U-402 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
La Pallice	14 January 1943	La Pallice	23 February 1943	41

 

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
7 Feb 43	03.47	54°57'N, 26°45'W	TOWARD	11,951	British	SC-118
7 Feb 43	03.52 - 04.02	54°57'N, 26°45'W	ROBERT E. HOPKINS	6,625	American	SC-118
7 Feb 43	04.38 - 05.12	55°03'N, 26°35'W	DAGHULD (damaged)	9,272	Norwegian	SC-118
7 Feb 43	06.36	55°09'N, 26°25'W	AFRIKA	8,597	British	SC-118
7 Feb 43	06.59	55°09'N, 26°25'W	HENRY R. MALLORY	6,063	American	SC-118
7 Feb 43	07.35	55°15'N, 26°15'W	KALLIOPI	4,965	Greek	SC-118
8 Feb 43	01.42	56°15'N, 22°25'W	NEWTON ASH	4,625	British	SC-118
			Total = 41,718
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.

---

				Copy No. __3__
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  402  "
				Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Baron v. Forstner.
				Beginning:  21.11.42
				Ending:       23.2.43
				Distribution: B.d.U. Copy No. 1,2,3.   Kdr. Adm.U-Boote " 4.   F.d.U.-West " 5.   3. Ufl. " 6.   27. Ufl. " 7.   Agri-Front " 8.                 Enclosures: 1 Track chart Copy No. 1,3,4,5,6.   1 Combat sketch    "        " 1,3,4,5,6.   1 Summary of the Radio Log    "        " 1-8.   1 Outbound Orders    "        " 3.   6 Barograph strips    "        " 3.   14 Firing reports    "        " 3.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		21.11.42 -
		13.01.43	La Pallice	Shipyard overhaul, sea trial, equipping.
		14.01.43
		17.55	La Pallice	Cast off La Pallice lock.  Later radio direction finder calibration.
		18.45	BF 6862	Taken in convoy.
			W 3, Sea 3, 3/10, 1011 mb
		21.00 - 21.06	BF 6853	Repelled aircraft on the surface.
		21.20 - 21.25	BF 6853	Repelled aircraft on the surface.  Outmaneuvered.
				Was overflown at about 800 meters, no bombs thrown.
		22.40	BF 6851	Released from convoy, went to HF.
		24.00	BF 6846
			W 3-4, Sea 4, 3/10, 1012
		15.01.43
		04.00	BF 6736
		07.50	BF 9138	Came to westerly course, dived to proceed submerged.
			W 3-4, Sea 4, 5/10, 1011 mb
		12.00	BF 9126	Day's run:  Surfaced 107.5 nm Submerged 13 nm.
		16.00	BF 9119
		19.30	BF 9117	Surfaced continued westerly transit at 2 x HF..
		20.00	BF 8339
			W 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 1016 mb
		24.00	BF 8317
			W 5, Sea 4, 7/10, 1014 mb
		16.01.43
		04.00	BF 8217
		07.50	BF 8119	Divedto proceed submerged.
			S 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1009 mb
		12.00	BF 7339	Day's run:  Surfaced 146 nm Submerged 35.5 nm.
		16.00	Bay of Biscay
			BF 7337
		19.50	BF 7328	Surfaced, continued westerly transit.
		20.00	BF 7328
			S 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1001 mb
		17.01.43
		04.00	BF 7128
		08.00	BE 9329	Dived to proceed submerged.
			S 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, 996 mb
		12.00	BE 9328	Day's run:  Surfaced 145.5 nm Submerged 35 nm.
		16.00	BE 9319
		20.00	BE 9317	Continued westerly transit on the surface at 2 x HF.
				Heading for ordered square BE 54.
		21.00	BE 9239
			W 1-2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1004 mb
		24.00	BE 9221
			W 1, Sea 1-2, 1/10, 1004 mb
		18.01.43
		04.00	BE 6791
			S 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 998 mb
		04.30	BE 6783	Dived due to aircraft detection.
		08.00	BE 6782
		09.10	BE 6757	Surfaced, while still blowing a new detection on the same frequency.
		09.20	BE 6757	Dived.
		11.10	BE 6749	Surfaced.
		12.00	BE 6748	Day's run:  Surfaced 108.8 nm Submerged 43.5 nm.
			SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain, 995 mb
		13.36		Radio Message:  1.)  New objective for Forstner . . . .is square AJ 90.
		14.00	BE 5966	Headed for ordered square.
		16.00	BE 5929
			SW 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, 993.5 mb
		21.01		Short Signal sent:  My position is BE 5852.
				U-402.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		18.01.43
				Contents of the Signal were confirmed at 20.22 hours.
				A later navigation fix results for 20.00 hours square 5915.
		21.50		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  New objective for Forstner . . . .  is square AL 97.
		22.30	BE 5832	Heading for ordered square AL 97.
		24.00	BE 5591
			SW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 990 mb
		19.01.43
		04.00	BE 5526
		08.01	BE 5282	Dived due to aircraft detection, test dive, drills.
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), 976 mb
		10.15	BE 5258	Surfaced.  Switched to Ireland Circuit.  Last Serial No. on Coastal Circuit: 7, first on Ireland Circuit: 143.
		12.00	BE 5252	Day's run:  Surfaced 179 nm Submerged 7 nm.
			N 5, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), 972 mb
		16.00	BE 2879
		20.00	BE 2845
			NE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 968 mb
		22.00		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .   2.)  Group Landsknecht in named order Münnich, Tinschert, Karpf, Krüger, Langfeld, U-384, Bülow, Teichert, Schwaff, Straeter, Nölke, Rahe, Rodler, Kummetat, Forstner, Wolf, Thurmann, Rudloff, Franke on 24 January at 00.00 hours be in patrol line from square AL 4447 to BE 2136, SW-bound convoy expected from noon on 24 January.  Boats in position early remain submerged by day on 22 and 23 January to avoid detection of the patrol line by English air reconnaissance.
		24.00	BE 2733
			NNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), 970 mb
		20.01.43
		03.52		Radio Message:  1.)  Short Signal weather report between 03.00 and 06.00 hours, Geißler, Forstner, Straeter . . . . 2.)  . . . .   3.)  Straeter, Teichert, Münnich, Tinschert, and Forstner switch to "Diana" Circuit on 20 January at 08.00 hours.
		04.00	BE 2492	Short Signal weather report sent:
		05.09		On Ireland.
		06.20		On Norddeich.
		06.54		On Ireland, still not acknowledged or confirmed.
		08.00	BE 2461	Switched to Diana Circuit.  Last Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 155, first Serial No. on Diana: 744.
			NW 6, Sea 5, 4/10, 968 mb
		12.00	BE 2423	Day's run:  Surfaced 146 nm.
			NW 6, Sea 6, 4/10, 983 mb
				Intention:  Because the ordered square in patrol line is nearly reached, I will now remain submerged by day, 1.) so as not to be detected by air reconnaissance  2.)  to conserve fuel.
		15.19	BE 2158	Dived, drills.
		16.00	BE 2158
		20.00	BE 2151
		20.30	BE 2151	Surfaced, continued transit to ordered square in patrol line.
		22.00	W 5, Sea 4, overcast, 987 mb
		24.00	AL 9778
			W 5, Sea 5, overcast, 988 mb
		21.01.43
		00.40	AL 9776	Crash dive for aircraft, suspect flying boat, that arose from astern to starboard on about a parallel course, range = 3000 meters, I was probably not sighted.
		03.20		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 9772

	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		21.01.43	North Atlantic
		08.00	AL 9714
			NW 4, Sea 5, 8/10, 990 mb
		11.00	AL 8593	Dived, drills.
		12.00	AL 8593	Day's run:  Surfaced 97.7 nm Submerged 27 nm.
		16.00	AL 8596
		20.00	AL 8835
		20.10	AL 8835	Reached ordered square in patrol line.
		24.00	SW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 995 mb	Surfaced, steered changing courses in square AL 8836 to 9715.
		22.01.43
		04.00	SW 5, Sea 5, 8/10, 1000 mb
		08.00	W 4, Sea 4, 5/10, 1004 mb
		09.20		Dived in accordance with Radio Message orders, steered changing courses.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced 96 nm Submerged 31.5 nm.
		20.40		Surfaced.  Steered changing courses in AL 8836.
		24.00	S 5, Sea 5, overcast, (mist), 1006 mb
		23.01.43
		04.00	S 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1008 mb
		08.00	SW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1007 mb
		09.25	SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, (mist), 1005 mb	Dived at the beginning of twilight.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced 91 nm Submerged 30.8 nm.
		19.30		Surfaced, stars do not come out for navigation fix.
		19.45		Dived to begin repairs to attack periscope and Fu.M.B. cable.
		20.45		Surfaced.  Steered changing courses in patrol line.
		22.00	S 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1000 mb
		24.01.43
		02.00	N 6, Sea 5, overcast, (rain), 997 mb
		08.00	SSW 5, Sea 5, (passing showers), overcast, 998 mb
		08.42 -		Aircraft detection, dived.
		09.00		Surfaced.
		09.09		New detection on same frequency.
		09.19		Surfaced, back and forth in position along the patrol line at LF.
		12.00	SSW 5, Sea 5, 6/10, 1001 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 95.5 nm Submerged 28.7 nm.
		12.23		Radio Message:  Group Landsknecht monitor well.  Convoy expected from today.
				Continued steering changing courses in square AL 8832 - 8836
		20.10	SW 5, Sea 5, 6/10, 1003 mb	Up to moonrise monitored the area at HF.
		23.30		Went to LF.
		24.00	SW 5, Sea 5, 8/10, 1004 mb
		25.01.43
		02.50		Good visibility.  Continued on diesel-electric drive.
		04.00	SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, (rain), 1002 mb
		08.00	SW 6, Sea 6, 8/10, passing showers, 1002 mb	Continued steering changing courses in the patrol line.
		12.00	SW 6, Sea 6, 5/10, passing showers, 1006 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 159.5 nm Submerged 0 nm.
		16.00	SW 6, Sea 5, 5/10, passing showers, 1009 mb
		21.00		Went to LF.
		22.10		Went to HF.
		24.00	SW 4, Sea 4, 2/10, 1017 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43

	- 4 -
		26.01.43
		04.36		Radio Message:  Group Landsknecht - Boats SE of U-384 on 26 Jan at 12.00 hours with transit speed shift on position to the NW.  U-384 begin return transit 20.00 hours.  Patrol line positioned from naval square 4447 to naval square 2138.
		08.00	SW 2, Sea 3, 5/10, 1016 mb
		09.25		Again went to diesel electric drive.
		12.00	S 3, Sea 4, 5/10, 1015 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 181 nm.
				Headed for new square AL 8589.
		16.00	SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, 1010 mb
		16.31 -		Crash dive for training, test dive.
		17.35		Reached ordered square surfaced.
		20.30		Steered changing courses in square AL 8588 - 89.  Went to LF.
		24.00	S 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, 1004 mb
		27.01.43
		08.00	S 5, Sea 4, 9/10, 998 mb
		09.35		Again went to diesel-electric drive.
		12.00	SW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, passing showers, 1000 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 156.5 nm Submerged 3 nm.
		16.00	SW 5, Sea 5, passing showers, 1000 mb	Continued steering changing courses in patrol line.
		24.00	SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1001 mb
		28.01.43
		08.00	SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), 992 mb
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced 118.5 nm.
		16.58		Radio Message:  Group Landsknecht.  Patrol line disbanded.  New objective at economical transit speed are:  1.)  for Münnich, Tinschert, Teichert, Straeter, Forstner, Wolf, Thurmann, Rudloff, Franke, Hackländer square BC 21.  2.)  . . . .  3.)  . . . .   4.)  . . . .
		18.00	W 5, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), 989 mb	Headed for square BC 21.
		19.15	AL 8588	Due to weather situation dived to proceed submerged.
		20.00	AL 8587
		24.00	AL 8579
		29.01.43
		01.00	AL 8579	Surfaced to ventilate.
		01.20	W 5, Sea 5, 5/10	Dived.
		02.55	AL 8578
		08.00	AL 8498	Surfaced.
		10.00	AL 8494
			W 5, Sea 5, 6/10, (snow), 987 mb
		12.00	AL 8495	Day's run:  Surfaced 59 nm Submerged 38.4 nm.
			W 4, Sea 4, m, 7/10, (hail), 986 mb
		16.00	AL 8477
			W 4, Sea 4, 6/10, (snow), 983 mb
		18.45	AL 7599	Dived due to weather situation.
		20.00	AL 7598
		24.00	AL 7589
		30.01.43
		00.45 -	AL 7589	Surfaced to ventilate.
		01.05	W 5, Sea 4, 9/10	Dived.
		04.00	AL 7587
		08.00 -	AL 7578	Boat ventilated.
		08.20	W 5, Sea 5, 9/10, 982 mb	Dived again.
		10.00	AL 7577	Surfaced to charge.
		11.52		Radio Message:  1.)  Hessmann, Struckmeier, Forstner, and Lohmann by 17.00 hours Short Signal weather report.  2.)  . . . .
		12.00	AL 7733	Day's run:  Surfaced 43.5 nm Submerged 47 nm.
			W 7, Sea 6, 9/10, 980 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		30.01.43
		13.24		Short Signal weather report sent on Ireland Circuit, was incorrectly repeated.
		14.08		New transmission on Ireland Circuit was not heard.
		14.51		Transmission on America 2 was also not heard.
		15.47		Short Signal weather report sent on Ireland Circuit:  52°N, 25°W, 980 mb falling, -10°C, W 7, Vis. up to 10 nm, light rain showers, high swell.  U-402.  The signal was correctly repeated.
		15.50	AL 7738	Continued westerly transit submerged.
			W 7, Sea 6, overcast, (hail), 979 mb
		20.00	AL 7729
		21.50	AL 7728	Surfaced for program time and to ventilate.
		23.50	AL 7751
			W 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 978 mb	Dived.
				Grossadmiral Dönitz was promoted from Führer to Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine.
		31.01.43
		04.00	AL 7745
		08.00	AK 9963	Surfaced to charge.
		09.00	AL 7772	Navigation fix offset.
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, 976 mb
		11.24	AK 9993	Dived again.
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, 978 mb
		12.00	AK 9992	Day's run:  Surfaced 38 nm Submerged 44.5 nm.
		13.15	AK 9992	Surfaced, continued westerly transit.
		16.00	AK 9983
			NW 6, Sea 6, 6/10, 983 mb
		17.10	AK 9983	Dived until the completion of diesel repairs.
		20.00	AK 9985
		24.00	AK 9976	Surfaced.
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), 989 mb
		01.02.43
		03.35		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  Switch on 1 February at 08.00 hours Forstner, Wolf, Thurmann, Rudloff, Hackländer, Franke and Lohmann - Hubertus Circuit. . . .   3.)  . . . .
		04.00	AK 8996
		08.00	AK 9889	Switched to Hubertus Circuit.  First Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit: 882.  Last Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 782.
			NW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 995 mb
		12.00	BD 3113	Day's run:  Surfaced 69.6 nm Submerged 43.5 nm.
			NW 5, Sea 5, 9/10, 997 mb
		13.55	BD 3112	Radio Message:  Square AK 9117 several vessels, 0°, 6 knots.  Suspect convoy.  W 8-9, Sea 7, Vis. bad, rain, 83 cbm.  Teichert.
		14.35	BD 3112	Radio Message:  Former Landsknecht boats, as far as position allows continue to operate on convoy, and report this by position Short Signal.  Teichert attack free.  By all means hold contact and report.
				An operation on reported convoy offers no prospect of success on the basis of weather conditions and distance.
		16.00	BD 3111
			NW 7, Sea 7, 6/10, 1002 mb
		17.50		Radio Message:  1.)  Mumm, Poel, Tinschet, Struckmeier, Münnich, Wolf, Forstner, Rudloff, Franke, Hackländer, Lohmann form Group Pfeil and occupy at highest speed patrol line from AK 8421 to BD 2316.
				2.)  Tinschert and Rudloff do not operate on Teichert convoy.
				Rudloff has reported by Short Signal operating on convoy, due to weather however already broken off.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		01.02.43
		18.30	BD 2335	Heading for ordered position in patrol line, square AK 8918, at LF - 7 knots.  Could no longer pump out at attempted higher speed settings.
		20.00	BD 2334
		22.45		Radio Message:  To Group Pfeil  1.)  Disposition serves for the detection of a second NE-bound convoy which may be on the same route as the Teichert convoy.  Once positions are taken, further advance in the reconnaissance patrol is intended.  2.)  . . . .
		24.00	AK 9779
			WNW 6, Sea 6, 6/10, 1011 mb
		02.02.43
		01.00	AK 9775
		04.00	AK 8967
		08.00	AK 8943
			WNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1017 mb
		09.00	AK 8917	Reached ordered position in patrol line, back and forth in position with E-motors at LF.
		10.00	AK 8917	Radio Message:  1.)  Group Pfeil without Lohmann today 12.00 hours advance as reconnaissance line on course 215° and speed of advance 3 knots.  2.)  . . . .
		12.00	AK 8917	Day's run:  Surfaced 141.9 nm.
			WNW 3, Sea 3, 6/10, 1017 mb	On 1 diesel 240 RPM steered changing courses on general course 215°.
		13.00	AK 8941
		16.00	AK 8896	Corrected position in reconnaissance line for difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a noon navigation fix.
			WNW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 1019 mb, (rain)
		20.00	AK 8895
		22.40	AK 8896
		24.00	AK 8894
			NW 1, Sea 1, 1/10, 1021 mb
		03.02.43
		00.50	AK 8894	Recognition signals exchanged with "U-262" (Franke).
		04.00	BD 2123
		08.00	BD 2128
			SW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1021 mb
		11.34	BD 2151	Synced navigation with U-609 (Rudloff).
		12.00	BD 2151	Day's run:  Surfaced 153 nm.
			S 3, Sea 3, 7/10, 1018 mb
			BD 2162	From 2162 steered offset from the morning navigation fix to ordered search line.
		16.00	BD 2154
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, 1014 mb
		20.00	BD 1368
		21.00	BD 1367
		24.00	BD 1382
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1014 mb
		04.02.43
		04.00	BD 1375
		08.00	BD 1298
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1012 mb
		10.00	BD 1531	A bright light appeared for 1 minute on the horizon bearing 180°T; because it appeared very nearby, and it was bright, initially turned away; then pursued at GF, believe it must have been much farther away, nothing is sighted.
		10.55		Short Signal from Münnich:  Enemy in sight, square BD 1199.
				After deciphering operated at highest speed on Short Signal from Münnich.  Plotting with general course 45°, 9 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		04.02.43
		11.30	BD 1522	Radio Message (date/time group 1048):  Very large convoy, broad formation, N-course, 8-10 knots.    Münnich.
		11.42		Radio Message:  To Group Pfeil, Lohmann and Schütt.
				Operate on Münnich convoy at highest speed, Münnich report course.
		12.00	BD 1521	Day's run:  Surfaced 152.6 nm.
			W 5, Sea 4, overcast, 1014 mb
		12.10	BD 1287	Smoke clouds in sight bearing 15°T.
		12.17	BD 1287	It is the convoy, assume bow right; with changing courses held contact and maneuvered ahead.  Delivery of the radio signal is delayed, because at first it was composed incorrectly.
		12.38	BD 1288	Convoy bears 1.5°T about 15 nm away.
		13.07		Radio Signal sent:  (date/time group 1210).
				Convoy in sight, square BD 1258, northeasterly course.  U-402.
		13.35	BD 1291	Starboard diesel out of service, in spite of closing contact not gained again.
		14.15	BD 1267	Depth charge detonations heard in the boat.
		14.35	BD 1268	Detonation column (torpedo) sighted ahead to port, was heard in the boat.
		14.36	BD 1268	Once more depth charges are heard.
		14.39		Radio Message sent:  One diesel temporarily out of service, contact lost.  Last convoy position 13.30 square BD 1256, W 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, 1014 mb, steady, 67 cbm.  Forstner.
		14.40	BD 1268	Starboard diesel again in service.
		14.42	BD 1268	Smoke clouds come in sight again bearing 42°T, must be the convoy again.
		15.02	BD 1265	Short Signal sent:  Convoy position square BD 1261, course 45°.  U-402.
				Signal was confirmed at 15.20 hours.
		15.13	BD 1265	Ran off before destroyer bearing 300°T.
		15.16	BD 1265	Destroyer out of sight, came to old course.
		15.22	BD 1266	Many smoke feathers in about 300°T, 15 nm off.
				On the starboard side 2 other U-boats.
		15.35	BD 1263	Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  Jessen, Poel, Mumm, Franzius, Soden, Kessler, Koeppe and Schroeter operate on Münnich report.  3.)  Convoy is probably destined for Murmansk.  Go!  Operate ruthlessly to relieve the Eastern Front.
		15.41	BD 1263	Ran off before quickly approaching destroyer bearing 280°T.
		15.55	BD 1341	Radio Message:  All boats set on the Münnich-convoy and Forstner belong to Group Pfeil and switch on 4 February at 20.00 hours to Diana Circuit.
				Range to the destroyer remains constant for a long time.
		16.15	BD 1342	Radio Message sent:  Forced off by destroyer, contact lost, last convoy position square BD 1237.    U-402.
				(Date/time group 1541)
		16.23	BD 1342	Destroyer has turned away is out of sight,  headed for intercept point for convoy for course 45°, 8 knots.  (course 0°).
		17.40	BD 1312	3 masted ship in sight bearing 285°T, turned away somewhat.
		17.45	BD 1313	Mastheads out of sight.  Again came to N-course.

Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		04.02.43
		18.02	AK 8779	Because it does not come in sight again, came to course 340°.
		18.12	AK 8779	If the enemy course were more easterly than north, he should have come in sight again, continued search on westerly course.  Went to LF several times, because lookouts are greatly impacted with course into the seas.
		19.15	AK 8774	Contact not gained.  Enemy must have zig zagged to the west. Headed for intercept point for enemy course 315°, 9 knots.
		19.59	AK 7993	Turned off before destroyer bearing 260°T, coming out of the haze about 7 nm away.
		20.00	AK 7993	Switched to Diana Circuit.  Last Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit:  886, first Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 772.
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), 1012 mb
		20.10	AK 7993	Destroyer out of sight, came to old course.
		20.21	AK 7993	Destroyer in sight once again bearing 295°T, ran off.  Steamer masts are made out with difficulty in the haze bearing 300°T, range = 14 nm.
		20.26	AK 7993	Destroyer out of sight, came to course 25°, at 20.31 hours turned back on old course 330°.
		20.34	AK 7993	Searched for contact on course 300°.  Intention:  during twilight head at highest speed to the last sighting point for the steamers from 20.21 hours, there dive to listen.
		20.35		Radio Message transmission delayed by Circuit change and the subsequent frequency changes by Communications Center.  Search for convoy courses north to east and north up to 10 knots without results.   Continue search for north to west and westerly courses.  Last sighting of three master square 7999 17.40 hours.  My position square 7996.  Light rain showers.    Forstner.
				Radio Message goes out with date/time group 1930, other boats also have no contact at the same time.
		20.45		Radio Message sent: date time group 2000.  Escort square AK 7991, northerly course.  U-402.
		21.02	AK 7968	Ran off before destroyer bearing 320°T.
		21.08	AK 7968	Came to old course, because destroyer out of sight.
		21.12		Radio Message sent date time group 2026:  Masts probably convoy, square AK 7967.    Forstner.
		21.25	AK 7968	Destroyer bearing 275°T, about 3 nm away, ran off.
		21.39	AK 7968	Destroyer out of sight, came to course 0°.
		21.43	AK 7968	Again came to course 330°.
		21.44	AK 7968	Destroyer again comes in sight bearing 320°T, ran off.
		21.49	AK 7969	Destroyer out of sight, closed.
		21.58	AK 7969	Again came to course 330°.
		22.02	AK 7969	Depth charges heard to port in boat.
		22.04	AK 7969	Vessel bearing 210°T gives Morse traffic, suspect a destroyer.
		22.11	AK 7968
		22.30	AK 7965	Reached position 2 nm north of the last sighting point, went to HF before diving.
		22.32	AK 7965	Crash dive for destroyer bearing 170°T , which came up very quickly from the port astern sector, was noticed too late, bridge and cannons easily distinguished despite the twilight.  Range only about 3-500 meters

Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		04.02.43
				bow right, target angle 45°, seemed to have detected us with radar, yet still not sighted us.
		22.33		While diving a depth charge at depth 20 meters.  Depth charge pursuit, proceed to depth A +80 meters.  Depth charges initially badly placed, then coming closer.
		23.06		Flooding equipment [drain pump] set in operation
		23.12		Again depth charge series more distant.
		23.21		No further sound bearings in the area, order to rise given.
		23.26	AK 7969	Again depth charge series close by.
		05.02.43
		00.45	AK 7969	Last depth charge series.  Departure of the destroyer is not heard.
		01.30		Boat raised at silent running.
		01.50	AK 7992	Surfaced.  Because I have no indication of the position of the convoy, initially pursued on northerly course.
			NNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1012 mb
		02.18	AK 7968	During program time continually stood by for bearing reception.
				Radio Message:  24.00 hours 7937, 3 destroyers.  No convoy contact found.  01.30 square 7931 sound bearings 2 destroyers. 85 cbm.    Rudloff.
				My belief that the convoy is located to the north was strengthened by the Rudloff report.
		02.25	AK 7986	Radio Message sent:  After depth charge pursuit am in square AK 7968 request contact keeper report and bearing signals.    Forstner.
		02.55	AK 7965	Radio Message:  Forced off, depth charges.  Contact lost.  Last enemy position is 22.53 hours square AK 7969.  Easterly course, slow speed.    Tinschert.
		03.17	AK 7962	Radio Message (date/time group 0110):  Square AK 8718 Star shells over convoy, Struckmeier reports. . .
				According to the radio message from Tinschert the convoy now steers an easterly course, was confirmed from the square information from Struckmeier.  Both messages are now outdated.  General course north to east appears most likely to me.
		00.30	AK 7938	Search continued for course 45°.
		03.39		Radio Message:  Pfeil.  If transmitting, be sure to add fuel inventory once a day.  1.)  Fuel supply for return transit in square BD 20 anticipated, break off so as to arrive there with 5-10 cbm.
		04.00	AK 7939
		04.59	AK 8711	Radio Message to Pfeil:  1.)  Improve reports. . . . 2.)  . . . .  3.)  Continue search from 15 - 80°, speed 6-8 knots.
		05.35	AK 8478	Radio Message:  04.10 hours convoy square 7664,  During attack . . . .  sending bearing signals.  Rudloff.
		06.30	AK 8476	From Rudloff report the convoy must still be steering a northerly course.  Operating on enemy course 0°, 9 knots.
		07.35	AK 8449	Short Signal:  Have contact on convoy, AK 8442.    Franke.
				Reported square lies on my course line.
		08.00	AK 8845
			NW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 1013 mb
		08.19		Radio Message:  Franke immediately send bearing signals.
		08.50	AK 8417	Franke bears 265°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		05.02.43
		08.55	AK 9417	Apparently there is a large navigation difference between Franke and me, because it can not be believed that (according to Franke's last message) the convoy has steered a westerly course.  Operate on Franke's bearing signals. Am later convinced that my radio operators have taken the wrong side [reciprocal of the bearing].
		09.40	AK 7639	Because no further bearing signals were sent, I suspect the convoy is not further west, initially come to a northerly course again.
		10.00	AK 7636	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position towards 8417 (6 nm to the south).
		10.35	AK 8417	To port another boat on about the same course, slow speed.
		11.04		Radio Message (date/time group 1025):  Steamer, one corvette, square 8425, course 45°.    Rudloff.
		11.12	AK 8414	Port thrust bearing hot, must stop the diesel.  Inspection shows that the bearing is worn out, thrust disc damaged; replacement part is aboard, duration of the repairs approximately 24 hours.
		11.15	AK 8414	Because I must initially give up search for the convoy, intend to pursue with highest possible speed on one diesel on general course of the convoy without operating on individual contact keeper reports.  Presume general course 45° which also corresponds the Rudloff report.
		12.00	AK 8415	Day's run:  Surfaced 262.5 nm Submerged 11 nm.
			NW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, 1014 mb
		12.50		Radio Message sent:  "Again engine breakdown.  Bearing signals hear from Franke only 08.55.  Position square AK 8415.  Searching at 7 knots on NE-course, 52 cbm.  W 3, Sea 3, Vis. good, 1014 mb, rising.    Forstner."
		13.45	AK 8179	Radio Message:  "All of Group Pfeil operate on Rudloff report."
		16.00	AK 8125
		16.52		Radio Message:  To Pfeil boats.  The first night says nothing . . . . Therefore again pursue and attack.  . . . .
		17.10		Short Signal:  Convoy AK 8243.    Rudloff.
		18.23	AL 8159	Radio Message:  To Pfeil.  Convoy speed probably slower according to Rudloff report.
		20.00	AK 8165
			W 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1019 mb
		20.48		Radio Message:  Submerged attack spoiled by zig zag.  25 steamers, convoy position 20.00 hours square 8261, course 30°, 8 knots.    Rudloff.
		21.11		Short Signal:  Convoy AK 8235, course 40°.    Rudloff.
		21.15	AK 8162	Came to course 60° on the basis of Rudloff report.
		22.45		Radio Message:  Supply is anticipated in AK 80. Expect meeting with Schnoor about 11 February.
		24.00	AK 8271
			W 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 1022 mb
		06.02.43
		02.40		Radio Message to Pfeil:  1.)  Continue search on general course from 20-60°.  Speed probably 7.5 knots.  2.)  . . . .
		04.00	AK 5893
		04.20		Radio Message to Pfeil:
				1.)  With all means attempt to gain contact.  Convoy may not be lost any more.  Favorable weather conditions.  The defense is powerless with the weather.  Surface and submerged detection strongly hindered.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		06.02.43
				2.) Be tough and ruthless in operations. Think of the Eastern Front.
		08.00	AK 5953	Occasionally stopped and reversed in order to fit the thrust bearing parts.
			W 2, Sea 3, overcast, passing showers, 1029 mb
		09.17	AK 5938	Repairs to the thrust bearing ended, however, it must be broken in slowly.  If I take no account of it, and it stops, I have absolutely no chance of getting to the convoy.  I decide to shorten the required time for breaking in such that I can still get in contact in the next night, have luck that the bearing holds out.  Port engine LF.
		10.00	AK 5938	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix towards 5935.  Port engine HF.
		12.00	AK 6478	Day's run:  Surfaced 205 nm.
			W 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 1026 mb
		12.30	AK 6478	A U-boat comes in sight to starboard to check navigation.  It is U-624 (Soden).
		12.43	AK 6712	Came to old course.
		13.02		Short Signal:  Convoy square AK 6497, course 90°.    Rudloff.
		13.45	AK 6487	Operating on the Rudloff report, initially course 110°, 14.00 hours on course 90°.
		14.30	AK 6488	Radio Message:  14.06 Rudloff reports convoy in square AK 6499.
		14.45	AK 6488	Operating on last report on course 80°.  Running with port engine at 2 x HF.
		15.10	AK 6468	Dived for land-based aircraft.
		15.15	AK 6486	6 aircraft bombs, presumably for Soden.
		15.26	AK 6494	Surfaced.  Aircraft still circling in the direction of Soden, dived.
		15.32		Distant detonations heard.
		15.46		Inquiry by underwater telegraphy to Soden.  If all is operable with him.
		16.02	AK 6494	Surfaced.
		16.10	AK 6494	To Soden:  On surfacing, all clear above.
		16.31	AK 6495	Radio Message sent:  Square AK 6489, dived for land-based aircraft.  Soden apparently attacked.  Ready for 11 knots, 48 cbm.  Request bearing signals (date/time group 1510).    Forstner.
		16.37		Radio Message:  1.)  Forstner and Schütt immediately report weather, Schütt add trends.  2.)  . . . .
		17.12	AK 6496	Short Signal for Rudloff:  Enemy in sight square AK 6576.
		17.15	AK 6496	Crash dive for very high flying land-based aircraft about 2000 meters ahead to starboard.
		17.30	AK 6496	Surfaced.
		18.00	AK 6574	Short Signal:  Convoy square AK 6585, course 70°.  Rudloff.
			SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1017 mb
		18.30	AK 6575	Weather Radio Message sent, with date/time group 18.00:  Square AK 6574, SW 2, freshening, increasing low clouds, 1017 mb, falling, slight SW-swell, +7°C, Vis. 15 nm.  Forstner.
		18.50	AK 6576	Detection maritime patrol aircraft, dived.
		19.10	AK 6576	Surfaced.
		19.15	AK 6576	German U-boat bearing 60°T.
		19.23	AK 6573	Short Signal from Franke:  Enemy position square AK 6591, course 70°.
				Square lies on my course line.
		19.40	AK 6581	Went to GF on port diesel.

Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		06.02.43
		19.46		Radio Message:  Rudloff - Reports 19.07 hours, enemy position square AK 6583, course 70°.
		19.48		Short Signal from Teichert:  Convoy AK 6595.
				Positioned close to the convoy, because I have no faith in my navigation - difference compared with Soden 20 nm - Short Signal sent:
		20.09	AK 6581	Request bearing signals from contact keeper.
		20.17	AK 6582	Detection.  Shortly afterwards flying boat approaching from ahead, range = about 5000 meters, dived.
		20.30	AK 6582	Aircraft bombs, poorly placed, strange, 17 minutes after diving, oil trace?
		20.43	AK 6582	Surfaced.
		21.00	AK 6582	Radio Message:  Distorted signal received 20.09 hours from Forstner.  Have contact on convoy.
		21.26	AK 6583	For correction sent:  Short Signal 20.09 hours incorrectly decoded.  No contact, request bearing signals.    U-402.
		21.30	AK 6583	Positioned at the location of the last report from Rudloff and Franke.  In accordance with both Short Signals came to course 70°.  4 detonations to starboard.
		21.35	AK 6591	Three aircraft bombs to starboard.
		21.40	AK 6591	Radio Message:  In twilight . . . contact lost.  Convoy position 20.30 hours square 6592.  Rudloff.
		21.55	AK 6591	2 star shells bearing 200°T.
		22.05	AK 6568	6 detonations to starboard.
		22.47	AK 6569	Muzzle flashes bearing 200°T.
		22.52	AK 6647	Again star shells bearing 160°T.
		22.55	AK 6647	Positioned by plotting at the level of the convoy, dived to listen.
		22.58		6 depth charges to starboard.
		23.10	AK 6645	No sound bearings.  Surfaced.
		23.45		Short Signal from Franke:  Convoy AK 6685, course 90°, speed 9 knots.
		23.55	AK 6654	Franke Information seems a bit too far south to me, but I calculate by my observations, that the convoy is on my starboard side, thus located to the south.  Came to course 110°.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 1025 mb
		07.02.43
		00.28	AK 6655	Short Signal, that Franke is sending bearing signals.
		00.40	AK 6655	First bearing signals from Franke, 202°T.
		00.50	AK 6655	Came to course 170°.
		00.58		Radio Message:  Send at program time only "Viktor", because I am among the convoy.
		01.12	AK 6659	Short Signal:  Convoy AK 6693, 70°, speed 8 knots.  Franke.
		01.20	AK 6659	2 bearings from Franke 207°T, afterwards no further bearings signals come.
		01.35	AK 6659	Detection, dived.  No sound bearings.
		01.45	AK 6659	Surfaced, Fu.M.B. salvaged.
		01.55	AK 6659	Convoy in sight, came to course 90°.
		02.01	AK 6659	Torpedo detonations heard.
		02.03	AK 6659	Steered various courses and speed settings to attack and avoid
		02.17	AK 6659	Initiated attack on the forward most large freighter.
		02.25	AK 6667	Short Signal sent:  Convoy in sight square AK 6691.  U-402.
				Signal was not heard by Communications Center, new transmission after frequency change was heard, yet not received perfectly.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		07.02.43
				Bearing signals are sent mistakenly only after given a receipt for transmission (up to 08.45 hours).
		03.00	AK 6668	After different evasive maneuvers in shooting position, but probably too close, steam turns towards me, ran off at AK, a destroyer emerges from behind the steamer.
		03.02	AK 6668	Destroyer approaches quickly with sharp target angle, Crash dive.  Ran off submerged at HF, broad band astern in sound gear.
		03.13	AK 6668	Surfaced.  Pursued.
		03.25	AK 6668	Short Signal sent:  Sending bearing signals . . . . .  Again was not heard by Communications Center.  First acknowledged at 04.13 hours after a new transmission
				Am positioned on the starboard side of the convoy, that drives in a long formation at very irregular distances.  Exact course determined by passing the wakes of steamers.
		03.30	AK 6668	Attack initiated on 2 large steamers one close behind the other seemingly in the wake, forward a tanker, behind a freighter.
				Intention:  Associated single shots, 2 on the tanker, then one on the freighter.  While turning slowly the tanker passes by, the binoculars of the Torpedo Officer are splashed and steam up, shooting angle will be too large, order to shoot first on the freighter, while then turning back on tanker.
		03.47	AK 6668	Single shot from tube I.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target is an about 6000 GRT large freighter, type not recognized, did not fit in the binoculars at the shot.
				Range greatly under estimated, after 135 seconds 2075 meters a hit amidships.  Freighter starts to burn, shoots rockets, crew abandons shipassing showers, 04.00 hours sunk.
		03.49	AK 6668	Multiple shot from tube II and III.
				Depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target is an about 10000 GRT large tanker, type:  W.B. WALKER (10468 GRT).
				Miss, tanker probably zig zagged after the hit on the freighter, had a different courses on the next attack.  Also turned out that did not drive ahead of the freighter, but still farther away at 2075 meters.
				Tube III was a tube runner.  After repeated cocking of the ejection mechanism the torpedo left the tube.  Operated for a stern shot.
		03.52	AK 6668	Single shot from tube V.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target was the same tanker,  After 140 seconds - 2075 meters, hit aft 10 meters about 30 meter high explosion column.  Tanker sets a red light and shoots rockets to the starboard side.  Because sinking is not certain decide on a coup de grace.
		04.02	AK 6668	Single shot from tube IV (coup de grace)
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1022 mb	Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, speed 0°.

Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		07.02.43
				After 130 seconds - 2000 meters, hit in the engine room.  High explosion column, red lights lit, tanker settles astern immediately.  After about 20 minutes sunk.  Destroyers come to the tanker to take the survivors on board.  Had left the ship after the first hit.
		04.09	AK 6669	Pursued the convoy on course 45°.
		04.23	AK 6666	After comparing several steamers attack initiated on large tanker.
		04.38	AK 6666	Single shot from tube II.
				Depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target is a large tanker of about 12000 GRT of type:  VIKTOR ROSS (11200 GRT).  Hit after 90 seconds - 1400 meters, was heard on boat.  Tanker did not fit in the binoculars at the shot.
		04.39	AK 6666	Dived before a destroyer ahead on opposite course.  At first one depth charge, then torpedo detonation heard.
		04.56	AK 6666	Surfaced.  Tanker lies stopped with the forecastle in the water, destroyer is with him and takes the crew off.  I decide on a coup de grace.
		05.12		Single shot from tube I (coup de grace).
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow left, speed 0 knots, range 2000 meters.  Miss probably a aiming error.  Remained in the vicinity of the tanker.
		05.24	AK 6666	Tanker now lies up to the bridge in water, am convinced he will sink without another torpedo.  Pursued the convoy.
		05.40	AK 6663	Star shells and tracer bullets to port.
		05.45		Several detonations in the same direction.
		05.50	AK 6663	Torpedo detonations seen to starboard, came to course 80°, held on to it.
		06.25		Radio Message sent:  Contact lost, last convoy position 05.12 hours square AL 4447, sank a freighter, a large tanker, left a large tanker sinking.  39 cbm. 5+2 torpedoes.
				U-402.
		06.27	AL 4441	Initiated attack on large freighter.
		06.36	AL 4441	Single shot from tube IV.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, speed 8 knots, range = 1200 meters.
				Target is an about 8000 GRT large freighter with flat forecastle and conspicuous long superstructure, bridge is set off from the superstructure, broad smoke stack.  Type not found.
				After 90 seconds - 1400 meters, hit about amidships, with dark explosion column.  Freighter quickly takes a heavy list to starboard, shoots white rockets, crew abandons ship.  Freighter begins to sink on an even keel.
		06.49	AL 4441	Up to the railing in the water, let sink, began attack on another freighter.
		06.59	AL 4441	Single shot from tube II.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, speed 8 knots, range = 1200 meters.
				Target is a 6000 GRT freighter, bow and stern somewhat higher than the continuous deck, type like: JERSEY CITY (6200 GRT).

Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		07.02.43
				After 53 seconds 820 meters, hit 15 meters before the after mast.  Steamer begins to burn immediately.  Bright tongues of flame ignite.  Out of which shoots a rocket.  After the detonation the stern is under water, the crew abandoned ship, a destroyer weht to the ship, which sank shortly thereafter.
		07.09	AL 4417	Pursued the convoy.
		07.28	AL 4418	Contact keeper report sent:  Convoy square 4418, course 16°, 7 knots, standby for bearing signals.  Forstner.
		07.30	AL 4418	Another freighter selected.
		07.35	AL 4418	Single shot from type III.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30, bow right, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target is a very large freighter, about 9000 GRT with 5 hatches, high smoke stack, type:  MATHURA (8900 GRT).
				After 48 seconds 740 meters hit amidships, with about 30 meter high white explosion column.  Steamer shoots rockets, settles astern deeper and takes on a list to starboard.  Remained close for a coup de grace if necessary.  The crew abandoned ship, 25 minutes after the hit the bow jutted steeply out of the water, steamer sank.
		07.55		Star shells to port, positioned between me and the convoy.
		08.05	AL 4418
			W 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, 1017 mb	Pursued the convoy.
		08.35		Want to attack a freighter about 7000 GRT from the port side, have too little room forward.  Attack broken off and initiated from starboard.
		08.50	AL 4424	Single shot from tube III.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 110°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Surface runner, miss.
		08.54	AL 4424	Dived to reload the stern torpedo.  Sound bearings still heard from convoy.
		10.30	AL 4424	Surfaced, pursued on course 60°.
		11.13		Radio Message sent:  Besides reported 3 units 3 other freighters torpedoed, 2 sunk, one left sinking.  Total of 6 ships, about 45000 GRT, one stern plus two Atos.  36 cbm.  Last convoy position 09.00 square AL 4425, course 60°, 8 knots, S 6, Sea 5, 1016 mb falling.  Forstner.
		11.15	AL 4423	Detection, dived.
		11.35	AL 4423	Surfaced.
		11.41	AL 4423	Destroyer comes out of the haze bearing about 30°T, under 6 nm away, does not seem to have seen me yet, crash dive.
		12.00	AL 4423	Day's run:  Surfaced 213.3 nm Submerged 14.1 nm.
		12.45	AL 4431	Surfaced, pursued.
			SW 3, Sea 4, overcast, 1016 mb
		12.54		Radio Message:  Forstner well done.  Stay with it and maintain contact.  All boats must still come.  The depth charges will run out.  Remain close.  The convoy is extremely important.
		14.10		Both cooling water pumps leak heavily, repairs are out of the question now, with main drain pump continually pump the diesel bilge.
		15.45	AL 4276	Destroyer 40° to port ahead - 20°T, ran off on course 130°.

Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		07.02.43
		16.03	AL 4276	Because at the moment there is no contact keeper reports at hand, Short Signal sent:  "Square AL 4281 one destroyer, easterly course.  U-402"
		16.04	SW 5, Sea3, overcast, (rain), 1015 mb	Came to easterly course.  Starboard diesel can only run on 5 cylinders for the rest of the convoy operation (2 x HF).  Starboard thrust bearing runs hot, must temporaily reduce speed.  The repaired port thrust bearing held up perfectly, again an indication of the great skill and dillegence of Obermasch. Fischer, who carried out the fitting of new jaws.
		16.09	AL 4284	Radio Message:  To Pfeil:  Go on Teichert report.  Attempt to be there at darkness, then shoot as soon as possible to make a path for another boat.
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), 1015 mb
		16.29		Radio Message:  "Convoy located square 4257, 7.5 knots, course 60°,  So far no aircraft.  23 cbm.  SW 5, abating, Sea 4, rain at the moment, Vis. changing, 1015 mb, falling.  Teichert.
		17.30	AL 4283	Several widely separated smoke clouds bearing 20°T.
		17.36	AL 4283	Aircraft detection, due to cloud situation dived.
		17.43	AL 4283	Surfaced.
				Prepared Radio Message could not be sent because of the crash dive, but bearing signals were already sent before sending the Radio Message..
		17.57	AL 4259	Dived for land-based aircraft bearing 340°T in approach.  Medium altitude, still far off.
		18.15	AL 4267	Distant detonations.
		18.23	AL 4267	Surfaced.
		18.25	AL 4267	2-stack destroyer bearing 330°T, bow right, about target angle 90°, 5 nm off, Sunderland bearing 340°T, 6000 meters off, 800 meters altitide, dived.
		18.40		Due to leaking piping both compressors still only make 20 kg per hour, high pressure group 2 already failed long ago and the many crash dives, extreme thrift is ordered especially while surfacing, because I would like to keep some reserve.
		18.57	AL 4267	Surfaced.
		19.00		Radio Message with date/time group 1737 sent:  "17.30 square AK 4256 several widely separated smoke clouds, suspect convoy, NE-course.  Sending bearing signals.  U-402."
				Error, meant AL, but no error is possible because the Short Signal at 1603 was correct.
		19.02	AL 4267	Again smoke clouds in sight bearing 0°T.
		19.34	AL 4265	Destroyer bearing 0°T, bow right, target angle 90°, 7 nm off, came to course 90°.
		19.30	AL 4265	Destroyer out of sight, headed for the last sighting point of the smoke clouds on northerly course.
		19.50	AL 4265	Dived for 4-engined land-based aircraft in approach.  Range = 7000 meters, altitude 500 meters.
				Sound bearing broad band from 220-340°.
		20.12	AL 4265	Surfaced.
			SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1010 mb	Continued pursuit on northerly course.

Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		07.02.43
		20.30		Radio Message sent:  Contact lost.  Last position of convoy 19.00 square AL 4237.  Northeasterly course.  W 3, abating, 1010 mb, falling, Vis. changing.  Forstner.
		21.18	AL 4238	Sighting point reached, dived to listen, no results.
		21.36	AL 4238	Surfaced, pursued on course 60°.
		22.38		Radio Message with date/time group 0855 to Group Pfeil, is superceded.
		23.10	AL 5112	Short Signal from Teichert:  Convoy AL 5113.
		23.20		Radio Message to Group Pfeil:
				If no contact continue to run with long legs and high speed up to darkness.  Tomorrow will be too dangerous due to air.  Convoy probably goes at dawn in the direction of the North Channel.
		23.27	AL 5113	I must be close to the convoy, dived to listen, no sound bearings.
		23.40	AL 5113	Surfaced.  Operated on Teichert report on course 90°.
		23.43	AL 5113	Flares bearing 120°T.
		23.50		Radio Message:  Teichert send bearing signals.
		23.52	AL 2151 [typo = 5121]	Short Signal sent:  Request bearing signals from contact keeper.  U-402.
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, (rain), 1007 mb
		08.02.43	North Atlantic
		00.05	AL 5121	Torpedo explosion column bearing 180°T.
				Thought:  by operating direct according to plotting, however, with uncertain information (distance to the detonation location, is it at the front or the back of the convoy, convoy course) passing by is possible in the low visibility night.  If however, I head for torpedoed steamer and pursue from there to the convoy, I must definitely gain contact.
		00.10	AL 5121	Came to course 180°.
		00.15		White light ahead, suspect at the steamer.
		00.27		Because no bearing signals are heard, Short Signal sent:  Sending bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Order.  U-402.
		00.40		Continuous bearing signals sent at the scheduled time up to and including 04.40 hours.
		00.44	AL 5124	Count on easterly convoy course, because with NE-course I would already have gained contact.  Also Radio Message of 23.50 hours.
				Pursued the convoy on course 90°.
		00.50	AL 5124	Passed the damaged steamer with a destroyer to starboard, crew is aboard.
		01.21	AL 5126	Convoy in sight ahead to starboard.
		01.30		Initiated approach from port on a large freighter, due to heavy visibility deterioration broke off, and moved to the other side, since it is empty, surprise by destroyer there is less likely, there are probably other shadows to port.
		01.42	AL 5134	Single shot from tube V.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow right, target angle 95°, speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters.
				Target is a large freighter of about 10000 GRT.  Freighter with 4 masts, apparently heavy cargo masts, 3 hatches and long super structure, type:  CUMBERLAND (10900 GRT).

	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		08.02.43
				At the shot he fit with the length between exterior masts in the binoculars.  Hit after 98 seconds - 1475 meters - again distance greatly underestimated. Approximately 20 meter high explosive column about amidships. Begins to sink immediately, within 5 minutes sank over the sternpost, probably heavy cargo.
				All Etos are thereby expended.  Remain with convoy as contact keeper running on approximately parallel course at LF, continuous bearing signals sent.
		02.24	AL 5135	Contact keeper report sent:
				02.05 convoy position AL 5134, course east, 8 knots.  With last Eto 8000 GRT freighter sunk.  Stand by for bearing signals.  29 cbm.  Forstner.
		02.25		Star shell astern.
		02.45	AL 5135	Destroyer abeam to starboard shoots star shells [illegible word] seems however not to have sighted us, detection?  Ran off.
		02.48	AL 5135	Again went within visual range of the convoy.
		03.45	AL 5211
		03.53	AL 5211	Ran off for destroyer on course 335°.
		04.01		Radio Message sent:  Convoy position 03.45 hours, square 5133, course change 02.00 hours 79°, 5 knots.  Forstner.
		04.05	AL 5215	Again searched for contact.
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), 1004 mb, Vis. changing heavily
		04.55	AL 5219	Heavy visibility deterioration in the east, a bit later hail squalls, Vis. under 1 nm, initially did not go closer.
		05.45	AL 5221	Somewhat clearer.  Pursued.
		05.50		6 detonations to starboard.
		06.09		Convoy again in sight, maintained contact.
		06.13	AL 5221	Radio Message:  Forced off by destroyer, last position of convoy 03.55 hours square AL 5133, course 75°, 8 knots, 24 units counted, hail squalls, searching for contact.  Question still necessity.    Forstner.
				It was not clear to me, if boats still wanted to attack, [as of now] I could still make it back without supply.
		06.28		Radio Message sent:  06.30 convoy AL 5213.    Forstner.
		06.50	AL 5222	Destroyer bearing 265°T, ran off.
		07.07	AL 5223	Quickly comes nearer, dived.
				Sound pursuit, no depth charges.
		07.38	AL 0277	Apparently, the destroyer runs off.  Faint sound bearing of the convoy still distinguished.  Due to the beginning of twilight timely running off on the surface is no longer possible, I decide to let the convoy go and then hold contact from astern.  Because I can no longer attack, this is a favorable position.
		09.43	AL 0278	Surfaced, pursued on course 90°.
		09.45		Radio Message sent:  Sound pursuit.  Last position of convoy 07.08 AL 5221, course 90°.  Forstner.
		10.07	AL 0278	German U-boat bearing 200°T.
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 999 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		08.02.43
		10.21	AL 0278	Several smoke clouds bearing 110°T.  Close quickly it is the convoy, masts come out.  Back and forth in position until masts are below the horizon.
		10.44	AL 5232
		10.49		Short Signal Sent:  Convoy position AL 5236.  U-402
				Signal was not acknowledged by Communications Center.
		10.50	AL 5232	Crash dive for land-based aircraft 6000 meters off, medium altitude, apparently I was seen.
		12.00	AL 5232	Day's run:  Surfaced 191.4 nm Submerged 21.4 nm.
		13.00	AL 5232	Surfaced.  4-engined land-based aircraft circles over convoy.  Pursued.
		13.07		Radio Message sent:  11.00 hours convoy AL 5236, course east, W 4, Sea 3, Vis. changing, 997 mb, falling.  Forstner.
		13.15	AL 5233	Approach.  Crash dive.
		14.00	AL 5233	Surfaced, pursued on course 90°.
		14.05		Radio Message sent:
				Contact lost.  Forced to submerge repeatedly by land-based aircraft.  Last position of convoy 11.00 hours AL 5236.  East course.  Forstner.
		14.25	AL 6111	Radio Message:  To Pfeil:  1.)  If possible maintain contact up to darkness.  The other boats must still go on.  2.)  . . . . 3.)  Will break off in the morning.  Utilize the last chance.
		14.40	AL 6111	Starboard diesel temporarily out of service.
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, (snow), 996 mb
		14.50		Incoming Radio Message:  Forstner hang on.
		16.18	AL 6121	Aircraft detection.  Shortly thereafter flying boat in approach, about 8000 meters away, medium altitude, white paint, difficult to make out.  Crash dive.
		16.35		Order to bring up the boats given.
		16.40 -	AL 6122	18 depth charges, inexplicably 22 minutes after diving, no sound bearings, oil trace?
		16.50
		17.20	AL 6122	Detonation far off.
		18.07 - 18.27		Further distant detonations.
		18.32	AL 6122	Surfaced.  Because I can not gain contact in the evening in accordance with Radio Message orders, broke off and headed for the supply square AK 8985.
		18.40	AL 6122	Dived for aircraft.
		19.45	AL 6125	Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 6125	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position to 6123 (6 nm to the NE).
			NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1000 mb
		20.03		Radio Message sent:  Again repeatedly forced to submerge.  No contact.  Square AL 6126, heading to AK 89.  Forstner.
		20.50		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  Forstner, Franzius and Lohmann switch on 9 February at 08.00 hours to Ireland Circuit.  3.)  . . . .
		22.53		Radio Message to me received distorted.
		24.00	AL 6142
			NW 3, Sea 3, 6/10, 1004 mb
		09.02.43
		00.50		Radio Message:  Forstner to Serial No. 764 report intentions.
		01.30		Radio Message:  1.)  To Forstner.  Supply in the existing weather conditions can be expected to be mostly very time-consuming.  Boat could arrive significantly earlier by direct economical return transit than by conducting supply.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		09.02.43
		03.03	AL 5266	Radio Message sent:  Economical return transit with 25 cbm not ensured.  Going to Schnoor.  Request supply from boats positioned in the vicinity if possible.    Forstner.
		04.00	AL 5265
		08.00	AL 5283	Switched to Ireland Circuit.
			NW 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1012 mb	First Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 199, last Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 794.  Due to weather situation and to sleep dived.
		12.00	AL 5284	Day's run:  Surfaced 94.9 nm Submerged 23 nm.
			W 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1013 mb	Surfaced for program time.
		14.35	AL 5279	Again dove.
		16.00	AL 5278
		20.00	AL 5511
		22.00	AL 5436	Surfaced, continued transit to supply place.
		23.20		Radio Message to Pfeil - Boats:  concerning documentation for reporting.
		24.00	AL 5435
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1009 mb
		10.02.43
		01.45		Radio Message:  To Pfeil boats:  Recognition for tough and hard battle in the convoy, particularly Forstner, Rudloff and Franke for success and contact keeping.   However, even more boats should have approached with so numerous a group.
				Oberbefehlshaber.
		04.00	AL 5452
		08.00	AL 5449
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), 1011 mb
		09.51		Radio Message:  "To Kapitänleutnant Baron von Forstner.
				Warm congratulations to you and your brave men for the award of the Knight's Cross.
				Your B.d.U. and Ob.d.M."
		12.00	AL 4593	Day's run:  Surfaced 84 nm Submerged 19 nm.
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, m, 1011 mb
		15.22	AL 4597	Dived for small onboard celebration.
		16.00	AL 4597
		19.30	AL 4822	Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 4822
		21.17		Radio Message to Forstner:
				Warm congratulations to you and your men and happy homecoming.
				Chef 3. U.-Flottille.
		24.00	AL 4818
			SSW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 1009 mb
		11.02.43
		03.30	AL 4763	Dived to proceed submerged due to weather.
			SW 5, Sea 4, 7/10, 1008 mb
		04.00	AL 4763
		08.00	AL 4764
		12.00	AL 4759	Day's run:  Surfaced 58.5 nm Submerged 31 nm.
		13.45	AL 4759	Surfaced.
		14.45	SW 3, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1007 mb	Radio Message:  1.)  In ordered position square AK 8985 supply from Schnoor, Forstner . . .  for economical return transit.
		16.00	AL 4781
		20.00	AL 4778
			SSW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1007 mb
		23.30	AK 9333	Proceeded submerged due to weather.
			SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, 1013 mb
		24.00	AK 9333

	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.43

	- 21 -
		12.02.43
		04.00	AK 9334
		08.00	AK 9329
		12.00	AK 9352	Surfaced.  Day's run:  Surfaced 40 nm Submerged 36 nm.
		12.45		Radio Message:  "To Forstner.
				Warm congratulations are conveyed on the award of the Ritterkreuzes to you and your gallant crew.
				Großadmiral    R  a  e  d  e  r  .
		14.00	W 4, Sea 4, 9/10, 1027 mb
		16.00	AK 9348
		16.32		Radio Message:  Return harbors are. . .  Pallice for U-402..
		20.00	AK 9299
		24.00	AK 9526
			SW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1027 mb
		13.02.43
		04.00	AK 9543
		08.00	AK 9547
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1025 mb
		12.00	AK 9494	Day's run:  Surfaced 120 nm.
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1024 mb
		16.00	AK 9722
		20.00	AK 9718
		24.00	AK 8965	By plotting reached the supply square, steered changing courses.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, 1019 mb
		14.02.43
		04.00	AK 8965
		08.00	AK 8965
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1018 mb
		11.00	AK 8965	Morning navigation fix shows that I am still positioned on the return course line, speed log is out of service.
				Headed for square AK 8985.
		12.00	AK 8967	Day's run:  Surfaced 123 nm.
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1023 mb
		12.30	AK 8967	Tanker "U-460" (Schnoor) bearing 190°T, headed for.
		13.10	AK 8991	Tanker abeam, due to weather situation no supply, weather improvement is expected.  Remained in the vicinity of the tanker with one E-motor at KF.
		16.00	AK 8983
			W 5, Sea 5, 9/10, 1025 mb
		20.00	AK 9893
		24.00	AK 8982
			NW 5, Sea 3, 8/10, 1034 mb
		15.02.43
		04.00	AK 8983
		08.00	AK 8982
			NW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1034 mb
		09.45		Rubber raft from the tanker with Ob.Masch. alongside.
		10.00	AK 8982
		10.25		Oil hose aboard.
		11.10		Doctor on board for various inflammations of the crew.
		11.50		Oil hose detached.
		12.00	AK 8982	Day's run:  Surfaced 23 nm.
			SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, mist, 1035 mb
		12.30		Ob.Masch. departed, various signal traffic with U-89 (Lohmann) and U-455 (Hackländer).  Mail taken over from Lohmann.
		16.30	AK 8985	Doctor departed.
		16.50	AK 8987	Test dive.  After fuel oil transfer and conversion of the main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks [to serve as ballast tanks].

	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		15.02.43
		17.20	AK 8987	Surfaced.  Began homeward transit.
		20.00	BD 2231
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1033 mb
		22.00	BD 2239
		24.00	BD 2342
			SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, m, 1035 mb
		16.02.43
		04.00	BD 2367
		08.00	BD 3175
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, mist, 1037 mb
		12.00	BD 3434	Day's run:  Surfaced 151.5 nm Submerged 1 nm.
			S 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1049 mb
		13.00	BD 3435	Came to westerly course on 1 E-motor at low speed.  Reloaded forward, astern not possible, because a support beam could not be removed.  Cleaned and exercised cannon.  Work on the upper deck.
		16.00	BD 3435
		17.40	S 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10, 1040 mb	Hackländer reported my supply.
		18.40	BD 3432	Test dive.
		19.15	BD 3432	Surfaced.
		20.00	BD 3236
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1040 mb
		24.00	BD 3551
			S 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1041 mb
		17.02.43
		04.00	BD 3569
		08.00	BD 3684
			SSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1041 mb
		12.00	BD 3936	Day's run:  Surfaced 150.5 nm Submerged 1 nm.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1042 mb
		14.30		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  Heine, Forstner before 17.00 hours report weather. . . .
		16.00	BE 1751
		16.30		Radio Message sent:  1.)  Square BE 1751, SW 1, Sea 1, +9°C, Stratocumulus, Vis. over 10 nm, 1042 mb, falling.  2.)  For 3.U,-Flottille starboard diesel change out required.  New bracket for Fu.M.B. cross good.  Forstner.
		20.00	BE 1793
		21.27		Radio Message:  . . . . Forstner on 18 February at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		24.00	BE 4222
			SW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1040 mb
		18.02.43
		04.00	BE 4317
		08.00	BE 4358	Switched to Coastal Circuit.  First Serial No. on Coastal Circuit: 6, last Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 116.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1040 mb
		09.00	BE 4359	Operated momentarily on a suspected shadow, was rising clouds over the horizon.
		12.00	BE 5147	Day's run:  Surfaced 208.8 nm.
			SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, 1040 mb
		16.00	BE 5426
			NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1039 mb
		20.00	BE 5546	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix  to square 5611, 56 nm, first navigation fix since morning of 14 February, not explainable despite the speed log being out of service.
		23.00	BE 5628
		24.00	BE 5661
			NNE 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1038 mb
		19.02.43
		04.00	BE 6484
		08.00	BE 6814
			NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1034 mb
		08.30	BE 6818	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BE 6819	Day's run:  Surfaced 224 nm Submerged 9 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		19.02.43
		16.00	BE 6852
		19.45	BE 6856	Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface at 2 x HF.
		20.00	BE 6856
			NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1032 mb
		21.09	BE 5858	Shadow bearing 90°T, initially turned off, then closed to identify what it was.  Warship silhouette steering about SE.  Later a smaller shadow made out, further away, type destroyer silhouette.
				First shadow type not definitely recognized, second suspect corvette, however it appeared a bit too big to me for that, also a little bit too short and thick for a destroyer, probably a vessel with a piston engine, because afterwards we heard a piston engine and a turbine, the latter probably from the destroyer.
		21.37	BE 6893	Am positioned on the bright horizon, am noticed, shadows turn to a narrow target angle on me, dived.
		21.39		First depth charge series at depth A +20 meters.
				Sound and depth charge pursuit by 2 vessels, from 22.30 hours still only one sound bearing - turbine.
				Steered boat between depth A +80 and A +100 meters.
				From 22.35 hours several Asdic sounds, weak and strong double tone.
				Flooding mechanism put in operation at 21.47 hours, 22.39 and 23.11 hours, deception of the enemy not observed.
				Depth charges (29) lying at times very exact, however above the boat, was over run exactly several times.
				Initially I went to high speed with course changes when the destroyer approached, I had the impression from his own sudden stop that the pursuer had heard me exactly.
		23.15		Very precise lying depth charge series.  Afterwards I no longer went to HF but instead stuck with course changes and silent running on approaches and over runs.  Destroyer searched with strongly changing courses, speed settings and frequent stopping, apparent without holding me despite using Asdic to detect me precisely, even over running me but no further depth charges.
		24.00	BE 5893
		20.02.43
		00.13		Last sound bearing, breaks off suddenly, destroyer seems to have stopped, departure is not heard, but that is no miracle, with my bad sound gear.  However, now I can afford to wait.
		02.30		Boat is raised at silent speed.
		03.30	BE 6896	Surfaced, continued transit on the surface at HF and quick charging.  Only minor failures.
		04.00	BE 6974
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, 1031 mb
		06.35	BE 9322	Came to easterly course.  2 x HF.
		08.00	BE 9331
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, 1030 mb
		12.00	BE 9133	Day's run:  Surfaced 77.9 nm Submerged 37 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		20.02.43
		16.00	BF 7112
		20.00	BF 7113	Surfaced.
		24.00	BF 7221	During the entire day at different times distant depth charges heard.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1029 mb
		21.02.43
		00.45	BF 7223
		01.58	BF 7233	Detection, dived.
		03.08	BF 7311	Surfaced.
		03.17	BF 7311	Detection dived.
			NNE 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1027 mb
		05.00	BF 7312	Surfaced.
		05.40	BF 7313	Detection dived.
		06.30	BF 7321	Surfaced.
		06.45		Short Signal sent:  Positioned 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  My direction finder is out of service.    U-402.
				Was confirmed at 07.12 hours.
		07.35	BF 7321	Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 7323
		12.00	BF 7332	Day's run:  Surfaced 106 nm Submerged 42.3 nm.
		13.11		Radio Message:  Escort for Forstner positioned on 25 February 1943 07.00 hours at Point "Pilz".  3. U.-Flottille.
		16.00	BF 8111
		19.45	BF 8112	Surfaced.  Navigation fix taken.
		20.00	BF 8112	Dived again, because the Fu.M.B. is out of service.
			E 0-1, Sea 0, 7/10, 1025 mb
		22.00	BF 8113	Surfaced, continued transit on the surface.
		23.45	BF 8131	Detection, dived.
		24.00	BF 8131
		22.02.43
		00.30	BF 8131	Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 8222
		07.05	BF 8322	Dived to proceed submerged.
			E 1, Sea 1, 2/10
		08.00	BF 8322
		12.00	BF 8331	Day's run:  Surfaced 119.3 nm Submerged 35.2 nm.
		16.00	BF 8333
		19.30	BF 9112	Surfaced to take a navigation fix.
		20.00	BF 9113
			ESE 1, Sea 0, blue sky, 1027 mb
		21.15	BF 8123	Due to visibility deterioration dived before reaching the 200-meter line.
		23.00	BF 9131
		23.02.43
		00.15	BF 9131	Surfaced, headed for meeting point with escort.
		02.30	BF 6792
			E 1, Sea 1, blue sky, 1027 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		23.02.43
		04.00	BF 6793
		07.05	BF 6846	Taken in convoy.
			E 0-1, Sea 0, blue sky, 1024 mb
		12.10		Made fast La Pallice lock.
				41 sea days,  5779.4 nm, 2 tankers, 5 freighters
				with 61000 GRT
				- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
			Experiences:	Double outfitting with Fu.M.B. is absolutely necessary.  The bracket for the cross off of the stop piece for the conning tower hatch is well proven, junction from cross to the bracket must be reinforced, as took place with onboard means.  Bearing signals at convoy especially at night, must be sent immediately without orders or request, at the same time not waiting to send a Short Signal first with an announcement, the boat may have to dive again.  All boats which have no contact, remain continually ready for bearing reception, even reception of a single direction finding can lead to success.
				On board, 23 February 1943.
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.

Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-402" from 21.11.42 - 23.2.43.
	The Kommandant has exhausted all attack possibilities with dogged determination and with a lucky stroke fought for a proud success.
	Otherwise there is nothing to note!
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department

---

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