to WNW 7-8  
        Intention:  attack submerged, without regard to sea state 6, inexact depth keeping and even at the danger of broaching.  - It must fall -.  Maneuvered ahead at GF.  As a result, further damage from breakers.  Initiated attack so that running submerged on attack course before the sea, it would be possible to see through the periscope.  Submerged at target angle bow right 5°, range = 8000 meters, depth keeping is nearly impossible.  At HF and GF ran between depth 11 and 16 meters.  Bow angle between 15° bow down and 10° degrees stern down due to the sea state.  Throughout the steamer was only seen for seconds.  Depth 3 meters, bow right, target angle 90°, speed 7 knots, range = 1500 meters, settings inexact, therefore sought no shooting angle due to parallax.  Shot from tube I and III aimed double shot, at the forward mast and after mast.  After about 2 minutes, shot    
         
         
         
         
   

12.28

   
         
         
         
         
         
    13.15    
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.42      
        shot from tube IV.  At speed 5 knots the boat cuts under.  After about 3 minutes after shooting the double shot 2 heavy detonations.  A third a short time later, however weaker than the first two.  I did not hear the latter myself.  Suspect boiler explosion.  Steamer had heavy list to starboard and is heavily down by the stern.  Blows off steam and sinks over the stern.  
    15.50   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BC 6500    
      WNW 7-8, Sea 7, Swell, hail fog    
    20.00 BC 6500 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 204°T, 235 nm.  
      WSW 6-7, Sea 6-7, high Swell, Vis. good, decreasing to 3 nm in hail squalls, changing cloudiness and sunshine  
22.30 hours  exact ship's position - 43° 09'N, Longitude = 43° 20W.
    24.00 BC 8900    
      W 5-6, Sea 5-6, Swell, Vis. medium, rain    
                                               
    19.01.42      
    04.00 BC 8900    
      W 5, Sea 5, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. medium changing, rain    
    08.00 BC 8900    
      W 5, Sea 4-5, high Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    11.20 W 5-6, Sea 5-6, medium Swell, overcast, occasionally freshening, Vis. good Dived, test dive and reloaded torpedoes.  
    12.00 BC 8800 Day's run:  90 nm.  
    14.30   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BC 8800    
      WSW 5-6, Sea 6, medium high W-Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BC 8800    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    24.00 W 6-7, Sea 6, Swell, overcast, rain, Vis. bad    
                                               
    20.01.42      
    04.00 BC 8800    
      W 4, Sea 4, medium-high Swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 8700    
      NW 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, medium cloudy, Vis. good    
    11.45 BC 8700 Dived, test dive and serviced the torpedoes.  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 3, light W-Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.01.42      
    12.50   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BC 8700    
      S 1-2, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, Vis. very good, sunny, cumulus clouds coming up in the south    
    17.39   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 316°T, 38 nm.  
    20.00 BC 7600    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, light Swell, individual veil of clouds, Vis. good    
    24.00 BC 7600    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 3, light swell, Vis. very good, clear starry night and moonshine    
                                               
    21.01.42      
    04.00 BC 7600    
      S 4-5, Sea 2-3, light Swell, overcast, drizzle, Vis. bad    
    08.00 BC 7500    
      S 3-5, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad    
    12.00 BC 7500 Day's run:  134.3 nm.  
      S 5-7, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad    
    16.00 BC 7500    
      S 7-8, SSW Sea 6, drizzle, Swell, overcast, Vis. bad    
    20.00 BC 7700    
      W 4-5, Sea 5, Swell, overcast, fog, Vis. bad    
    24.00 BC 7700    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, Swell, overcast, drizzle, Vis. medium    
                                               
    22.01.42      
    04.00 BC 7700    
      W 3-4, Sea 2, medium SW-Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 7700    
      WNW 2, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    12.00 BB 9600 Day's run:  117 nm.  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    12.08   Came to course 348°, headed for Cape Race, dived, test dive.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.01.42      
    12.59   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BB 9600    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, partial overcast, Vis. medium    
    18.43 BB 9600 Steamer in sight abeam to starboard.  One smokestack and 2 masts.  Intention:  Submerged attack.  Abandon maneuver ahead.  
    18.54   Steamer steers a swerving course, swings between 260° and 280°, had a small caliber cannon astern and is a medium-sized freighter.  
    20.45   Depth 3 meters, speed 9 knots, target angle 100°, set range = 700 meters.  Tube IV shot.  After 57 seconds hit amidships, smokestack falls onto the bridge.   
    21.05   Sank after 10 minutes.  Asked the name of steamer, hardtack and cigarettes given in exchange.  
        Name of the steamer is "BURDWAN".  6069 GRT.  
    24.00 BB 9600    
      NW 2, light NW-Swell, light overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    23.01.42      
    04.00 BB 9300    
      NW 1, Sea 1, Swell, for the most part starry clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BB 6900    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, weak Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    12.00 BB 6900 Day's run:  138 nm.  
      NNW 2, Sea 1, weak Swell, overcast, Vis. very good    
    12.12   Dived, test dive.  
    13.12   Surfaced.  
    15.30   Crash dive.  Large land-based aircraft in sight bearing 330°T, 2000 meters, above the clouds.  7 depth charges at long range.  
    18.44 W 3-4, Sea 2, light Swell, broken cloud deck, Vis. medium Surfaced.  
    19.01   Cape Race in sight to port astern.  
    19.23   Crash dive for aircraft in sight ahead to port.  Range = 3000 meters.  Aircraft does not fly close to the water, instead above the clouds and was observed through holes on the clouds.  
    23.23   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 6900    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, moonshine now and then, Vis. very good    
                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.01.42      
    04.00 BB 6900    
      SW 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 4700    
      S 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, occasional moonshine, Vis. good    
    12.00 BC 4800 Day's run:  144 nm.  
      S 3, Sea 2, light Swell, starry clear, misty Steamer in sight in the morning twilight.  30° to starboard.  Right away from the merchant sailors on my boat estimated as at least 10-12000 GRT.  Target angle bow right 70°, moved off to windward at 2 x GF up to 14.40 hours.  In so doing speed determined to be 12 knots.  It is probably the freighter reported by "U-203".  
    14.40   Dived.  Submerged attack.  Depth 3 meters, speed 12 knots, target angle bow right 82°, range = 1000 meters.  
    15.25 BC 4700 Shot from tube I, depth 3 meters, speed 13 knots, target angle 90°  
    15.26   Shot from tube III, depth 3 meters, speed 13 knots, target angle 102°, range = 1000 meters.  Hit at the forward edge of the bridge.  Shot from tube III passed ahead due to incorrect speed.  Steamer lies stopped, heavy down by the bow, blows off steam, coup de grace from tuben IV passed because steamer turned with stern in the wind.  
    15.53   Steamer sunk over the forestem.  
    16.01 BC 4700 Surfaced.  Lifeboats give the following:  position 45°50'N, 51°04'W, torpedoed, bearings  
      S 3, Sea 3, light Swell, freshening, Vis. decreasing  
      v c e 127°  
        v g s 100°  
        v a x  82° rs  
        8 sss  
                         de b l w g  
        Crew in the lifeboats were very calm, waving and the wounded were already dressed.  The lifeboats were large, very well equipped with a transmitter - spark gap transmitter - Type of steamer large freighter with superstructure, 2 masts, 2 pole masts forward and astern, a cannon on the stern, estimated at least 11000 GRT.  
    20.00 BC 4800    
      S 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BC 4800    
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium    
                                               
    25.01.42      
    04.00 BC 4800    
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium    
    08.00 BC 4900    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.01.42      
    12.00 BC 4900 Day's run:  176 nm.  
      SW 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good, bright sun    
    16.00 BC 5700    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, Vis. very good    
    20.00 SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad    
    20.20   Two shadows 50° to port, 1 steamer and 1 thin shadow, believed to be a destroyer.  Dived.  Intention:  First attack the destroyer then the steamer.  Initially came to parallel course, because I only had 1 Eto and wanted to shoot this at the destroyer.  Steamer does not come closer.  I believe he had sighted me and zig zagged away.  
    22.00   Wanted to surface, when at 22.00 hours the steamer was in sight again.  No destroyer seen.  I believe I have been fooled and the destroyer was a figment of the imagination. Depth control is getting more and more difficult and the steamer is only visible for seconds at a time.  Steamer is a 7000 GRT freighter, in ballast, runs at best 5 knots.  I have the impression that he sometimes stops, and suspect he my have been torpedoed.  Depth 3 meters, speed 9 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, range = 1000 meters set.  
    22.46   Shot tube V.  9 knots because steamer suddenly shifted away incredibly quickly and speed had risen.  Missed.   
        Meanwhile, end of twilight, with rage ordered surfacing to pursue.   
    23.05 WSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, freshening, moonshine, Vis. very good Surfaced.  Steamer lies stopped a little forward of abeam, at 2000 meters, so that I overtake him with E-motors at HF.  40° to starboard there is a destroyer 3000 meters away.    After surfacing for an all around sweep the conning tower hatch was jammed shut from breakers and would not open.  Bright moonshine, destroyer comes closer, bow left target angle 40°.  
    23.15   Dived.  Went to depth 30 meters, attack on the surface was not possible due to moonshine and visibility.  Freighter was a U-boat trap working together with a destroyer.  
    01.00   Surfaced.  Unfortunately am out of Etos.  Continued return transit.  Radio Message from B.d.U. concerning U-boat trap:  
        26 January square FH 7831 brightly lit steamer, with a dimmed destroyer, course W, heavy weather, 8-9.    
                                                                Degen.  
                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.01.42      
    01.00   Surfaced.  Came to course 90°, one diesel 250 RPM.  
    04.00 BC 5700    
      W 5-6, Sea 4-5, very bright moonshine, light Swell, Vis. clear    
    08.00 BC 5800    
      WNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell    
    12.00 BC 5800 Day's run:  130 nm.  
      W 4-6, Sea 4, medium W Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 BC 5800    
      WNW 5-6, Sea 6, clouds breaking up (Stratocumulus)    
    20.00 BC 5900    
      NW 3-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.33   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 90°T, 30 nm.  
    22.35   One diesel LF full RPM.  
    24.00 BC 6700    
      N 2, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    27.01.42      
    04.00 BC 6700    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 6800    
      NW 2, Sea 1, light W-Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 BC 6800 Day's run:  215 nm.  
      N 1, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good    
    12.40   Dived, test dive.  
    13.20   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BC 6900    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, sunshine    
    17.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 242°T, 65 nm.  
    20.00 BC 9200    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good    
    24.00 BC 9300    
      E 3-4, Sea 1, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    28.01.42      
    04.00 BC 9300    
      ESE 3-5, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 7100    
      SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell    
    12.00 BD 7100 Day's run:  160 nm.  
      SE 6-7, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. bad    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.01.42      
    16.00 BD 7100    
      SE 5-7, Sea 5, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    20.00 BD 7200    
      SSE 5-6, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, rain, Vis. bad    
    24.00 BD 7200    
      S 2, Sea Swell from the SW, overcast, Vis. medium    
                                               
    29.01.42      
    04.00 BD 4900    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, light Swell, bright moonlit night    
    08.00 BD 4900    
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 BD 5700 Day's run:  151 nm.  
      WNW 3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    13.07   Dived, test dive.  
    13.40   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 8100    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BD 8200    
      NW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BD 8200    
      NW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good    
                                               
    30.01.42      
    04.00 BD 8200    
      ESE 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 8300    
      ESE 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 BD 8300 Day's run:  170 nm.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 BD 9100 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 119°T, 22 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good  
    20.00 BD 9100    
      SE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BD 9200    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 1-2, light Swell, overcast, isolated holes, Vis. good    
                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    31.01.42      
    04.00 BD 9300    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, light NNW-Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 9300    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. medium to good    
    12.00 BE 7100 Day's run:  165 nm.  
      SSE 2-4, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. bad    
    12.28   Dived, test dive.  
    13.03   Surfaced.  
    15.00 BE 7100 Steamer in sight abeam to starboard.  Range = 8-10000 meters, disappears in the haze.  Took bearings with the UZO and determined course was 50°.  Maneuvered ahead at HF and course 90°.  Out of sight, had zig zagged.  Visibility has deteriorated.  Closed at GF.  
    15.56   Steamer in sight.  Range = 5-6000 meters, bow left, about target angle 30°.  Dive ordered, Want to have another good look at the steamer. Intention: want to get as close as possible to determine the character because in a Radio Message to Greger B.d.U. particularly emphasized the requirement to form an exact picture.  From 1000 - 350 meters continuously extended the periscope and observed with large and small magnification.  Perfect enemy character on the following basis:  
        1.)  Zig zagging general course 60° for Ireland.  
        2.)   Unmistakable English steamer type, like BURDWAN, only apparently larger, small masts, no cross trees indicating only an English steamer, height of the smokestack and life rafts on the shrouds, like English freighters in Norway.  
        3.)  A cannon on the stern.  
        4.)  No neutral markings.   
        5.)  No flag.  
        6.)  Meat bag in the foremast.  Indicating it is not a Swede as Swedes have salted meat.   
        At about 500 meters I let the First Watch Officer confirm through the periscope, because two eyes see more than one.  
     16.50   Shot from tube I, depth 3 meters, target angle bow left 91°, range = 360 meters, by stopwatch, speed 9 knots.   
        Hit amidships, steamer had list to port.  Still does not sink.  Let the Obersteuermann who had been with the Hapag and Slomann Lines and the combat helmsman of the Loyd, Woermann, Hansa and Essberger Lines confirm the estimate of the type and the size of the steamer.  Both unanimously declare the steamer to be English type.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
        Doubt impossible.  Fog arises steamer lost.  
    17.55   Surfaced, steamer lies to port abeam 2000 meters away.  Initially intend to finish [the steamer] with artillery to save a torpedo for a destroyer.  The Watch Officers especially urge me to crack a destroyer.  Intention abandoned for the following reasons:  Steamer does nothing, the crew does not go to the boats, therefore caution is warranted  Transmits on the 600-meter wave in English.  Gives typical English radio message.  Position given, text suspicious, sends with spark gap transmitter.  The calm behavior makes me suspicious.  I believe it is a trap and am absolutely sure it is an Englishman, all on the bridge are certain.  Radio Message on surfacing:  Sinking and SOS SOS ffpsn 45° 17'N, 50°W torpedoed, sinking and burning.  British prisoners on board.  
    18.03   Dived for coup de grace, again close to about 400 meters to observe the steamer one more time.  I am firmly convinced to shoot at the Englander.  
    18.33   Shot from tube V, hit at the level of the smokestack followed thereafter by a heavy detonation, so that I initially believed he had blown apart and was loaded with ammunition.  As the smoke cleared, superstructure burned round the smokestack, forecastle was flooded. Quite thick fog arose suddenly, steamer is sinking, can be reported sunk.  Ran off on course for home.  
        Complete joy concerning the success sent by Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Square JA 63, just now with last Atos typical passenger-freighter 8000 tons sunk.  2 hits, probably loaded with munitions, because after 2nd hit large detonation.  Appearance:  Dark gray hull, white superstructure, one smokestack, 2 slender masts without crosstrees, 5 large hatches, 2 pole masts ahead of the bridge, round stern, no flag, no neutrality markings, one cannon on stern, zig zagging on general course 60°, shot at 350 meters by stopwatch as exact enemy character determined.  Sank in accordance with operational orders.  Total 33069 tons.        Cremer.  
   

[31 Jan 19.21]

 

[31 Jan 21.20]

[1 Feb 01.50]

  Based on the incoming Radio Message by which Uphoff, Degen, and me should head for 7114, I supposed that B-Dienst has intercepted the Radio Message from the steamer which still floats, and therefore whoever gets there first should sink it. Likewise the Radio Message by which boats in square BD and BE should report their position. On Radio Message to Schuch, an accident was at first thought not possible, then immediately headed for the and reported  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
    [1 Feb 02.17]   sinking to B.d.U.  
                                               
    01.02.42      
    04.00 BE 7200    
      S 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast    
    08.00 BE 7100    
      S 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, drizzle, showers.    
    09.40   Sinking location of the steamer reached.  A large oil slick 100 meters across.  Came to search course.  
    12.00 BE 7100 Day's run:  167 nm.  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 7100    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, Swell, partially overcast, Vis. good    
    17.37   Shadow in sight, probably a destroyer, but because I am not perfectly convinced, waited until rain squall abated as it might also be a rescue cutter.  
    17.42   Crash dive for destroyer at high speed astern, approximately the same course 270°, range = 4000-5000 meters, [the destroyer] slowed.  
    19.08   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 7100    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 SW 3, Sea 2, bright moonlit night, occasional visibility deterioration to 2000 meters    
                                               
    02.02.42      
    04.00 BE 7200    
      S 3-4, Sea 1, light Swell, broken cloud deck, Vis. good, occasional moonshine    
    08.00 BE 7200    
      S 3-4, Sea 1, light Swell, broken cloud deck, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 7300    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, cloud deck breaking up, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 8100    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2, light Swell, broken cloud deck, Vis. good    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.02.42   17.30 hours life ring abeam to port (H.M.S.)  
    20.00 BE 8100    
      S 2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good    
    24.00 BE 8200    
      S 3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    03.02.42      
    04.00 BE 8100    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 5700    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 4900 Day's run:  207 nm.  
      S 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 4900    
      S 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 4900    
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 4800    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, light SW-Swell, Vis. medium    
                                               
    04.02.42      
    04.00 BE 4800    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, Swell, could deck breaking up, Vis. medium    
    08.00 BE 4900    
      SE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, cloud deck breaking up, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 4600 Day's run:  185 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, Vis. very good    
    12.50   Dived, test dive.  
    13.20   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 4600    
      NE 1-2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 4600    
      NE 1-2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. very good    
    24.00 BE 4600    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, dark night, Vis. good    
                                               
    05.02.42      
    04.00 BE 5400    
      N 3, Sea 1, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. medium    
    08.00 BE 5500    
      NE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, partial overcast, occasional moonshine, Vis. medium    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.42      
    12.00 BE 5500 Day's run:  192 nm.  
      NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, cloud deck breaking up, Vis. very good    
    16.00 BE 5800    
      N 3-4, Sea 2-3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 5800    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 5900    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. bad    
                                               
    06.02.42      
    04.00 BE 5900    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, partial moonshine, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 6700    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium    
    12.00 BE 6700 Day's run:  160 nm.  
      NE 4, Sea 3, partial overcast, medium Swell    
    16.00 BE 6800    
      NE 3-5, Sea 4, medium Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 6800    
      N 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, partial overcast, Vis. medium    
    24.00 BE 6900    
      NW 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, partial overcast, Vis. medium    
                                               
    07.02.42      
    04.00 BE 6900    
      SE 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium in rain squalls Vis. decreasing to 1000 meters    
    08.00 BF 4700    
      SE 2-3, Sea, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    12.00 BF 4700 Day's run:  192 nm.  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, light NE-Swell, partial overcast, Vis. very good    
    12.22   Dived, test dive.  
    12.47   Surfaced.  
    13.25   Crash dive, abeam a sea plane with parallel course.  
    14.00   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.02.42      
    16.00 BF 4800    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, light NE-Swell, overcast, Vis. very good    
    20.00 BF 7300    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. good    
    24.00 BF 8100    
      ENE 4-5, squalls, Sea 4-5, Vis. changing, rain showers, hail squalls with heavy reduction in visibility.    
                                               
    08.02.42      
    04.00 BF 8100    
      E 5, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. bad    
    08.00 BF 8200    
      E 3-5, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. medium    
    12.00 BF 8300 Day's run:  208 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 4-5, light Swell, overcast, Vis. very good    
    16.00 BF 8300    
      NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 BF 9100    
      NE 4-5, Sea 4-5, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BF 9100    
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, partial overcast, Vis. good    
                                               
    09.02.42      
    04.00 BF 9200    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, medium Swell, Vis. bad    
    08.00 BF 6800    
      NE 4-5, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, partial overcast, moonshine, Vis. bad    
    09.33   Escort in sight.  
    09.40   Boat joins the escort.  
    12.00 BF 6800    
      NE 3-5, Sea 2, sunshine, Vis. medium    
        Entered at "high" speed (3 knots less).  
    16.00 NE 3, Sea 2, sunshine, Vis. medium    
    17.20   Made fast in the lock.  
    17.50   Departed the lock.  
    18.00   Made fast in Box 5.  
                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42

Enclosures to U-333's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio Excerpt of Radio Log
   
Track Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol

 
 
     
 

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
                                       -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
 
 

                                       to the KTB of " U-333 " from 27.12.41 - 9.2.42.

 
 
                                       -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
 
     
 
1.) First war patrol of the Kommandant with a new boat.  The opportunities for success offered were put to good use and resulted in a great success.  It is a pity the poor weather thwarted other favorable opportunities.
2.) Do not always assume U-boat traps.  Lighted steamer with dimmed destroyer is by no means entitled to this assumption.
3.) Surface transit in the North Sea on 29 December contradicted clear orders.
4.) The sinking of the steamer on 31 January was handled separately.  The observations from the considerations of the Kommandant could not justify the sinking on Route Anton.
 
     
   

Signed in draft: D  ö  n  i  t  z  .

 
   
 
        For correctness:
 
           
 
Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant
 
     
     
 


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