U-539 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Bergen	14 September 1943	Lorient	23 October 1943	40

 

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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.

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	- 1 -
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=                                                  of the                              Unterseebootes    "  U    5  3  9  "                           =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
			Kommandant        :	Oberleutnant zur See Lauterbach - Emden.
			Beginning              :	24 February 1943.
			Concluding            :	23 October 1943.
			-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
			Distribution           :     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine, Copy No. 1 and 2 O.K.M. 2.Abt.Skl./B.d.U.-Op.,     "      " 3 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote,     "      " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West,     "      " 5 Führer der Unterseebootsausbildungsflottillen,     "      " 6 27. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 7 10. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 8
			Enclosures           :     1 Track chart with 1 sketch, To   "      " 2.3.4.5.8 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log,   "    "      " 2,3,4,5,8, 1 K.T.B. Maschine,   "    "      " 3,4,8.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 2 -
		24.02.43	Hamburg Finkenwerder	Commissioning.
		11.00
		25. - 28.02.43	Elbe	Took over the boat/training on the Elbe.
		01. - 02.03.43		Transit to Kiel
		03. - 12.03.43	Kiel	U.A.K. trials.
		13. - 14.03.43	Sonderburg	U.A.K. sound trials.
		15. - 18.03.43	Swinemünde	Anti-aircraft and artillery shooting.
		19. - 20.03.43	Stetin	4. U-Flottille.
		21. - 26.03.43	Danzig	U.A.G. testing.
		27.03. - 11.04.43	Hela	Agru-Front.
		12. - 17.04.43	Hela - Baltic	Pre-Tactical Training.
		18. - 30.04.43	Pillau	Shooting Flottille.
		01. - 11.05.43	Gotenhafen - Baltic	Tactical training.
		12.05.43	Stettin
		13. - 14.05.43	Baltic	Transit to Hamburg.
		16.05 - 19.06.43	Hamburg	Final adjustments.
		19. - 21.06.43	Hamburg	Took over the boat.
		22. - 23.06.43	Kiel
		24.06.43	Stettin
		25.06 - 03.07.43	Hela	Agru-Front.
		04. - 09.07 43	Pillau	Shooting Flottille.
		10.07.43	Rönne	Sound trials.
		11.07.43	Baltic	Transit to Hamburg.
		12.07. - 04.08.43	Hamburg	Final adjustments (installation of Conning Tower 4).
		05.08.43	Baltic	Transit to Stettin.
		06. - 10.08.43	Stettin	Installation of quadruple gun.
		11. - 16.08.43	Swinemünde	Anti-aircraft gun shooting.
		17. - 26.08.43	Stettin	Outfitting.
		27 - 28.08.43	Kiel	Installation of "Aphrodite".
		29. - 30.08.43	Sonderburg	Sound trials.
		30.08. - 03.09.43	Kiel	Last outfitting.
		04.09.43	Kiel - Western Baltic	Departed for transit to Bergen in accordance with Operations Order 54.
		08.00	ENE 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1019 mb, cloud deck 800 meters, Vis. medium

Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		04.09.43
		08.25		Passed the Kiel barrier.
		10.55		Taken in convoy by Sperrbreacher at Point rot 15.  Convoy consisted of Sperrbrecher 172, "U-279", "U-539", steamer LUMME.  Convoy speed 10 knots, line ahead formation E 3.
		12.00	ENE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1020 mb	Day's run Surfaced:      34.4 nm
				"      Submerged:    0.0 nm
			Great Belt
		15.10		2 cm twins fired.
		16.00	ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1021 mb
		17.25		1 Minesuchboot of the 29. M.S.-Flottille met the convoy and proceeded as No. 2.
		20.00	NE 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1021 mb
		20.45	Kattegat	Beginning of twilight.
		05.09.43	Skagerrak
		00.00	NE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. good, starry clear, 1021 mb
		03.50		M-Boot released from convoy.
		04.00	NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. medium, 1023 mb
		05.10		Beginning of twilight.
		05.47		2 single-engined sea planes, bearing 60°T, range = 10000 meters.  Altitude 1200 meters approaching.  2 Swedish aircraft which turned away in the vicinity of the territorial area, one disappeared in the north, the second to the south.
		06.25		1 patrol boat meets the convoy as anti-aircraft escort and joins as convoy leader in place of Sperrbrecher 172.  New formation:  T gelb, normal position G 10.
		08.00	NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, 1023 mb
		09.30		Flying boat bearing 240°T, range 10000 meters, altitude 400 meters.  Circles in sector from 120 to 320°T and passed out of sight.  Type BV 138.
		09.58		Flying boat BV 138 in approach. Altitude 600 meters, bearing 290°T.
		10.33		Released from convoy.  Proceeded together with "U-279" to Kristiansand.  A-rot 5, E 400, G-15, 272°.
		12.00	SE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1023 mb, Vis. good	Day's run Surfaced:  221.7 nm
		13.55		2 land-based aircraft bearing 240°T, range 15000 meters, altitude about 1500 meters.  Anti-aircraft weapons manned.  Aircraft out of sight in clouds.  Because it was not recognized if they were own, kept anti-aircraft weapons ready.
		14.30		Anti-aircraft weapons secured.
		14.50	AN 3625	Attempted to exchange Recognition Signals from patrol boat, continually replied with "A" "A".
		15.56		Recognition Signals exchanged with Signal Station Osköy.
		16.00	ESE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, 8/10, Vis. good, 1025 mb
		16.44		Made fast alongside "U-275" in Krigsgard Bucht.
				[Kongsgårdbukta?]

	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43

	- 4 -
		06.09.43
		06.00	AN 3539	Departed with M 416, "U-279", U-539" K-gelb, G-14, in accordance with Escort Order Intentions No. 731. 1 1/2 sea watches set.
		08.00	SSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, low hanging clouds, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1011 mb	Changing formation according to navigation constraints between L-grün and T.
		12.00	AN 3279	Day's run Surfaced:  135 nm
			S 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1008 mb
		15.49		Aircraft alarm for training.
		16.00	AN 3132
			SSE 2, Sea 2, scattered clouds, Vis. 10 nm, 1007 mb
		18.16		Made fast Haugesund.
		07.09.43	Northern North Sea
		07.00	Cast off Haugesund	Formation line ahead.
		08.00	SSW 2-3, Sea 2, low hanging clouds, Vis. 5 nm, 1006 mb
		12.00	SSE 1-2, Sea 0-1, rain showers, Vis. 5-10 nm	Day's run Surfaced:  143 nm
		12.47		Made fast Bergen Marineholm.
			Bergen	Trim test and deep dive.
				Day's run Surfaced:      10.0 nm
				"      Submerged:    2.5 nm
				12.5 nm
		08.09.43	Bergen
		08.15		Dry-docked, removed ballast
		09.09.43	Bergen
		07.10		Un-docked, Dogeschacre quay.
		11.09.43	Bergen	Independent training, training ashore.
		08.30 - 11.00		Independent training.
				Day's run Surfaced:      134.4 nm
				"      Submerged:    4.9 nm
				18.3 nm
		12.09.43	Bergen
		14.00		Fuel loading.
		13.09.43	Bergen	Outfitting.
		14.09.43	Bergen	Provisions loading.
		15.28		Cast off after installation of "Wanze".
		16.00	SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, showers, 1002 mb, Vis. 5-10 nm	Trim test and oil trace.
				Transit in accordance with Operational Orders 1515 of 14.09.43.  Convoy with VIPER, U-643 and U-539.
		20.00	S 3, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1002 mb
		20.20	Bergen barrier.	Passed the barrier, released from convoy.  Independent transit, course 300°, HF.
		21.00		"Wanze" horizontal deflection component failed.
		21.16		Dived due to "Wanze" failure.  Course 300°, KF.
		15.09.43	Northern North Sea
		00.00	AN 2411	Despite compliance with "Hagenuk" instructions no correction of the failure.     [Hagenuk = Wanze G1 receiver]
		04.00	AF 8788
		08.00	AF 8784

	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		15.09.43
		09.25		Hagenuk operable except for a short to ground.
				Surfaced.  Course 336°, HF.
		10.15		Outgoing Radio Message 1005/15/13:  Deflection part "Wanze" failed.  AF 8773.  From Lauterbach
		12.00	AF 8718	Day's run Surfaced:       74 nm
			SW 1, Swell 2, 9/10, Vis. 10 knots, 1004 mb	"      Submerged:    25 nm
		13.45	AF 8477	4-engined enemy land-based aircraft (Liberator) out maneuvered on the surface with ready anti-aircraft weapons because we were not seen.  Range = 15000 meters.  Altitude 1000 meters, course SW.
		16.00	AF 7693
			SSE 1, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. 10-15, 1004 mb
		17.13		Incoming Radio Message 1409/15/20:  To Lauterbach.  Continue outbound transit, however not via AD 20, instead AE 80.  Instructions concerning repair "Hagenuk" follow.
		18.15		Course 308°.
		18.58		Incoming Radio Message 1813/15/25:  To Lauterbach.  Repair instructions for Wanze.  Replace Tubes 19, 20, 21 and 26.  If no success unsolder condenser C 2-3 and C 208.  If condenser 214 is defective, replace with C 208.  Resistor W 148 (2 Kilo-Ohm) replace with resistor 1.6 Kilo-Ohm.  If one is not at hand, remove from the Radione.  Voltage between Cathode tube 19 and ground must amount to 11-15 Volts.  Then re-magnetize as described on page 10. Request further reports on the nature of the failure.
		20.00	AF 7829
			SSE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm, 1003 mb
		20.15		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 347°T, 13 nm.  Course 305°.
		20.30		Twilight.
		21.57		Because of very bright moonshine and good visibility dived to repair the "Hagenuk" again.  Depth A -20 meters.
		16.09.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 7384
		04.00	AF 7375
		08.00	AF 7371	Malfunction of the deflector cannot be corrected.
		09.00		Surfaced.  The weather was worse.  A low pressure area passes to the north.
		12.00	AF 7253	Day's run Surfaced:        88 nm
			SSE 6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 5 nm, 980 mb	"      Submerged:    24 nm
				112 nm
		16.00	AF 7212
			SSE 7, Sea 6, rain showers, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm
		16.07		Dived, because  operation of the quad anti-aircraft gun was not possible and visibility was worse.  Depth A -20 meters.
		20.00	AF 4877
		21.32		Surfaced.  Weather favorable.
		17.09.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4759	Despite full moon relatively covered by clouds.
			S 6, Sea 6, 8-9/10, Vis. 5 nm, 990 mb
		00.23		Course 280°.
		00.58		Dived, because there is danger for the quad anti-aircraft gun, the armor is lightly bent.  Course 253°.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		17.09.43
		04.00	AF 4754
		08.00	AF 4749
		12.00	AF 4748	Day's run Surfaced:      71 nm
		13.28	[handwritten entry] Surfaced to charge.  [illegible sentence concerning damage to the quad]	"      Submerged:   32 nm
				103 nm
			W 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1007 mb
		15.20	Drifting English mine.
		16.00	AE 6915
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1007 mb
		18.12		Despite securing one of the side armor plates of the quad anti-aircraft gun tears off and goes over the side.
				I dived after ending charging, otherwise the entire quad anti-aircraft gun would go overboard.  Depth A meters.
		20.00	AE 6978
		18.09.43	North of the Faroes.
		00.00	AE 6978	Now it is dark and calmer.
		00.29	SW 4, Sea 4, rain showers, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1009 mb, occasional moonlight	Surfaced.  Conditions are favorable. Charged.
		04.00	AE 9223
			SW 4, Sea 4, isolated rain squalls, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1006 mb
		08.00	AE 9163	Visibility was worse.  Twilight.
		08.20	SW 5, Sea 5, misty, low hanging cloud deck, 1006 mb, Vis. 3 nm	I dove to depth A meters.
		12.00	AE 9161	At periscope depth.
				Day's run Surfaced:     125.8 nm
				"      Submerged:   21.0 nm
				146.8 nm
		16.00	AE 9161
		19.06		Incoming Radio Message 1831/18/94 Very Low Frequency:
				1.  Lauterbach, Speidel 19 September 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.  2.  Baltz . . . .
		22.36		Surfaced.  The diesel did not work properly.  The supercharger barely makes water pressure.  Course 20°, 1 diesel charging, 1 E-motor LF.
		19.09.43	Iceland -Faroes
		00.00	AE 9156
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, 9/10, 990 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AE 9152
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, 7/10, 999 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		04.30		Dived.  Course 250°.
		12.00	AE 9143	Day's run Surfaced:      14 nm
				"      Submerged:   30 nm
				44 nm
				Proceeded submerged because getting ahead against the sea with continual flooding of the diesel is not advisable.
		15.07		Surfaced to charge.
		16.00	AE 9142
			W 6, Sea 5-6, 6/10, 989 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		17.30		Dived, because the danger of surprise is too great and anti-aircraft defense is very difficult.
		20.09.43	Iceland Passage
		01.00		Surfaced to proceed on the surface while charging.  Favorable for night transit.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		20.09.43
		04.00	AE 8368
			SW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, 990 mb, Vis. 2 nm
		06.35		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
		12.00	AE 8387	Day's run Surfaced:      75 nm
				"      Submerged:   32 nm
				107 nm
		15.00	NW 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. medium, 1006 mb	Surfaced to ventilate.  The lashing of the quad anti-aircraft gun is partly broken, a second protective shield overboard.  Aft Marcks life buoy burst open and went overboard.
		15.30	AE 8612	"Catalina" bearing 45°T, range = 10000 meters, altitude 50-100 meters.  Aircraft circled at the surfacing location.
		15.37		Unnoticed, crash dive.
		16.00	AE 8612
		20.00	AE 8617
		23.10	AE 8536	Surfaced to charge and proceed on the surface by night.
		23.25		Continual detection, 60 seconds, detected with "Wanze"m 138 cm, Volume 4-5, dived.
		21.09.43	Iceland Passage.
		03.30	AE 8538	2 diesel engines, grew louder, the first passed over the boat, the second passed behind the boat.  Asdic impulses, no depth charges, boat at depth A +30 meters.
		04.10	AE 8538	Nothing detected when surfacing.  Changing courses around general course 250°.
			ENE 3, Swell 2-3, 6/10, Vis. medium, 1017 mb
		04.28		Incoming Short Signal: Was forced off.  U-270.
				Because this important Signal was not repeated by Control and U-270 was contact keeper for Group "Leuthen", I jumped in as radio repeater.
		05.19		Outgoing Short Signal:  Was forced off.  U-270.
		05.10		Short detection:  Volume 1.  Thereafter strong course changes from 230° to 280°, no further detections.  Did not dive.
		07.00		Twilight.  Anti-aircraft weapons reinforced.  Marcks liferaft cover cut off because it rattled.
		08.02	AE 8545	"Hudson" bearing 40°T, range = 8000 meters.  Attempted approach fended off.  Aircraft circles and overflies high above the boat.  Was forced off as soon as it came in shooting range.
			NE 3, Swell 2, 5/10, later less, 1017 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		08.35		Short Signal:  0835/21/139:  Was attacked by aircraft.  AE 8528.    - U-539 -
		08.48	AE 8546	Approach from relative bearing 140°.  Three aircraft bombs fell from 20 meters altitude ahead to port 50-100 meters.  Delay about 3 seconds.  Boat successfully avoided to starboard.  Hits observed on the aircraft.  No damage, no failures.  Aircraft set off.
		09.28	ENE 3, Swell 2, 2/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 15 nm	Boat dove to depth A +40 meters without bombs, because diving maneuver was in the sun sector for the aircraft while setting off, it was difficult to recognize due to sun reflection.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		21.09.43		Behavior of the bridge anti-aircraft crews was very good.  Shooting performance was unsatisfactory.
		12.00		Day's run Surfaced:      74 nm
				"      Submerged:  27 nm
		16.00		Came to course 225°.
		22.09.43	Iceland Passage
		00.00	AE 8571
			SW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, rain showers, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1013 mb
		00.04		Surfaced.  Charged on the surface and replaced anti-aircraft weapons.  Course 160°.
		00.21		Incoming Radio Message 1649/21/159:  New objective for Finke, Giersberg, Lauterbach, Speidel is AK 50.  Named boats report position when passing the latitude of AL 14.  Finke add report concerning completion of special task.
		01.11	AE 8517	Detection Volume 3, dived.
		04.24	AE 8511	New attempt, to remain on the surface.
		04.58	AE 8414	Dived after search locating, steady locating 170 cm, Volume 3, proceeded submerged at economical speed.
		12.00	AE 8738	Day's run Surfaced:      16 nm
				"      Submerged:  35.5 nm
				51.5 nm
		17.12		Surfaced to ventilate.  The visibility was worse, low hanging clouds, so that I decided to dive.
		17.23		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		23.32		Surfaced and continued to move off on course 180° to the south to be able to steer a westerly course with the expected right shifting winds.  It is quite impossible to get ahead, at normal transit speed (diesel-electric) (LF) now at Sea 5 without the diesel flooding.
		23.09.43	South of Iceland
		00.00	AE 8764
			WSW 5, Sea 5, completely overcast, Vis. below 3 nm, 1002 mb
		04.00	AL 3232	Came to course 190°.
		05.52	W 4-5, Sea 5, 8/10, 1001 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm	Came to course 220°.
		08.00	AL 3288
			W 6, Sea 6, 7/10, 1000 mb
		08.04		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		08.10		New course 245°.
		12.00	AL 3287	Day's run Surfaced:       84 nm
				"      Submerged:   25 nm
				109 nm
		15.32	AL 3412	Surfaced.
		15.42		After initial search detection, then steady detection dived because the danger of surprise is too great, due to low hanging clouds.
		22.23	W 5-6, Sea 5, 6/10, 1005 mb, Vis. 3 nm	Surfaced and came to course 210°.
		24.09.43	South of Iceland
		00.00	AL 3339

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		24.09.43
		00.00	AL 3532
		[typo 04.00]	W 6-7, Sea 6, 1006 mb, showers, Vis. 5 nm	[typo 24]
		06.47		Outgoing Radio Message 0034/34/107
				1.)  21 September surfaced AE 8546, 3 very close aircraft bombs from "Lockheed Hudson" no damage.
				2.)  Am missing Serial Nos. 192, 93 from 20 September.  140-152 158 from 21 September.
				3.)  AL 3366, 221 cbm.
				4.)  W 7, Sea 6, 1006 mb, rising.
				From Lauterbach.
		08.00	AL 3583	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			W 6-7, Sea 6, 8/10, 1008 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		08.17		New course, 160°.
		12.00	AL 3582	Day's run Surfaced:      92 nm
				"      Submerged:   27 nm
				119 nm
		21.10		Surfaced.  Came to course 250°.
		21.23		Incoming Radio Message 1635/24/113:
				1.)  Speidel, Lauterbach, Finke, Giersberg, Hunger, on 25 September 08.00 hours Baltz, Dauter, Freiberg on 26 September 08.00 hours switch to Hubertus Circuit.
				2.)  . . . . . . . .
		21.34 - 21.44		Incoming Radio Message 1645/24/114 and 1737/24/115:
			[AK 2645 to 6817]	1.)  Finke, Speidel, Rendtel, Techand, Lauterbach, Engel, Manseck, Forstner, Deecke, Guersberg, Mäder, Curio, Ferro, Purkhold, Baltz, Bork, Hunger, Freiberg, Dauter form Group Rossbach.  In this order on 26 September 16.00 hours be in reconnaissance line.  From I, to II, course 90°, 4 knots, I bears Cäsar in 225°T, 163 nm away, II bears Hans in 105°T, 77 nm away, westbound convoy expected from 26 September.
				2.)  From experience the enemy now suspects a disposition approximately between reference points Dora and Karl, therefore, as far as possible, remain unseen for the current approach, take advantage of the favorable weather conditions at the moment to gain space.  Radio silence except for tactically important reports.
				3.)  After picking up the convoy Lauterbach detach and proceed to square CB, completely free to maneuver.
				4.)  Supply for return transit after operation anticipated.
		21.50		Incoming Radio Message 1936/24/116:
				1.)  Bahr joins Group Rossbach and lengthens the reconnaissance line in accordance with

Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		24.09.43	South of Iceland
		21.50		Serial Nos. 821 and 824 one position to the south.
				2.)  . . . . . . . . .
				Reference points are not known to me.  I believe that they are in envelope Cucumber and open this.  It is so.  The orders says that we are to operate on a convoy in the North Atlantic at the beginning and later on in America.
		25.09.43	West of the Shetlands
		00.00	AL 2696	The weather is getting better, because the low has passed by.  Unfortunately there is very little opportunity to take a good navigation fix, because the sky is either overcast or the horizon is very unclear.
			WSW 6, Sea 7, 1020 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		01.24		New course:  270°.
		04.00	AL 2811
			WNW 3-4, Sea 4, 8/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm
		08.00	AL 2715	Switched to Hubertus Circuit.
			WNW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		10.30		After initial search detection, steady detection, 132 cm, dived to depth A -40 meters.
		12.00	AL 1835	Day's run Surfaced:      156 nm
				"      Submerged:    21 nm
				177 nm
		13.13		Surfaced.
		13.50		After blowing aircraft bearing 100°T, type not recognizable, aircraft disappeared on northerly course in the clouds.  Was not noticed, moved off on the surface.  No detections.
		14.40	[AK 2558 to AK 6781]	Incoming Radio Message 1102/25/835:  Group Rossbach contrary to precious orders:  On 27 September at 06.00 hours be in new patrol line, from Point Alfa to Beta.  Interval 15 nm.  Point Alpha bears Cäsar in 253°T, 126 nm away.  Beta bears Hans in 88°T, 112 nm away.  Convoy first expected from 27 September.
		16.00	AL 1733
			WNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain, 1022 mb, Vis. below 5 nm
		17.15		Came to course 263°, to take up my assigned position in the Group Rossbach patrol line.
		20.00	AL 1725
			WNW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1022 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		26.09.43	West of England
		00.00	AK 3838
			W 2, Sea 1, completely overcast, 1023 mb, Vis. below 3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		26.09.43	West of England
		04.00	AK 3819
			W 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. below 3 nm
		08.00	AK 3753
			NW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1024 mb, Vis. below 3 nm
		10.33	AK 3743	Detection, frequency, timbre as well as pitch the same as yesterday, apparently a "scout from the service" searches this area daily about 10.00 hours.  Dived and went to depth A -40 meters.
		12.09	AK 3743	Day's run Surfaced:      212 nm
			NW 1, Sea 1, completely overcast, 1025 mb, Vis. 8 nm	"      Submerged:      7 nm
				219 nm
		14.23		Incoming Radio Message 0944/26/848:  To Speidel.
				1.)  Radio Message 1536/25/850 settled.
				2.)  Go to position in patrol line.  Fight according to the operational capability of the boat.
		16.00	AK 2856	The wind is freshening, jumping around to the southwest, barometer falling, therefore a new low.  Despite this I succeed in taking a navigation fix.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  278°T, 24 nm.
			SSW 2, Sea 2, 1021 mb, overcast, Vis. 5 nm
		18.12		Incoming Radio Message 1701/26/865:  To Group Rossbach:
				1.)  From morning westbound convoy speed 9 knots expected.  Delay up to 2 days is possible.  From 29 September a westbound convoy 7.5 knots is expected.
				2.)  In low visibility weather listen often, this goes especially for boats with low fuel inventories.
		20.00	SSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1019 mb, Vis. 8 nm	Headed for position in patrol line on course 223°.
		21.47		Reached position in Group Rossbach patrol line.  Back and forth in position on course 158° and 338°.
		27.09.43	West of England
		00.00	AK 2782	In temporary visibility reductions increased speed to better monitor my sector.
			SW 4, Sea 3, 1016 mb, 6/10, Vis. 8 nm
		10.15		Because the visibility is greatly changing and there is sometimes fog, dived, depth A -20 meters.  No sound bearings.
		12.04	AK 2785	Surfaced.
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, 1015 mb, misty, sometimes fog	Day's run Surfaced:       179 nm
				"      Submerged:    3.5 nm
				182.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		27.09.43
		14.30	[AK 1475 - AK 5599]	Incoming Radio Message 1157/871:  To Rossbach.  From 12.00 hours course 300°, speed 7 knots.  From 28 September 00.00 hours stop.  Remain in reached position line as patrol line.
		14.45		Came to course 300°.
		16.00	AK 2749
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. sometimes below 1000 meters
		19.55		Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.
		20.05		Surfaced.
		21.16		Incoming Radio Message 2054/27/886:  To Rossbach.   Meeting with awaited convoy is expected at any time.  Pay attention.  Use surface wavelength bearings for convoy voice frequency, if available.
		28.09.43	North Atlantic
		00.03	AK 1678, SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, misty, 1008 mb	Dived to listen because visibility is sometimes very bad.  No sound bearings.
		00.10		Surfaced.  Back and forth in position 5 in new position line on 338° and 158°. Compensated for the sometimes bad visibility by increasing speed.
		07.37		Dived to listen.  Nothing!
		08.00	AK 1675
			SW 4, Sea 4, misty, 1007 mb
		08.10		Surfaced.  The visibility was slowly better.
		12.00		Day's run Surfaced:      198 nm
				"      Submerged:    0.8 nm
				198.8 nm
		16.00	AK 1678
			SW 4, Sea 4, 9/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 8-10 nm
		18.25		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 0°T, 25 nm.
		20.00	AK 1673
			SW 5, Sea 5, 8/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 10 nm
		21.21		Incoming Radio Message 2050/28/801:  To Rossbach.  Tonight by all means monitor the line with certainty.  The convoy must come.
		29.09.43	North Atlantic.
		00.00	AK 1678
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, 3/10, 1008 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 1675	The weather holds.
				Day's run Surfaced:   190 nm
		16.00	AK 1677
			W 4, 7/10, light showers, 1009 mb, changing Vis, up to 20 nm
		20.00	AK 1673	Incoming Radio Message 2111/29/817:  Group Rossbach.  Proceed on course 70°, speed 6 knots, more to follow.
		22.23		Incoming Radio Message 2134/29/818:  Heilmann and Krüger join Group Rossbach.  30 September 08.00 hours switch to Hubertus Circuit.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		29.09.43		Radio Message continued:
			[AD 8879 to AK 6366]	2)  Group Rossbach in order:  Heilmann, Speidel, Rendtel, Techand, Lauterbach, Engel, Hunger, Manseck, Deecke, Freiberg, Giersberg, Mäder, Curio, Ferro, Purkhold, Baltz, Bork, Dauter, Bahr, Krüger, Forstner on 1 October at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from Point 1 to point 2, interval 15 nm.  Point 1 bears Gustav in 270°T, 74 nm.  Point 2 bears Hans in 190°T, 120 nm away.
		22.50		Incoming Radio Message 2215/29/819:  To clarify:  Point 1 lies therefore east of Gustav.  From 1 October slow southwest bound convoy expected.  Furthermore radio silence except for tactically important reports.  Remain unnoticed if possible.  After convoy operation for low-fuel boats supply in area of Point Ida is anticipated.
				4)  Forstner proceed so that ordered supply square can be reached with 10 cbm.
				5)  Reference points in envelope Cucumber for Heilmann.
		22.30		Came to course 70°.
		30.09.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 1684
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1006 mb, Vis. good
		04.00	AK 1668
		08.00	AK 2543
		12.00	AK 2526	Day's run Surfaced:  165 nm
		16.00	AK 2476	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 176°T, 38 nm.
			WNW 5, Sea 5, 6/10, 1002 mb, Vis. good
		20.00	AK 2482
		23.30		Dived, because the visibility was bad.  No sound bearings.
		01.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2636
			W 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1001 mb, Vis. medium
		00.33		Surfaced.
			[AD 8815 to AK 0339]	Incoming Radio Message 2351/30/833:  Only to Group Rossbach.  Officer-Only.  Contrary to previous orders on 1 October at 12.00 hours be in new patrol line from Point 3 to Point 4,  3 bears reference point Gustav in 238°T, 76 nm away.  Point 4 bears reference point in 185°T, 180 nm away.
		02.00		Came to course 30° to take up position in newly ordered disposition.  The convoy was still suspected further to the north.
		04.00	AK 3349
		08.00	AK 3197
		09.46		Incoming Radio Message 0931/1/835:  Finke occupy 1st position in Group Rossbach patrol line because Heilmann has still sent no passing report.  Reference point see keyword "Cucumber".  Proceed with caution.
		12.00	AK 3214	Day's run Surfaced:      228 nm
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, 1001 mb, Vis. 8 nm	"      Submerged:      1 nm
				229 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		01.10.43
		12.05		Back and forth in position on course 170° and 350°.
		16.00	AK 3217
			N 4, Sea 3, 5/10, momentary rain showers, 1005 mb, Vis. medium	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 45°T, 12 nm.
		20.00	AK 3218	"U-Engel" and "U-Hunger" met.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  There seems to be confusion about accurate navigation.
		20.45	[AD 8511 to AK 3834]	Incoming Radio Message 2002/1/850:  Only to Group Rossbach.  Officer-Only.  Shift patrol line ordered in Serial No. 833 60 nm in 350°T by 2 October 08.00 hours.  New order:  Speidel, Rendtel, Lauterbach, Engel, Hunger, Techand, Manseck, Deecke, Freyberg, Giersberg, Finke, Mäder and further as before.  No reports for late arrival.
		20.51	[mitgehender in original is a typo for ostgehender]	Incoming Radio Message 2015/1/851:  Group Rossbach:  Westbound convoy may be in the vicinity of "Forstner".  However if an eastbound convoy is sighted, do not operate on it.  Offered attack opportunities are to be utilized.
			So in addition to the ordered shift in Serial No. 850 I must move two positions further to the north.
		02.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AD 8577
			N 4, Sea 3-4, 5/10, 1009 mb, Vis. medium
		04.00	AD 8463
			N 3, Sea 3, 7/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good
		04.48		Test dive.
		08.55	AD 8168	Back and forth in new position 3.
			E 1, Swell, 7/10, 1008 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AD 8168	The barograph drops quite steeply.  Approaching low.
			SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1002 mb, Vis. medium	Day's run Surfaced:      181 nm
				"      Submerged:      1 nm
				182 nm
		16.00	AD 8161
			SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, 995 mb, Vis. 3 nm
		19.27		Incoming Radio Message 1855/2/861:  To Group Rossbach.  Officer-Only.  1)  Meeting the ONS-convoys can be expected in the line up to and including 3 October, from 3 October with the ON-convoy.  Therefore pay attention.
				2)  Cautious enemy commentary on the "Leuthen-convoy" confirm that the enemy has been dealt a severe blow.
		21.48		Dived because the listening conditions are far better then visibility conditions.
		03.10.43	North Atlantic
		08.40	AD 8165	Surfaced.  Visibility may have improved.
		10.28		Incoming Radio Message 2250/2/866:  To Group Rossbach.  Shift patrol line a further 50 nm in

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		03.10.43		Radio Message continued:
			[AD 8136 to AK 3629]	direction 350°.  For this from 00.00 hours on 3 October course 350°, 7 knots until reaching new position.
		12.00	AD 8138	Day's run Surfaced:       97 nm
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 3/10, 990 mb, Vis. 5-8 nm	"      Submerged:    22 nm
				119 nm
		12.55		4-engined land-based aircraft at altitude 2000 meters, range = 8000 meters.  In the clouds in passing flight.  Dived unnoticed to depth A -20 meters.
		14.23		Surfaced.
		16.00	AD 5794
			NNE 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain, 941 mb, Vis. up to 5 nm
		17.04		Dived to listen because visibility is too bad in the new position.
		17.32		9 aircraft bombs far off.
		17.45		7      "          "          "
		17.58		4      "          "          "
		21.55		Surfaced.
		22.27		Dived to listen.
		04.10.43	North Atlantic
		01.00	AD 5764	Surfaced.
			NNE 6, Sea 5, 9/10, 100 mb, Vis. medium
		02.12		Incoming Radio Message 1748/3/874:  To Group Rossbach.  Aircraft reported by Freyberg may be advanced reconnaissance or convoy escort.  Pay attention.
		03.34		Incoming Radio Message 2208/3/882:  To Group Rossbach.  Tonight pay attention and monitor reconnaissance area.  Report immediately any indication that the convoy is passing the line or passed the line by day.  3 or 4 boats were sighted by enemy air by day.
		03.44		Incoming Radio Message 0204/4/-:  On 3 October at 16.45 hours naval square AD 8511 after listening pursuit by U-boat hunting group heaviest depth charges.  Set off for repairs.  NNE 7, Sea 6, 1010 mb, Vis. good, 52 cbm.
				- from Engel -
		04.00	AD 5764	The massing of several aircraft reported in AD 8815 by U-610 and the hunting group reported by "U-Engel" in AD 8511, are certainly connected with the reported convoy. However no reports came from boats positioned in the vicinity.
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1004 mb, Vis. medium
		08.00	AD 5764
		10.10		Incoming Radio Message 0930/4/895:  At 10.00 hours course 90°, speed 8 knots.
		10.27		Came to course 90°.
		11.23	AD 5769	4-engined land-based aircraft from 30°T, altitude 800 meters, range = 7000 to 8000 meters in approach out of the clouds, no detection.  Anti-aircraft weapons manned.  Defensive fire.  Aircraft circled slowly coming closer despite the defensive fire from the boat.  Thank goodness the quad and both twins can be operated in the weather and are in service.  Approach from relative bearing
			NE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1015 mb, Vis. 8 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		04.10.43		130°T.  At 1000 meters the "Lancaster" answered our defensive fire with 2 cannons, but could not be forced to turn away.  Several hits on the aircraft were observed.
		11.38     11.44		6 bombs hit ahead to port between 10 and 150 meters.  6 detonations about 2-3 seconds later, very strong concussion in the boat.  "Landcaster" burned on both starboard engines and crashed.  The aircraft exploded on impact.  Because it was accepted that the aircraft crew would not get out and because initially there were no identifiable failures, dived to depth A -40 meters.  One lightly wounded.
				After diving determined failures:  14 cells of Battery II, suction piping for Battery II torn, 1 Eto, tube II cannot be completely opened, transmitter.
				The Short Signal sent by me at 11.40 hours "Was attacked by aircraft, AD 5769." was not acknowledged or the acknowledgment was not received, because reception conditions area very bad on Short Wave.
		12.00	AD 5769	Day's run Surfaced:      122 nm
			NE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1005 mb, Vis. medium	"      Submerged:    20 nm
				142 nm
				To repair the existing damage I remained submerged for the time being.  It turned out that the port side of the GHG had failed and even more cells of Battery II are probably failed.
		21.00	NE 1-2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1000 mb, Vis. 3 nm	Surfaced to charge.
				After surfacing was approached without locating by a 2-engined aircraft despite the darkness.  Forced off with anti-aircraft weapons and bluff shooting of red stars.  After that the aircraft turned away and set lights.  Circled the boat at about 2000 meters.  Then extinguished the lights again and was very difficult to make out.
		21.04		Recognized approach.  By well placed defensive fire the two twins fought effectively.  6 bombs miss the stern by 50 meters.  With that the aircraft was recognized as type "Lockheed Hudson".  It threw a light buoy and again circled the boat.
		21.25	AD 5791	Dived to depth A +20 meters.  No bombs, no new failures.
		05.10.43	North Atlantic
		02.05		Surfaced to charge, moved off further.
		04.02	AD 5776	Detection.  Dived to depth A -20 meters.  No sound bearings.
			NE 1-2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1001 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm
		06.00		Surfaced.  Came to course 230°.  Continued charging.
		07.44	AD 7336	Dived, because the battery is still not completely in service.  No sound bearings.  The transmitter is still not in service.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		05.10.43		Incoming Radio Message 1145/4/898:  Due to dropping out of "Engel", "Hunger" shift position 10 nm, "Techand" position 5 nm to the north.  Because of that the interval from Lauterback to Manseck is 20 nm.
		03.47		Incoming Radio Message 1947/4/808:  Group Rossbach set off from position line for 17.00 hours not at 21.00 hours on course 195°, day's run 150 nm, instead first on 5 October at 08.00 hours.  Last possibility to detect a convoy tonight.  Report any indications immediately.  Keep messages ready to send immediately.  Correct Radio Message Serial Nos 802 and 803 accordingly.
		04.00		Incoming Radio Message 1818/4/803:  To Hunger and Group Rossbach.  Hunger-report concerning destroyer and aircraft was of crucial importance for the overall operation and should have taken place with the full commitment of the boat.
		04.55		Incoming Radio Message 1740/4/802:  "Group Rossbach".  Stop.  From position which should have been reached at 17.00 hours, at 21.00 hours set off on course 195°, day's run 150 nm.
		05.00		Incoming Radio Message 1552/4/900:  From Hunger.  Daybreak hourly aircraft, course west.  Suspect to convoy.  Yesterday 21.00 hours destroyer square 11 westerly course,  Position square AD 85, Vis. good, 73 cbm.
		12.00	AD 7339	Day's run Surfaced:      58 nm
				"      Submerged:   26 nm
				84 nm
		15.32		Surfaced.  Air Bottle Groups 5 to 8 were loosened by the attack.  Bottle Group 6 is out of service.  Main ballast tank 8 must be reblown frequently.  Apparently it leaks.
		16.00	AD 7376
			NE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1002 mb, Vis. good
		17.00		Incoming Radio Message Serial No. 4/803:  Beginning [of the Radio Message] unclear.  . . . . . 2)  Tonight 21.00 hours from 17.00 position proceed on course 195°, day's run 150 nm.  Proceed such that possibly the enemy will not recognize the withdrawal movement.  With unfavorable weather conditions or too strong air reconnaissance proceed submerged by day if necessary, at night run at higher speed. 3)  Intention is:  to pick up Eastbound convoy about in square AK 80-90 and supply low-fuel boats in the known area.  Tonight Heilmann report position and Krüger fuel inventory.  5)  Low-fuel boats which for personnel or material reasons cannot conduct further operations after supply, report this tonight.  Add fuel.
				I take up my position in the new reconnaissance line proceeding south again.

Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		05.10.43
		18.00		Crash dive for aircraft bearing 95°T, altitude 1000 meters, range = 9000 meters.  Dived to depth A meters.
		19.52		Surfaced.  Detection.
				Dived to depth A -20 meters.  No sound bearing.
		20.00	AD 8413
		22.25		Surfaced.
		06.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AD 8427
			SE 2, Sea 1, Swell, 8/10, 1004 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm
		00.15		Incoming Radio Message 2116/5/834:  Lauterbach and Rollmann report weather tonight.
		04.00	AD 8812
			SSW 2, Swell 1, 8/10, 1005 mb, Vis. 3-5 nm	Came to course 195°, in reconnaissance line proceeding to the south.
		09.22		Outgoing Radio Message 0322/6/843:  From Lauterbach.
				1)  Damage after shooting down "Lancaster" and fended off bombs from "Hudson" on 4 October.  14 cells Battery II, Bottle Group 6, GHG, temporarily transmitter.  2)  AD 8577, 162 cbm.  3)  SW 2, shifting right, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, Stratocumulus, 1005 rising.
		10.30		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 3123	Day's run Surfaced:      177 nm
				"      Submerged:    22 nm
				199 nm
		17.55		Surfaced.
		20.00	AK 3185
		18.45	SW 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1002 mb, Vis. 8-10 nm     [AK 3972 to AK 9291]	Incoming Radio Message 1259/6/851:  1)  Hungershausen, Lamby join Group "Rossbach"  2)  Group "Rossbach in new order:  Speidel, Rendtel, Lauterbach, Hunger, Dauter, Freyberg, Giersberg, Finke, Mäder, Ferro, Purkhold, Baltz, Bork, Krüger, Hungershausen, Lamby.  On 8 October at 00.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 3972 to AK 9291, course 220°, speed 5 knots.  Additionally for Mäder:  North point bears Point Lucie in 238°T, 171 nm away.  South point bears Point Anton in 214°T, 213 nm away.  3)  Eastbound convoy expected from 00.00 hours.  4)  After detection Purkhold return transit. 5)  No reports concerning not arriving on time.
		20.43		Incoming Radio Message 2018/6/860:  Group Rossbach from now radio silence except for tactically important reports.  Use favorable weather conditions to get ahead.  From morning freshening winds from S to SW are expected.
		07.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3367
			SW 5, Sea 3-4, 7/10, rain showers, 1001 mb, Vis. 2-5 nm
		04.00	AK 3529
			SW 5, Sea 3, overcast, 998 mb, Vis. 1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		07.10.43
		08.00	AK 3588
			S 4, Sea 3, overcast, 993 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm
		09.30		Detection.  Dived to depth A -20 meters, no sound bearings.
		12.00	AK 3728	Day's run Surfaced:      124 nm
				"      Submerged:    17 nm
				141 nm
		13.34		Surfaced.  Fog and Swell.  Light damage and rattles in the over deck corrected.  Bottle Group 5 and 8 can still not be secured for now because the danger of surprise is too great.  Bottle Group 6 lies completely transverse below the over deck.  Damage to main ballast tank 8 cannot be determined, however must still be re-blown frequently.  Bottle Groups 5, 7 and 8 bang in the seas violently.  The possibility of failure must be expected.
		14.10		Incoming Radio Message 1157/7/873:  Group Rossbach.
				Additional eastbound convoy by radio direction finding about at the longitude of AK 62.  Meeting is possible.  Report sightings and indications immediately.  Expect escort aircraft.
		16.15		Incoming Short Signal:  1613/7/874:  One destroyer square AK 6196 easterly course.    -U-731-
		16.30		Operated on destroyer reported by "Techand" on course 125,° under the assumption that the destroyer belongs to a convoy.
		17.22		Incoming Radio Message 1700/7/876:  Group Rossbach.
				1)  Techand hold contact if possible.  Boats in the vicinity operate on Techand report at highest speed.  May be a convoy escort.  3)  Remaining boats run at transit speed to the east until there is clarity concerning the convoy.  4)  If it is a convoy all boats operate on it at highest speed.
		20.00	AK 3794
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 987 mb, Vis. medium
		20.30		Incoming Short Signal 2000/7/880:  One destroyer AK 6272.    - U-448 -
				The reported convoy seems to be confirmed.
		21.14		Incoming Short Signal 2111/7/881:  Was attacked by aircraft, AK 5589.    - U-378 -
		21.55		Incoming Short Signal 2157/7/882:  Two destroyers AK 6258.  - U-758 -
		23.27		Incoming Radio Message 2245/7/885:  Rossbach:  1) "Manseck"-report seems to confirm suspicion of convoy.  2)  All boats operate on "Manseck"-report at highest speed.  There is only a little bit of room left to the east. 3)  Even former Rossbach boats are clear to operate on the convoy if the position is favorable and the boats are operable.

Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		07.10.43		4)  Knock off destroyers.  Sinking ships makes up for the long wait!
		23.47		Came to course 160°, under the assumption, that the convoy steers a course of approximately 90°, aimed for the entrance to the North Channel.
		08.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 0319
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain showers, 990 mb, Vis. 5 nm
		01.17		A faint light bearing 90°T.  Turned towards it under the assumption that it might belong to a vessel of the convoy.
		00.11		Incoming Radio Message 2020/7/887:  From Freyberg.  Contact on "Dauter-destroyer" from naval square AK 6246 to 76, then forced to submerge.  No convoy sounds.
		00.30		Incoming Radio Message 2020/7/886:  From Dauter. 1) After new navigation fix naval square AK 6243 overrun by 2 destroyers.  NE-course.  1st transit speed, 2nd high speed.  Interval 40 minutes.  No convoy sound bearings.
		02.12		Incoming Radio Message 0149/8/892:  Reported destroyers had NE-course.  22.00 hours stern tube on destroyer, target angle 110°, range = 1500 meters.  After 1 minutes 05 seconds detonation.  Sinking sounds, no depth charges.  31 cbm, WNW 3, 997 mb, Vis. 12 nm, back side.
				- from Manseck -
		02.15		Incoming Radio Message 0155/8/891:  From Freyberg.  Star shells and destroyer searchlights in naval square AK 6293.
				Crew is at Action Stations, all tubes are flooded and ready.
		02.31		Outgoing Radio Message 0202/8/893:  From Lauterbach.  Hold contact on unknown vessel AK 0358, course 60°, high speed.
				Despite GF I do not catch up and because of the set lights and because of the fact that the ship runs in the vicinity of the Swedish Route I came to the conclusion that it was a neutral, gave up the pursuit and operated further on the convoy.
		04.52	AK 0335	Outgoing Radio Message 0410/8/896:  Vessel in Serial No. 893 with set lights suspect Swede.  Broke off pursuit AK 0335.  SW 4, Swell 3, Vis. good, 993 mb.
				- from Lauterbach -
				In the mean time "U-419" had reported once 2 destroyers in AK 6267 on NE course, however, so far no sighting reports of the convoy have been received.  Dauter, Freyberg and Hille report each 2 or 3 destroyers which apparently were detached as search groups from the convoy to distract the U boats.
		05.50		Incoming Radio Message 0453/8/899:  Rossbach.  Because the various sighting reports cannot be the same destroyers, it must be the remote escort of an eastbound convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		08.10.43		Continue to search in large legs at highest speed.
				Because I have the seas from nearly ahead, I do not want to lose my already endangered bottle groups by running at highest speed.   I now operate on a convoy course of 70°.
		07.10		An explosion column observed at long range in 220°T.
		07.23		Detection.  Dived.
		08.15	AK 0395	Surfaced.
			SW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, 994 mb, Vis. 12 nm	During the entire time of surfacing detection with Volume between 1 and 2.  I came to course 90°.
		08.24		Launched "Aphrodite".
		08.57		From 6000-7000 meters a 2-engined land-based aircraft out of the clouds.  Crash dived.  At depth A -40 meters 2 aircraft bombs, no damage.
		09.10		Went to periscope depth, aircraft circled in the clouds.
		06.24		Incoming Radio Message 0545/8/802:  Group Rossbach.
				1)  From 12.30 hours own BV 222 for reconnaissance in convoy area.  Large flying boat 6-engine BV.  On detecting convoy sends Bearing Signals as contact keeper Bruno in accordance with Kriegsmarine Order No. 211 a.  From 12.00 hours stand by for bearing signals. If there are no U-boats at the convoy, report bearing signals immediately.
		11.55		Surfaced.
		11.57		Dived after detection growing louder
				Propeller sounds and Asdic locating.  Went to depth A +40 meters.  Propeller sounds were louder.  However were lost again.
		15.10		Surfaced, came to course 90°.  The visibility is bad and changes between 3 and 10 nm.
		16.45		Dived after rising detection.
		17.37		Surfaced.  I did not receive the Bearing Signals of the BV however in accordance with Radio Message 0917/8/811 a meeting was expected about 15.00 hours.
		16.18		Incoming Radio Message 1438/8/819:  Group Rossbach.
				BV reported 13.40 hours convoy in naval square AL 4138, course 90°, speed 8 knots.  35 ships.
		17.40		Incoming Radio Message 1705/8/822:  Group Rossbach.
				According to B-Diesnt not more than 3 aircraft are at the convoy.
		17.57		Dived for detection.
		20.10	AL 1985	Surfaced.  Came to course 90°.
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, 993, Vis. bad	Pursued. I search north of the convoy course.
		22.16		Incoming Radio Message 1920/8/828:  To Rossbach.  Boats must make every effort to get ahead of the plotted convoy, so that after sighting all boats can reach the convoy quickly.
		22.58		Incoming Radio Message 1648/8/821:  Group Rossbach.
				The convoy reported by own air at 14.30 hours on easterly

Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		08.10.43		course in naval square AL 4138 is the searched for convoy.  2)  Air report is not reliable, therefore boats on northerly latitudes also search to the north, boats on southerly latitudes also to the south of the reported enemy position.  Boats in the vicinity of the convoy pursue precisely.  No regard to air, because there is no time to lose, all boats remain on the surface if anti-aircraft weapons are operable.  4)  Go at highest speed.  All boats must be close by darkness.  Tonight is the last opportunity.
		09.10.43	North Atlantic.
		00.00	AL 0149
			SSW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, 994 mb, Vis. below 3 nm
		03.10		Incoming Radio Message 0248/9/839:  23.40 hours T V miss on destroyer, naval square AL 5112, then depth charges from 2 destroyers.  No convoy sound bearings.
				- U-91 -
		04.00	AL 2949
			SSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 1 nm
		05.12		Incoming Radio Message 0502/9/842:  Position naval square AL 5219, breaking search off, going to supplier.  19 cbm.  S 5, Vis. 1-2 nm, rain, 997 mb.    - from Manseck -
		05.20		Incoming Radio Message 0500/9/843:  Rossbach.  Continue on to the position where the plotted convoy would be at lightness.  If you cannot be ahead of the plotted position by lightness, break off and head to the west.
				Because I cannot get ahead by lightness, I broke off the search.
		07.10		Outgoing Radio Message 0610/9/849:  1)  Broke off search square AL 2992.  Still 140 cbm.  All torpedoes.  2)  09.00 hours 8 October 2 aircraft bombs AK 0395, no damage.  3)  Request remote area for the purpose of repairing loose bottle groups 5 to 7.  4)  SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 993 mb.    - from Lauterbach -
		07.11		Dived.  Detection.
		10.33		Incoming Radio Message 0832/9/847:  To Rossbach.  All boats break off search and set off to the west.
		08.00	AL 2959	Set off to the west.
		11.30		3 distant depth charge series.
		12.00	AL 2958	Day's run Surfaced:      164.5 nm
				"      Submerged:    23.0 nm
				187.5 nm
		21.15		Surfaced.
		23.25		Incoming Radio Message 2230/9/860:  1)  Rossbach boats set off to the west up to the longitude of AK 65.  Economical fuel consumption.  2)  . . . . . . . .
		10.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 0164
			W 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers, 999 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		10.10.43
		04.00	AL 0121
		08.00	AL 1848
		11.07		Dived, depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 1763	Day's run Surfaced:      105 nm
				"      Submerged:     16 nm
				121 nm
		16.00	AL 1765
		18.00		Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 1728
			SSW 6, Sea 6, nearly overcast, Vis. bad
		11.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1712
			SSW 5, Sea 6, overcast, rain, 991 mb, Vis. bad
		04.00	AK 3694
		08.00	AK 3697
		11.05		Dived because because I do not want to expose my strongly beating bottle group 5 to 8 so much to the increasing seas.
		12.00	AK 3681	Day's run Surfaced:      120 nm
				"      Submerged:     10 nm
				130 nm
		20.55		Surfaced to charge.
		22.31		Incoming Radio Message 1520/11/890:  Former Rossbach boats that are not on return transit, or in transit to the supplier, further Scheibe, Lamby and Wenzel remain about in square 70.  Do not cross the latitude and longitude of square 7110 to the west and north.  Economical fuel consumption. 2)  Poel, Witzendorf and Struckmeier head for square 75 with day's run 140 nm.  3)  With named boats disposition in line on 16 October about in the area of square 37 anticipated.  4)  All square AK.
		12.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3648	Remained on the surface to charge.  However made little way through the water.
			WSW 10, Sea 8, 5/10, showers, 983 mb, Vis. good
		02.44		Outgoing Radio Message 0010/12/801:  From Lauterbach.
				1)  Bottle Group 8 failed.  Groups 5 and 7 endangered from strong banging.  Moving off to the south.  2)  AK 3648, 129 cbm.  W 9, Sea 8, 982 mb, occluded front back-side weather.
				Came to the SE.
		04.00	AK 3649
		08.00	AK 3684
		11.47		Outgoing Radio Message 1135/12/130/811:  1)  8 further cells of Battery II, with this total failure because there is no bridging.  Request return transit.  2)  SW 8, Swell 7, Vis. 10 nm.  Fractostratus, 987 mb rising.    - from Lauterbach -
				Radio Message was sent on Ireland Circuit because on Hubertus Circuit there are bad transmitting and receiving conditions.
		12.00	AK 3825	Day's run Surfaced:      44 nm
				"      Submerged:   16 nm
				60 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		12.10.43
		12.57		Incoming Radio Message 1231/12/812:  Grave . . . . 2)  Lauterbach return transit France.  3)  . . . .
				Began return transit.
		16.00	AK 3859
		18.45		Incoming Short Signal 1814/12/818:  Aircraft attacked with a bomb, BD 3423.    - U-731 -
		19.20		Incoming Radio Message 1905/12/821:  "Techand" reports 18.53 hours boat heavily damaged, sinking, naval square BD 3426.
		19.45		Incoming Radio Message 1923/12/823:  Boats in the vicinity of Techand, "Bartke", "Poel", "Witzendorf", "Struckmeier" as far as fuel allows go to Techand in naval square BD 3426.  Report on meeting.
				I am about 450 nm away from "Techand"; fortunately "Bork" and "Manseck" are closer,
		20.00	AK 3894
			SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, showers
		21.37		Incoming Radio Message 2107/12/827:  1)  Portugal has provided the Azores as a base for the Allies.  2)  For now, Portuguese warships and merchant ships are to be handled as neutral.  Attack free if the Portuguese initiate attack.  3)  Expect operation of enemy air from the Azores.
				That means that from now there will be strong enemy air even in this area.
		23.42		Incoming Radio Message 2250/12/831:  For boats assigned to "Techand" continue search for rubber boats even after lightness.  Be especially careful.
		13.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 0366
		01.20		Incoming Short Signal 2317/12/834:  Am fully operational.    - U-731 -
		01.26		Incoming Radio Message 0056/12/836:  "Techand" reports fully operational.  Break off search.
		04.00	AL 4112
		08.00	AL 4154
		11.12		Test dive.
		12.00	AL 4486	Day's run Surfaced:      192 nm
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 6/10, showers, 1002 mb, Vis. good	"      Submerged:      1 nm
				193 nm
		16.00	AL 4738
		17.51		Incoming Radio Message 1732/13/840:  According to B-Dienst report American units were in detected naval square BD 3919.
				Possibly something will still run before the tubes there.
		17.57		Incoming Radio Message 1735/13/841:  1)  . . . .  2)  Bork, Ferro, Lauterbach on 14 October switch to Ireland Circuit.  3)  . . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		13.10.43
		18.43		Incoming Radio Message 1818/13/845:  Lauterbach, Marbach and Barber report weather by Short Signal between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
		19.40		Incoming Radio Message 1710/13/843:  Return harbors:  . . . . Lorient:  Lauterbach, U-419.
		20.00	AL 4877
		14.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 7249
		03.16		Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  Air pressure rising, 52°50'N, 24°28'W, 1003-1004 mb, medium-high uniform Stratus clouds, shower weather with medium to strong winds from the SW.  Vis. moderate up to 5 nm.  W-Wind shifting to the right.  Stronger wind Strength 6.  Wind has abated, Swell unchanged, high (over 4 meters), medium-long W-Swell, Air +10°C, Water +11°C.    - U-539 -
		04.00	AL 7551
		08.00	AL 7823
		11.28		Test dive.
		12.00	AL 7895	Day's run Surfaced:      236 nm
				"      Submerged:       2 nm
				238 nm
		16.00	BE 1132
		20.00	BE 1274
		15.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 1581
		04.00	BE 1865
		08.00	BE 4327
		08.20		Dived.
		12.00	BE 4355	Day's run Surfaced:      228 nm
				"      Submerged:       9 nm
				237 nm
		20.49	BE 4383	Surfaced.
		16.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 5444
		02.10		Incoming Radio Message 0156/16/130:  English units located 21.55 hours in BE 6610.
		04.00	BE 5729
		08.00	BE 8215
		08.15		Dived.
		12.00	BE 8243	Day's run Surfaced:      160 nm
				"      Submerged:     17 nm
		20.00	BE 8257	177 nm
		20.55		Surfaced.
		17.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8161
		01.45		Incoming Radio Message 1825/16/155:  1)  Löder and Vogler switch to Ireland Circuit on 17 October at 08.00 hours, Ferro and Lauterbach Coastal Circuit.  2)  . . . .
		08.00	BE 8878
		08.12		Dived to depth A -20 meters.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  242°T, 45 nm.
		12.00	BE 8879	Day's run Surfaced:      165 nm
				"      Submerged:     24 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		17.10.43
		20.46	BE 8889	Surfaced.
		18.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8976
		08.00	BE 9756	Dived to depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 9764	Day's run Surfaced:      150 nm
				"      Submerged:    15 nm
				165 nm
		20.10	BE 9766	Surfaced.
		22.20	BE 9842	Detection.  Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		23.55	BE 9843	Surfaced.
		19.10.43	North Atlantic
		00.05		Detection, dived to depth A meters.
		02.12		Surfaced.
		07.30	BE 9953	Dived to depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 9926	Day's run Surfaced:      110 nm
				"      Submerged:    21 nm
				131 nm
		20.00	BE 9962	Surfaced.
		20.10.43	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7762
		02.37		Cape Villano bearing 138°T, distance 25 nm.
		04.00	BF 7863	Some illuminated fishing vessels avoided.
		07.09		Dived to depth A meters.  At the limit of the 200-meter line.
		12.00	BF 7699	Day's run Surfaced:      155 nm
				"      Submerged:    20 nm
				175 nm
		20.07	BF 8476	Surfaced.
		22.30		Headed for Point Kern on course 17°.
		23.53	BF 8542	Detection, dived to depth A meters.
		21.10.43	Bay of Biscay
		04.12	BF 8518	Surfaced.
		06.37		Detection, dived to depth A meters.
		12.00	BF 8252	Day's run Surfaced:      94 nm
				"      Submerged:   34 nm
				128 nm
		20.03	BF 8226	Surfaced.
		20.27		Outgoing Short Signal:  2027/21/15:  Position 36 hours off meeting point with escort.    - U-539 -
		22.10.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.45	BF 5765	Dived.  Went to depth A +40 meters for rising moon.
		01.48		Surfaced.
		04.49	BF 5463	Dived to depth A -20 meters.  Back and forth in position at Point Kern.
		12.00	BF 5493	Day's run Surfaced:     106 nm
				"      Submerged:   25 nm
				131 nm
		14.31		Incoming Radio Message 1000/22/27:  To U-539 from 10.Uflottille.
				Escort positioned on 23 October at 08.30 hours at Point Lampe.
		22.30		Surfaced.
		22.55		Outgoing Short Signal 2255/22/40:  Request Bearing Signal Transmitter Lorient 1.    - U-539 -

	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		22.10.43		Radio Message was received garbled by Control.
		23.37		Incoming Radio Message 1457/22/32:  To Lauterbach.
				In Serial No. 27 must mean:  Escort positioned at Point Laterne.
		23.10.43
		00.26		Incoming Radio Message 2337/22/41:  Short Signal 2256/22/40 on Coastal Circuit garbled.  Deduced contents:  U-539 requests Radio Beacon from Transmitter 1 Lorient.  Serial No. 40 settled.
				Point Laterne is not at hand on board, 00.20 hours
		00.20		Outgoing Radio Message 2353/22/160/42:  Point Laterne unknown here.    - from Lauterbach -
				Radio Message was sent on Ireland Circuit, because of strong interference on Coastal Radio Circuit.
		01.43		First Bearing Signals from Lorient Transmitter 1.  Boat was positioned to the south.
		02.32		Incoming Radio Message 0130/23/43:  To Lauterbach from F.d.U. West. Officer-Only.  Point Laterne lies at 47°36.5W, and 3°39.0'W on Route Kernleder, between Point 352 and L 2.
				Ran in on Route Kernleder.
		08.29		Taken in convoy by 2 escort vessels at Point Laterne.  While proceeding on the surface anti-aircraft weapons manned.
		10.30	Lorient	Made fast Skorff Bunker.  Switched off the radio.
				On board 23 October 1943.
				Oblt.z.S. and Kmdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.43

 

	Enclosures to U-539's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio	Excerpt of the radio log

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-539" (Lauterbach-Emden) from 24.2. - 23.10.43.
	First patrol of the boat and the Kommandanten.  The boat operated in Group Rossbach.  Several aircraft attacks were coolly and skillfully fended off, the favorability of the situation was quickly recognized and exploited.  On 8 October the dive was too late, the boat remained undamaged by luck.
	Accredited success:  1 Lancaster shot down.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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