U-455 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
22 August 1942
St. Nazaire
28 October 1942
68

 

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 Hit
None 
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.  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
                              
                                  K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
        of  
                           U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s   "  U  455  "  
           
           
      Kommandant:              Kapitänleutnant    G  i  e  s  s  l  e  r  .  
           
                                         In accordance with Operations Order No. 50.  
     
 
 
Beginning on:                            17.6.1942.
Concluding on:                        28.10.1942.
 
 
Distribution:
 
     
7. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 1
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboots     "      " 2
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 3
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine     "      " 4 + 5
Ausbildungsgruppe Front     "      " 6
27. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 7
     
     
Enclosures:    
Track chart for Copy No. 1-4
6 sketches   "     "      " 1
Mine list   "     "      " 1 - 4
Mine deployment information   "     "      " 1 - 4
Excerpt of the General Radio Log   "     "      " 2 - 4
Officer-only Radio Log   "     "      " 1
General Radio Log   "     "      " 1
 
           
           
           
           
                        
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.06.42   Shipyard meeting; shipyard completion on 17 July was determined in the shipyard meeting.  
    17.06. - 10.08.42   Shipyard period and equipping.  Service according to shipyard routine, work duties, sports and singing  
    20.06. - 11.07.42   1st leave period.  
    29.06.42   Shipyard idle period was extended to 7 August due to removal of the starboard diesel.  
    13.07. - 01.08.42   2nd leave period.  
    06.08.42   Sea trial.  
    08.08.42   Torpedo loading, mine loading, and ammunition loading, degaussing.  
    07.08.42   1st diphtheria case in the crew.  Daily observation and isolation of the patient.  
    09.08.42   Continuous provisions loading.  
    10.08.42   Last doctor examination and at 19.30 hours a ruling that the crew would be put in quarantine due to the occurrence of 6 diphtheria patients.  
    11.08.42   Radio direction finder calibration, then made fast Bunker 13 A.  
    12.08.42   Turned over the watch to a skeleton crew from the 7th U-Flottille and drove the crew to the La Baule Hotel "Clemantites".  
    13.08. - 19.08.42   Quarantine: Special service, sports and Officer instruction.  
    19.08.42      
    13.30   Due to the landing of the English at Dieppe Orders:  Make the boat ready to depart immediately.  Fresh provisions loaded.  
    18.00   Report to Deputy Base Commander that boat is operationally ready for short patrol, in the crew there are still 3 soldiers suspected of diphtheria, so that other infections must be expected.  
    20.08.42   Alert phase rescinded.  
    21.08.42   Crew is diphtheria free, boat operationally ready from 21 August.  
                                                             
                      The following main work was completed during the shipyard downtime:  
           
                    a) Ship construction:   Installation of flooding mechanism, gave up dinghy, in its place took rubber boat aboard.   Removal of Marks-life buoy, installation of head forward.  Additionally, the usual overhaul and renewal of paint work.  
                    b) Radio section:  New rod antenna, Fu.M.B. gear installed, G.H.G. overhauled.  
                    c) Torpedo weapons:  Installation of mine storage, otherwise normal overhaul work.  
           
 
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.08.42      
                    d) Diesel installation:  All cylinder liners pulled because cooling water system was leaking. With pressure testing it was found that leaks were in the starboard block and it was decided to replace the diesel. Both internal and external exhaust valves, grinding mechanism of both external exhaust gas valves overhauled.  Overhauled shaft brakes on clutches, in the process carried out required work. Both stuffing boxes were newly packed, cleaned the lube oil collection tanks.  
                    e) Electrical system:  Air gap in the E-motors checked. Auxiliary panel 1 a dried out and shorts in the electrical system were eliminated. All remote starters for rudder system were provided with noise reduction, installed spare globe in the gyro-compass, overhauled speed measurement system.  
                    f) Diving system:  Air intake mast leaks repaired, renewed the rubber gaskets of the flood valves of the negative buoyancy tanks and linkage was provided with lubrication fittings. Cutoffs of the 200-meter depth gauge isolated.  Otherwise normal overhaul work on air the ventilation system, linkage, emergency vent flap valves and vents.  
                    g) General:  Stuffing boxes, ruder trunk packed, bilges cleaned, tools, consumables to prescribed levels.  
                                                             
                      The following personnel changes occurred:  
     
Departing: Arriving:
1.) First Watch Officer Oblt.z.S. Valentiner (Kommandant's course) 1.) Oblt.z.S. Meermeier O 37 (Supernumerary Watch Officer)
2.) Lt.z.S. Bandlow (First Watch Officer) 2.) Lt.z.S. Nissen O 39
3.) Fähnr.z.S. Penner-Schober (Watch Officer course) 3.) Ob.Btent. Schuhe (Supernumerary Ob.Strm.)
4.) Btsmt. Kahn (No. 1) 4.) Btsmt. Börner
5.) Fk.Ob.Gfr. Klaus    ) Unteroffizier candidate 5.) Fk.Gfr. Lanzer
6.) Masch.Gfr. Uhlig     ) 6.) Masch.Gfr. Schickhaus
7.) Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Breuhr ) 7.) Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Schmitter
8.) Mtr.Gfr. Bunsen          ) Illness 8.) Masch.Gfr. Donrup
9.) Mtr.Gfr. Engel            ) 9.) Mtr.Gfr. Friedrich
10.) Masch.Gfr. Wertan     ) 10.) Masch.Gfr. Spitzer
11.) Fk.Gfr. Mell                ) 11.) Fk.Gfr. Zaum
12.) Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Gieslack (Filed for revocation of the U-boat certificate)    
 
           
    22.08.42      
    10.28   Boat cast off from Bunker 13 A.  
    10.45 - 11.05   Made fast in the lock.  
    11.15   Departed with Sperrbrecher.  
    11.53   Radio Message test personnel disembarked.  Fu.M.B. gear in service.  
    12.00 SSW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1024 mb    
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.08.42      
    13.55   Abeam Point N 1.  
    13.44 - 14.07   Test dive.  
    14.13 BF 6492 Released from Sperrbrecher.  
    16.00 BF 6492    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1014 mb, +19°C    
    16.09 BF 6492 Avoidance maneuver for fishing trawler.  
    20.00 BF 6752    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1015 mb, +20°C    
    20.15   Sailing vessels in BF 6727 and 6721.  
    22.18 BF 6784 2 fishing vessels.  
    22.55

BF 6773

Deep diving test to depth A +70 meters.  No explosive device with a depth sensor is stuck to the boat. Unfortunately, it was not possible to inspect the boat with a diver before putting to sea. The time interval since the last dry docking was too long to expect protection against acts of sabotage by the "Guards before the boat".  If one knows that the enemy works by such means, more effective measures against this must be taken.  
    24.00 BF 6778 Continued submerged, course 275°.  
                                                             
    23.08.42      
    04.00 BF 6777    
    04.57 - 06.40   Surfaced to continue on the surface and charge.  
    08.00 BF 5889    
    12.00 BF 5885 Day's run:  Surfaced 115.4 nm, submerged 37 nm.  
    14.47   Surfaced.  
    15.12 BF 5876 Search tone in Fu.M.B., dived, low clouds, about 150 meters.  
    16.00 BF 5875    
    20.00 BF 5874 Course 285°.  
    22.55   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 579    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1013 mb, +20°C, Vis. changing 100 meters - 3 nm    
                                                             
    24.08.42      
    04.00 BF 5748    
      SW 1-2, Sea 2, 5-8/10, 1013 mb, +20°C    
    05.03   Dived.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.08.42      
    08.00 BF 5763    
    12.00 BF 4953 Day's run:  Surfaced 76.4 nm, submerged 49.8 nm.  
    13.15 - 13.25   Kommandant's muster concerning secrecy.  
    13.35 - 13.37   Surfaced to ventilate the boat.  
    16.00 BF 4952    
      WSW 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10    
    20.00 BF 4919 It was determined that as a result of several circumstances the "Address Book" was not taken aboard.  
    22.22   Surfaced to recharge and proceed on the surface.  
    24.00 BF 4836    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1008 mb, +20°C, Vis. hazy 2-3 nm    
                                                             
    25.08.42      
    01.35 BF 4831 Sailing vessel with lights.  
    04.00 BF 4821    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, 3-6/10, 1007 mb, +18°C    
    05.18   Dived.  
    08.00 BF 4578    
    12.00 BF 4499 Day's run:  Surfaced 62.9 nm, submerged 51 nm.  
    13.53   Surfaced.  
    14.17 BF 4495 Search tone in Fu.M.B., dived.  
    16.00 BF 4494 Course 270°.  
    18.35 - 19.04   Surfaced to take a position line.  
    20.00 BF 4482 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 0°T, 9.5 nm.  
    22.40 BF 448 Surfaced in Fu.M.B. initially a search tone then locating, loud steady tone with same frequency.  
        The Fu.M.B. is a great advance and one is no longer a welcome target for the enemy. Finally technology has quickly created an effective means of defense.  
    22.44   Dived.  
    24.00 BF 4473    
                                                             
    26.08.42      
    00.11 - 00.13   Surfaced.  In Fu.M.B. again search tones, therefore dived again.  
    02.12   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    04.00 BE 6693    
      W 3, Sea 2, 4-5/10, 1005 mb, +19°C    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.08.42      
    07.12   Dived.  
    08.00 BE 6658    
      W 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1004 mb, +19°C    
    12.00 BE 6675 Day's run:  Surfaced 58.6 nm, submerged 43.4 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6672    
    16.46   Surfaced.  
    17.46   In the Fu.M.B. initially search tones, then about 20 minutes of calm, then suddenly especially loud steady tone, dived.  
    20.00 BE 6592    
    22.09   9 detonations far off.  
    23.16   Surfaced.  
    23.36   Outgoing Radio Message 2305/26/31:  
        3 days - 4 night detections, cooling with the blow drier.  Request to take over Address Book from homebound boat.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
    24.00 BE 6383    
      WNW 1-2, 4/10, 1010 mb, +18°C    
                                                             
    27.08.42      
    04.00 BE 6492    
      WbyN 3, Sea 2-3, 10/10 (rain), 1010 mb, +18.5°C, hazy horizon    
    07.09   Dived, propulsion system check port diesel.  
    09.00 BE 6482    
    12.00 BE 6473 Day's run:  Surfaced 80.8 nm, submerged 41.4 nm.  
    14.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 5692 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 270°T, 3.5 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1015 mb, +19°C, Vis. 8 nm  
    19.29   Incoming Radio Message 1833/23/167:  
        From Löwe, meeting point 28 August 14.00 hours, square BE 549.  Visibility up to 2000 meters, wind calm, last navigation fix 21 August.  
    20.00 BE 5673 Went to diesel-electric transit speed.  
      N 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1015 mb, +18°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    22.54   Incoming Radio Message 0815/27/156:  
        Löwe, is to give Address Book to Gießler, suggest meeting point etc.  
    24.00 BE 5592    
      NbyW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1016 mb, +17°C    
                                                             
    28.08.42      
    00.00   Course 264° to the meeting point with Löwe.  
    04.00 BE 5581    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10, 1016 mb, +17°C    
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.08.42      
    05.25 BE 5573 3 shadows in sight 40° to starboard, shortly thereafter recognized as destroyers at high speed course south.  Range = 5-6000 meters.  Target angle 80°, the night is too bright for surface attack and the target angle too broad, for submerged attack the range is too great.  Therefore avoided on the surface.  
    08.00 BE 5571    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, 1016 mb, +17°C    
    09.00   Course 229°.  Boat is positioned in the meeting point square, moving back and forth in position on changing courses.  
    12.00 BE 5497 Day's run:  Surfaced 168.5 nm.  
      NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1017 mb, +18.5°C, Vis. 10 - 12 nm    
    14.18   Outgoing Radio Message 1402/28/185:  
        Sending bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
        Due to an input with new key settings, it was found that a keying mistake was made, therefore the following correction was sent:  
    15.13   Radio Message Serial No. 185 keying error.  Contents:  Sending bearing signals for Löwe in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
    16.00 BE 5495    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1016 mb, Vis. changing    
    16.34 BE 5495 U-boat in sight, with recognition signal exchange determined that it is "U-183".  Kommandant passes that Löwe is located about 16 nm further to the north.  
    16.46   Incoming Radio Message 1630/28/188:  
        Radio direction finder out of service, sending bearing signals for Gießler.  
                                                                      Löwe.  
        Steered northerly course in accordance with bearing signals.  
    18.30   U-boat in sight in drizzle at 3000 meters, it is Löwe.  Address Book taken over, agreed with Löwe that he will send Radio Message concerning delivery.  
    20.00 BE 5464 Came to direct course because the Great Circle to the objective square only saves about 69 nm and passes through the fog area of the Newfoundland Bank, the more southerly route offers more favorable visibility conditions.  Course 252°.  
      NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1014 mb, +20°C  
    20.09   Incoming Radio Message 1944/28/194:  
        Gießler completed, request cargo and luggage from Brest to Lorient.  
                                                                      Löwe.  
    24.00 BE 5449    
      NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, fog, 1014 mb, +20°C, Vis. 1/2 - 3 nm    
                                                             
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.08.42      
    04.00 BE 4695    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1, 7/10 (rain), heavy rain squalls    
    08.00 BE 4688    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 10/10 (rain), 1009 mb, +18°C    
    09.08   Crash dive for training, afterwards combat role exercises and depth control training until 13.00 hours.  
    12.00 BE 4913 Day's run:  Surfaced 149.7 nm, submerged 9.5 nm.  
    13.04   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    16.00 BE 4866 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 180°T, 17.5 nm  
      W 5-6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), 1005 mb, +18°C, Vis. 4-7 nm, 1006 mb  
    20.00 BE 4859    
      NW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), 1005 mb, +18°C, Vis. 4-7 nm    
    24.00 BE 4873    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 4, 3/10, 1009 mb, +18°C    
                                                             
    30.08.42      
    04.00 BE 4796    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, 1010 mb, +18°C, Vis. 2-4 nm    
    08.00 BE 7122    
      NbyW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1011 mb, +18°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 BE 7115 Day's run:  Surfaced 131.6 nm, submerged 4.2 nm.  
      NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1011 mb, +18°C    
    15.04   Crash dive for training, combat exercises until 16.50 hours.  
    16.00 BD 9338    
    18.17   Surfaced.  Emitter of the rod antenna removed.  Already at LF submerged oscillations occur that resonate with the hull, so that a loud drumming is heard throughout the boat. This is the third rod antenna that has been installed.  
    20.00 BD 9357 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 204°T, 10 nm  
      NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain) 6/10, 1006 mb, +18°C  
    24.00 BD 9374    
      W 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1011 mb, +20°C    
                                                             
    31.08.42      
    04.00 BD 9289    
      W 5, Sea 2-3, 10/10 (rain), 1010 mb, +20°C, Vis. 100-1500 meters    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.08.42      
    08.00 BD 9513    
      W 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1012 mb, +20°C    
    09.30 - 09.42   Crash dive for training.  
    10.03 - 10.34       "        "            "  
    10.53 - 12.31       "        "            "      afterwards combat exercises.  Due to the relatively high personnel turnover, especially of the seamanship crew, this time it takes a particularly long time until the level of training of the crew is satisfactory. Propulsion check starboard diesel.  
    12.00 BD 9436 Day's run:  Surfaced 121.6 nm, submerged 18.6 nm.  
    16.00 BD 9456 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 354°T, 10 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1015 mb, +21°C, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    20.00 BD 9449    
      S 2-3, rain 10/10, 1007 mb, +22°C, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    24.00 BD 8692    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, rain 10/10, 1007 mb, +22°C, Vis. 1-3 nm    
                                                             
    01.09.42      
    04.00 BD 8685    
      S 5, Sea 3-4, 10/10 (rain), 1004 mb, +23°C, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.00 BD 8679    
      NE 7-8, in squalls 10/10, Sea 4, overcast (rain), 995 mb, +21°C, Vis. 200-800 meters    
    11.35   Dived.  
    12.00 BD 8831 Day's run:  Surfaced 137.9 nm, submerged 3.2 nm.  
      N 6, Sea 3-4, 8/10, 1007 mb    
    14.15 - 17.00   Depth control training and combat exercises.  
    16.00 BD 8834    
    17.09   Surfaced.  
    19.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 145°T, 4.5 nm.  
    20.00 BD 8827    
      NW 3-4, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1017 mb, +18.5°C, Vis. 4-7 nm    
    20.06   Incoming Radio Message 1855/1/159/238:  
        Gießler report weather etc.  
    24.00 BD 8844    
      NW 3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1017 mb, 18.5°C, Vis. 1-7 nm    
                                                             
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.09.42      
    01.12   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        45°N, 35°W, rising, 1016 mb, Vis. up to 8 nm, scattered 1/10 - 5/10, NW 3, low SW-Swell.  
    04.00 BD 8867    
      WSW 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, 1016 mb, +18.5°C    
    08.00 BD 8781    
      SW 4, 3/10, 1013 mb, +21.5°C    
    12.00 BD 8778 Day's run:  Surfaced 107.7 nm, submerged 18.4 nm.  
      SW 4-5, Sea 3, 4/10, 1013 mb, +21.5°C Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 151°T, 7 nm.  
    15.08   Crash dive for training afterwards combat exercises.  
    16.00 CE 1212    
    20.00 CE 1136    
    20.09   Surfaced.  
    21.59   Incoming Radio Message 2008/2/177/209:  
        2.)  Gießler switch to America Circuit from 3 September 1942 at 08.00 hours.  
    24.00 CE 1129    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10 (rain), 1015 mb, +22°C    
                                                             
    03.09.42      
    04.00 CE 1118    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1016 mb, +22°C    
    08.00 CD 3367    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1016 mb, +22.5°C    
    12.00 CD 3376 Day's run:  Surfaced 107.5 nm, submerged 16.4 nm.  
      W 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1018 mb, +23°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    15.44   Crash dive for training, afterwards combat exercises until 17.35 hours.  
    16.00 CD 3296    
      W 3, Sea 3, 1018 mb, +23°C, Vis. 11 nm    
    18.05   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CD 3289    
      SW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1018 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 CD 3513    
      WSW 4, Sea 2-3, 2/10, 1019 mb, +24°C, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                             
    04.09.42      
    04.00 CD 3436    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 3-4/10, 1019 mb, +23°C, Vis. 3-4 nm, hazy    
    08.00 CD 3429    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, 3-5/10, 1019 mb, +23°C    
    12.00 CD 3443 Day's run:  Surfaced 126.1 nm, submerged 8.9 nm.  
      SW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, 1020 mb, +23°C, Vis. 8 nm, hazy horizon    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.09.42      
    15.05   Crash dive for training afterwards combat exercises until 17.25 hours.  
    16.00 CD 2666    
      SW 5, Sea 4, 5/10, 1023 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.48   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CD 2667 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 109°T, 8 nm.  
      SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1023 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10 nm  
    24.00 CD 2671    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 1/10, 1023 mb, +24°C, Vis. 12-6 nm    
                                                             
    05.09.42      
    04.00 CD 2896    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, 1023 mb, +24°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    08.00 CD 2588    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 4-5/10, 1022 mb, +24.5°C, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.00 CD 2578 Day's run:  Surfaced 116.9 nm, submerged 8.9 nm.  
      SSW 4-5, Sea 3, 2/10, 1020 mb, +24°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    14.53   Crash dive for training afterwards combat exercises until 16.10 hours.  It's amazing how long it takes until the level of training of the crew is satisfactory. It may be added that the physical strain currently is greater because a continuous average temperature of 30°C at very high humidity prevails in the living areas. After a very short time everyone is immediately soaked in sweat.  
    16.00 CD 2732    
      SSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
    17.07   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CD 2725    
      SSW 6, Sea 4-5, 4/10, 1018 mb, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.27   Incoming Radio Message 1951/119/265:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    21.40   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 150°T, 6.5 nm.  
    24.00 CD 2743    
      SSW 6, Sea 4-5, 8/10, 1018 mb, +24°C, Vis. 2-6 nm    
                                                             
    06.09.42      
    01.00   Outgoing Short Signal weather report 0106/6:  
        41°N, 43°W, 1018 mb, steady, +24°C, Vis. up to 5 nm, 6/10 - 9/10 [illegible word] with Cumulus, SW 5-6, high SW-Swell  
    04.00 CD 1966    
      SW 5, Sea 4, 0/10, 1018 mb, +24°C, Vis. 2-6 nm    
    08.00 CD 1968    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1018 mb, 25.5°C, Vis. 6 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.09.42      
    12.00 CD 1972 Day's run:  Surfaced 109.6 nm, submerged 8.1 nm.  
      SW 4-5, Sea 3, 1/10, 1017 mb, +25°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    15.54   Dived to balance the boat and held request concert to aid the Red Cross of the sponsoring city Forst (Lausitz) Result: 500 Reichsmark.  
    16.00 CD 1881    
    19.25   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CD 1872    
      SSW 5, Sea 3-4, 0/10, 1015 mb, +26°C    
    22.08   Incoming Radio Message 1819/6/277:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    24.00 CD 1795    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4, 5/10, 1014 mb, +25°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
                                                             
    07.09.42      
    01.48   Outgoing Short Signal weather report: 0148/7:  
        40°N, 46°W, 1024 mb, steady, +25°C, Vis. up to 5 nm, SW 5, Stratocumulus, medium-high SW-Swell.  
    04.00 CD 1786    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4, 3/10, 1013 mb, +29°C    
    08.00 CD 4113    
      WNW 5, Sea 3-4, rain 10/10, 1014 mb, +24°C, Vis. 1-5 nm    
    12.00 CC 6335 Day's run:  Surfaced 104.2 nm, submerged 10 nm.  
      N 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 1018 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 CC 6343 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 180°T, 7 nm.  
      N 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1022 mb, +23.5°C, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    20.00 CC 6269    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1030 mb, +23°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    22.25   Incoming Radio Message 2134/7/164:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    24.00 CC 6282    
      ENE 3, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1031 mb, +21°C, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                             
    08.09.42      
    01.25   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        40°N, 48°W, 1030 mb, rising, +20°C, 1/10 - 5/10, fair to cloudy, NE 3-4, Vis. up to 10 nm, low N-Swell.  
    04.00 CC 6275    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, 1027 mb, +22°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    08.00 CC 6271    
      NNE 1-2, 1/10, 1027 mb, +20°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    12.00 CC 6186 Day's run:  Surfaced 148.3 nm.  
      E 2-3, Sea 1-2, 0/10, 1030 mb, +21°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.09.42      
    16.00 CC 6412 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 63°T, 17 nm.  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1032 mb, +24°C  
    17.20 - 18.02   Dived to balance the boat.  
    18.15 - 20.00   Maneuvering exercises by the Watch Officers.  
    20.00 - 21.00   Cannon and machine gun exercises.  
    20.00 CC 6178    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1030 mb, +24°C    
    22.25   Incoming Radio Message 2219/8/34/195/214:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    24.00 CC 5136    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10, 1029 mb, +24.5°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
                                                             
    09.09.42      
    01.20   Outgoing Short Signal weather report 0120:  
        39°N, 51°W, 1028 falling, +25°C, Vis up to 10 nm, 6/10 - 10/10, E 1-2, low E-Swell.  
    04.00 CC 5616    
      Wind 0, Sea 0, 8/10, 1029 mb, +24°C, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    08.00 CC 5538    
      SW 1, Sea 0, 1/10, 1028 mb, +23°C, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    12.00 CC 5551 Day's run:  Surfaced 142.4 nm, submerged 2.9 nm.  
      SW 1, Sea 0, 6/10, 1028 mb, +24°C, Vis. 8-12 nm    
    13.00 - 13.50   Combat exercises.  
    16.00 CC 5469    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10, 1029 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    19.35   Incoming Radio Message 1902/9/105/228:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    20.00 CC 5456    
      ENE 3, Sea 1-2, 10/10, 1029 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    24.00 CC 5449    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 2, 10/10, 1029 mb, +24°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
                                                             
    10.09.42      
    01.10   Outgoing Short Signal weather report 0110:  
        39°N, 54°W, +20°C, 1028 mb, steady, Vis. up to 5 nm, 6/10 - 10/10, NE 3-4, low NE-Swell.  
    04.00 CC 4692    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2, 10/10, 1030 mb, +24°C, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 CC 4685    
      NE 4, Sea 2, 10/10, 1029 mb, +23°C, Vis. 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.09.42      
    12.00 CC 4677 Day's run:  Surfaced 144.3 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 3, 10/10, 1030 mb, +23°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 CC 4831 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 149°T, 24 nm.  
      E 4-5, Sea 3, 2/10, 1030 mb, +24°C, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    19.25   Crash dive for training combat exercises until 19.50 hours.  
    20.00 CC 4858    
      E 4-5, Sea 3, 0/10, 1028 mb, +25°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    21.10   Surfaced.  Work on the over deck.  
    24.00 CC 4872    
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1028 mb, +24.5°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
                                                             
    11.09.42      
    04.00 CC 4794    
      E 3-4, Sea 2, 4/10, 1027 mb, +25°C, Vis. 4-8 nm    
    08.00 CC 4778    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1026 mb, +24°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    12.00 CB 9334 Day's run:  Surfaced 143.5 nm, submerged 6.1 nm.  
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 1/10, 1026 mb, +25°C, Vis. 12 nm Work on the over deck.  
    16.00 CB 9324    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1025 mb, +25°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    18.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 102°T, 14 nm.  
    20.00 CB 9342    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1025 mb, +26°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 CB 9259    
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, 1024 mb, +25°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
                                                             
    12.09.42      
    04.00 CB 9272    
      S 2-3, Sea 1, 2-3/10, 1024 mb, +26°C, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 CB 9194    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0, 1/10, 1024 mb, +26°C, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    12.00 CB 9413 Day's run:  Surfaced 162.7 nm.  
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1024 mb, +26.5°C, Vis. 4-8 nm    
    16.00 CB 8654    
      Wind 0, Sea 0, 1/10, 1025 mb, +28°C, Vis. 12-14 nm    
    19.23   Incoming Radio Message 1832/12/268:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    20.00 CB 8547 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 215°T, 19 nm.  
      S 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1024 mb, +30°C, Vis. 12 nm  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.09.42      
    24.00 CB 8582    
      S 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1024 mb, +29°C, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                             
    13.09.42      
    01.35   Outgoing Short Signal weather report 0135:  
        36°N, 63°W, 1024 mb, steady, +25°C, Vis. up to 10 nm, cloudless, W 1-2, no Swell.  
    04.00 CB 8577    
      NW 1-2, Sea 0, 1/10, 1024 mb, +28°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    08.00 CB 8722    
      WNW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1024 mb, +27°C, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 CB 8741 Day's run:  Surfaced 182.5 nm.  
      WNW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1025 mb, +27°C, Vis. 7-10 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 163°T, 12 nm.  
    11.30 - 12.15   Dived to balance the boat.  
    16.00 CB 7959    
      W 1-2, Sea 0-1, 0/10, 1025 mb, +28°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    20.00 CB 7974 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 192°T, 11 nm.  
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1025 mb, +30°C, rain squalls  
    24.00 CD 1126    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1025 mb, +28°C, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                             
    14.09.42      
    04.00 CD 1141    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1025 mb, +27°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 DC 3356    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3-4/10, 1026 mb, +26°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 DC 3374 Day's run:  Surfaced 177.1 nm, submerged 1.3 nm.  
      SW 0-1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1025 mb, +27°C, Vis. 10-12 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 195°T, 10 nm.  
    16.00 DC 3289    
      SW 0-1, Sea 0, 2/10, 1026 mb, +29°C    
    20.00 DC 3515    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1026 mb, +30.5°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 DC 3453    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1026 mb, +30°C, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                             
    15.09.42      
    04.00 DC 3449    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1026 mb, +29°C    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.09.42      
    08.00 DC 2691    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1026 mb, +29°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    12.00 DC 2679 Day's run:  Surfaced 182.2 nm.  
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1026 mb, +26°C, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    13.31   Incoming Radio Message 0600/15/153/216:  
        For Gießler strong boy arrived Sunday. Naturally great joy.  
    16.00 DC 2832 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 242°T, 5 nm.  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 1-2/10, 1026 mb, +28.5°C, Vis. 8-10 nm  
    20.00 DC 2819    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 7/10, 1025 mb, +21.5°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    24.00 DC 2762 Course 270° to ordered mine area.  Both diesels HF.  I intend to deploy the mines on 18 September, if not successful on the first approach, the time after moonset until dawn is getting shorter.  
      SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 10/10, 1024 mb, +28°C, Vis. 8 nm  
                                                             
    16.09.42      
    04.00 DC 2742    
      SW 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, 1023 mb, +27°C, Vis. 2-4 nm    
    08.00 DC 1952    
      SW 4, Sea 3-4, 2-4/10, 1025 mb, +27°C, Vis. 2-4 nm    
    10.40   Incoming Radio Message 1018/16/252:  
        U-455 after execution of special task free to maneuver.  
    12.00 DC 1861 Day's run:  Surfaced 219.9 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1020 mb, +28°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    13.25   Dived to proceed submerged towards the coast.  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 109°T, 29 nm  
    16.00 DC 1895    
    18.58 - 19.04   Surfaced to take a sun position line.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 180°T, 3.5 nm  
        Despite already being in the area of the Gulf Stream for a long time, the continual displacement to the south is strange. While proceeding submerged where such a shift is as good as ruled out, we have also been displaced 5.2 hours to the south.  Examined the gyrocompass and found errors up to 10°. Steered by the magnetic compass.  Began gyro compass repair.  
    20.00 DC 1888    
    24.00 DC 1879    
                                                             
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.09.42      
    01.38   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 114°T,18 nm.  
    04.00 DC 1870 All wave receiver out of service.  
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 0/10, 1027 mb, +26°C, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    08.00 DC 1770    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1027 mb, +25.5°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 DB 3980 Day's run:  Surfaced 144.9 nm, submerged 36.8 nm.  
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1027 mb, +26°C, Vis. 5-8 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 230°T,16 nm.  
    12.35   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    16.00 DB 3940    
    20.00 DB 3941 Preparations in the boat for operation in shallow water and made artillery ready.  
    24.00 DB 3960    
                                                             
    18.09.42      
    01.48   Surfaced to proceed on the surface to the coast.  
        The following circumstances determine the timing of the mine deployment::  
        1.)  Because it was ordered that the mines lay at a depth of 10-18 meters of water, due to the safety distance of 3 meters between the keel and the bottom only deployment on the surface is possible.  
        2.)  Moon phase on 18 September 1 day after 1st quarter, moonset 06.47 hours, beginning of morning twilight 12.xx hours [12.38 hours by USNO].  Moon phase at 19 September 2 days after 1st quarter, moonset 07.47 hours.   Beginning of twilight 12.xx hours [12.37 hours by USNO].  
        3.)  Because the nights are starry clear, only these 5 or 4 hours can be considered to deploy.  
                                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  
    04.00 DB 3850 Because despite replacing the gyro compass globe and other overhaul work the gyrocompass is not operable but still indicates about 10-11° off, completed deviation determination for the magnetic compass to the North star.  
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 0/10, 1026 mb, +27°C  
    05.08 BD 3840 30° to port 2 low vessels (PC-boats) in sight range 6000 meters.  Avoided to the north.  
        Charleston is recognized as a bright glow on the horizon at a range of about 30 nm.  
    07.05 BD 3840 Vessel abeam to starboard range 4-5000 meters distinguished as an inbound tanker, course 340°.  
    07.46   Vessel with pilot lights runs out of Charleston.  Because the tanker heads for a wreck buoy at 32°36'N, 79°39.3'W, I decide to deploy three mines across the course direction,  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.09.42   lying within the "Carolina" outer place, because it is estimated that ships coming from the south steer similar courses.  
    08.45   1st mine deployed (placement see sketch).  
    08.49   2nd mine deployed.  
    08.50   Patrol vessel bearing 330°T (120° relative bearing) in sight range 1500-1800 meters.  Bow right abeam.  Showed stern and came to HF.  At this moment the patrol vessel turns and becomes narrower, machine gun is ready, and is soon lost from sight to the north.  
    08.53   3rd mine deployed.  
    09.10   North of the entrance at the signal location northbound traffic putting to sea.  
        Came close to land and at,  
    09.29   4th mine,  
    09.36   5th mine,  
    09.52   6th mine deployed.  
        On land, more and more lights have now come in sight, of which the most prominent are the streetlights of two high bridges over the Cooper River with their red-aircraft beacons.  The grid work can be seen clearly.  
      Starry clear night, WSW 1-2, 0/10, +27°C, clear horizon, Vis. good Since it is not possible to run between approach buoy and the mole to the north because of the bright background light radiating from Charleston, I decide to perform the fouling north of the line approach buoy-mole the next night. A bypass to the east is no longer possible due to time constraints.  In addition, some departing smoke clouds come in sight between the moles, it can be concluded that this is a busy night, therefore I run to the east and put the boat on the bottom in 39 meters of water  
    12.00 DB 3880    
    12.44

DB 3850   On the bottom

The Engineering Officer again works on the gyro compass, which in the humid air of +32°C results in streams of sweat.  
        Day's run:  Surfaced 105.7 nm, submerged 40 nm.  
                                                             
    19.09.42      
    03.57   Surfaced and headed for the coast.  Again established a deviation table by the North Star, because the gyro compass is still not in order.   Therefore again by the magnetic compass to the coast.  
    04.00 DB 3850    
      SbyW 2, Sea 1, 1027 mb, +27°C, starry clear moonlit night, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    07.51   To Action Stations.  
    08.22 - 08.54   7th - 12th mines deployed according to the sketch.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.09.42   Since the pilot is at the approach buoy again, it seems to me to be evidence that ships do not run from the 10 meter line directly to the mole, but take the pilot over at the buoy. Contrary to the fouling order I decide make the focus of contamination at the approach buoy.  
        Compared to the previous night the mine laying was boring and without further incident.  
        I run off from the coast and at 35 nm from the coast send the Short Signal "Fouling of the Charleston inner place completed", reply from the communications center that it was heard at volume 5.  
        Navigation at Charleston:  
        1.)  Charleston lighthouse burns as in peacetime.  Repeats contrary to the Light List 36 seconds.  Comes in sight at 19 nm.  
        2.)  As a second beacon the air warning beacon on the bridge over the Cooper River comes in sight at about 15 nm.  
        3.)  Southeast of the approach buoy at  
                     Latitude    32°36.0'N  
                     Longitude 79°39.3'W  
        lies a wreck buoy with a blinking green light.  
        4.)  Approach buoy burns as in peacetime.  
        5.)  Northwest of the approach buoy at a distance of about 2-3 nm lays another wreck buoy with a green blinking light.  
    12.00 DB 3890 Day's run:  Surfaced 90.3 nm, submerged 1.9 nm.  
      S 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1025 mb, +28°C    
    12.06   While running from the coast a shadow comes in sight to starboard that is recognized as a zigzagging steamer.  Because I am positioned before the bright approaching twilight horizon I can not get closer on the surface.  
    12.22   Crash dive and attempted to angle in for a submerged attack on the general course line at AK.  Steamer was estimated to be a 3500 ton ship with 4 hatches.  Steamer zig zags about 90°.  
    15.x5   Pursuit broken off as hopeless.  
    16.00 DB 3890    
    16.06   Boat put on the bottom and renewed gyro compass repairs.  
                                                             
    20.09.42   In accordance with Radio Message am free to maneuver after completion of the mine task.  
        1.)  Due to failure of the gyro compass I believe that an operation in the Caribbean is not justifiable for navigational reasons due to the current conditions.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

Note: Page 19 is missing but there is no missing time from the KTB, the minefield sketch may have been page 19.

 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.09.42      
        2.)  The sighting of the steamers on the 40-meter line can be interpreted as meaning that independents proceed slightly offset from the coast as a result of the fouling at various locations in shallow water.  
        Therefore I decide initially to remain in the area a few days back and forth in position on the 40-meter line.  
    02.31   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DB 3890    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1023 mb, +27.5°C, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    10.21   Crash dive for aircraft (small airship not ruled out) red light (exhaust) altitude 1000 meters, range 5000 meters, searches the water surface with a searchlight.  Fu.M.B. was manned.  No detection determined.  Own speed 5.5 knots, slight marine phosphorescence.  
    11.08   Surfaced, headed further to the south in large legs.  
    12.48 DB 6240 Boat put on the bottom.  Continued gyro compass repairs.  
        Day's run:  Surfaced 54.7 nm, submerged 15.4 nm.  
                                                             
    21.09.42      
    02.04   Surfaced, continued transit to the south.  
    04.00 DB 6160    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1020 mb, +27°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 DB 6190    
      W 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1020.5 mb, +28°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 DB 6460 Day's run:  Surfaced 72.5 nm, submerged 1.7 nm.  
      N 3-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, 1020 mb, +27.5°C, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.50 DB 6430 Dived, put the boat on the bottom.  
    17.06 - 17.41   Surfaced, all around sweep and ongoing azimuth determination for gyro compass A.  Found that it was still swinging up to 15°, which can be explained by the fact that it does not achieve its desired speed.  
    17.41 DB 6430 Boat on the bottom.  
                                                             
    22.09.42      
    01.20   Raised the boat from the bottom and surfaced.  
        Steered on northerly courses in large legs.  
    04.00 DB 6190    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, 0/10, 1022 mb, +27°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 DB 6160    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1022 mb, +26°C    
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.09.42      
    12.00 DB 6240 Day's run:  Surfaced 69.6 nm, submerged 3.8 nm.  
      N 3, Sea 2, Sea 6, 1022 mb, +26°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.40 DB 6240 Dived and headed for the bottom.  During the latest gyro compass repair and partial disassembly of the gyro case found a partial short circuit to ground.  
    22.58   Surfaced, because no traffic has been sighted here, made the following decision:  
        During the full moon period when operation in shallow water is not feasible, advance via Bermuda staying there 3-4 days, then close the coast via CA 60 - CA 50 and operate on southbound traffic out of New York during the new moon period.  Fuel and supply wise it can be done without supply on the way back.  Additionally, I cross the course of the suspected convoy traffic for Bermuda through DC 40 in the report by Gräf of 19 September.  
        Course 87°.  
    24.00 DB 6220    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 10/10, 1022 mb, +27°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
                                                             
    23.09.42      
    04.00 DB 6230    
      NE 4, Sea 2-3, 3-5/10, 1022 mb, +27°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    08.00 DB 6310    
      WbyE 2, 2/10, 1023 mb, +26°C, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    12.00 DB 6320 Day's run:  Surfaced 81.7 nm, submerged 2.1 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, 1023 mb, +26°C, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    16.00 DC 4110    
   

 

NE 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1024 mb, +26°C, Vis. 10-12 nm Prepared a Radio Message to Control to give a short situation report and intentions, additionally to reduce the missing Serial Numbers, which could not be sent due to the reception conditions.  For hours reception conditions were sometimes completely out.  The Radio Message was already encrypted when Radio Message 1735/23/9/135/257 was received:  
         
         
    18.32    
        4.)  "Gießler is reminded of completion of secondary task."  
        What the secondary task is is a guessing game. Fouling was called a special task in the last Radio Message, Short Signal was operationally confirmed, contents still not, but that can be in the missing Serial Nos., so something else was meant for us.  
    20.00 DC 1879    
      NbyE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1023 mb, +28°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.09.42      
    20.25   Outgoing Radio Message 1945/23/392:  
        1.)  On 19 September in DB 38 on the 40-meters line a northbound steamer.  Up to 22 September nights back and forth there, nothing except for one aircraft without detection.  
        2.)  Intend via Bermuda to CA 60, 50. Question supply.  
        3.)  Gyro compass, all wave receiver out of service for 8 days.  
        4.)  Am missing:  271 from 14 September, 74-80, 90, 91 from 17 September, 298-203 from 18 September, 302, 322 from 19 September, 342, 50, 59 from 20 September.  Question secondary task in accordance with Radio Message 1735/23.  76 cbm, all torpedoes, NE 3, 1025 mb, steady, overcast, +25°C, DC 41.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
    22.52   Incoming Radio Message 2224/23/392:  
        To Gießler, immediately report if mine task was completed.  
        So secondary task is the same as mine task.  Previously, it was called special task.  
    23.20   Outgoing Radio Message 2320/23/294:  
        Inner place fouled on 18/19 September, Short Signal on 19 September at 11.20 hours on Fritz Toni Nani operationally confirmed and heard with volume 5.      
                                                                      Gießler.  
    24.00 DC 1883    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1023 mb, +27°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
                                                             
    24.09.42      
    00.24 DC 1891 Crash dive for 2-engined land-based aircraft, altitude 200 meters, range 6-8000 meters, course 90°.  
    01.45   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DC 1971    
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, 1024 mb, +27°C, Vis. 10-5 nm    
    08.00 DC 1952    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 1024 mb, +26°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 DC 1969 Day's run:  Surfaced 153.3 nm, submerged 4.7 nm.  
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1025 mb, +26°C, Vis. 6-10 nm    
    13.11   Incoming Radio Message 1012/24/301:  
        . . . . . . . . 2.)  Gießler head for naval square BB 69.  Report if gyro compass can be repaired.  Supply is not anticipated.  
    14.00   Course 51°.  
    15.23   Incoming Radio Message 1242/24/303:  
        Your Short Signal of 19 September was not presented due to a mistake at the main radio station.  
    16.00 DC 2746    
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, 1025 mb, +27.5°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    18.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 85°T, 21 nm.  
    19.03   Dived to balance the boat and again remove the gyro compass globe and inspect gyro case.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.09.42      
    20.00 DC 2738    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, 0/10, +28°C    
    24.00 DC 2811    
                                                             
    25.09.42      
    02.21   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DC 2576    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1026.5 mb, +26.5°C    
    08.00 DC 2558    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1026 mb, +26°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    12.00 DC 2611 Day's run:  Surfaced 116.9 nm, submerged 12 nm.  
      NE 1, Sea 0, 1/10, 1027 mb, +25°C, Vis. 4-8 nm    
    14.07 DC 2379 Crash dive for 2-engined land-based aircraft, bearing 30°T, course W to E, range 10000-12000 meters, altitude 500 meters.  
    14.52   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DC 2384    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1027.5 mb, +25.5°C, Vis. 14 nm    
    17.53 DC 2382 Crash dive for 4-engined land-based aircraft.  Faultless blue-grey camouflage.  In approach out of a cloud in the sun.  Range 1500-2000 meters.  At depth 30 meters 4 aircraft bombs.  Some fuses and light bulbs fail.  
        At last it happened, which can only be beneficial to the future attention of the lookouts.  
    19.51   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DC 2359    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1027 mb, +25°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    22.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 219°T, 12 nm.  
    22.30 DC 2364 Crash dive for 4-engined land-based aircraft bearing 210°T, course 135°, range 10000 - 12000 meters.  
    23.56   Surfaced.  
    24.00 DC 2362    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1027 mb, +23°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
                                                             
    26.09.42      
    01.20   According to orders outgoing Radio Message 0720/26/319:  
        Gyro compass does not achieve set speed with spare globe, new fluid and jumper cable between tested converter and mother.   Therefore swings up to 15°.  NE 3, 1028 mb, steady, +24°C, 72 cbm.  Question if missing Serial Numbers are settled, DC 31.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
    04.00 DC 3115    
      NE 2-3, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1024 mb, +24.5°C, Vis. 10-6 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.09.42      
    08.00 CA 9883    
      E 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1028 mb, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    12.00 CA 9896 Day's run:  Surfaced 137.6 nm, submerged 14.3 nm.  
      E 2, Sea 1, 0/10, 1020 mb, +24°C, Vis. 7 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 180°T, 25 nm.  
    16.00 CA 9946    
    17.26 E 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1028 mb, +24.5°C, Vis. 12 nm Incoming Radio Message 1700/26/354:  
      To Gießler, when a boat reports missing Serial No's. and these are unimportant for the boat, no special notification is made by the Control Center.  
    20.00 CA 9926 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 55°T, 33 nm.  
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, 1027 mb, +26°C  
    24.00 CA 9699    
      E 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, 1027 mb, +26.5°C, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                             
    27.09.42      
    01.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 293°T, 4.7 nm.  
    04.00 CB 7448    
      ESE 5, Sea 4, 5/10, 1027 mb, +26.5°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    08.00 CB 7451    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, 1027 mb, +26°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 CB 7431 Day's run:  Surfaced 132.8 nm.  
      ESE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1026 mb, +27°C, Vis. 6-10 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 44°T, 9 nm.  
    16.00 CB 7196    
      ESE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 5/10, 1026 mb, +27.5°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.02 - 17.57   Dived to balance the boat and check gyro compass A, there is still an error of about 5-8° with a difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix of 197°T, 3.5 nm.  
    20.00 CB 7249    
      SE 5, Sea 4-5, 5/10, 1025 mb, +28°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 CB 7255    
      SSE 5, Sea 4, 5/10, 1025 mb, +25°C, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                             
    28.09.42      
    04.00 CB 7254    
      SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, 1025 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 CB 4899    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 4/10, 1025 mb, +26.5°C, Vis, 4-5 nm    
    12.00 CB 4956 Day's run:  Surfaced 116.2 nm, submerged 2.5 nm.  
      SSE 5, Sea 4, 4/10, 1025 mb, +25°C, Vis, 3-4 nm Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 58°T, 23 nm.  
    16.00 CB 4936    
      SSE 5-6, Sea 4, 3/10, 1026 mb, +26.5°C, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.09.42      
    20.00 CB 5476    
      S 5-6, Sea 4, 5/10, 1025 mb, +26.5°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    22.40 - 01.18   Dived to balance the boat and check gyro compass A, determined that there is still an error of about 5°.  Decide to proceed by the gyro compass.  
        One can describe the magnetic compass as useless, since in the seas of the last days (4-5), the compass rose swings up to 120°.   This occurs about 2 times a minute.  An oscillation of 60° is the norm, so it is impossible for the helmsman to stay on course without indications from stars or seas to stay on course.  After the aircraft bombs the deviation seems to have changed to about 20°, so that our deviation table has become illusory.  The establishment of a new one is not possible due to lack of stars and because of the Sea State.  
        With these facts I have probably found nothing new, but only confirmed the requirement for a better magnetic compass.  
    24.00 CB 5459    
      S 5-6, Sea 5, 4/10, 1025 mb, +26°C, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                             
    29.09.42      
    04.00 CB 5462    
      S 5-6, Sea 4, 10/10 (rain), 1025 mb, +24°C, Vis. 0.5-4 nm    
    08.00 CB 5515    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, rain (squalls), 1025 mb, +25°C, Vis. 100 meters - 1 nm    
    12.00 CB 5287 Day's run:  Surfaced 109.6 nm, submerged 8.3 nm.  
      NNW 7, Sea 4-5, 10/10, 1026 mb, +22°C, Vis. 4-6 nm To see one steamer in 5-1/2 weeks is not much and I am glad at least to have put the mines in place.  
    16.00 CB 5283    
      NNW 7, Sea 5, 10/10 (rain), +22.5°C, Vis. 2-5 nm    
    20.00 CB 5266    
      NbyE 6, Sea 4-5, 10/10 (rain), 1028 mb, +22°C, Vis. 2-5 nm    
    24.00 CB 5318    
      N 7, Sea 5, 10/10 (rain), 1028 mb, +20°C, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                             
    30.09.42      
    05.00 DB 5321    
      NNE 5-6, 10/10 (rain), 1027 mb, +23°C    
    08.00 CB 2986    
      NNE 6, Sea 4-5, 10/10 (rain), 1026 mb, +23°C, Vis. 500 meters - 2 nm    
    11.49   Dived to work on the torpedoes.  
    12.00 CB 2991 Day's run:  Surfaced 99.8 nm, submerged 0.8 nm.  
      NE 6, Sea 4-5, 10/10 (rain), 1026 mb, +23°C, Vis. 1-4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.09.42      
    16.00 CB 2969    
    17.20   Surfaced.  
    19.03   Outgoing Radio Message 1807/30/391:  
        Gießler, occupy as attack area eastern BB and the western third of BC.  Traffic runs along the coast in BB 66 and 63.  U-513 is in the same area.  On 1 October 1942 at 08.00 hours switch to America I Circuit.  
    20.00 CB 3756    
      N 5, Sea 5, 8/10 (rain), 1026 mb, +20°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    24.00 CB 3765    
      N 5-6, Sea 4, 7/10, 1026 mb, +20°C, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                             
    01.10.42      
    04.00 CB 3841    
      NbyW 7, Sea 6, 8/10, 1026 mb. +20°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 CB 3816    
      N 5, Sea 3-4, 9/10, 1026 mb, +20°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 CB 3589 Day's run:  Surfaced 69.4 nm, submerged 15.2 nm.  
      NNE 5, Sea 3-4, 9/10, 1025 mb, +21°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 CB 3592    
      NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 5/10, 1027 mb, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    19.37   Incoming Radio Message 1821/125/275:  
        Gießler etc.  between 04.00 and 07.00 hours report weather by Short Signal.  
    20.00 CB 5653 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 75°T, 25 nm.  
      NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, 1027 mb, +22°C  
    22.05 CB 3654 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 335°T, 12 nm away.  Attempted to maneuver ahead with 1-1/2 hours at AK.  General course 260°, general speed 18 knots.  Bearing shifts ahead even during the favorable zig zags.  Steamer has 2 masts one smokestack and runs nearly smokeless (motor ship?).  Otherwise nothing distinguished.  
    00.10   In the evening twilight the steamer is lost from sight.   Pursuit broken off as hopeless.  
    24.00 CB 3546    
      NE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, 1025 mb, +22°C, Vis. 10-12 nm    
                                                             
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.10.42      
    04.00 CB 3625    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 4/10, 1025 mb, +21°C    
    05.01   Outgoing Short Signal weather report, was not heard.  Presumably interference from Northern Lights.  
    05.21   Ditto.  
    06.02      "  
    07.22      "  
    08.00 CB 3394    
      ENE 4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, 1024 mb, +19°C, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    08.13   Ditto.  
    12.00 CC 1144 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 86°T, 8 nm.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 2, 8/10, 1025 mb, +19°C, Vis. 7 nm  
      Day's run:  Surfaced 139.3 nm  
    11.31   Incoming Radio Message 0919/3/283:  
        Gießler immediately report weather.  
    11.39   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        44°N, 55°W, 1026 mb, rising, +15°C, NE 3-4, 6/10, Altostratus, Vis. bad - 5 nm, low NE-Swell.  
    16.00 CC 1127 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 158°T, 4 nm.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1025 mb, +20.5°C  
    20.00 BB 9777    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1024 mb, +18°C, Vis. 14 nm    
    24.00 BB 9757 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 95°T, 7.5 nm.  
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1025 mb, +17.5°C  
                                                             
    03.10.42      
    04.00 BB 9729    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1026 mb, +15°C    
    08.00 BB 9498    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1026 mb, +15C, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 BB 9545 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 51°T, 7 nm.  
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1026 mb, +15°C, Vis. 10-12 nm  
      Day's run:  Surfaced 138°T nm, submerged 10 nm.  
      BB 9541 Steamer in sight bearing 267°T, range 10 nm.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer steers about 85°, 7 knots.  
    14.00   Initiated submerged attack at target angle 5°.  
    15.42   Steamer was determined to be Irish "IRISH LARCH"  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.10.42   3100 GRT.  Immaculate markings and well painted. The disappointment is of course great.  
    16.00 BB 9527 Attack was broken off at 300 meters.  
        Course 40°.  Proceeded submerged to work on the torpedoes.  
    20.00 BB 9523    
    24.00 BB 9294    
      ENE 5-6, Sea 4-5, 10/10, 1027 mb, +14°C, Vis. 10-8 nm    
                                                             
    04.10.42      
    04.00 BB 9268    
      NE 7, Sea 5, 10/10, 1027 mb, +15°C, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 BB 9344    
      ENE 5-6, Sea 4-5, 10/10, 1025 mb, +15.5°C, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    12.00 BB 9318 Day's run:  Surfaced 78.1 nm, submerged 19.5 nm.  
      ENE 6-7, Sea 5, 10/10 (rain), 1023 mb, Vis. 300-1500 meters    
    14.20   Dived to proceed submerged to conserve fuel.  Boat barely makes way.  
    16.00 BB 9313    
    20.00 BB 6987 Entered the ordered operations area with 55 cbm fuel and all (7 plus 2) torpedoes after 42 days at sea.  
    23.03   Surfaced to charge the battery.  The barometer has fallen from 1023 mb to 1001 mb.  The wind has reached strength 9 and starts to shift to the south.  
    24.00 BB 6985    
      ENE 9, Sea 7-8, 10/10 (rain), Vis. 500-2000 meters Piping to air bottle group 2 is broken by the seas.  
                                                             
    05.10.42      
    04.00 BB 6924 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix from soundings 323°T, 25 nm.  
      SE 9, Sea 7-8, 10/10, 1001 mb, +15°C, Vis. 300-500 meters  
    08.00 BB 6929 Cruised before the seas, course 60°, then 80°.  
      SSW 9, Sea 7-8, 10/10 (rain), 1003 mb, +14°C, Vis. 300-500 meters    
    10.25   Dived to proceed submerged to conserve fuel, no weapons use possible.  
    12.00 BB 6932 Day's run:  Surfaced 55.1 nm, submerged 26.5 nm.  
    16.00 BB 6933    
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.10.42      
    20.00 BC 4711    
    20.53   Surfaced, the southwester had reached maximum and was now abating.  Course 10°.  We just get 2 sun position lines and determine that the gyro compass A is again 17° off in the heavy seas.  
    23.54   Incoming Radio Message 1448/5/273:  
        In naval square BB 6559 a Canadian steamer is stranded and has asked for assistance.  
        I decide not to go to the scene of the accident for the following reasons:  
        1.)  I believe that that we will not be supplied and, therefore, must save fuel. Distance to the accident scene amounts to 130 nm.  
        2.)  The earliest that I can be at the accident scene is 2 days after the incident which I regard as very late.  
        3.)  Safe navigation with the gyroscope swinging up to 17° can not be guaranteed, I must consider the approach to the coast with shoals and in the hazy weather.  
        I intend, however, to move back and forth in position south of St. Johns on the coast and operate on the traffic reported there.  
    24.00 BC 4456    
      SW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 5-7/10, 1021 mb, +13°C, Vis. 8-4 nm    
                                                             
    06.10.42      
    04.00 BC 4427    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, 1022 mb, +10.5°C    
    08.00 BB 6639    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, 1025 mb, +9.5°C, Vis. 5-2 nm    
    11.xx   Dived.  Back and forth on changing courses under the coast.  
    12.00 BB 6637 Day's run:  Surfaced 77.1 nm, submerged 21.2 nm.  
      SW 1-2, Sea 1-2, overcast (fog), +9.5°C, Vis. 500 meters - 1 nm, fog banks Proceeded at depth 30 meters, every 35 - 50 minutes to periscope depth and made and all around sweep.  Listening gear is operable and manned.  
    16.00 BB 6655    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, misty    
    16.50   A 2-masted gaff rigged schooner with an auxiliary motor in sight bearing 245°T range 2500 meters.  Barely recognized in the mist.  
    19.49 BB 6682    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.10.42   Sound bearing.  In the periscope at the limit of visibility (3-4000 meters) there was a vessel (presumably a corvette) made out for 40 seconds.  
        Came to attack course and manned Action Stations.  From sound bearings the vessel shifted to the north, so that we can no longer get into shooting position.  
    20.50   No further sightings, no sound bearings.  
    23.50   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 6685    
      S 1, Sea 0-1, misty, 1029 mb, 5/10, +12°C, Vis, 4-2 nm    
                                                             
    07.10.42      
    04.00 BB 6691 Closed the coast on changing courses.  Lighthouses on Cape Race, Bear Cove and Ferryland come in sight with peacetime identifiers.  However, Bull Head and Cape Spear are extinguished as previously reported.  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1029 mb, +13°C, Vis. 2 nm  
    08.00 BB 6691    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, 1025 mb, +9.5°C, Vis. 2 nm    
    05.14   Fisherman in sight and avoided.  
    05.17   Sailing vessel in sight and avoided.  
    08.00 BB 6638    
      S 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1029 mb, +11.5°C, Vis. 4-5 nm, clear starry sky, moon 3 days before the new moon    
    1x.xx   Sailing vessel in sight avoided.  
    11.xx   Dived.  
    12.00 BB 6634 Day's run:  Surfaced 76.8 nm, submerged 30.7 nm.  
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 0/10, 1028 mb, +10°C, Vis. 2-4 nm    
    12.19   Corvette in sight with target angle 130° course north, range = 5-6000 meters.  Apparently I am positioned too close to the coast and move off a bit to sea, because both corvettes came in sight to seaward.  
    12.5x   Sailing vessel with motor in sight bearing 10°, range = 6000 meters by sound bearings.  
    12.5x   4-masted gaff rigged schooner with flag in sight, 4-500 GRT, course northeast, range = 4000 meters.  
    15.xx   Tanker about 6000 GRT in sight, range = 1500 meters, target angle 130°.  No shooting possibility, nevertheless 2 torpedo tubes ready.  Faint sound bearing was heard at target angle 80°, thereafter closed at HF.  Last all around sweep was 45 minutes before.  The [illegible few words]  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.10.42      
    15.10   Sound bearings from the gear.  
    16.00 BB 6631    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 10/10, misty, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    20.00 BB 6637    
      S 4, Sea 2-3, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, misty    
    23.43   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 6661    
      SSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), 1022 mb, +10°C, Vis. 100-300 meters    
                                                             
    08.10.42      
    04.00 BB 6665    
      SSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), 1020 mb, Vis. 100-300 meters, no horizon    
    08.00 BB 6637    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, 1020 mb, +10°C, Vis. 500 meters to 2 nm    
    12.00 BB 6629 Day's run:  Surfaced 60.5 nm, submerged 34.4 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 BB 6626    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 BB 6634    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 BB 6629    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 10-6 nm    
                                                             
    09.10.42      
    00.10   Surfaced.  Back and forth in position on changing courses under the coast.  
    02.55 BB 6655 Motorsailer with lights in sight.  
    04.00 BB 6652    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1029 mb, +10.5°C, Vis. 5 nm    
    06.26 - 06.47   Moved off a bit.  Dived for aircraft with northerly course over the coast.  No detection determined.  
    08.00 BB 6653    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1029 mb, +10.5°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    07.12 - 10.37   Lay stopped to save fuel.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.10.42      
    10.38   Dived.  
    12.00 BB 6634 Day's run:  Surfaced 46.2 nm, submerged 33.7 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    14.04   Fishing vessel in sight under the coast.  
    16.00 BB 6626    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 BB 6653    
      SW 1-2, 0-3/10, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.55   Aircraft in sight in the periscope, course north over the coast.  
    24.00 BB 6656    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 0-2/10, +11°C, Vis. 5-4 nm    
                                                             
    10.10.42      
    00.05   Surfaced.  
    03.44 - 04.05   Crash dive for training.  
    04.00 BB 6659    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 0/10, 1028 mb, +10°C    
    08.00 BB 6634    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1/10, 1028 mb, +12°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.05 - 10.40   Stopped to save fuel.  
    10.59   Dived.  
    12.00 BB 6626 Day's run:  Surfaced 50.5 nm, submerged 33.6 nm.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1025.5 mb, +10°C, Vis. 3-4 nm, misty    
    16.00 BB 6656    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. up to 4 nm, misty over land    
    20.00 BB 6655    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 BB 6659    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 0/10, 1027.5 mb, +11°C, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                             
    11.10.42      
    01.50 BB 6688 Shadow in sight bearing 230°T, range 5-6000 meters, put ahead, two other shadows were distinguished.  To Action Stations.  The compat  posts relieve the watch and pick up the shadows after a short time.  I myself do not see the 3 shadows due to heavy haze.  
      Clear cloudless starry night  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
   

11.10.42

 

 

 

 

02.06

  I am totally reliant on the information from the bridge watch. The First Watch Officer and Ob.Strm identify the shadow on the right as a destroyer, the other two are thought to be smaller patrol vessels. I conclude that it is a search group running along the coast on a northerly course.  The destroyer to starboard was reported as quickly approaching by the Ob.Strm with target angle 30°.  Range = 2-3000 meters.  Because the other patrol vessel is to port and I can not get an overview of the situation because of my poor eyesight, I come to the realization that I can no longer be responsible for directing the boat.   Therefore I broke off the attack and dove.  
    03.15   Surfaced, searched to the south, in case something comes behind the search group.  
    08.00 BB 6689    
      EbyN 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1029 mb, +8.5°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    10.52   Dived.  
    12.00 BB 6683 Day's run:  Surfaced 62.3 nm, submerged 36.3 nm.  
      E 2, 8-10/10, Vis. 3-2 nm, misty    
    16.00 BB 6661    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    20.00 BB 6637    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 10/10, Vis. 5 nm, misty    
    23.45   Surfaced.  Rain visibility 500-1000 meters, in rain squalls visibility deteriorating to 50 meters.  
    24.00 BB 6631    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, 10/10, rain, +9°C    
                                                             
    12.10.42      
   

00.17

 

 

 

00.30

BB 6631 A heavy smoke cloud was reported by the port astern lookout post, at the same moment all the bridge personnel reported a howling sound heard.  Turned towards it.  Again I myself see nothing, the First Watch Officer turns the boat clear of the steamer, the distance between is 300-500 meters and apparently he drives to the south.  An especially heavy rain squall reduces visibility and the steamer is lost.  Because of doubt about the course to pursue dived for a sound bearing.  
        In the sound gear nothing is heard, which is possible in the local water conditions.  
    10.56   Surfaced and pursued at HF course 260°.  Visibility improved to 1 nm, otherwise 300-500 meters.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.10.42      
    01.37   Course 180°.  
    02.00   Course 205°.  I intend to search the route to Cape Race, however due to the bad visibility I have small hope of finding the steamer.  
    00.16   Incoming Radio Message 1841/11/274:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    03.05   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        47°N, 53°W, 1022 mb, falling, +10°C, S 1-2 nm, no Swell, drizzle, Vis. 1-1/2 nm.  
        Visibility improves to 1-1/5 nm  
    04.00 BB 6664    
      S 1, Sea 1, 10/10 (fog), 1023 mb, +10.5°C, Vis. changing, occasional fog    
    07.45   Visibility deteriorating to 2-500 meters.  
    08.00 BB 6685 By sounding we approach the 30-meter line and get a reasonably usable ship's position.  There is no peace of mind with a vague gyro compass in the fog on the coast.  
      S 2-3, 10/10-, 1021 mb, +11.5°C, fog  
    11.05   Dived to proceed submerged.  After Rüggeburg departs from the north, I intend to stay there, although his last situation report was not hopeful.  For 10 days he has seen nothing.  
    12.00 BB 6658 Day's run:  Surfaced 73.6 nm, submerged 31.5 nm.  
      S 2-3, Sea 1, overcast (fog), Vis. 100-300 meters    
    15.00   Visibility improves to 4-6 nm  
    16.00 BB 6653    
      N 3, Sea 2, 8-10/10    
    20.00 BB 6629    
      N 4, Sea 3, 10/10 (fog), Vis. 1000 meters    
    23.42   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 6631    
      N 4-5, Sea 3-4, 10/10, 1025 mb, +8°C, Vis. 4-3 nm    
                                                             
    13.10.42   Because of the strong north wind it is not possible to use binoculars when running against the sea, I run abeam the sea and thus perpendicular to the coast, I put St. Johns off until tomorrow.  
    04.00 BB 6629    
      NNE 4-5, Sea 3, 10/10, 1027 mb, +6°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.10.42      
    07.08 - 08.58   Occasional searchlights at St. Johns over the sea.  
    08.00 BB 6653    
      N 4-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, 1027 mb, +6.5°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    11.00   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BB 6664 Day's run:  Surfaced 60.6 nm, submerged 32.5 nm.  
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 3/10    
    16.00 BB 6637    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 BB 6632    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 BB 6398    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 3-6 nm    
                                                             
    14.10.42      
    00.06   Surfaced.  Shortly after starting the diesel searchlights come on at St. Johns and search over the sea.  In so doing they illuminate a low apparently brightly painted watch boat positioned about 3000 meters abeam of us.  We are detected briefly by the searchlights, but they lose us sahortly after when we show a small silhouette.  
   

 

 

 

00.16

 

 

 

BB 6398

We are much closer to the coast than by plotting. The gyro compass A is off 20°, as determined by the North Star.  So this fact is explained.  The patrol boat is approaching fast, I run off with one diesel AK, the other was flooded when starting and is still being turned by hand.  When the distance is about 1000 meters, I give order to crash dive and run off submerged to the south.  
        Because certain navigation under the coast is not possible with the large gyro compass error, I decide to move off from the coast and go to the eastern part of the operations area.  
    00.40 BC 4413 Position line.  
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1028 mb, +8°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    08.00 BC 4462    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 8-10/10, 1028 mb, +9.5°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 BC 4513 Day's run:  Surfaced 36.6 nm, submerged 65.6 nm.  
      W 2, Swell 1, 0/10, 1026 mb, +11°C    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.10.42      
    11.11 - 12.17   Dived to balance the boat.  
    15.08 BC 4289 Crash dive for 2-engined aircraft, range = 5000 meters course north.  
    16.00 BC 4289    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
    18.33   Surfaced.  
    18.54 - 19.40 BC 4297 Crash dive for 2-engined land-based aircraft, range = 8000 meters, course SE.  
    20.00 BC 4295    
      W 2-3, 1-2/10, 1025 mb, +9.5°C, few clouds, ideal flying weather.    
    20.27 - 20.55   Crash dive for aircraft, range 16000 meters, course N.  
    22.52   Incoming Radio Message 2203/14/266:  
        Gießler report situation and add weather.  
        With the outgoing Radio Message determined that the Fu.M.B. gear is out of service due to failure of the stabilizer (glass bulb has come loose in the socket, so that air has entered).  
    23.04 - 23.54 BC 4374 Crash dive for 4-engined aircraft, approaching out of a cloud, range = 4000 meters, course south.  
    23.13   Radio Message sent: and later Outgoing Message 0105/15/272:  
        1.)  On 2 October on Cäsar Bruno 36 fast westbounder in vain.  
        2.)  South of the main harbor 9 days under land.  Day's one tanker, no shooting position, nights one steamer lost in fog.  Day and night slight air and sea surveillance.  Off main harbor searchlight barrier.  
        3.)  Due to failure of the gyro compass set off, here heavy air.  43 cbm, 17 days' provisions, 7 plus 2 torpedoes.  Bruno Cäsar 46.  SW 2, 1025 falling, +10°C, Vis. good, cloudless.  
                                                                      Gießler.  
    24.00 BC 4377    
      W 2, Swell 1-2, 1/10, 1025 mb, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                             
    15.10.42      
    04.00 BC 4651    
      W 2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1025 mb, +9°C    
    08.00 BC 4686    
      SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1024 mb, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.10.42      
    11.30   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 71°T, 22 nm  
    10.45 - 12.03   Dived to balance the boat and work on the torpedoes.  
    12.00 BC 5711 Day's run:  Surfaced 125.3 nm, submerged 19.8 nm.  
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1024 mb, +10°C, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    13.25 BC 4699 Crash dive for 2-engined aircraft approaching out of the clouds, range = 7000 meters, course south.  
    16.00   Remained submerged, because visibility is deteriorating.  
    19.07   Questionable sound bearing.  
    19.10   Surfaced, up to 20.30 hours searched on search courses, scattered fog.  
    20.00 BC 4693    
      SbyW 1, 9/10 (fog), 1023 mb, +9°C, Vis. 200 meters up to 5 nm    
    22.18 - 24.00 BC 4628 Crash dive for aircraft, range = 6000 meters, course SE.  
    20.25   Incoming Radio Message 1053/18/157:  
        Gießler etc. report weather.  
    21.48   Incoming Radio Message 1011/15/292:  
        Gießler complete return transit without supply.  
    24.00 BC 4662 Began return transit with all torpedoes.  Without a doubt the "mother lode", to which I was assigned at St. John's was exploited.  Nevertheless, you think about what could have been done differently.  
                                                             
    16.10.42      
    04.00 BC 5429    
      NE 0-1, 8/10 (fog), 1020 mb, +8.5°C, Vis. 4-1 nm, fog    
    08.00 BC 5511    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1021 mb. Vis. 1-4 nm    
    12.00 BC 5294 Day's run:  Surfaced 155 nm, submerged 23.4 nm.  
      NW 2, Sea 0-1, 10/10, 1020 mb, +8.5°C, Vis. 6-12 nm    
    16.00 BC 5372    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1020 mb, +10°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    20.00 BC 5383 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 198°T, 9 nm.  
      NNW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1020 mb, +10°C  
      Established buoyancy condition A.  
    22.10   Incoming Radio Message . . . . . Gießler report weather between 03.00 and 06.00 hours.  
    24.00 BC 6146    
      NW 2, Swell 1, 5/10, 1017 mb, +10°C, Vis. 10-3 nm    
                                                             
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.10.42      
    04.00 BC 6162    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 1-4 nm    
    08.00 BC 6219    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1014 mb, +10°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.15 - 15.13   Dived to balance the boat and work on the torpedoes.  
    12.00 BC 6231 Day's run:  Surfaced 185.5 nm, submerged 4.5 nm.  
      NW 4-5, Sea 3, 10/10, +10°C    
    16.00 BC 6333 Both diesels LF, boat runs best before the sea and only occasionally takes a sea from astern on the bridge.  
      WNW 6-7, Sea 5, 10/10, 1008 mb, +13°C, Vis. 6-9 nm  
    19.46   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 244°T, 13.5 nm  
    20.00 BC 6324    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, 5/10 (rain), 1006 mb, +10°C, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    22.19   Incoming Radio Message 2019/17/147:  
        Gießler report weather.  
    24.00 BC 6336    
      WbyS 7-8, Sea 6, overcast (snow), 1000 mb, Vis. 10-3 nm    
                                                             
    18.10.42      
    00.00   High transit speed, diesel-electric.  
    03.07   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        48°N, 42°W [typo 38°W] 1000 mb, rising, +6°C, Vis. up to 5 nm, scattered, W 7-8, high W-Swell.  
    04.00 BD 4124    
      W 7-8, Sea 7-8, 5/10, 999 mb, +9°C, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    08.00 BD 4132    
      WbyS 7-8, Sea 6-7, 4/10, 1000 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    12.00 BD 4215 Day's run:  Surfaced 153.7 nm, submerged 9.7 nm.  
      W 8, Sea 7, 8/10 (passing showers), 1001 mb, +8.5°C, Vis. 6 nm In squalls the wind reached a strength of 10-11.  
    13.05 - 14.20 BD Dived to balance the boat.  
    16.00 BD 4314    
      W 8, Sea 7, 4/10 (hail), 1003 mb, +11°C, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    19.15 - 22.06   Dived to balance the boat and work on the torpedoes.  
    20.00 BD 4355    
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.10.42      
    20.00 BD 4355    
      W 8-9, Sea 7, 7/10, 1003 mb, +10°C    
    24.00 BD 4361    
      WSW 7-8, Sea 6, 4/10, 1009 mb, +15°C, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                             
    19.10.42      
    04.00 BD 5119    
      SW 6, Sea 5, 8-10/10, 1010 mb, +11°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 BD 5138    
      W 6, Sea 5, 4/10, 1014 mb, +12°C, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    10.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 115°T, 17 nm.  
    12.00 BD 5253 Day's run:  Surfaced 171.7 nm, submerged 8.6 nm.  
      WbyS 6, Sea 4-5, 5/10 (rain), 1015 mb, +12.5°C    
    16.00 BD 5345 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 214°T, 7.2 nm.  
      W 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), 1017 mb, +15°C, Vis. 12 nm  
    20.00 BD 5364    
      WbyN 5, Sea 4, 5/10, 1020 mb, +15°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 BD 6146    
      WbyN 4, Sea 3, 1022 mb, +15°C, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                             
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.10.42      
    04.00 BD 6165    
      SW 4, Sea 2-3, 1/10, 1022 mb, +15°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 BD 6554    
      SSW 4, Sea 2-3, 3-2/10, 1023 mb, +15°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    09.33   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 157°T, 11.6 nm.  
    12.00 BD 6371 Day's run:  Surfaced 208.7 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1025 mb, +15°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    13.05 - 14.20   Dived to balance the boat.  
    16.00 BD 6382    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1024 mb, +15°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    18.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 173°T, 6.7 nm.  
    20.00 BE 4175    
      S 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1025 mb, +16°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    21.19   Incoming Radio Message 2032/20/112:  
        Gießler report weather.  
    24.00 BE 4197    
      SbyW 3, Sea 1, 9/10, 1025 mb, +15°C, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                             
    21.10.42      
    03.31   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        40°N, 24°W, 1026 mb, steady, +14°C, Vis. up to 5 nm, scattered, S 1-2, low S-Swell.  
    04.00 BE 4279    
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1/10, 1026 mb, +15°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    08.00 BE 4298    
      S 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 129.5 mb, +16.5°C, Vis. 5 nm    
    09.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 191°T, 10.5 nm.  
    12.00 BE 4613 Day's run:  Surfaced 191.8 nm.  
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10, 1026 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 BE 4631    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, 1025 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 12 nm    
    17.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 155°T, 7.4 nm.  
    20.00 BE 5419    
      SW 4, Sea 3, rain, 1025 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 1-4 nm    
    21.12   Incoming Radio Message 2044/21/125:  
        . . . . . . . . Gießler from 22 October 1942 at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.  
    24.00 BE 5429    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1025 mb, +15°C, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                             
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
 
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    22.10.42      
    04.00 BE 5517    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1024 mb, +17°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 BE 5528    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1024 mb, +17°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 BE 5529    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1024 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.52 - 10.04   Dived to balance the boat.  
    12.00 BE 5614 Day's run:  Surfaced 163.3 nm, submerged 3.6 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, 1024 mb, +17°C, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.00 BE 5637    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1024 mb, +18°C Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 191°T, 4.5 nm.  
        Because the Fu.M.B. is out of service, the transit through the Bay of Biscay is not as safe as on the departure.  I decide to proceed "in short jumps".  In addition, a careful determination of deviation is completed and then steered by magnetic compass, the gyrocompass with large fluctuations is still used at times as a guide.  
    18.47   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    20.00 BE 6443 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 107°T, 7.8 nm.  
    24.00 BE 6452    
                                                             
    23.10.42      
    02.61   Surfaced.  Bright full moon night times cloudless.  
    04.00 BE 6462    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, 1022 mb    
    05.30   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 309°T, 7.2 nm.  
    06.12   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BE 6542    
    12.00 BE 6551 Day's run:  Surfaced 105.3 nm, submerged 35.5 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6565    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1019 mb, +16.5°C    
    16.47   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 213°T, 9 nm.  
    17.15   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    20.00 BE 6675    
    24.00 BE 6673    
                                                             
    24.10.42      
    03.12 BE 6685 Surfaced.  
    04.00 BE 6683    
      W 3-4, Sea 2, 3/10, 1017 mb    
    04.24   Dived.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.10.42      
    05.26   Surfaced.  
    07.08   Dived.  
    08.00 BE 4478    
    12.00 BF 4478 Day's run:  Surfaced 77.5 nm, submerged 45.3 nm.  
    14.56   Surfaced.  
    15.45   Crash dive for aircraft range 15000 meters, bearing 180°T in approach.  
    16.00 BF 4731 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 196°T, 4.5 nm.  
      W 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1015 mb  
    20.00 BF 4732    
    24.00 BF 4733    
                                                             
    25.10.42      
    03.16   Surfaced.  
    04.00 BF 4824    
      SW 4, Sea 2-4, 7/10    
    05.11 BF 4826 Shadow bearing 60°T (corvette or destroyer), target angle 0°, range = 5-6000 meters.  
    08.00 BF 4828    
    08.03   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BF 4862 Day's run:  Surfaced 50.3 nm, submerged 59.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4941    
    20.00 BF 4943    
    20.40 - 21.35   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 4953    
                                                             
    26.10.42      
    04.00 BF 4964    
    03.03 - 04.45   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 5746    
    11.44 - 11.46   Surfaced to determine a position line.  
    12.00 BF 5757 Day's run:  Surfaced 27.5 nm, submerged 66.9 nm.  
    13.30   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        Am positioned 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  Request Radio Beacon Group II 08.00 hours.  
        Was confirmed by Control content wise in 1339/2695 and in 1507/26/26 confirmed by Flottille.  
    13.20 - 13.30   Surfaced to take a sun position line.  
    14.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 174°T, 13.2 nm.  
    16.00 BF 5786    
    20.00 BF 5795    
    21.54 - 23.05   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.10.42      
    24.00 BF 5874    
                                                             
    27.10.42      
    04.00 BF 5876    
    03.35 - 05.25   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 5886    
    12.00 BF 5895    
    14.05 - 14.07   Surfaced to take a sun position line.  
    16.00 - 16.07 BF 6747 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 121°T, 4.5 nm.  
    20.00 BF 6778    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. 12 nm    
    21.32 - 21.42   Surfaced to take a sun position line.  
    24.00 BF 6779    
                                                             
    28.10.42      
    04.00 BF 6776    
    08.00 BF 6757    
    07.50   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BF 6495 Day's run:  Surfaced 51 nm, submerged 41.7 nm.  
      NE 0-1, Sea 0, 3/10, 999 mb, +14.5°C    
    12.31   Incoming Radio Message 1157/28/64:  
        Sturm, Gießler.  Wait at meeting point for escort.  Escort will arrive 4 hours later.  
    13.08 - 16.37   Waited at escort meeting point on changing courses.  
    14.10   Incoming Radio Message 1357/28/66:  
        Immediately report when taken in convoy.  
                                                              7. U-Flottille.  
    16.00 BF 6495    
      NE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, 998 mb, +15°C    
    16.37   Escort in sight.  
    17.00   Outgoing Radio Message 1710/28/69:  
        To 7. U-Flottille:  
        17.00 hours taken in convoy.  
                                                               Gießler.  
    17.03   Taken in convoy.  
    20.00   Made fast in the lock.  
        Day's run:  Surfaced 76 nm.  
                                                             
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
 
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Summary:
1.) The 4th war patrol was completed without supply from 22 August to 28 October 1942.  During this 67 days a total of 8820.4 nm was traveled.  Of these:
                            Surfaced        7503.6 nm
                            Submerged    1316.8 nm
   
2.) A mine fouling was completed off the Charleston harbor, otherwise the boat did not employ weapons.
   
3.) The patrol was made more difficult because the gyro compass became inoperable after 22 sea days.  Otherwise there were no material or personnel failures.
 
                                                             
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 

Enclosures to U-455's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Radio Excerpt of the Radio Log
Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol
   
Sketch Sketch of the minefield
   
Report Report on mine deployment

 
 
     
                            Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote  
 
                          on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-455" from 17.6. - 28.10.1942
 
 
 
 
1.)                A well executed mine task.
 
     
 
2.)                During further operations the few opportunities for success could not be taken advantage of due to the night blindness of the Kommandant.
 
     
   

Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .

 
                For correctness:  
 
                                                      
         
  Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant.  
     
     
 


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