U-334 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason

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
4 Jul 42	22.59 - 23.06	75°33'N, 27°10'E	WILLIAM HOOPER	7,177	American	PQ-17
5 Jul 42	17.47 - 17.56	40°23'N, 71°16'W	EARLSTON	7,195	British	PQ-17
			Total = 14,372
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 334 "
		11.  U.-Flottille
			Commander:  Kapitänleutnant  S  i  e  m  o  n
			Beginning:  15.04.42
			Ending:      06.07.42
			Attachments:  2 track charts
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		15.04.42	Trondheim
		12.10		Taken from harbor basin 4.
		16.20	Lofjord	Made fast at naval repair ship "HUASCARAN".
		16.04.42 to
		29.04.42	Lofjord	Lying alongside "HUASCARAN".
		30.04.42	Lofjord
		08.00		Taken from "HUASCARAN".
		10.50	Trondheim	Entered dry dock in harbor basin 4.
		01.05.42 to
		16.05.42	Trondheim	In the dock.
		17.05.42	Trondheim
		11.30		Undocked, made fast alongside the dock.
		18.05.42	Trondheim	Lay alongside the dock.
		19.05.42	Trondheim
		10.10		Departed for sea trials.
		11.15		Dived.
		12.10		Surfaced.
		17.25		Made fast at the dock.
		20.05.42	Trondheim	Lay alongside the dock.
		21.05.42	Trondheim
		09.00		Departed for sea trials (for piston firing)
		10.00		Dived.
		10.21		Surfaced.
		11.10		Made fast to "HUASCARAN" in harbor basin 4.

	- 2 -
		22.05.42	Trondheim	Torpedo and provisions loading.
		23.05.42	Trondheim	K.B., ready for operations.
		24.05.42 to
		01.06.42	Trondheim	Ready for operations alongside "HUASCARAN".
		02.06.42	Trondheim
		15.30		Rammed by U-436 during berthing maneuver, main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 starboard plating dented and torn, 2 frames bent, about 5 metric tons of fuel oil lost, the remainder delivered to "HUASCARAN".  Torpedoes offloaded.
		03.06.42	Trondheim
		01.45		Docked to repair main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 starboard.
		04.06.42	Trondheim
		03.00		Undocked, made fast alongside "HUASCARAN".
		05.06.42	Trondheim	Torpedo loading.
		06.06.42	Trondheim	Supplied with provisions.
		07.06.42	Trondheim
		10.00		Departed on 2nd war patrol.  Test dive.
		11.17		Taken in convoy.
		19.50		Released from convoy at Point "X".
		20.00	AF 8342	Began transit to operations area AA 96.
			WSW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. 10 nm, 1007 mb

Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42

	- 3 -
		08.06.42
		00.00	AF 8311
			WSW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1012 mb
		03.27		One mine to port distance 2 nm.
		03.58		One mine to starboard distance 1.5 nm
		03.59		Two mines to starboard distance 1.5 nm
		04.00	WNW 0-1, Sea 0-1, Vis. 15 nm, 1005 mb
		04.42		Two mines to port and starboard, distance 100 meters each.
		05.24		One mine to port distance 200 meters.
		05.45		"      "     "  starboard "   1000 meters
		06.10		"      "     "        "        "   50 meters
		06.30		"      "     "  port         "   1000 meters
		06.35		"      "     "  starboard "   1000 meters
		06.38		"      "     "  port         "   50 meters
		07.40		"      "     "    "            "   1000 meters
		08.00	AF 4342
			N 2, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. 15 nm, 1006 mb
		10.35	AF 4382	One FW 200 to port - at the limit of visibility.
		11.04		One mine to starboard distance 400 meters.
		12.00	AF 4349	Day's run:  324 nm, 2 nm.
			NW 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1008 mb
		12.30	AF 4345	Deep dive test to depth A +70 meters.  While rising at depth A +65 meters a weld tore in the forward periscope shaft 10 cm in length.  The result was substantial flooding at all depths.  Experimented with the on board welding system, tightened and sealed the weld joint, still without success.
		14.08	AF 4345	Surfaced.
		15.35		One mine to port distance 1000 meters.
		16.00	AF 4235
			N 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, Vis. xx-xx, xxxx mb

Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		08.06.42
		17.00		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Position AF 4235, Wind N 4, Sea 4, rain showers, Vis. 7 nm.
		19.48	AF 1884	Dived to determine the success of the welding.  Because the same heavy flooding still exists, decide to return to Trondheim.
			N 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1008 mb
		22.14	AF 1876	Surfaced.
		22.30	Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Weld seam burst in Ballast Tank 3 in the forward periscope well 10 cm long.  Constant flooding, request immediate return to Trondheim, because docking is required.
		23.30	Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Return to Trondheim, report 24 hours from arrival at Grip.
		23.58		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Will be at Grip 10 June at 02.00.
		09.06.42
		00.00	AF 1889
			N 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1015 mb
		01.55		One mine to port distance 50 meters.
		04.00	AF 4632
			N 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1013 nm
		08.45		One mine to port distance 800 meters.
		12.00	AF 5458	Day's run:  225 nm, 9 nm.
			NNE 4-5, Sea 4, rain, Vis. 8 nm, 1011 mb	total:  549 nm, 11 nm.
		15.56		Over flown by a FW-200 after recognition signal exchange.
		16.00	AF 5818
			NNE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1012 mb
		20.00	AF 5895
			NNE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1013 mb
		22.30	AF 8314	Crash dive for training.
		22.40		Surfaced.
		22.44		2nd crash dive for training.
		23.00		Surfaced
		23.37		Abeam Grip Lighthouse.
		10.06.42
		00.00	AF 8343	Taken under escort by "R-173".  In convoy to Trondheim.
		05.47	Trondheim	Made fast in harbor basin 4.
				Day's run:
				total:  746.4 nm, 11.2 nm.
		11.06.42	Trondheim	Harbor basin 4.  Torpedo offload.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		12.06.42	Trondheim
		22.10		Taken for docking.
		22.30		Docked.
		13.06.42	Trondheim	Lay in the dock.
		14.06.42	Trondheim
		02.30		Undocked.
		02.50		Made fast for torpedo loading.
		15.06.42	Trondheim
		10.25		Taken to provision.
		12.10		Dived.  Deep dive test to depth A +80 meters.
		13.45		Surfaced.
		15.20		Made fast harbor basin 4.
		20.45		Departed on war patrol.
		21.00		Taken under escort by "R-173".
		16.06.42		In convoy to "X 17".
		04.45	SW 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1015 mb	Released by escort.
				Transit to operations area AA 98.
		08.00	AF 8311
			NW 1, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1015 mb
		12.00	AF 5819	Day's run:  178 nm, 0 nm.
			SW 1, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1013 mb
		15.10		One mine to starboard distance 1000 meters.
		16.00	AF 5482
			SW 4, Sea 4, rain, Vis. 12 nm, 1007 mb
		20.00	AF 4632
			SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1003 mb
		17.06.42
		00.00	AF 4345
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm, 985 mb
		00.55		One mine to port distance 500 meters.
		02.43		Radio Message:  Position short signal:  AF 4234.
		03.40		One mine to starboard distance 300 meters.
		04.00	AF 1888
			SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, 988 mb
		04.58		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Position short signal AF 4234 confirmed.
		08.00	AF 1762
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 3-4 nm, 983 mb
		08.04		One mine to port distance 1000 meters.
		12.00	AF 1762	Day's run:  290 nm, 0 nm.
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 983 mb	total:  468 nm, 0 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		17.06.42
		14.01		One mine to starboard distance 1000 meters.
		16.00	AE 3653
			NW 4, Sea 3-4, partly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm, 985 mb
		20.00	AE 3377
			NW 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 987 mb
		20.40	Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Group Eisteufel occupy attack areas:  U-334 square AA 98, U-355 square AA 99, U-657 square AB 77, U-88 square AB 74, U-457 square AE 32.
		21.18	AE 3375	Dived.
			NW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 989 mb
		18.06.42
		00.20	AE 3372	Surfaced.
			NW 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, 999 mb, Vis. 5-8 nm
		04.00	AE 3351
			NW 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 999 mb
		08.00	AE 3325
			NNW 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1000 mb
		12.00	AB 7794	Day's run:  128 nm, 9.5 nm.
			NW 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 999 mb	total:  596 nm, 9.5 nm.
		16.00	AB 7765
			NE 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 5-7 nm, 999 mb
		19.50	One mine to port distance 200 meters.
		20.00	AB 7735
			NNW 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1001 mb
		19.06.42
		00.00	AB 7725
			NNW 6, Sea 5, partly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1011 mb
		04.00	AB 7726
			NNW 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, Vis. 12 nm, 1014 mb
		07.30	AB 7716	Dived.
		08.30	AB 7716	Surfaced.
			SW 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 500 meters, 1016 mb
		12.00	AA 9963	Day's run:  119.5 nm, 2.5 nm.
			SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 1-5 nm, overcast, 1016 mb	total:  715.5 nm, 12 nm.
		13.00	AA 9962	Reached drift ice limit.
		16.00	AA 9975
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1014 mb
		22.00		Arrived in operations area AA 98.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42

	- 7 -
		20.06.42
		00.00	AA 9897
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, Vis. 15 nm, 1014 mb
		04.00	AA 9887
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, partial overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1012 mb
		07.40	AA 9873	Dived.
		07.55		Surfaced.
		08.00	AA 9884
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1013 mb
		12.00	AA 9886	Day's run:  182.5 nm, 0.8 nm.
			WNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1014 mb	total:  898    nm, 12.8 nm.
		16.00	AA 9892
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1015 mb
		20.00	AA 9884
			WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, fog, Vis. 200-300 meters, 1016 mb
		22.15	AA 9878	Dived.
			Vis. 50 meters
		21.06.42
		00.30	AA 9877	Surfaced.
			W 1-2, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 100-500 meters, fog, 1018 mb
		04.00	AA 9872
			W 1-2, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 100-500 meters, fog, 1018 mb
		08.00	AA 9885
			WSW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 80-120 meters, heavy fog, 1019 mb
		12.00	AA 9898	Day's run:  140 nm, 6.5 nm.
			SW 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy, Vis. 300 meters, fog, 1019 mb	total:  1038 nm, 19.3 nm.
		16.00	AA 9866
			SW 0-1, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 100 meters, fog, 1020 mb
		16.31		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  (Officer):  Group Eisteufel occupy attack areas, depth 40 nm, U-334 square AA 9845 center-right edge (altogether 7 boats).  Immediate transit to assume new operations area.
		20.00	AA 9868	Dived.
			SW 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy, Vis. 300 meters, 1019 mb
		20.35	AA 9867	Surfaced.
		22.06.42
		00.00	AA 9882
			SW 0-1, Sea 0-1, heavy fog, Vis. 100-500 meters, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		22.06.42
		04.00	AA 9871
			E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 200-400 meters, fog, 1019 mb
		05.00		Arrived in operations area.
		07.15	AA 9848	Dived.
		09.00	AA 9845	Surfaced.
			E 0, Sea 0, partly cloudy, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1019 mb
		12.00	AA 9871	Day's run:  144.5 nm, 6.4 nm.
			NNW 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1019 mb	total:  1182.5 nm, 25.7 nm.
		16.00	AA 9845
			E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1018 mb, drift ice
		18.27		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Immediately course 60° at highest sustained speed.
		18.40		Set off on course 60° at GF.
		19.37	Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  From air report about 08.00 hours oil slick 50 km south of Jan Mayen at lateral distances similar to steamer columns.  Aircraft later encountered anti-aircraft fire.  As a result of thick clouds not identified.  New air reconnaissance scheduled.  Group Eisteufel transit to the NE is to clarify.
		20.00	AA 9854
			NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 10-12, 1018 mb
		23.06.42
		00.00	AA 9679
			E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 20 nm, 1016 mb
		03.30		U-boat ahead at the limit of visibility, later determined to be U-408.
		04.00	AB 7478
			ESE 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1016 mb, drift ice
		08.00	AB 7541
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 14-15 nm, 1016 mb
		08.30	AB 7518	Exchanged recognition signals and position with U-408.
		10.03		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Group Eisteufel halt.
		12.00	AB 7287	Day's run:  285 nm, 0 nm.
			E 2, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. 20 nm, 1015 nm	total:  1467 nm, 25.7 nm.
		13.20		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  (Officer)  Group Eisteufel new attack areas, depth 30 nm occupy at cruising speed:  U-334 square AB 7181 lower-right corner lower-center
		14.15		Started transit to new operations area at cruising speed.
		16.00	AB 7273
			E 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. 20 nm, 1016 mb
		20.00	AB 7168	North and south along the drift ice limit.
			Wind calm, few clouds, Vis. 20 nm, 1015 mb, drift ice.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42

	- 9 -
		24.06.42
		00.00	AB 7166
			Wind calm, few clouds, Vis. 15 nm, 1016 mb, drift ice
		04.00	AB 7166
			Wind calm, few clouds, Vis. 20 nm, 1017 mb, drift ice.
		08.00	AB 7169
			WSW 1, Sea 0-1, partial overcast, fog, Vis. 200-500 meters, 1016 mb
		12.00	AB 7193	Day's run:  141.5 nm, 0 nm.
			WSW 1, Sea 0-1, partial overcast, fog, Vis. 300-500 meters, 1017 mb	total:  1609 nm, 25.7 nm.
		16.00	AB 7266
			SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, fog, Vis. 500-800 meters, 1018 mb
		19.00		Oil slick to port distance 50 meters.  Questionable because own boat is in the same square, dived in order to listen.  In square 7193 no sound bearings
		19.10		Surfaced.
		20.00	AB 7193	Came about, as the operations area could not be reached due to an area of closed pack and drift ice whose border could not be precisely determined in the the constant fog
			Wind calm, overcast, fog, Vis. 300 meters, 1020 mb
		21.25		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Position square AB 7247.  Closed pack and drift ice west of square AA 9680, AB 7478, AB 7190, AB 7130.  E 1, fog.
		25.06.42
		00.00	AB 7169
			Wind calm, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, 1020 mb, drift ice
		04.00	AB 7169
			Wind calm, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, 1020 mb, drift ice
		08.00	AB 7169
			SW 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 300-500 meters, 1020 mb
		08.20		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  (Officer)  To Group Eisteufel.  Because of ice situation all boats move attack areas 6 [typo 60 nm] nm in direction 45°.
				As this new position could also not be taken, continued back and forth on north and south courses, with the center point 30 nm in direction 90° from the ice limit.
		12.00	AB 7244	Day's run:  148.4 nm, 0.8 nm.
			SW 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 300-500 meters, 1020 mb	total:  1757.4 nm, 26.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		25.06.42
		16.00	AB 7241
			SW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm, 1020 mb, drift ice
		20.00	AB 7244
			S 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1019 mb
		20.30		Meeting with U-251 in square AB 7518.
		26.06.42
		00.00	AB 7247
			Wind calm, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1018 mb
		04.00	AB 7169
			Wind calm, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1018 mb
		08.00	AB 7271
			Wind calm, partly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1018 mb
		12.00	AB 7192	Day's run:  140.5 nm, 0 nm.
			NNW 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. 15-20 nm. 1019 mb	total:  1897.9 nm, 26.5 nm.
		16.00	AB 7168
			N 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb, drift ice
		20.00	AB 7168
			Wind calm, overcast, Vis. 1-4 nm, 1017 mb, drift ice
		27.06.42
		00.00	AB 7269
			NE 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1018 mb, drift ice
		04.00	AB 7165
			E 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1015 mb
		08.00	AB 7217
			ENE 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 1500-2000 meters, 1015 mb
		12.00	AB 7241	Day's run:  136.6 nm, 0 nm.
			E 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 200-400 meters, 1012 mb	total:  2034.5 nm, 26.5 nm.
		16.00	AB 7217
			E 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 1500-2000 meters, 1012 mb
		20.00	AB 7139	During the fog stopped every hour to listen.
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 300 meters, 1011 mb, fog

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.42

	- 11 -
		28.06.42
		00.00	AB 7139
			E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 600-800 meters, 1011 mb, fog
		04.00	AB 7139
			SEbyE, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 200-250 meters, 1014 mb, fog
		08.00	AB 7163
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 300-500 meters, fog, 1012 mb
		12.00	AB 7163	Day's run:  144.4 nm, 0 nm.
			E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 300-500 meters, fog, 1013 mb	total:  2178 nm, 26.5 nm.
		16.00	AB 7163
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 500-600 meters, fog, 1011 mb
		18.55	AB 7241	Dived.
		19.30		Surfaced.
		20.00	AB 7241
			E 0-1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 300-500 meters, 1011 mb, fog
		21.27		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer to Group Eisteufel:  All boats advance to new operations area 60 nm in direction 225°.
				Began transit to new operations area.
		29.06.42
		00.00	AB 7274
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1011 mb
		04.00	AB 7439
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1009 mb
		08.00	AB 7458
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1008 mb
		12.00	AB 7478	Day's run:  170 nm, 1.5 nm.
			NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1007 mb	total:  2348.9 nm, 28 nm.
		16.00	AB 7478
			N 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 500-700 meters, fog, 1008 mb
		16.00	AA 9662	Arrived in operations area.
			N 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 500-700 meters, fog, 1008 mb
		20.00	AA 9667
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1007 mb
		20.05		Dived.
		20.30	AA 9664	Surfaced.
		30.06.42
		00.00	AA 9639
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 200-300 meters, fog,

	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		30.06.42	1007 mb, drift ice
		04.00	AA 9667
			NW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5-7 nm, 1008 mb
		08.00	AA 9662
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1008 mb
		12.00	AA 9659	Day's run:  137.5 nm, 1.8 nm.
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1008 mb	total:  2486.4 nm, 29.8 nm.
		16.00	AA 9664
			N 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 5-7 nm, 1010 mb
		18.48		Radio Message:  from Admiral Nordmeer:  At 16.50 hours in square AC 4353 convoy moving to the west.
		18.49		Radio Message:  "Kr":  At 1650 hours in square AC 4320 convoy probably moving to the west.  (signature missing)
		20.00	AA 9653
			NNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1010 mb
		20.40	AA 9634	Shifted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks II and IV (both sides) over to ballast tanks.  Set buoyancy condition A.
		21.16	AA 9637	Dived.
		23.30	AA 9634	Surfaced.
		01.07.42
		00.00	AA 9653
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1011 mb
		04.00	AA 9665
			NNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1010 mb
		05.38	AA 9664	Aircraft (Sunderland) bearing 200°T W-E course at low altitude.
		05.39		Crash dive.
		06.35	AA 9667	Surfaced.
		08.00	AA 9659
			NbyW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1012 mb
		12.00	AA 9663	Day's run:  157 nm, 11.1 nm.
			NW 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 15-20 nm, 1013 mb	total:  2643.4 nm, 40.9 nm.
		16.00	AA 9667
			NNE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1014 mb
		17.50	Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  To Eisteufel:  All boats without indications or contact with the enemy immediately proceed on course 50°, at 10 knots.
		18.00	AA 9658 left edge	First came to course 90°, to remain south of the ice limit.
		20.00	AA 9658 right edge
			NNE 2-3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 20-25 nm, 1016 mb
		22.05		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  "PQ 17" position from B-Dienst and Reche reports estimated at 16.00 hours in square AB 7166, course NE, 9 knots.  Siemon (and others) search for contact.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42

	- 13 -
		01.07.42
		23.24		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  To Eisteufel:
			1.  Aircraft lost contact at 21.00 hours about square AE 5620 on a carrier, 3 battleships, 6 cruisers, 6 destroyers.  Heavy protection.
			2.  Target is "PQ 17", westbound convoy "QP 13" is positioned by plotting on about 2 July in the U-boat operations area.  Let this [convoy] go.  Only use favorable opportunities.
		02.07.42
		00.00	AB 7449
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1016 mb	Proceeding as ordered on course 50°.
		03.52		"αα" Convoy in sight square AB 4914.  Enemy steering NE - U-456 -
		04.00	AB 7434	Operating on convoy at highest speed.
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 20 nm, 1016 mb
		08.00	AB 7244
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, 10/10, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1016 mb
		12.00	AB 4867	Day's run:  278.5 nm, 0 nm.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. 15-18 nm, 1018 mn	total:  2921.9 nm, 40.9 nm.
		13.46		"Kr" from Commander Aircraft Lofoten:  Double meeting place both Convoys square AB 5430 on 2 July at 21.00 hours.
		15.10	AB 4679	Aircraft (Sunderland) bearing 220°T, distance 4 nm.  Crash dive.
		15.20	Depth charge pursuit initially by aircraft, then from patrol vessel or summoned search group from convoy "QP 13".  A total of 52 depth charges.  No failures or damage.
		19.35	AB 4678	Surfaced.
		20.00	AB 4677
			NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. 15-18 nm, 1018 mb
		19.44		"Kr" all from Commander Aircraft North F 3/906 reports at 16.47 hours, hostile force consists of 37 merchant ships, 12 destroyers, 4 corvettes, 2 U-boats.
		03.07.42
		00.00	AB 4663
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 10/10, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1019 mb
		03.01		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Eisteufel.  Enemy on course 90° at 01.18 hours.
		04.00	AB 5193
			S 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1018 mb
		05.43		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Eisteufel.  All free to attack except for Teichert and Brandenburg.
		05.50		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Do not operate on westbound convoy.
		08.00	AB 5342
			WNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1019 mb
		08.25		Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  Eisteufel.  Convoy position 3 July at 00.00 about AB 5251 on course 90°, 8 knots,  search along this plot, do not remain behind.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		03.07.42
		10.40	AN 5338	Dived, to get a sound bearing on the convoy.
		11.35	AB 5335	Surfaced.
		11.40		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  AB 2998, sound bearing 34°T and detonations.
		12.00	AB 2998	Day's run:  356.2 nm, 16 nm.
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1020 mb	total:  3278.1 nm, 56.9 nm.
		16.00	AB 3758
			SE 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10, Vis. 500-600 meters, 1019 mb
		20.00	AB 3849
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1019 mb
		21.41	AB 3855	Convoy in sight! (sent "αα" -signal to Admiral Nordmeer).
		22.18	Radio Message:  Aircraft report:  1 heavy cruiser, 2 light cruisers, at convoy.  1 battleship, 3 heavy cruisers, 3 destroyers, 300°, 20 nm square AB 3943.  Carrier probably in the area.
		04.07.42
		00.00	AB 5335
			Wind calm, 10/10, Vis. 15-20 nm, 1020 mb
		02.00	AB 6316	One BV-138, course N on the horizon.
		04.00	AB 6329
			Wind calm, 10/10, Vis. 300-1000 meters, 1020 mb
		05.18	AC 4174	One DO-24 on the horizon.
		06.21		Air contact keeper reports:  Convoy course changed to 130°.
		07.30	AC 4149	One BV-138 course N on the horizon.
		08.00	AC 4168
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1018 mb
		11.30	Radio Message:  Admiral Nordmeer:  "Eisteufel":  No own sea forces in the operations area.  Location of enemy heavy group currently unknown.  Finding this is the principal target for U-boats.  Contact keeper remain with the convoy.
		12.00	AC 1887	Day's run:  327.7 nm, 0 nm.
			NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1017 mb	total:  3650.8 nm, 56.9 nm.
		13.25	AC 1883	Navigation exchange with "U-456".
		13.27		Radio Message:  from "U-457":  Heavy enemy forces in sight square AC 1542.
		13.50		1 U-boat course 90° on the horizon square AC 1859.
		15.30		"αα" To Admiral Nordmeer:  Convoy course 120° in AC 1834.
		16.00	AC 1995
			Wind calm, 9/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb
		17.45	Radio Message:  To Eisteufel:  Torpedo attack on convoy by 23 HE-111 intended.
		18.00	Aircraft contact keeper report:  14.42 hours reported enemy forces consist of 3 heavy American cruisers, 1 heavy English cruiser, 3 destroyers, course 0°, slow speed.  Position 13.01 hours square AC 1545.
		20.00	AC 1921
			Wind calm, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		04.07.42
		20.25	AC 1679                                   Am 10-12 nm to starboard abeam of the convoy.  Observed the attack of 23 HE-111 on the convoy with aerial torpedo detonations, turning away and dispersion of the convoy in a northwesterly direction.  After the aerial torpedo attack let [myself] fall astern of the convoy and am operating on steamers observed to be damaged by aircraft and independents.
		21.06	AC 1681                                   Dived for submerged attack on 3 damaged slowly moving stragglers.  Shortly before the first approach the crews of 2 steamers were taken over by a destroyer.  Afterwards immediately ran off at high speed.
		22.43	Shot from tube I on the steamer furthest behind with a slight list to port.  Enemy speed 0 knots, target angle 90°, range = 1100 meters, fixed firing angle = 0°.  Effects:  Steamer capsized about 20 seconds before the torpedo could hit the target.  The torpedo was heard until the end of running time (5 minutes 50 seconds).
		22.59		Shot from tube III and
		23.03	Shot from tube II on a slowly moving damaged steamer.  Shot from tube III:  target speed = 2 knots, target angle = 90°, range = 800 meters, fixed firing angle = 0°.  Aaim point:  forward edge of the bow.  After 53 seconds hit on the target at the level of the stern superstructure heard in the G.H.G.  Pistol failure.  Thereafter the steamer settled deeper by the stern.  Shot from tube II:  target speed = 2 knots, target angle 90°, range = 700 meters, fixed firing angle = 0°.  Aim point:  bow.  After ejection of the torpedo the steamer stopped his forward motion because the the settling of his stern, so that the torpedo passed ahead.  Running time of the torpedo 5 minutes 55 seconds.
		23.06	Surfaced and readied the cannon, to sink the steamer with artillery.  With the shooting the steamer quickly sank by the stern.  After the steamer sank, signal traffic was observed on the same bearing in the haze at approximately 12 nm by masthead lights and afterwards with searchlights and code flag signals.  The formation proceeded in 5 columns with general course south.  1 cruiser and 2 destroyers left the formation and ran toward the boat at high speed with target angle 0°.  While running off before this noted 5 columns in wide formation certainly the enemy battle group, consisting of 4 cruisers, 12 destroyers and escorts.
		23.50	A heavy cruiser positioned itself crosswise before the formation which was still running on a southerly course and shot a broadside with medium artillery.  The impacts lay approximately 200 meters aft of the the boat and "U-255" which had surfaced, meanwhile, ahead to port, and ran parallel to me.  The third broadside lay between the boats and now forced a dive.  The destroyers broke off pursuit approximately 20 minutes later.
		05.07.42
		01.49	AC 1681	Surfaced.  Battle group and destroyer out of sight, probably turned off to the NW.
		03.17	Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Square AC 1681 sank damaged straggler 5000 GRT.  3 sinking vessels,  including probably 1 heavy cruiser observed.  Forced to submerge at 23.50 hours by good artillery bombardment by a heavy cruiser.  Course 190, broad formation.
		04.00	AC 1697 lower-left corner
			NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1017 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		05.07.42
		04.08	Radio Message:  From Teichert:  Squares 2450 and 2480 straggler convoy, many unprotected independent steamers, courses between 60 and 120°.
		04.39		Radio Message:  To Teichert:  Request bearing signals.
		08.00	AC 2496 lower-center
			NE 0-1, Sea 0, 10/10, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1016 mb
		08.07	Radio Message:  From Teichert:  Partial convoy AC 2552 widely separated, course 120°, apparently slowly assembling.  Maneuver ahead very much complicated because of outlying fast steamers and destroyers.  Visibility more than 15 nm, partial overcast, radio beacon transmitter out of service.
		11.25		Convoy in sight square AC 2915, course east.
		12.00	AC 2924	Day's run:  285.2 nm, 14.3 nm.
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. 15-18 nm, 1017 mb	total:  3936.0 nm, 71.2 nm.
		12.40		4 steamers bearing 90°T, distance 18-20 nm, course east.
		13.35	AC 2963	Dived.  Proceeding submerged to attack fast independent.
		14.28	3-fan from tubes I. II, IV.  Target speed = 12 knots, target angle = 82°, range = 1200 meters, lead angle = 23°, spread angle 4°.  On firing the fan the steamer reduced his speed and zags approximately 10° to port, so that the torpedoes passed ahead.  Shots explained.
			Shot from tube V:  Target speed = 10 knots, target angle = 90°, range = 1000 meters, lead angle = 19°.  Unexplained miss, torpedo was heard to end of run.  Shortly thereafter immediate torpedo detonation, later determined that "U-456" had shot at the steamer at the same time from the same side and had sunk him.
		15.12	AC 2938                                   Surfaced, position exchanged with "U-456", immediately thereafter a second steamer was sighted on the horizon at approximately 12-14 nm.
		16.00	AC 2962	Operating on the steamer.  In the process, determined that the crew had already abandoned the steamer.
			Wind calm, 8/10, Vis. 18-20 nm, 1015 mb
		17.17		Initiated surface attack.
		17.47	AC 2961	Single shot from tube II, target speed = 0, range = 1200, gyro angle= ψ = 0°.  Hit at the level of the after mast, ship still remains afloat.
		17.53	Single shot from tube III:  target speed = 0, gyro angle = φ = 3°, range 1000 meters.  Unexplained miss.  It is assumed, the depth mechanism was affected by a simultaneous impact of a bomb dropped next to the ship from a JU-88 and therefore the torpedo under ran the target.
		17.56	Single shot from tube IV:  target speed = 0, gyro angle = ψ [ship's bearing] = 12.5°, range = 700 meters.  Hit at the level of the forward mast.  Steamer sank after that in 90 seconds.  After the sinking of the steamer I took the Captain [named] Stenwick from a lifeboat.  Name of the steamer determined to be: "EARLSTONE" from Glasgow for Archangel, cargo: motor vehicles.
		18.21	Radio Message:  From Group North:  Report detailed observation of supposed cruiser sinking.
				Afterwards ran off to the SW.
		18.25	AC 2953	Attacked with aircraft armament and 3 bombs by an aircraft perfectly recognized as JU-88 with the Balken Cross and yellow painted wing markings.  Aircraft armament bombardment went into the water on both sides of the Conning Tower tower.  Three bombs fell at the level of the rear diving planes.
			Wind calm, Sea 0, 8/10, cloud base 300-400 meters, Vis. 10 nm

Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		05.07.42	to starboard at a distance of 10 meters.  Boat became unmaneuverable as a result of a tear in main ballast tank 3, probably in the negative buoyancy tank, the regulating fuel oil tank, battery I and II, gyroscope system, magnetic compass and breakdown of the main rudder, as well as other not yet surveyable ballast fuel oil tanks.  After the attack I fired 5 visual recognition signal cartridges which remained unanswered.  Aircraft went into the clouds.
				Established signal communication with "U-456" and requested his escort to Kirkenes.
		18.45		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Attacked by Ju-88 with bombs and aircraft armament.
		20.12		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Position square AC 2955, not clear to dive, main rudder out of service.  Intend to proceed to Kirkenes under escort by Teichert.
		20.00	AC 2955
			Wind calm, 8/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1016 mb
		20.25		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Position AC 2659.  Steamer "EARLSTONE" 7000 GRT from Glasgow sunk, cargo:  motor vehicles.  Captain on board.
		06.07.42
		00.00	AC 5318
			E 1, Sea 0-1, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1023 mb
		04.00	AC 5538
			SE 1, Sea 0, 10/10, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1019 mb
		04.33	Radio Message:  (answer to Radio Message of 5 July 18.21 hours) To Admiral Nordmeer, Gruppe Nord:  Aerial torpedo attack distance 12 nm observed a direct hit with ammunition detonation on a large vessel.  As it capsized observed superstructure and mast like an American heavy cruiser.
			Radio Message:  From Admiral Nordmeer:  1.  Return to Kirkenes together.  2.  Only radio if situation changes.  3.  Report crossing 72°N by short signal.
		08.00	AC 5827
			ESE 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1024 mb
		10.10		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  Again clear to dive with restrictions.  Request return to Narvik, escort by Teichert no longer needed.
		11.30		Drifting mine to starboard, distance 2000 meters.
		12.00	AC 8271	Day's run:  270.0 nm, 5.7 nm.
			E 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1023 mb	total:  4206.0 nm, 76.9 nm.
		15.00		Radio Message:  To Admiral Nordmeer:  (SSD)  Position 16.00 hours.
		19.00	Vardö with Teichert.	Vardö abeam taken under escort by 3 S-boats and 2 Me-110.
		20.00	AC 8467
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1023 mb
		23.45		In Neidenfjord made fast alongside naval repair ship "SÜDMEER".
				Day's run:  142 nm, 0 nm.
				Total distance covered:
				total:  4348 nm, 76.9 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42

	"U-334"
	Reports of sightings and appearance of warships,
	merchant ships and convoy
	Date Time Name or designation of ships or convoys sighted Course Speed Own Position (Lat. and Long.) Range Bearing Description of appearance and notable damage, particularly of painting (Boot topping, ventilation, trunk, superstructure, boats, masts, stacks, etc.) artillery installation, bow protective device, crows nest, or lookout basket, installation and number of lifeboats, whether lifeboats are swung out or, how much protection for the bridge and other ship parts.  Antenna leads etc. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 03.07.42 21.41 P Q 17 60° 8 knots AB 3855 7-8 nm   2 destroyers, high masts, signaling.                 04.07 15.30 " 120°  8-10 knots AC 1834 12-14 nm   2 Groups.  Southern Group = 20 or more steamers.  High smoke clouds. Broad formation.  Tethered balloons, Flank screen recognized, barely zig zagging.  Northern Group = Many large warships.  Wide formation. White smoke clouds. Broad formation.                 04.07 20.00 " 90°  8 knots AC 1657 14 nm   Heavy cruiser (probably American) tripod mast or lattice mast.  Steamer rarely with camouflage painting.  Boats swung out.  Artillery Forward and aft (at times 15 knots)                            Signed in draft  Siemon.
	Remarks:  Warship was reported afterwards to be only a destroyer.

	Enclosures to U-334's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart A	Track chart for the period 2-6 July 1942
Chart B	Track chart for the period 15 June - 2 July 1942
Radio	Extract of the Radio Log

	Comments of Admiral Nordmeer on the K.T.B. of "U-334"
	for the period from 15.04 - 06.07.1942
	1)  The boat made good use of existing opportunities and behaved correctly.   2)  Attack on the boat on 05.07 at 18.25 hours took place beyond any doubt by a Ju-88.  The Air Force has not explained the incident, assumes Ju-88 with Russian crew.
	7 Sept. 1942
	Adm.Nordm.Gkdos.  1436 / 42  AU
	[Handwritten note:  The matter will be pursued separately.]

	Admiral Nordmeer
	B.Nr. Gkdos.  1436 AU.                                                                                                        7 Sept. 1942
	To           Marinegruppenkommand Nord.           Enclosed is the war diary of "U-334" for the period (2 copies) 15.04 - 06.07.42 with comments of Admiral Nordmeer submitted.           Attachments: 2 track charts, 1 extract of sent radio messages and 1 report of sightings and appearance of enemy warships.

	Marinegruppenkommando Nord                                                Command Post, 22 September 1942
	B.Nr. Gkdos. 4723/42  A U
	__U.__  S  e  e  k  r  i  e  g  s  l  e  i  t  u  n  g
	Submitted.
	No comments.
	On behalf of   !

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-334" from 07.06 to 06.07.1942
	A well executed enterprise!
		Signed in draft:   D  ö  n  i  t  z
		For correctness:
	Leutnant M.A. Adjutant

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page