U-515 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
12 Nov 42	00.15 - 06.50	35°33'N, 9°18'W	HMS HELCA (F 20)	10,850	British	Torch
12 Nov 42	02.01	35°33'N, 9°18'W	HMS MARNE (G 35) (damaged)	1,9208	British	Torch
6/7 Dec 42	23.59 - 01.00	40°51'N, 39°50'W	CERAMIC	18,713	British	ON-149
			Total = 31,483
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.

	- 1 -
		K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
		=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
		of
		Unterseebootes  " U  5 1 5 " .
		=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Commander        :	Kapitänleutnant  H  e  n  k  e
			Beginning            :	15.  October 1942.
			Ending                :	6.  January 1943.
		=-=-=-=-=-=
			Copies to            :
			Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote     "      " 3 2. Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 10. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 5 27. U.-Fl.  for 2. U.L.D. and 25. U.-Fl.     "      " 6 Agru-Front, Kaptlt. Jebsen for 1. U.L.D.                                     24. and 26. U. Flottille     "      " 7
			Enclosures           :
			1 Track chart To     "      " 1, 3, 4, 5. 1 Summary of the radio log "     "      " 3, 4, 5. 7 Torpedo firing reports "     "      " 3, 4, 5. 9 Barometer records "     "      " 3.
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 2 -
		1942
		15.10.42 -
		28.10.42	Lorient	Shipyard period in Keroman Bunker.
		29.10.42 -
		06.11.42	Lorient	Remaining shipyard period and arming the boat for the second war patrol.
		07.11.42	Lorient
		16.30		Put to sea in convoy.
		19.48		Released from convoy.
		08.11.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5550
		03.13	BF 5540	Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 172 cm.
		04.40		Surfaced.
		05.15	BF 5490	Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 172 cm.
		12.00	BF 5490	Day's run:  11.2 nm.      [typo probably just submerged]
			Lat.   = 46° 33' N
			Long. =  5° 58'W
		19.16	BF 5720	Surfaced.
		24.00
		09.11.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4960
		04.00	BF 7330	Radio message from B.d.U.:  "Americans have landed in Morocco and Algiers on a large scale.  Piening, Henke, Janssen, Wolfram, Spindlegger, Hirsacker, Schweichel, Kals at high speed, Neitzel, Schröter, Steinhoff, Maus, Eppen, Walkerling, Schug proceed to naval square DJ with day's run of 200 nm."
		07.43	BF 7260
		12.00	BF 7290	Day's run surfaced   :   165 nm.
			Lat.   = 44° 53' N	"      submerged:     31 nm.
			Long. =  9° 33' W
		18.55	BF 7510
		22.40	BF 7460	Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 170 cm.
		23.44		Surfaced.
		24.00	BF 7490
		10.11.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7490
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. medium, 1024 mb
		04.00	BF 7750
		08.00	CG 2140
		12.00	CG 1660	Day's run surfaced   :   214 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 25' N	"      submerged:     21 nm.
			Long. = 11° 50' W
		16.00	CG 1980
		20.00	CG 4380
		11.11.42	Spanish Coast
		00.00	CG 4680
			N 4, Sea 3, medium swell, 6/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb
		04.00	CG 7320
		08.00	CG 7620
		12.00	CG 7920	Day's run surfaced   :   336 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 20' N	"      submerged:      3 nm.
			Long. = 12° 10' W
		14.35	CG 7960	Crash dive for fast land-based aircraft, 5 well-placed aircraft bombs at A -5 meters, torpedo data computer temporarily inoperative.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42

	- 3 -
		11.11.42
		17.53	CG 8770	Surfaced.
		19.15	CG 8780	Cruiser formation in sight, 2 cruisers type "BIRMINGHAM" and "FROBISHER" as well as three K-class destroyers.  Easterly course, cruising speed 15 knots.  Occasional enemy radar detections at 139 cm.
		12.11.42	West of the Spanish Coast
				Maneuvered ahead at AK, was driven off several times by destroyers.  Approached the stern cruiser type "BIRMINGHAM".
		00.15	CG 8830	Four fan from tubes I-IV:  depth 2 meters, enemy speed 15 knots, bow right, target angle 95°, estimated range 1500 meters, running time 70 seconds, 2 surface and 1 circular runner, 1 hit center engine room.  Ship lies stopped, 3 destroyers protecting, the 2nd cruiser runs off at high speed to the east.
		01.28		Break through the protecting ships.
				Coup de grâce from tube I:  depth 2 meters, estimated range 1500 meters, hit aft 40 meters, running time 2 minutes 25 seconds.
		01.49		Coup de grâce from tube V:  depth 2 meters, estimated range 2000 meters, hit aft 40 meters, running time 2 minutes 4 seconds, cruiser lies with a heavy list to port.
		02.01		Shot from tube VI:  on K-class destroyer going alongside, estimated range 1000 meters, depth 2 meters, hit aft 25 meters.  Violent detonation, high, wide explosive pillar, depth charge detonations at the stern of the destroyer.
		02.06		Coup de grâce from tube IV:  on the cruiser, depth 2 meters, hit forward 30 meters, ship does not sink.  Detected by star shells from protecting destroyer and hunted.  Rudder failure, switchboard fire.
		02.17		Crash dive, depth charges at A +40 meters, to A +80 meters.
				Reloaded.
		04.31		Surfaced.  Approached cruiser lying deeply in the water, the ship is slowly towed by a destroyer alongside at the stern. Suddenly artillery bombardment from the protecting destroyer and from the front turret of the cruiser.
		05.38		Crash dive.  Numerous depth charges.  Asdic sounds.
		06.13		Surfaced, approached the cruiser. Artillery fire from the destroyer.
		06.50		Double shot from tubes II and IV:  with offset aim point in the targeting optics, speed 5 knots, after about 2 minutes hit heard, depth 3 meters.
				Depth charges, listening pursuit, Bolde used with success.
		12.00	CG 8890	Day's run surfaced   :   120 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 14' N	"      submerged:     30 nm.
			Long. =   9° 34' W	During the day hundreds of depth charges, at periscope depth aircraft and U-boat hunting group determined.
		19.19	CG 8870	Surfaced.
				Radio message to B.d.U.:  This morning naval square CG 8830 4 hits on cruiser type "BIRMINGHAM", a fifth one heard, sinking not observed, hit on destroyer K-class, sinking likely. 190 cbm, 5 plus 8 torpedoes.    from - Henke -"

	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42

	- 4 -
		13.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	DJ 2150
		04.00	DJ 2430
		07.33	DJ 2420	Crash dive for aircraft.
				Remained under water during the day due to the presence of searching groups.  Hundreds of depth charges, distant 5-10 nm.
		12.00	DJ 2180	Day's run surfaced   :   149 nm.
			Lat.    = 33° 59' N	"      submerged:     24 nm.
			Long. =   8° 30' W
		19.20	DJ 2150
		14.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 8970
		04.00	CG 8950
		06.15	CG 8930	Boat comes across a large area of fuel oil apparently coming from our cruiser.
		06.30	CG 9710	Came upon a search group, enemy radar detection on 161 cm.
		07.56		Crash dive for a locating destroyer, depth charges.
		12.00	CG 9710	Day's run surfaced   :   163 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 34' N	"      submerged:     24 nm.
			Long. =   7° 45' W
		19.17	CG 9760
		15.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 9810
		04.00	CG 9570
		07.28	CG 9450	Dived.
		12.00	CG 9450	Day's run surfaced   :   112 nm.
			Lat.    = 36° 03' N	"      submerged:     33 nm.
			Long. =   7° 40' W
		19.07	CG 9470	Surfaced.
		23.00		Several neutral ships, a destroyer locating on 148 cm passed between them.
		16.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 9480
		04.00	CG 9480
		04.45	CG 9480	Shadow in sight, determined to be a cruiser of the "DIDO" class, as well as several destroyers.  Enemy radar detection on 139 and 148 cm.  Heavy zig zag.
		06.09		Approached cruiser.
				Two fan from tubes I and III:  depth 3 meters, enemy speed 14 knots, steering angle 4°, estimated range 1500 meters, bow left, target angle 80°.  1 surface-circle runner.
				Missed.  Initiated stern approach, location noted on 139 cm while turning.  Artillery bombardment and star shells from the cruiser which hunts me.
		06.23		Crash dive, at A +40 meters, several series of well-placed depth charges, ran off across the pursuit course.  Used Bolde with success.
		12.00	CG 9440	Day's run surfaced   :   100 nm.
			Lat.    = 36° 15' N	"      submerged:     34 nm.
			Long. =   7° 40' W	During the day numerous depth charges near the boat, maneuvered at depth A +20 meters.
		19.11	CG 8660	Surfaced.
		19.23		Crash dive for approaching aircraft with red light.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42

	- 5 -
		16.11.42
		22.51		Surfaced, after a sound bearing.
		22.53		Destroyer bows on, distance 1000 meters.  Crash dive!  Apparently he did not detect me.
		23.42
		17.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 8660
		00.30		Contact on an eastward-bound convoy, approximately 12 small ships (size 1500-2000 GRT.) broad formation, heavily escorted, cruiser type "CAIRO" astern to starboard .
				Contact keeper report sent.  Because an approach with stern tubes was too difficult with this formation and is not worthwhile, approached cruiser to within 4000 meters.  Enemy radar detected from cruiser on 156 cm, although I am positioned between him and convoy.  Cruiser hunts me bow on, changes course immediately after own change.
		03.45	CG 9450	Crash dive, distance to cruiser 1200 meters, depth charges, Asdic.
		12.00	CG 9449	Day's run surfaced   :   41 nm.
			Lat.    = 36° 04' N	"      submerged:   46 nm.
			Long. =   7° 42' W
		19.08	CG 8669	Surfaced, set off to the west to reload to 8 Atos.
		18.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 8823
		04.00	CG 8763
		08.03	CG 8748	Dived.
		12.00	CG 8771	Day's run surfaced   :   132 nm.
				"      submerged:     30 nm.
		12.08		U-boat, type VIIC passed course 90°, 1 hour later 3 aircraft bombs heard, apparently "Köppe".
		16.00	CG 7993
		19.16	CG 7992	Surfaced.
		20.40	CG 7983	Tracers observed bearing 300°T.
		21.11		Shadows in sight, determined to be a small cruiser, as well as after a while 2 destroyers, apparently searching for "Köppe".  Enemy radar detections on 139, 148 and 156 cm.  Broke off torpedo  transfer and am proceeding further to the west.
		19.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 7978
		04.00	DH 3313
		08.07	DH 3239	Dived.
		12.00	DH 3238	Day's run surfaced   :   137 nm.
			Lat.    = 34° 32' N	"      submerged:    23 nm.
			Long. = 14° 05' W

	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42

	- 6 -
		19.11.42
		13.17	DH 3237	Surfaced.  Met with "Remus".
		13.56		Dived due to low ceiling.
		18.54	DH 3228	Surfaced.
		19.30		Begin torpedo transfer.
		20.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	DH 3273
		01.50		Finished torpedo transfer, 8 G 7a in good condition taken below decks.
		02.55 to
		03.40	DH 3287	Trim test.
		04.20	DH 3288	Crash dive for enemy aircraft and destroyer radar detection on 180 and 156 cm, the cables of the Fu.M.B. were damaged while diving, no reception.
		06.02		Surfaced.
		08.00	DH 3298	Dived.
		12.00	DH 3299	Day's run surfaced   :   72 nm.
			Lat.    = 33° 57' N	"      submerged:   25 nm.
			Long. = 13° 55' W
		16.00	DH 3377	60 depth charges apparently from a search group.
		19.17	DH 3379	Surfaced.
		24.00	DJ 1141	Proceeding to CG 8730.
		21.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		04.00	CG 7994
		08.05	CG 8725
		12.00	CG 8726	Day's run surfaced   :   116 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 36' N	"      submerged:   23 nm.
			Long. = 10° 42' W
		16.00	CG 8735
		19.27	CG 8732	Surfaced.
		22.11.42	Atlantic, West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 7933
		04.00	CG 7912
		08.15	CG 7593	Dived.
		12.00	CG 7569	Day's run surfaced   :   132 nm.
			Lat.    = 36° 02' N	"      submerged:    25 nm.
			Long. = 12° 43' W
		13.00	CG 7569	Depth charges in the distance.
		16.00	CG 7566
		19.19	CG 7563	Surfaced.
		20.42	CG 7535	Dived for enemy aircraft radar detection on 174 cm.
		21.25		Surfaced.
		21.40	CG 7532	Dived, enemy radar detection on 174 cm.
		23.00		Surfaced.
		23.55	CG 7296	Dived, enemy radar detection on 168 cm.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.42

	- 7 -
		23.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.45	CG 7296	Surfaced.
		04.00	CG 7521
		08.19	CG 7283	Dived.
		12.00	CG 7280	Day's run surfaced   :   82 nm.
			Lat.    = 36° 49' N	"      submerged:   29 nm.
			Long. = 13° 09' W
		16.00	CG 7267	Surfaced.
		24.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 7248	Proceeding to CF 9115 to take over a new antenna from "Stiebler".
		04.00	CG 7156
		08.37	CG 7147	Dived.
		12.00	CF 9368	Day's run surfaced   :  138 nm.
				"      submerged:   23 nm.
		16.00	CF 9367
		18.57	CF 9355	Surfaced.
		25.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CF 9228
		04.00	CF 9135
		08.55	CF 9112	Dived.
		11.58	CF 9115	Surfaced.
		12.00	Lat.    = 37° 20' N	Day's run surfaced   :  121 nm.
			Long. = 18° 35' W	"      submerged:   21 nm.
		15.25 to	CF 9115	Met with "Stiebler", Fu.M.B. antenna transferred.
		16.00
		20.00	CF 8364	Advance on course 230°, because position for 27 November (ordered position in the patrol line is CF 6763) is still 2-days away.
		26.11.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	CF 8381
			SE 5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. medium, isolated rain showers
		04.00	CF 8611
		08.00	CF 8561
		12.00	CF 8579	Day's run surfaced:  188 nm.
			Lat.    = 34° 43' N
			Long. = 20° 41' W
		16.00	CF 8738
		20.00	CF 8575
		27.11.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 8561
			W 4, long westerly swell, 6/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CF 8375
		04.55 -
		05.56	CF 8373	Test dive.
		08.00	CF 8353
		12.00	CF 6779	Day's run surfaced   :  204 nm.
			Lat.    = 37° 28' N	"      submerged:     2 nm.
			Long. = 18° 38' W
		13.30	CF 6775	Meeting with "Piening".
		16.00	CF 6781

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42

	- 8 -
		27.11.42
		20.00	CF 6763	At ordered initial position.
		28.11.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 6713
			NNW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CF 5695
		08.00	CF 5649
		12.00	CF 5562	Day's run surfaced:  207 nm.
			Lat.    = 38° 52' N
			Long. = 20° 05' W
		16.00	CF 5513
		20.00	CF 5271
		22.14 -
		22.44		Test dive.
		29.11.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 5188
			ENE 4, Sea 3, long N-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CF 4369
		08.00	CF 4362
		12.00	CF 4324	Day's run surfaced   :  185 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 02' N	"      submerged:     2 nm.
			Long. = 22° 55' W
		16.00	CF 1899
		20.00	CF 4222
		30.11.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CE 3991
			W 1-2, long W-swell, 9/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CE 3961
		08.00	CE 3943
		12.00	Lat.    = 41° 07' N	Day's run surfaced:  154 nm.
			Long. = 25° 45' W
		16.00	CE 3585
		20.00	CE 3571
		01.12.42	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CE 3497
			ESE 5-6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CE 3476
		08.00	CE 2695
		11.00		My new position is CE 1699.
		12.00	CE 2688	Day's run surfaced:  147 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 07' N
			Long. = 28° 55' W
		16.00	CE 2677
		20.00	CE 2589
		23.00 - 23.29		Test dive.
		02.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2584
			NNE 2-3, cross swells, 9/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CE 2584
		08.00	CE 2811
		12.00	CE 2485	Day's run surfaced   :  134 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 10' N	"      submerged:     2 nm.
			Long. = 31° 20' W
		16.00	CE 2475
		20.00	CE 1699
		03.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 1696
			NW 1, Sea 1, long W-swell, 4/10, Vis. good
		04.00	CE 1695
		08.00	CE 1694
		12.00	CE 1676	Day's run surfaced:  101 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 17' N
			Long. = 32° 50' W

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42

	- 9 -
		04.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CE 1499
		04.00	CE 1485
		08.00	CE 1875
		12.00	CE 3699	Day's run surfaced:  136 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 22' N
			Long. = 35° 40' W
			SW 5, Sea 4, medium swell, 9/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 3685
		20.00	CD 3677
		22.50 -		Test dive.
		23.23
		05.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 3586
		04.00	CD 3575
		08.00	CD 3495
		12.00	CD3476	Day's run surfaced   :  135 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 17' N	"      submerged:     2 nm.
			Long. = 38° 45' W
			SW 6, Sea 5, high SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 3475
		20.00	CD 2698
		06.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2684
		04.00	CD 2598
		08.00	CD 2576
		12.00	CD 2576	Day's run surfaced:  121 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 17' N
			Long. = 41° 13' W
			W 6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 2572
		18.38		2 Smoke feathers in sight, a 7000-ton freighter bearing 220°T,  a large 4-masted passenger vessel bearing 70°T.  Set off after the 4-master.  Ship makes steam at twilight and now runs at 17 knots.  We could only get ahead after hours at AK . (Bunkers 7 and 4 out of service).  Exhaust gas piping leaking, exhaust fumes, minor defects quickly eliminated, excellent attitude of technical personnel.  Report concerning 2nd steamer sent by radio message. (Later Piening sinks).  Both ships on course 110°.
		23.59		Double shot from tubes I and IV, depth 5 meters, speed 15.5 knots, bow right, target angle 80°, estimated range 1200 meters, running time 30 seconds, hit in engine room.  2nd shot impact heard, apparently a Pi failure.  Steamer transmits, it is "CERAMIC" 18800 GRT.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42

	- 10 -
		07.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2927
		00.18		Coup de grâce from tube V:  depth 3 meters, hit forward 20 meters, steamer is lit up and puts out boats, as I am nearby I can make out several boats occupied by soldiers.
		00.38		Coup de grâce from tube VI:  depth 4 meters, hit forward 40 meters, steamer does not sink, numerous rafts and boats are deployed.
		01.00		Coup de grâce from tube II:  depth 6 meters, hit forward 20 meters, ship breaks, sinks after 10 seconds, while I am near suddenly a very strong detonation, ran off, because I fear defence.
		04.00	CD 2927
		07.15 - 11.00	CD 2916	Test dive.
		12.00	CD 2581	Day's run surfaced   :  189 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 17' N	"      submerged:     8 nm.
			Long. = 41° 06' W	Returning to the sinking location to take the Captain prisoner.
			SSW 7, freshening, high W-swell, 10/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, rain and hail showers
				On arriving many corpses of army and navy soldiers, approximately 60 rafts and numerous boats observed, aircraft parts.
		16.00	CD 2913
		16.20		Per survivor statements, 45 officers and approximately 1000 men were aboard, port of destination and cargo not determined.  I suppose cargo was exclusively ordnance.
		17.35		Dived due to weather.
		20.00	CD 2919
		08.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2922
		04.00	CD 2921
		09.30	CD 2921	Surfaced.
		12.00	CD 2856	Day's run surfaced   :  46 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 36' N	"      submerged:  35 nm.
			Long. = 40° 45' W
			WNW 9, Sea 7, high NW-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium, rain squalls
		16.00	CD 2857
		20.00	CD 2874
		09.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2796
		04.00	CD 2759
		09.30	CD 2734	Dived due to weather.
		12.00	CD 2734	Day's run surfaced   :  108 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 55' N	"      submerged:     7 nm.
			Long. = 41° 50' W

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42

	- 11 -
		From
		09.12.42
		17.28	CD 2577	Surfaced.
		19.06		Dived due to weather.
		10.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2821
		04.00	CD 2855
		07.35	CD 2855	Surfaced.
		12.00	CD 2888	Day's run surfaced   :  45 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 10' N	"      submerged:  39 nm.
			Long. = 41° 00' W
			WNW 5, Sea 3, high long NW-swell, 8/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 2879
		20.00	CD 2878
		11.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2799
		04.00	CD 2797
		07.25	CD 2789	Dived due to weather.
			NE 10-11, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, rain squalls
		12.00	CD 2788	Day's run surfaced   :  149 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 20' N	"      submerged:   10 nm.
			Long. = 41° 48' W
		17.50	CD 2787	Surfaced.
		20.00	CD 2791	Radio message from B.d.U.:
				Group Westwall course 90°.
		12.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2786
		04.00	CD 2855
		08.00	CD 2917
		12.00	CD 2926	Day's run surfaced   :  115 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 59' N	"      submerged:   12 nm.
			Long. = 39° 35' W
			WNW 5, high NW-swell, Sea 5, variable cloudiness, Vis. medium
		16.00	CD 3714
		20.00	CD 3726
		13.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 3814
		04.00	CD 3815
		08.00	CD 3816
		08.20		Dived due to weather.
		12.00	CD 3915	Day's run surfaced   :  100 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 57' N	"      submerged:     8 nm.
			Long. = 39° 24' W
			Wind shifting from NE-N, strong 7, Sea 6, cross swell, overcast, Vis. highly variable, rain squalls

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42

	- 12 -
		From
		13.12.42
		12.38	CD 3916	Surfaced.
		16.00	CD 3916
		20.00	CE 1714
		14.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CE 1725
		04.00	CE 1736
		08.00	CE 1822
		12.00	CD 1836	Day's run surfaced   :  163 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 57' N	"      submerged:     1 nm.
			Long. = 33° 17' W
			Wind shifting from ENE-E, strong 3, Sea 1, long NW-swell, rain squalls, Vis. variable, overcast
		16.00	CE 1921
		20.00	CE 1929
		15.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 1939
		04.00	CE 2727
		07.27 -
		09.28	CE 2870	Test dive.
		12.00	CE 2828	Day's run surfaced   :  108 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 57' N	"      submerged:     6 nm.
			Long. = 30° 02' W
			SW 9, Sea 7, high SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. moderate
		14.55	CE 2829	Dived due to weather.
		16.00	CE 2914
		20.00	CE 2916
		16.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2916
		04.00	CE 2921
		08.26	CE 2923	Surfaced.
		12.00	CE 3727	Day's run surfaced   :  53 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 50' N	"      submerged:  34 nm.
			Long. = 27° 53' W
			WSW 4, Sea 4, high W-swell, 4/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CE 3819
		20.00	CE 3859
		17.12.42	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CE 3895
		04.00	CE 6325
		08.00	CF 4215
		12.00	CE 4311	Day's run surfaced:  240 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 10' N
			Long. = 23° 30' W
			NW 6, Sea 6, high W-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CF 1999
		20.00	CF 2779

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42

	- 13 -
		18.12.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 2799
		04.00	CF 5222
		08.00	CF 5312
		08.15 -
		08.57		Crash dive practice.
		12.00	CF 5331	Day's run surfaced   :  212 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 10' N	"      submerged:      2 nm.
			Long. = 19° 05' W
			NW 5, Sea 4, high NW-swell, 6/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CF 3787
		20.00	CF 3871
		19.12.42	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 3891
		04.00	CF 3946
		08.00	CF 3966
		12.00	CF 3969	Day's run surfaced:  196 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 30' N
			Long. = 15° 13' W
			SW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, cross swell, Vis. medium
		14.20	CF 3995	Dived due to weather
		19.45	CF 3991	Surfaced.
		20.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 3951
		04.00	CF 3911
		08.00	CF 3688
		11.45	CF 3933	Dived due to weather.
		12.00	CF 3933	Day's run surfaced   :  129 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 02' N	"      submerged:      2 nm.
			Long. = 15° 15' W
			SbyW 4, Sea 4, SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. moderate
		13.50	CG 1711	Surfaced.
		16.00	CG 1728
		20.00	CG 1781
		21.21.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 3994
		04.00	CF 3979
		08.00	CF 3973
		12.00	CF 3953	Day's run surfaced   :  165 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 49' N	"      submerged:      5 nm.
			Long. = 15° 38' W
			SSW 5, Sea 4, SW-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium
		12.35	CF 3953	Dived for enemy aircraft radar detection on 169 cm, 2-engine land-based aircraft.
		19.34	CF 3935	Surfaced.
		22.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 1725
		04.00	CG 1736
		08.00	CG 1726

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42

	- 14 -
		From
		22.12.42	West of Portugal
		12.00	CG 1721	Day's run surfaced   :  119 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 01' N	"      submerged:    15 nm.
			Long. = 14° 35' W
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, long W-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		14.30	CG 1716	Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.
		16.00	CG 1716
		18.21	CG 1715	Surfaced.
		20.00	CF 3931
		23.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 3943
		04.00	CF 3974
		08.00	CF 3954
		09.58	CF 3952	Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.
		12.00	CF 3953	Day's run surfaced   :  123 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 48' N	"      submerged:    19 nm.
			Long. = 15° 30' W
			SSE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, light NW-swell, Vis. medium
		14.50	CF 3961	Surfaced.
		20.00	CF 3924
		24.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 3911
		04.00	CF 3921
		08.00	CF 3933
		12.00	CG 1713	Day's run surfaced   :  140 nm.
			Lat.    = 41° 02' N	"      submerged:      8 nm.
			Long. = 14° 40' W
			NNW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, light SW-swell, Vis. medium
		15.18	CG 1738	Dived for Christmas celebration.
		20.15	CG 1739	Surfaced.
		25.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 1764
		04.00	CG 1767
		08.00	CG 1792
		11.02	CG 1785	Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.
		12.00	CG 1785	Day's run surfaced   :  73 nm.
			Lat.    = 40° 20' N	"      submerged:    8 nm.
			Long. = 14° 30' W
			NNE 4, Sea 3, light NW-swell, 7/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CG 1787
		18.12		Surfaced.
		20.00	CG 1778
		22.00	CF 3998	Free to maneuver in CG 85 to DH 34.    [typo DG 85]
		26.12.42	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 6337
		04.00	CF 6382
		08.00	CF 6615
		11.55	CF 6593	Dived for flying boat type Sunderland.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 15 -
		From
		26.12.42	West of Portugal
		12.00	CF 6593	Day's run surfaced   :  131 nm.
			Lat.    = 38° 44' N	"      submerged:    15 nm.
			Long. = 16° 26' W
			NbyE 2, Sea 1, light NE-swell, 7/10, Vis. good
		13.35	CF 6596	Surfaced.
		15.29	CF 6832	Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.
		18.00	CF 6835	Surfaced.
		20.00	CF 6861
		27.12.42	North of Madeira
		00.00	CF 6897
		04.00	CF 9377
		08.00	CF 9672
		11.40	CF 9918	Dived.
		12.00	CF 9942	Day's run surfaced   :  166 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 22' N	"      submerged:    10 nm.
			Long. = 16° 06' W
			NNE 3, Sea 2, light N-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		15.49	CF 9947	Surfaced.
		20.00	CF 9977
		28.12.42	North of Madeira
		00.00	DH 3144
		04.00	DH 2639
		08.00	DH 2696
		12.00	DH 2685	Day's run surfaced   :  170 nm.
			Lat.    = 33° 10' N	"      submerged:    9 nm.
			Long. = 17° 01' W
			N 3-4, Sea 3, light NE-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		16.00	DH 2619
		20.00	DH 2376
		29.12.42	North of Madeira
		00.00	DH 2359
		04.00	DH 3141
		08.00	DH 3125
		09.30 -
		10.40	DH 3134	Test dive.
		12.00	DH 3136	Day's run surfaced   :  159 nm.
			Lat.    = 34° 39' N	"      submerged:    3 nm.
			Long. = 15° 10' W
			NE 4, Sea 3, light NE-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium
		15.44	DH 3224	Dived.
		18.22	DH 3222	Surfaced.
		20.00	DH 3231
		30.12.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	DH 3311
		04.00	DH 3322
		08.00	DH 3339
		09.06	DH 3339	Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42

	- 16 -
		From
		30.12.42	West of Gibraltar
		12.00	DJ 1112	Day's run surfaced   :  121 nm.
			Lat.    = 34° 42' N	"      submerged:    8 nm.
			Long. = 12° 30' W
			N 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good
		16.00	DJ 1113
		18.28	DJ 1121	Surfaced.
		20.00	DJ 1122
		31.12.42	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	DJ 1212
		04.00	DJ 1228
		08.00	DJ 1239
		09.02		Dived.
		12.00	DJ 1236	Day's run surfaced   :   87 nm.
			Lat.    = 34° 38' N	"      submerged:   22 nm.
			Long. = 10° 24' W
			NbyE 5, Sea 4, NNE-swell, 6/10, Vis. variable
		16.00	DJ 1236
		18.35	DJ 1233	Surfaced.
		20.00	DJ 1311
		01.01.43	West of Gibraltar
		00.00	DJ 1324
		04.00	DJ 1331
		07.10	CG 8888	Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.
		07.51		Surfaced.
		08.08	CG 8867	Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.
		12.00	CG 8867	Day's run surfaced   :   90 nm.
			Lat.    = 35° 11' N	"      submerged:   25 nm.
			Long. =   9° 16' W
			NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
		16.00	CG 8864
		18.53	CG 8861	Surfaced.
		19.10	CG 8837	Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.
		21.02	CG 8834	Surfaced.
		02.01.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 8568
		04.00	CG 8295
		08.00	CG 8236
		09.07	CG 8233	Dived.
		12.00	CG 5899	Day's run surfaced   :  106 nm.
			Lat.    = 37° 34' N	"      submerged:   23 nm.
			Long. =   9° 07' W	Began return transit.
			NbyW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium
		16.00	CG 5896
		18.42	CG 5868	Surfaced.
		20.00	CG 5865

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42

	- 17 -
		03.01.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 5589
		04.00	CG 5555
		08.00	CG 5288
		10.35	CG 5285	Dived for aircraft.
		12.00	CG 5255	Day's run surfaced   :  132 nm.
			Lat.    = 39° 43' N	"      submerged:   20 nm.
			Long. =   9° 36' W
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, light N-swell, 9/10, Vis. medium
		18.55	CG 5253	Surfaced.
		23.25	CG 2867	Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.
		04.01.43	West of Spanish Coast
		00.17	CG 2864	Surfaced.
		04.00	CG 2564
		09.01	CG 2224	Dived.
		12.00	BF 7889	Day's run surfaced   :  170 nm.
			Lat.    = 42° 55' N	"      submerged:   25 nm.
			Long. =   9° 32' W
			NW 2, Sea 2, light NW-swell, 7/10, Vis. good
		16.00	BF 7894
		18.18	BF 7891	Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 7863
		05.01.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7664
		04.00	BF 8158
		08.35	BF 5773	Dived.
		12.00	BF 5754
			Lat.    = 46° 02' N
			Long. =   6 ° 22' W
			W-NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, light NW-swell, 5/10, Vis. good
		16.00	BF 5752
		20.00	BF 5725
		06.01.43	Bay of Biscay
		08.53		Taken in convoy.
		11.17		Made fast Lorient.
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43

	Enclosures to U-515's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Track Chart	Track chart for the entire patrol - 7 November 1942 to 6 January 1943
Sketch	Combat Sketch for 11-12 November 1942

	Commentary of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
	On the Kriegstagebuch of "U-515" from 15.10.42 - 06.01.43.
	The attack on the cruiser formation was executed with exemplary determination and judgment and equal energy and toughness versus the strong defence resulting in a proud success.  This attack earns the highest acknowledgment because of its very special boldness and bravery.                 The sinking of the "CERAMIC" took place after a hunt of almost 6 hours under merciless and hardest demand on the technical personnel, who exhibited the worthy hardness of their commander.                 It is only regrettable that the Kommandant, based on unjustified mistrust concerning the deep running of torpedoes, maintained the opposed depth of 2 meters for the finishing shots on the previously damaged cruiser and did not get the satisfaction of observing the sinking.  The sinking is recognized.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations -

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