U-355 - 7th & 8th War Patrols

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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				Copy No     1___
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  355  "
				7th Patrol
				Kommandant:  Korv. Kapt.    La Baume
				Beginning:    5 September 1943
				Concluding:  7 November 1943
			Distribution:           Oberkommando der Kriegamarine Copy No. 1 Oberkommando der Kriegamarine     "      " 2 Oberkommando der Kriegamarine 2 Skl./B.d.U. -Op-     "      " 3 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote Norwegen     "      " 5 Führer der Uboote-Ausbildungsflottillen     "      " 6 Kommando 27. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 7 Kommando 11. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 8
			Enclosures:           1 Track chart to Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 1 Enclosure to the track chart to Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 1 summary of important Radio Messages "      "       " 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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	- 1 -
		05.09.43	Hammerfest
		19.45		Incoming Radio Message 1217/719:
				U-boat Base Hammerfest for La Baume:
				1)  Immediately depart again with "Dietrich" high transit speed.
				2)  After completion moved off to AC 42, if equipment is operable return transit Hammerfest otherwise report.
				F.d.U.
		20.00		Took over Weather Station "Dietrich" from "BLACK WATCH".
		06.09.43
		08.00	Hammerfest	Put to sea.
		10.45		Passed Point SR 1 departing.
		12.00	AC 7241	Day's run:  Surfaced:  48.5 nm
			ESE 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
		13.20 - 13.40	AC 7133	Test dive.
		16.00	AC 4768
		17.43	AC 4734	Own Ju 88 bearing 0°T, course S, 3 nm away.  Recognition signals exchanged.
		20.00	AC 4482
			SSE 4, Sea 4, 4/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
		24.00	AC 4178
			SSE 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
		07.09.43
		04.00	AB 3998
			SSE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
		05.35	Bäreninsel	Ran into Nordhafen, weather station set out and set up.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:       48.5 nm
				Submerged:         1 nm
				189 nm
		20.00		Put to sea from Nordhafen, began return transit.
		20.06		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Position off return harbor in 24 hours.  WF-equipment A set out at North place.    "UV".

	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		07.09.43	Bäreninsel
		24.00	AB 6335
			SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, 1023 mb, Vis. medium
		08.09.43
		00.30		Incoming Radio Message 2221/779:  La Baume from F.d.U.:
				8 September "Ingöy" transmits "Trave" from 14.00 to 20.05 hours 244 khz.  Escort boat from 18.05 hours "Willi" 385 khz.  Both half hourly each for five minutes.
			Because of the opposing steep seas I can no longer run at 8-9 knots, I can first run into Hammerfest in the morning of 9 September and must delay the arrival report until evening.
		02.09		Outgoing Radio Message 0143/778:
				10 hour delay due to weather.  Request doctors assistance immediately after arrival for casualty with dislocated arm.
		04.00	AC 4147
			SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, 1023 mb, Vis. medium
		08.00	AC 4178
			SE 6, Sea 6, 4/10, 1024 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AC 4451	Day's run:  Surfaced: 113 nm
			SE 6, Sea 6, 4/10, 1024 mb, Vis. good
		13.30		Incoming Radio Message 1141/787:  F.d.U. to La Baume:
				1)  Radio Message 2221 of 7 September settled.
				2)  9 September transmits:  00.00-03.35 "Ingöy" 244 khz "Trave", 04.00-06.05 "Weser" 202 khz.  Escort boat from 04.05 "Willi" 385 khz.  Both half hourly each for 5 minutes.
		16.00	AC 4489
			SE 4, Sea 4, 2/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
		20.00	AC 4768
			ESE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, 1023 mb, Vis. good
		22.20	AC 7248	Dived to await morning twilight.
		09.09.43
		03.00	AC 7248	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		09.09.43
		04.40	Point SR 1	Taken in convoy.
		07.30	Hammerfest	Ran in, made fast alongside "BLACK WATCH".
		10.09. - 01.10.43	Hammerfest	Engine overhaul and outfitting.
		02.10.43	Hammerfest
		19.20		Cast off for trim test.
		20.20	Hammerfest - Roadstead	Departed with Weather Observation Ship 3 ("K.J. BUSCH") for 7th war patrol in accordance with Operations Order Gruppe Nord/Fleet for weather observation operation "Kreuzritter".
		03.10.43
		00.15		Passed Point SR 1.
		04.00	AC 7135
			NE 6, Sea 5, overcast rain, 994 mb, Vis. medium
		08.00	AC 4791	The violent lurching threatens to make the deck cargo of "BUSCH" go overboard.  Since the loss would throw the whole operation into question, I have us heave to against the sea to await better weather.
			E 6, Sea 5, overcast, 994 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AC 4768	Day's run:  Surfaced:       106 nm
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast, 996 mb, Vis. good	Submerged:         1 nm
				107 nm
		12.30		Incoming Radio Message 1106/769:  Fliegerführer Lofoten to all:  2 BV 138 with radar takeoff from 10.42 to 10.50 hours for "Kreuzritter".
		13.30	AC 4765	Drifting mine sighted.
		16.00	AC 4726
			NE 5, Sea 5, 9/10, 1000 mb, Vis. good
		20.50	AC 4485	Incoming Radio Message 2040/774 from Adm. Nordmeer:
			NNE 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1002 mb, Vis. good	Reconnaissance for "Kreuzritter" without observations.
		24.00	AC 4445
			N 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1005 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43

	- 4 -
		04.10.43	Bäreninsel sea area
		02.00		Clocks set to Standard Time (MEZ).
		03.30	AB 6398
			N 4, Sea 4, overcast passing showers, 1006 mb, Vis. changing
		05.00	AB 6328	Bäreninsel in sight bearing 10°T.
		08.45	AB 3978	Aircraft bearing 300°T, course NNW, low altitude, 3 nm away.  Type not recognized, suspect BV 138.  No recognition signal exchanged.
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1009 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AB 3855	Day's run:  Surfaced: 187.5 nm
			NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1010 mb, Vis. good
		16.00	AB 3733
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1012 mb, Vis. good
		20.00	AB 3482	Because "BUSCH" is only equipped with a magnetic compass, and due to unpredictable deviation holding an exact course in this area is not possible, I must hold contact at night and follow in "BUSCH's" wake.
			N 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1012 mb, Vis. good
		24.00	AB 3444	Lay to due to danger to the deck cargo from violent lurching.
			N 5, Sea 5, overcast, 1013 mb, Vis. good
		05.10.43
		04.00	AB 2639	Again proceeded on course.
			N 2, Sea 3, 6/10, 1014 mb, Vis. good
		08.00	AB 2378
		09.00 - 09.20	NW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good	Test dive.
		12.00	AB 2264	Day's run:  Surfaced:       178.5 nm
			NW 2, Sea 1, overcast snow, 1015 mb, Vis. 2-4 nm	Submerged:       1.0 nm
				179.5 nm
		12.35		Incoming Radio Message 0535/790 (Very Low Frequency) from Fliegerführer Lofoten:
				2 BV 130 take off from 05.10 to 05.17 hours for reconnaissance.
		16.00	ÄG 7781
			NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		05.10.43	West of Spitzbergen
			Because, in addition to the difficulty of holding course, "BUSCH" also has leaks in the fore and after-ship, I decide from 18.00 hours contrary to the prescribed transit route to head directly for the NW corner of West Spitzbergen, to exploit the currently prevailing calm weather for rapid transit and to reach Liedfe Bucht before darkness on 6 October.
		18.00	ÄG 7743	Came to course 15°.
		20.00	ÄG 7487
			NW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good
		22.00	ÄG 7458	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  300°T, 16 nm.
		24.00	ÄG 7424
			NNW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good
		06.10.43
		04.00	ÄG 7153	The west coast of Albert I Land comes in sight at about 35 nm.
			Wind 0, Sea 0, 9/10, 1014 mb, Vis. good
		08.00	ÄG 4769	I remain about 30 nm from the coast and the offshore islands, so that I can recognize the high mountains well without being seen.
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1018 mb, Vis. good, strong mirage
		12.00	ÄG 4865	Headed for Woodfjorden.  Low clouds lie under the coast and in the fjords, out of which snow falls.  For approaching unobserved this weather is very favorable.
			WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1012 mb, Vis. at sea good under the coast poor
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 242 nm
		14.00	Woodfjorden	Released "BUSCH" to proceed independently to Liefdefjorden to anchor at the intended unloading place.
			NW 3, Sea 1, overcast snow, 1011 mb, Vis. changing
		15.00		Headed for Gråhuken, to examine the huts there.  However, I can only approach to about 1 nm off the coast due to low water depth; a landing is not feasible with the wind blowing from shore.  The hut seems abandoned.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		06.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		18.00	Woodfjorden	The reconnaissance of the east side of the Woodfjorden up to the level of Kap Roos and the south side of Liefde Bucht shows nothing in particular.  At Mushafen and at Kap Roos there is each a single hut, apparently unused.  In Woodfjorden south of Kap Roos much drift ice, in Liefde Bucht individual very large icebergs.  Both fjords are not surveyed and have only a few depth indications in the middle of the channel; therefore I must proceed with extreme caution.
		19.30	Liefde Bucht	Boat is pre-flooded in the vicinity of "BUSCH" and set on the beach.  "BUSCH" ran aground while steering for the landing place and sits fast about 500 meters from land.  Because the bottom is sandy and rises slowly, there is the prospect, of getting the ship free again after unloading.
			NW 1, Sea 1, overcast snow, 1010 mb, Vis. changing
		07.10.43
		08.00	Liefde Bucht	Explored ashore for setting up the weather station.  The place of unloading, and thus the establishment of the master station, is established by default from the running agound of   "BUSCH".  The location is usable and favorable for weather observation, military disadvantages that may arise next summer must be compensated for by decentralization and installation of sub-stations and evasion depots.
			WSW 1, Sea 0, overcast snow, 1009 mb, Vis. medium
			Initially after dropping off the people on board and their equipment at Kap Arla and in Roten Bucht, I intend, to explore the local area east of Woodfjorden (Treurenberg and Wijde Bucht). Then I want to take over the depot intended for Magdalen Bay myself [into U-355], taking account the unloading of the ship to be carried out, and at the same time reconoiter the northwest coast down to Kreuzbucht.
		11.15	Liefde Bucht	Departed to drop off the people and station gear at Kap Arla and in Roten Bucht.
			NE 2, Sea 0, overcast, 1009 mb, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 55.5 nm
		16.00	Breite Bucht
			NNW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good	Headed to Kap Arla from the north.  Because water depth the bay 8 nm from the coast is already 10 meters and is not sounded, I can only proceed very slowly.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		07.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		17.30		Boat is pre-flooded and set on the beach, two men from the weather troop sent out with equipment.
			Because at the completion of unloading it is already dark, I remain lying in the bay until the morning twilight.
		08.10.43	Breite Bucht
		06.00	NNW 1, Sea 2, overcast, 1014 mb, Vis. good	Got free of the beach and headed for Rote Bucht at low speed with continuous sounding.  The passage is very difficult, the chart is inaccurate and the water is shallow.
		08.00		On the Biscay Huk a single hut is found next to a pointed wooden structure.
		11.00	Rote Bucht	At the end of the Klinkowström Bucht the boat was set on the beach 50 meters from shore and two men from the weather troop are disembarked with station equipment.
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 73.5 nm
		15.00		Unloading completed, headed for Alice Hafen, to examine a small hut located there.
		16.00	S 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1016 mb, Vis. good	The hut is empty and apparently has not been used in a long time.  Departed Rote Bucht.
		23.00	Woodfjorden	Entered Liefde Bucht and set the boat on the beach preflooded at the main landing place.
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1017 mb
		09.10.43
		12.00	Liefde Bucht	Departed to explore Treurenberg Bucht.
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1016 mb, Vis. good	Day's run:  Surfaced: 63.5 nm
		15.00	North of Graue Huk	Passed Moffen Island.  The short stone beacon there is first visible at about 6 nm.
			S 4, Sea 2, 6/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good
		17.00		Passed Verlegen Headland.
		19.00	Treurenberg Bucht	Entered, pre-flooded the boat  in Hecla Hafen and set it on the beach.  The building of the Swedish Level Measurement Commission standing there is destroyed to a great extent and
			SSE 3, Sea 1, 8/10, 1013 mb, Vis. medium

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

	- 8 -
		continued
		09.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
			Treurenberg Bucht	not usable, next to it is a smaller cabin with no furnishings which is still in good condition. The bay, as well as the northern entrance of Hinlopen Strait are completely free of ice.
		10.10.43
		07.00	Treurenberg Bucht	Departed to explore the Wijde Bucht.  Except for the buildings at Hecla Hafen there is nothing in Treurenberg Bucht.
			SSW 3, Sea 1, overcast, 1008 mb, Vis. good
		09.00		Passed Verlegen Headland.
		12.50	Mossel Bucht	Entered.  In the east there a small island with a very old collapsed hut.  A second hut on Bangen Huk is still in good condition.
			SE 3, Sea 1, 997 mb, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 108 nm
		15.45	Mossel Bucht	Departed and headed for Wijde Bucht.
			SSE 1, Sea 2, 9/10, 990 mb, Vis. medium
		20.30	Wijde Bucht	Darkness and bad visibility make proceeding further in the unknown fjord impossible.  Pre-flooded the boat and set it on the beach north of the Kross Spitze to await morning twilight.
			SSE 7, Sea 3, overcast, mist, 984 mb, low clouds, Vis. poor
		11.10.43
		06.00	Wijde Bucht	By a very strong wind blowing exactly out of the fjord since yesterday evening at strength up to 10 the water level has fallen such that the boat does not come free after blowing and pumping.  Therefore I must wait for the water to rise and in the mean time send a small party ashore to explore the hut lying south of the Kross Spitze.
			S 4, Sea 2, 8/10, 982 mb, Vis. medium
		12.00	S 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 987 mb, Vis. medium	The wind has abated, the boat floats off.  Headed for Westfjord.
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 75 nm
		15.45	Westfjord	Ran in and took the party set ashore back on board.  The hut was in good condition and was still used in 1941.
			SSW 6, Sea 2, 7/10, 992 mb, Vis. good
		17.00	Wijde Bucht. Westfjord	Departed.  At the end of the fjord, which is navigable only about half way due to shallow depths, there is a small partly dilapidated hut. Otherwise the fjord is empty.  Headed for the Ostfjord.
			SSW 6, Sea 2, 7/10, 992 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		11.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		18.30	Ostfjord	At the beginning of darkness went to the lowest speed with E-motors, to await the morning twilight.
			SSE 3, Sea 1, 6/10, 995 mb, Vis. good
		12.10.43
		06.00	Ostfjord	Proceeded to the extreme end of the fjord, to explore the huts located there.
			S 2, Sea 0, 4/10, 1003 mb, Vis. very good
			The exploration of this fjord part was carried out in great detail because it is only 13 sm (two days march) to the northeastern foothills of the Eisfjords and the possibility exists that an enemy operation against "Kreuzritter" will begin here by boat next summer.
			Three small huts were found, some of which were still in good condition and ready to set up, even the remaining provisions are still present.  Left behind records show that last the Norwegian trappers were present here in 1941, since then apparently the huts have not been used. Vessels or storage depots are not present.
		12.00	Wijde Bucht	While leaving the bay on the eastern shore four more, on the western shore two huts were sighted.  Of these the hut north of Kap Peternann, with a rowboat lying on the beach, was investigated.  It was in very good condition, had complete furnishings and was still used in 1941.  I take the rowboat with me because the weather troop can use it for their own purposes.
			S 3, Sea 0, 6/10, 1002 mb, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced: 45 nm
		16.00	Woodfjord	Passed Graue Huk.
			S 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1001 mb, Vis. good
		18.00	Liefde Bay	Made fast alongside "BUSCH" which in the meantime is floating again.
			S 1, Sea 0, overcast, 998 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		13.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		07.30	Liefde Bay	After taking over the depots designated for Magdalenen Bucht departed for the west.
		11.45	Breite Bucht	Land-based aircraft bearing 135°T, course N, medium altitude, 4 nm away, was recognized on coming closer as a Ju 88.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  Apparently, it is the announced aircraft that was initially intended for 11 October.
			Wind 1, light Swell, 7/10, 986 mb, Vis. good
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced: 72 nm
		12.30		Headed for the Biscay Huk to investigate the main hut located there.  It is in good condition and particularly well furnished, last inhabited by Norwegians in July 1941.
			Since the hut is located in the immediate vicinity of our own main station, is difficult to monitor and can serve the enemy as a valuable base, I decide together with the Scientific Director, to destroy it.
				After recovery of the items that can be used by the weather troop, the hut was destroyed by fire and began the transit westward.
		15.20
			Wind 0, Sea 1, 6/10, 990 mb, Vis. good
		17.30	Fair Hafen	On the south coast of the Schwedensundes and east of the Vogelspitze one hut each is located, which have no particular importance.
			SW 3, Sea 1, long Swell, 5/10, 992 mb, Vis. good
		19.00	Smerrenberg Sund	Boat pre-flooded and set on the beach in the lee of the east coast of Amsterdam Insel.
			SW 3, Sea 1, long Swell, 5/10, 992 mb, Vis. good
		14.10.43
		07.00	Smerrenberg Sund	Headed further to the south.  Up to the south end of the sound no huts located.
			Wind 0, Sea 0, overcast rain, 995 mb, Vis. poor
		09.00	Süd Gatt	Ran in to Bärenhafen to investigate the hut standing there, which is in question as an emergency evasion station for the weather troop.  It is in quite good condition, but contains only a few furnishings. 1 nm to the southwest there is one more smaller hut.
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast rain, 996 mb, Vis. low

	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		14.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		12.00	Magdalenenbucht	Entered and at the inner end set out a provisions and fuel depot for the weather troop.
			SSW 2, Sea 0, Swell, overcast rain, 996 mb, Vis. poor
				Day's run:  Surfaced:  41 nm
		13.45		Incoming Radio Message (time group unclear)/753:
				La Baume from F.d.U.:  Ju 88 sighted no ice on 13 October from Rentierhalbinsel to 81°N 14°E.  Broke off there due to suspended clouds.  Suspect ice limit at 82°N.
		15.00	Magdalenenbucht	The investigation of a small hunting lodge on the north shore of the bay showed nothing special, for longer stay or as a base, it is not useful.
		16.00	SW 3, Sea 1, overcast squalls, 994 mb, Vis. poor	Entered Trinity Hafen, where another hut is located.  Since it is close to intended emergency escape route and just established depots, it was destroyed by fire.
			I intend, in agreement with the Scientific Director, to extend in the next two days the exploration of the coast to the Königsbucht and Kreuzbucht and in particular to determine what happened to the previous own station at Signe Hafen. There is the possibility that the enemy still occupies it.
		15.10.43
		08.00	Magdalenenbucht	Departed to transit to the south.
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast rain, 995 mb, Vis. medium
		12.00	ÄG 7276	Day's run:  Surfaced: 42 nm
			SW 6, Sea 5, 6/10, 996 mb
		13.00	Königsbucht	Entered and headed for the Neu-Aalesund settlement.
		14.00		Since ashore nothing suggests, went to the coal loading pier and set a scouting party ashore.  The settlement is completely abandoned and in the same condition as at the beginning of August this year.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		15.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		17.00	Königsbucht	After salvaging found provisions that will be used to supplement the outfitting of the weather troop, departed and proceeded low speed in the Kreuzbucht to be off Signe Hafen at dawn.  The previously planned landing in Ebeltoft Hafen for the investigation of the hut located there could not be carried out first due to the violent onshore wind.
			S 6, Sea 1, overcast rain, 995 mb, Vis. medium
		16.10.43
		07.00	Lilliehöökbucht	Ran into Signe Hafen and put a scouting party ashore.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, snow, 997 mb, Vis. poor
		12.00	Signe Hafen	Day's run:  Surfaced: 40 nm
			SSW 2, Sea 2, snow, 1003 mb, Vis. poor
		14.30		The reconnaissance showed that the enemy had abandoned the site again after completely destroying the summer and winter station and taking along all valuable materials.  On beach the grave of a Norwegian was found with the date 23 June 1943; apparently he was killed in the sinking of the motor boat, with which the operation against the Nussbaum Station was carried out, by "U-302" (Sickel). The hidden secret material that the enemy had not found was salvaged.
		15.00	S 4, Sea 2, overcast snow, 1010 mb, Vis. poor	After taking the landed troops back aboard departed Signe Hafen and headed for Ebeltoft Hafen.
		15.30	Ebeltoft Hafen	The investigation of the hut shows that it was previously used by the enemy forces, who destroyed the Nussbaum Station as a base. Therefore it was destroyed by fire.
		17.40	Kreuzbucht	Departed for transit to the north.
		20.00	ÄG 7275
			SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1011 mb, Vis. medium
		24.00	ÄG 7211
			S 2, Sea 2, overcast snow, 1012 mb, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.43

	- 13 -
		17.10.43	North coast of Spitzbergen
		04.00	ÄG 4891
			N 2, Sea 1, overcast mist, 1013 mb, Vis. medium
		07.00	Woodfjord	Passed Graue Huk.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1013 mb, Vis. good
		09.00	Liefde Bucht	Made fast alongside "BUSCH".
			The unloading had ended, the weather troop is still not viable.  I decide to trim all unnecessary people from the crew to do the most necessary work on land as quickly as possible and then to be able to start the return transit.
		18.10.43	Liefde Bucht	Crew working on land.
		12.25		Incoming Radio Message 1133/734 (Very Low Frequency):
				La Baume from F.d.U.:  There will be a Ju 88 today after 12.00 hours in the Kreuzritter area.
		19.10.43	Liefde Bucht	Crew working on land.
		12.15		Incoming Short Signal 1018/744 (Very Low Frequency) from U-956 (Mohs):
				1 steamer 2 destroyers 7579 eastbound.
			Without orders I cannot operate on it, I must wait.
		15.00		Incoming Radio Message 1157/747 (Very Low Frequency) from F.d.U.:
				1)  Eisenbart head for ÄG 7820 at high speed.
				2)  La Baume do not cross 79°N to the south.
				At the same time Brasack reports 5 destroyers running into Eisfjord.
		18.20		Incoming Radio Message 1440/749 (Very Low Frequency) from F.d.U.:
				. . . 3)  La Baume head for ÄG 7820 at high speed.  Kreuzritter remain north of 7930.
		20.15	N 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1040 mb, Vis. medium	After expedited delivery of weather troop equipment still on board departed to the south.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		19.10.43	West coast of Spitzbergen.
		23.53	ÄG 4893	Dived to balance the boat.
		20.10.43
		00.50	ÄG 4892	Surfaced, went to highest continuous speed (15 knots).
			N 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1040 mb, Vis. medium
		04.00	ÄG 4877	Brasack and Mohs report in the course of the night the departure of vessels from Eisfjord.  Brasack was rammed in the afternoon during an attack on a destroyer in Aventsbucht and heavily damaged and must begin return transit.  Mohs lost contact on the enemy formation proceeding at 20 knots to the west.
			N 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1040 mb, Vis. good
		06.30		Incoming Radio Message 0450/765 from F.d.U.:
				1)  La Baume, Gosejacob, Becker report arrival time in attack area.
				2)  Mohs reconnaissance Eisfjord.
				3)  La Baume new attack area ÄG 7580 and 90.
				4)  Brasack return transit to Andfjord-Narvik.
		06.42		Sent Short Signal:  10.15 hours.
		10.30	ÄG 7581	After passing U-713 (Gosejakob) reached attack area.
			S 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1039 mb, Vis. very good
		10.58		Flying boat bearing 130°T, course west, medium altitude, about 10 nm away.  Apparently it is the BV-138 announced by Radio Message, reconnaissance Eisfjord.
		12.05	ÄG 7584	Incoming Radio Message 1107/772 from F.d.U.:
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1039 mb, Vis. very good	1)  La Baume in the coming day report return transit "Kreuzritter".
				2)  Mohs pull out of Advent-, Kohlenbucht and Grünfjord.  Report accelerating vessels or occupation on land.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:      195.5 nm
				Submerged:     4.0 nm
				199.5 nm
		12.38		Short Signal sent:  21 day of the current month.
		13.30	ÄG 7594	Test dive.
		15.00		Surfaced.
				Incoming Radio Message 1355/775 from F.d.U.:
				Return transit of Kreuzritter will be ordered specifically.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		20.10.43	West coast of Spitzbergen
		16.00	ÄG 7589
			E 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1039 mb, Vis. good
		20.00	ÄG 7589
			E 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1038 mb, Vis. good
		21.10.43
		00.10	ÄG 7597	Incoming Radio Message 2120/782 from Mohs:
			E 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1038 mb, Vis. good, bright moon	Departed Advent-, Kohlenbucht and Grünfjord. No vessels or occupation on land.  Barentsburg, Advent Headland and Longyear several burning coal pits.  53 cbm, all torpedoes.
		01.25		Incoming Radio Message 0015/784:  La Baume from F.d.U.:
				Go to "Kreuzritter" then free to return transit.  Report anticipated meeting point by position Short Signal, if already agreed with "Kreuzritter" add "yes".
		01.51		"BUSCH" had instructions from me if no further orders come by Radio Message to go to Magdalenenbucht on 21 October.  Therefore sent Short Signal:  ÄG 7219, "yes".
				Began transit to the north.
		04.00	ÄG 7576
			E 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1036 mb, Vis. good
		08.00	ÄG 7277
			NE 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1035 mb, Vis. good
		12.30	ÄG 4881	Met "BUSCH", gave instructions to continue transit to the Magdalene Bay. I myself must go to Liefde Bay again to deliver some important pieces of equipment of the weather troops which remained on board in the hasty departure on 19 October.
			E 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1035 mb, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced:      243.0 nm
				Submerged:     5.5 nm
				248.5 nm
		15.10	Woodfjord	Passed Graue Huk beacon.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		21.10.43	West coast of Spitzbergen
		17.00	Liefde Bucht	Ran in, boat pre-flooded and set on the beach at the landing place.
			SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, 1035 mb, Vis. medium
		22.10.43
		01.00	Liefde Bucht	Departed for transit to Magdalenenbucht.  Extremely low visibility due to dense snowfall requires stopping temporarily to await visibility improvement.
			N 2, Sea 1, overcast snow, 1030 mb, Vis. low
		08.00	Woodfjord	Passed Graue Huk Beacon.
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1030 mb, Vis. poor
		12.00	ÄG 7217	Day's run:  Surfaced:   142.5 nm
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1030 mb, Vis. medium
		13.00	Magdalenenbucht	Ran in.
		13.30		Departed with "BUSCH" and began return transit.
		16.00	ÄG 7244
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1028 mb, Vis. good
		20.00	ÄG 7507
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1027 mb, Vis. good
		24.00	ÄG 7811
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1026 mb, Vis. good
		23.10.43
		04.00	ÄG 7871
			NE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1027 mb, Vis. good
		08.00	AB 2369
			NE 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1027 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AB 3428
			ENE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, 1026 mb, Vis. good
		16.00	AB 3496	Day's run:  Surfaced:   251 nm
			ENE 5, Sea 4, 9/10, 1024 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		23.10.43	Norwegian Sea
		18.55	AB 3819	Short Signal sent:  Position 36 hours off return harbor Hammerfest
			ENE 4, Sea 4, 8/10, 1022 mb, Vis. medium
		24.00	AB 3898
			ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1021 mb, Vis. medium
		24.10.43
		04.00	AB 6349
			NE 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1021 mb, Vis. good
		08.00	AB 6626
			NE 5, Sea 5, 6/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AC 4447	Day's run:  Surfaced:   225.5 nm
			NE 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good
		13.15		Incoming Radio Message 1105/715 from F.d.U.:
				25 October "Ingöy" transmits "Rhein" from 02.00 to 03.35 hours 214 khz.  04.00 to 07.05 hours "Weser" 202 khz.  Escort boat from 05.05 hours "Willi" 352 khz from SR 1.   Both half hourly each for five minutes.
		16.00	AC 4728
			ENE 3, Sea 3, overcast fog, 1020 mb, Vis. changing
		20.00	AC 4795
			NE 3, Sea 4, 8/10 (mist), 1019 mb, Vis. changing
		24.00	AC 7217
			NE 3, Sea 3, 8/10 (snow), 1020 mb, Vis. medium
		25.10.43
		04.00	AC 7257
			SE 2, Sea 2, Swell, 8/10 (snow), 1020 mb, Vis. medium
		05.30		Passed Fruholmen inbound.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		25.10.43	Norwegian Sea
		06.00	Sørøy Sund	Taken in convoy.
		10.00	Hammerfest	Ran in, made fast alongside "BLACK WATCH".
				Day's run:  Surfaced:   182 nm
		27.10.43
		07.15	Hammerfest	Departed with escort for archipelago transit to Narvik.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:   60 nm
		20.45	Tromsø - Roadstead	Embarked pilot.
		28.10.43
		03.40	Harstadt	Ran in, made fast Rations Delivery Office
		09.30		Departed.
		12.00	Lødingen	Disembarked pilot.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:   118 nm
		15.30	Narvik	Ran in, made fast alongside "METEOR".
		29.10.43
		08.00	Narvik	Cat off.
		09.50	Skjomenfjord	Made fast alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
		31.10.43
		11.40	Narvik	Departed for transit to Trondheim.
		24.00	Vestfjord	Passed Point V 1 outbound.
		01.11.43
		12.00	AF 3786	Day's run:  Surfaced:   199 nm
		13.45	W 4, Sea 4, 3/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good	Because Short Signal was not heard, Radio Message 1234/764 sent:  Position 2 November 08.00 hours Point HA 1.
		20.40	AF 6171	Incoming Radio Message 1934/630 from Adm.Nordküste:
			WNW 2, Sea 3, 4/10, 1034 mb, Vis. good	M 255 positioned for intake 2 November 08.00 hours at HA 1.
		02.11.43
		10.30	Off Frohavet	Due to low visibility bearing signals requested from escort vessel and radio beacon.
			E 3, Sea 3, NW-Swell, overcast rain, 1026 mb
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:   181 nm
		15.10	Frohavet	Taken in convoy.
		21.00	Trondheim	Ran in, made fast in the bunker.

Sun and Moon Data 25.10.43

	- 19 -
		04.11.43	Norwegian Sea
		10.30	Trondheim	Departed for transit to Bergen.
		19.10 - 19.43	AF 5937	Test dive.
		05.11.43
		04.00	AF 5869	So much water enters the boat the both drain pumps cannot keep up, therefore I must proceed at lowest speed.
			SW 8, Sea 7, overcast, 1022 mb, Vis. medium
		12.00	AF 5884	Day's run:  Surfaced:       167 nm
			SSW 11, Sea 9, overcast, 1015 mb, Vis. medium	Submerged:     1.0 nm
				168.5 nm
		06.11.43
		10.05	AF 8475	Sent Short Signal:  Position 24 hours off return harbor.
		10.10	W 3, Sea 3, high Swell, 6/10, 1008 mb, Vis. good	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:       141 nm
				Submerged:       6 nm
				147 nm
		16.00	AF 8715	Surfaced.
		19.30	AF 8772	Incoming Radio Message 0135/632 (Very Low Frequency):
			NNW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good	La Baume from F.d.U.:  Approved Swedish steamer running in at 00.00 hours 61°59'N, 11°14'W.  Do not attack.
				Incoming Radio Message 1406/633 (Very Low Frequency):  11. U-Flottille to La Baume:  Escort positioned 7 November 10.00 hours Hellesøy.  Radio beacon Bergen Nord runs from 05.00 to 09.00 hours.
		23.40	AN 2324	Dived to await morning twilight.
			N 5, Sea 4, 5/10, 1011 mb, Vis. good
		07.11.43
		06.10	AN 2324	Surfaced.
			NNW 5, Sea 4, overcast rain, 1011 mb, Vis. medium
		10.45	Fedge Osen	Passed Hellesøy inbound, taken in convoy.
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, 1012 mb, Vis. good
		14.00	B e r g e n	Ran in, made fast Marineholm.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:       150 nm
				Submerged:    24 nm
				174 nm

	- 20 -
			Conclusions and Special Experiences:
			In general, the time and prevailing weather conditions were favorable for the execution of the patrol so that navigationally and militarily there were no significant difficulties.
			It can be safely assumed that the transit, landing the weather troops and establishment of the station were carried out unnoticed by the enemy. The exploration of the surrounding fjords carried out after the landing offers a guarantee that in the foreseeable future no enemy operation can be carried out from this flank against the weather group and thus longer uninterrupted work of the station is ensured.
			The land where the station was established offers good lookout and the ability to defend itself and precludes surprise with well-organized and attentive watch-keeping. When attacked by a superior enemy, it is possible to evade and continue the observation activities elsewhere after mining or destruction of the main station.
			The weather observation ship "BUSCH" was not entirely suitable for the task. The available cargo space is insufficient, so that a substantial portion of the equipment had to be stowed on deck. The rolling in heavy weather repeatedly caused the loss of deck cargo during the outbound transit and forced heaving to several times during the outbound transit, by which valuable time was lost. The general condition of the vessel was such that it already began leaking in Sea State 5 and could only be held constantly pumping with bailers. The lack of a gyrocompass in these areas of strong magnetic interference was especially unfavorable for the accuracy of navigation; independently steering to a meeting place in the open sea was almost impossible for the ship.

	- 21 -
			Approaching the north coast of Spitzbergen and driving in the individual fjords and bays requires extreme caution, since information on characteristics of the coast, water depths etc. is sorely lacking. Of the existing nautical charts, the Norwegian Chart No. 507 proved most accurate.  In addition, the depiction of German Chart No. 978, which in general was accurate and reliable and was used.  In these sea areas the Sailing Directions mainly provide only descriptions of a general nature which are not sufficient as documentation for accurate navigation.  Useful and prominent bearing objects are present in small numbers.  Be particularly careful near islands whose positions are usually given only inaccurately and hardly stand out with the supported snow pack on the mainland in the background.  Detailed lessons learned are set forth in a special report.
			The ice conditions encountered indicate a very favorable ice year. The entire northern coast to the north entrance of Hinlopen Strait was completely free of ice. Larger drift ice flows, including many icebergs were only found in Liefde Bucht; in the other fjords there were only small patches of ice near the glaciers.
			The crew took great interest in this special patrol, applied themselves wholeheartedly and unreservedly for the success of the mission. The cooperation with the members of the weather troop developed smoothly on the basis of mutual understanding and genuine camaraderie.
				On board, 7 November 1943.
				Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant.

	Enclosures to U-355's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
ChartA	Track chart of entire patrol
ChartB	Track chart of period in operations area
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

	Comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen
	on the K.T.B. of "U 355" from 5.9. - 7.11.43
	1) To 2 October:  Boat had to wait from 20 September - 2 October to meet the delayed weather ship. 2) To 3 October 08.00 hours, 4 October 20.00 hours, 5 October 10.00 hours and final conclusions.   Concerning the lack of suitability of the weather ship "BUSCH" see also Special Report on "Kreuzritter" and opinion on (F.d.U. Norway Gkdos 3610 of 4 November only OKM 1 Skl., Gruppe Nord/Flotte, MOK Norwegen., Adm. Nordmeer). 3) Disembarkation and exploration were carried out with good deliberation and special navigational skill.   Good reporting.

	Admiral Nordmeer
	B.Nr. Gkdos 01373 A1                                                          13 December 1943
U.               Marinegruppenkommando Nord/Flottenkommando
	With the enclosed Kriegstagebuch of "U 355" for the period from
	5. 9. 43 to 7. 11. 43 submitted.
	There is nothing to note.
	Signed in draft   i.V.   P  e  t  e  r  s  .

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 355" (La Baume) from 5.9. - 7.11.1943.
	There is nothing to add to the comments of the F.d.U.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The chief of the Operations Department -

	Command Center, 31 December 1943.
	U.
	Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - Skl -
	Submitted.
	Nothing to note.
	On behalf of

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