U-557 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	13 May 1941	Lorient	10 July1941	59

 

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
29 May 41	20.42 - 21.29	55°09'N, 39°55'W	EMPIRE STORM	7,290	British	HX-128
			Total = 7,290
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 

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				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  557  "
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				(1st War Patrol)
				Beginning:  13.2.41  (Commissioning)
				Ending:       11.7.41
			Kommandant:        Oberleutnant z.S.  P  a  u  l  s  s  e  n
				Distribution: 2 x O.K.M.  Skl. U   1 x B.d.U. Op.   1 x B.d.U. Org.   1 x 1. U.-Flottille   1 x Boot.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		13.02.41	Hamburg	Commissioning.
			Blohm und Voss,
			Shipyard harbor
		14.02. - 15.02.41	"          "	Dry docked. Work on the N.S. system.
		16.02.41	"          "	Transit to Kiel.  Made fast alongside "LECH".
		17.02. - 23.03.41	Kiel, Tirpitzmole	Began U.A.K. testing.
		24.02.41
		14.00	Kiel	Dry docked to ballast.
		25.02.41
		12.00	Kiel	Undocked.
		26.02. - 03.03.41	Kiel	U.A.K. testing in Kiel harbor due to ice.
		04.03. - 06.03.41	Baltic	Transit to Gotenhafen with 24. U.-Flottille and ice escort.
		07.03. - 11.03.41	Gotenhafen	8-hour AK cruise.
				T.E.K. testing completed.
		08.03.41
		11.30	Gotenhafen Approach fog	Training torpedo hit port side astern.
		12.03. - 25.03.41	Danzig Neufahrwasser	At the disposal of the 25. U.-Flottille.  Independent training and torpedo firing.
		13.03. - 18.03.41	Danzig Schichau Werft	Repairs to diving plane damage due to jamming.  Dent in the after ship from torpedo hit welded over.
		26.03. - 03.04.41	Gotenhafen and Eastern Baltic	At the disposal of the 27. U.-Flottille.  Tactical training.
		03.04.41	Gotenhafen	Artillery firing.  Transit to Rønne (Bornholm).
		04.04.41	Bornholm	Sound trial off Hasle.  Brief stops in Rønne morning and evening.
		04.04. - 05.04.41	Baltic	Transit to Kiel.
		06.04. - 11.04.41	Kiel	Final adjustments and overhaul Deutsche Werke.  Cessation of work as a result of damage to the shipyard by aircraft attack.

	- 2 -
		12.04. - 13.04.41	Baltic	Transit to Königsberg.
		14.04. - 06.05.41	Königsberg	Completion of the remaining work at Schichau Königsberg.
		05.05.41	Eastern Baltic	Shipyard sea trial and deep diving test.
		06.05. - 07.05.41	Baltic	Transit to Kiel.
		08.05. - 12.05.41	Kiel	Equipping and repair of diesel compressor damage.  Degaussing and magnetic compass calibration.
		13.05.41	Kiel Tirpitzmole
		13.30	NW 4-5, overcast, Vis. good	Cast off for 1st war patrol together with U-66.  Equipped with 4 G 7a, 10 G 7e.
		14.00	Holtenau	Through the lock.  Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.
		16.00	Kaiser Wilhelm Canal	Brief aircraft alarm.  Continued transit.
		20.30	Brunsbüttel Koog	Made fast inner harbor.
		14.05.41	Brunsbüttel Koog
		12.15	N 1-2, overcast, Vis. good	Cast off from the inner harbor.  Through the lock.
			Elbe	Down the Elbe in convoy of Sperrbrecher X.
		18.30	Elbe	Passed Elbe position I.
				Transit on Route "Braun".
		21.25	Southern North Sea	At Point H released by Sperrbrecher X.  Began transit through Route "Blau".  Remained at 10 knots behind U-66.
			NNW 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		24.00	AN 9515	2 x HF, course 340°.
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast, occasionally bright moon
		15.05.41	Southern North Sea
		04.00	AN 6638	Dived at dawn.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast	Put the boat on the bottom in depth T = 25 meters. [actual depth 50 meters]
		12.00	AN 6638	Day's run:  Surfaced    = 153 nm
				Submerged =  4.5 nm = 157.5 nm.
		12.30 - 13.30	AN 6635	Surfaced for crash dive training, subsequently depth control training.
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. good
				Boat put on the bottom depth T = 25 meters. [50 meters]

	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		15.05.41
		21.30	NNW 4, Sea 3-4, partial overcast, Vis. changing, rain squalls	Surfaced.  Transit continued on the surface.  2 x HF, course 0°.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 110°T, 5 nm
		16.05.41	North Sea
		00.00	AN 6395
		04.00	AN 3878
			NNW 3, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. very good
		05.00	AN 3872	Left the warning area.  Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth T = 15 meters. [30 meters]
		08.00	AN 3848
		12.00	AN 3845	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 92 nm
				Submerged = 13.5 nm = 105.5 nm.
		13.00 to	AN 3818	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		14.15		Continued submerged transit.
		20.00	AN 3812
		22.15	AN 3811	Surfaced.  Shortly after surfacing 2 aircraft (land-based aircraft) with westerly course observed in the periscope, course 355°, 12 knots.
			WNW 1-2, Sea 2, lightly overcast, Vis. good
		22.17		Radio Message 2141/16/60 received:
				U-66, U-557 from B.d.U. exit north of the Faroes.
		17.05.41	Northern North Sea, Norway coast
		00.00	AN 3544
		04.00	AN 3434	I decide to remain on the surface from now, because the 4 hour nights are too short for a normal advance as well as to charge the battery.
			NNW 1-2, Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good
				Very slight air surveillance in the North Sea.
				Course 310°, 14 knots.
		07.40	AN 3141	Dived for aircraft.  Used the opportunity to work on the torpedoes.
		11.00	AN 3117	Surfaced.  Surface transit, course 335°, 14 knots.
			SW 1-2, Swell, lightly overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AN 4336	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 135 nm
				Submerged =   20 nm = 155 nm.
		16.00	AN 2822
		17.50 - 18.20	AN 2381	Dived for aircraft.
		21.25 - 22.01	AF 7998	Dived for aircraft (Do 17).  Sighted drifting mine.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		17.05.41
		23.00		Short Signal sent:  Have passed 60°50'N in the North Sea.
		18.05.41	Northern North Sea, north of the Shetlands
		00.00	AF 7967	Diesel air compressor out of service.  Can no longer repair with on board means.  I believe that completion of the patrol is not endangered thereby.
			WNW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	AF 7676	Course 290°, 12 knots.
			SSW 2, Sea 1, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium
		07.00	North Sea
			AF 7568	Drifting mine sighted.
		07.35 - 09.35	AF 7567	Dived for test dive.  At the same time completed repair to cylinder I of the port diesel.
		10.02	AF 7579	Dived for aircraft.  Remained submerged due to bad weather.
			Vis. bad
		12.00	AF 7555	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 247 nm
			E 1, Sea 1, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium	Submerged =     8 nm = 255 nm.
		12.50		Surfaced.
		13.50	AF 7554	Drifting mine sighted.
		14.00 - 20.00		Starboard diesel out of service.  Fixed damage on the surface.
		20.00	AF 7426
			NNE, Sea 1, Swell, clear, Vis. very good
		19.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AF 7174
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good, partial overcast
		04.00	AE 9262
		06.00		Faroe Islands in sight on the horizon bearing 180°.  Moved further off on northerly course.
		08.00	AE 9242	Course 252°, 12 knots.
			NW 1-2, Sea 1-2, partial overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AE 9157	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 246 nm
				Submerged =  1.5 nm = 247.5 nm.
		16.00	AE 8397
		20.00	AE 8491	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 60°T, 2 nm.
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good
		20.05.41	Atlantic, northwest of the Faroe Islands
		00.00	AE 8558
		04.00	AE 8547

	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		20.05.41
		09.00 - 11.00	AE 8491	Dived for test dive.  Work on the torpedoes.
			SSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	AE 8484	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 214 nm
				Submerged =  3.4 nm = 217.4 nm.
				Use of weapons is limited due to the sea state.
				For the time being I do not operate on the convoy report received from U-94 at 16.55 hours on 19 May and the following contact keeper signals. The distance is still too great. My course of 248° almost brings me to him.
		14.30 - 17.15	AE 8711	Dived due to bad visibility.
			SSW 6, Sea 5-6, occasional fog, Vis. very bad
		20.00	AE 7934
			SSW 4-5, Sea 5, overcast, squalls, Vis. greatly changing
		21.05.41	Atlantic south of Iceland
		00.00	AE 7942
		06.30 - 10.12	AE 7883	Dived due to bad visibility.
			SW 2, Sea 2-3, heavy W-Swell, fog
		12.00	AE 7877	The distance to the reported "Kuppisch"-convoy still amounts to 540 nm.  I operate on it on course 270°, 12 knots.
			SW 2-3, Sea 3-4, heavy W-Swell, overcast, Vis. greatly changing
				Day's run:  Surfaced     = 149 nm
				Submerged =    3 nm = 162 nm.
		16.00	AE 7787
		20.00	AD 8991
		21.40	AD 8988	Radio Message 2106/21/113 received with the order to occupy AK 51.  Because we are not to operate on the convoy to the north, I change course to 225°.
		22.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1127
			W 3-4, heavy Swell, overcast, Vis. changing
		04.00	AK 3295
		08.00	AK 3443	At ordered position report by Short Signal.
		12.00	AK 3397	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 242 nm
				Submerged =   1.3 nm = 243.3 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		22.05.41
		13.15 - 18.30	WNW 5, Sea 5, partial overcast, squalls, Vis. changing	Dived to work on the torpedoes and and to repair cylinder I of the port diesel.  Exhaust valve can not be removed.  Cylinder was placed out of service.
		20.00	AK 2621 [AJ 6115 to AK 7215]	Radio Message 2050/22/148 received with orders to form a patrol line.  Course and speed temporarily maintained, because they lead approximately to the ordered position.
				Course 225°, 12 knots.
		23.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2679
			WSW 4, Sea 5, overcast, squalls, Vis. greatly changing
		04.00	AK 2764
		08.00	AK 2915
		12.00	AK 0163	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 210 nm
			W 4-5, Sea 5, overcast, squalls, Vis. changing, frequently under 500 meters	Submerged =      6 nm = 216 nm.
				Up to now still not a single vessel sighted.
		16.00	AK 0188
		20.00	AK 5118	Course 245°, 10 knots.
		24.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 4358
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast
		04.00	AK 4289
		08.00	AK 4521
			Greatly freshening, W 6-7, Sea 5, squalls, Vis. medium
		12.00	AK 4439	Course 270°.
				Radio Message 0926/24/192 received, that assigns us a new position in the patrol line due to the falling out of U-109 and U-111.
				Day's run:  Surfaced     = 178 nm
				Submerged =      0 nm = 178 nm.
		13.00 - 16.00	AK 4429	Dived for test dive and to work on the torpedoes.
			SW 7-8, Sea 7, squalls, Vis. good, lightly cloudy
		19.30		Incoming Radio Message 1808/24/106 with report concerning the BISMARCK combat on 24 May.
		20.00	AK 4417
		21.23	AJ 6628	Incoming Radio Message 1613/24/199 and continuation (Officer Only) with orders to form patrol line from square AJ 6815 to square AJ 6895
			W 8-9, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. medium
				Headed for square AJ 6855.  Would have reached position by 05.30 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		24.05.41
		23.45	AJ 6658	Incoming Radio Message 2255/24/114 with orders to form patrol line from square AJ 6115 to square AK 7215
				Because the old order did not apply instead it was ordered U-93, U-43, U-46, U-557, U-66, I steer for square AJ 6685.  U-46 back to my old position.
				Course 180°, 7 knots.
				For 4 days no further navigation fix!
		25.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.30	AJ 6922	Back and forth in position in patrol line.
			Wind calm
		03.30		Incoming Radio Message 0246/25/119 with orders:
				Course east.
				Came to course 90° and initially to 7 knots.
		08.00	AK 4713	Speed 12 knots.
			SE 1, heavy W-Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 4812	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 182 nm
				Submerged =   5.5 nm = 187.5 nm.
		16.00	AK 4597	Through Radio Messages received we share in the "BISMARCK" drama.  Unfortunately, we cannot help.
		20.00	AK 4679
		23.00		Radio Message 2232/25/143 with orders to form patrol line from AJ 6115 to AK 7215 cancelled.
				Turned back on course 270°.
		26.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 4689	External main ballast and reserved fuel oil tanks II and IV converted to serve as ballast tanks.
			SSW 2, Sea 2, W-Swell, overcast, Vis. medium to bad
		04.00	AK 4677
		07.00	AK 4598	Dived due to fog.
		11.00	AK 4588	Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 4587	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 120 nm
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, fog	Submerged =     6 nm = 126 nm.
		13.20		Reported by Short Signal:  Still have half of my fuel oil.
				Because I still have all of my torpedoes on board, I decide to report the current fuel inventory to prepare for a supply at sea.
		13.25	AK 4579	Dived again due to fog.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.41

	- 8 -
		continued
		26.05.41
		19.45	AK 4499	Surfaced.  Course 270°, 5 knots.  Headed for position in patrol line.
		20.20	AK 4499	Incoming Radio Message 1842/26/170 with orders to be moving back and forth in patrol line from 22.00 hours.  Can not reach the ordered position before 04.00 hours on 27 May .
		22.40		Incoming Radio Message 2121/26/179 with the report concerning inclusion of "U-111" in the patrol line.
				Therefore I must head for AK 6935.
		27.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 4479
			WSW 1-2, Swell, fog
		04.00	AJ 6689	Reached patrol line.  Joined in the current course.
				Running back and forth between square AJ 6689 and square AJ 6935.
		12.00 - 15.45		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 115 nm
				Submerged =      9 nm = 124 nm.
				Dived due to fog.  Visibility 100-50 meters.
		17.15 - 23.20		"       "         "            "          "          "
		28.05.41	North Atlantic
			SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Swell, Vis. good	Back and forth in position in patrol line.
				Day's run:  Surfaced     = 55 nm
				Submerged =    9 nm = 64 nm.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 170°T, 13 nm.
				Position amended.
		29.05.41	North Atlantic	Back and forth in position in patrol line
		11.50		Incoming Radio Message 1116/29/178 with orders concerning forming new patrol line.  U-557 is not mentioned.
		12.00	AJ 6689	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 90 nm
				Submerged =   0 nm = 90 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		29.05.41
		12.36		Incoming Radio Message 1116/29/178 (Officer Only) and follow up with orders concerning fuel oil supply in AJ 21.
		13.30	AJ 6935	Steamer sighted bearing 235°T.
			SE 2, Sea 2, Swell, clear, Vis. very good	Maneuvered ahead for attack.
		14.42 - 17.06	AK 4714	Dived.  Could not approach for a shot.
				New maneuver ahead.
		19.25	AK 4442	Dived.  Steamer bears 210°T.  Steers course between 10° and 30°.
		20.42	AK 4441	1st shot at 400 meters, target speed = 9 knots, target angle = 60°, depth 3 meters.  No effect.
				2nd shot from 400 meters, target speed = 9 knots, target angle = 100°, depth 2 meters.
				Heavy detonation cloud, however slight effect, because too shallow.  Steamer floats on the cargo, despite over deck flooded, 2 lifeboats and many rafts are lowered very quickly after the detonation and manned.  They remain in the vicinity of the ship.
		21.29		Because after 45 minutes the steamer makes no move to sink, I give him a coup de grace with depth 4 meters.
				I have attacked and sunk the steamer without warning despite being outside the blockade area for the following reasons:
				1)  He steers a zig zag course between 0° and 30°.
				2) Armament consists of 7.5 or 8.8 cm canon and several anti-aircraft machine guns perfectly recognized on the stern.
				3)  All masts were shortened and also before and after the smokestack 2 dummy masts were added to port to give a false target angle.
				4)  No flag or neutrality markings.
				The ship was probably the English freighter "CLAN ROBERTSON" (from the silhouette) 8000 GRT.
				At the bow 2 long stanchions were mounted on each side, that led out to a high-carried bowsprit. Likely an Otter lead, 2 lifeboats with approximately 40 men move off on a westerly course
				Dived to reload torpedoes.

Sun and Moon Data 29.05.41

	- 10 -
		30.05.41	North Atlantic
		02.00	AJ 6636	Surfaced.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 100-500 meters
		08.00	AJ 6372
		12.00	AJ 6261	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 131 nm
				Submerged =   17 nm.
		16.00	AJ 3778	Periscope sighted to starboard.  Probably a German U-boat.  U-93?
			Vis. up to 5000 meters breaking up
				Evaded.
		20.00	AJ 2964
		31.05.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 2913
		04.00	AJ 2568
			NE 3-4, Sea 4, fog, Vis. 100-500 meters
		08.00	AJ 2516
		12.00	AJ 2197	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 199 nm
				Submerged =      0 nm = 199 nm.
		13.00 - 18.50	AJ 2196	Test dive.
				Work on the torpedoes.
				Iceberg in sight bearing 0°T.
		22.00		Reached the center of AJ 21.  Because for some days there has been no exact navigation fix the position must be regarded as very inexact.  Back and forth in position in the center of AJ 21.  In the vicinity there is a large iceberg.
		01.06.41	North Atlantic south of Greenland
		05.00	= M.O.Z. [mean local sidereal time] 00.00 hours	Tanker "BELCHEN" must now also be in the center of AJ 21.  Nothing is seen.
		12.00	AJ 2118	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 46 nm
			ESE 5-6, Sea 6-7, Vis. changing, squalls	Submerged =    9 nm = 55 nm.
				A very inaccurate navigation fix from 2 stars gives a difference between dead reckoning and actual position of 290°T, 20 nm.
				Position amended.
		13.30		Incoming Radio Message 1314/1/170 with regulations concerning Radio Message traffic with "BELCHEN".
		16.42		Incoming Radio Signal 1620/1 from U-93.  Enemy heavy cruiser and destroyer in sight square AJ 2116 steering northerly course, running at medium speed (11-17 knots).  Lost from sight.
				Signal was not heard by Communications Center.
				I take no action there on, because the reported armed forces are already positioned to the north of me.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		01.06.41
		16.42	ESE 6-7, Sea 8, Vis. bad, squalls	Own position AJ 2155.
		23.00	= 18.00 hours M.O.Z.	"BELCHEN" called on 785 meters in the near zone communication on 785 meters.  No answer.
		02.06.41	North Atlantic, couth of Greenland
		06.00	Wind abating heavily, SSE 2, Sea 5, Vis. good, changing cloudiness	Navigation fix from three stars:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 10°T, 54 nm.
				Headed for the center of square AJ 21.
		11.00	= 06.00 M.O.Z.	"BELCHEN" called on 785 meters in the near zone communication.  No answer.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 49 nm
				Submerged =    0 nm = 49 nm.
		12.35 - 15.35	AJ 2152	Dived for destroyer, that ran at high speed to the north.
		16.25		Tanker "BELCHEN" in sight.  Surfaced, ran up to him and requested recognition signal exchange "BELCHEN" answered with his name.
		19.15	SSW 1-2, Sea 1, SE-Swell, clear, sunny, Vis. very good	Hose connection established.  Fuel oil taken over in tow before the swell.
		about 22.00		"U-93" in sight on the horizon.  Comes near, to take over after us.
		24.00		Fuel transfer ended.  New connection established for drinking water transfer.  At the same time provisions transferred by lifeboat running behind.
				Torpedo transfer can not be carried out due to the prevailing swell.  The Captain of "BELCHEN" requests that I include the following with my next Radio Message:
				1.)  Radio Message sending side out of service.  Receiving side operable.
				2.)  As recognition signals only recognition signal cartridges are on board.  Therefore no implementation. (Delivered by us up to and including 6 June)
				3.)  In square AJ 21 several times English warships.  "BELCHEN" was to now stopped once by an English auxiliary cruiser and from American "MODOC".  Each time identified as the Swedish "STOCKHOLM" and was released.
				4.)  In square AJ 26 brisk merchant traffic observed.
				5.)  As supply area more to the west or northwest it is requested.
		03.06.41	North Atlantic, south of Greenland
		04.40		Drinking water and provisions transfer ended.  With that supply was completed.  On the part of "BELCHEN very good seamanship

	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		03.06.41		skill, quick and good operation of the gear.  The transfer was somewhat complicated by the prevailing swell.
		04.40	[AJ 9415 to BD 1895]	On course 160° and 10 knots headed for the position in the ordered patrol line in Radio Message 1116/29/178.
		08.00	AJ 2195
		10.55	AJ 2436	Incoming Radio Message 1008/3/118 with the order to report passing 56°N when supply is completed.
		11.00 - 12.00		Dived for test dive.
		12.00	AJ 2436	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 62 nm
				Submerged =  2.5 nm = 64.5 nm.
		16.00	AJ 2811
		20.00	AJ 2857
		22.00		Passed 56°30'N.  In our Short Signal Book there is no group given for "Have completed supply".  A garbled signal with this meaning received from "U-111" yields group "v v v" which is still available to us.
		23.08		Signal with this group sent, because it was assumed to be correct.  Was not received by Communications Center.
		04.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 2868
			NNW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		01.49	Wind shifting counter clockwise	Radio Message Signal sent again.
		02.30		Confirmation received from Communications Center, however yields the meaning "Have sunk a ship".  Radio Message (Officer Only) received from "U-93" with the news concerning the sinking of "BELCHEN".  I had hoped to receive the Short Signal from "U-93". Because there is nothing, Radio Message 0302/4/141 sent.
		03.45		"U-557" supply completed.  AJ 5316.  Signal is false.  As a result I do not send the message requested by "BELCHEN".
		04.00	AJ 5337
		08.00	AJ 5398
		12.00	AJ 5669	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 223 nm
			SSE 2, Sea 1, Swell, clear to cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged =     0 nm = 223 nm.
				Radio Message 0957/4/146 received with orders to take the position of "U-93".  As a result headed for square 9467.
		16.00	AJ 5995
		20.00	AJ 8366

	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.41

	- 13 -
		05.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9179
			ESE 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		04.00	AJ 9428
		09.00	AJ 9468	Dived due to bad visibility and sea state.  No further lookout and weapons use.
		10.00	AJ 9461	Reached patrol line.  Took center position,  Remained submerged.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 132 nm
				Submerged =     4 nm = 136 nm.
		15.10		Surfaced, back and forth in position in accordance with orders.
		22.00	W 8, Sea 7, overcast, squalls, rain, Vis. very bad	Dived.  No further weapons use or lookout.  First Watch Officer Oblt.z.S. Klatt severe tonsillitis 39-40°C fever.
		06.06.41	North Atlantic
		06.45		Surfaced.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 130°T, 20 nm.  Position amended.
		09.00	ESE 6, Sea 6, W-Swell, squalls, rain, Vis. bad	Incoming Radio Message 1008/5/172 with orders, to shift the patrol line 180 nm to the south.  Due to very bad receiving conditions on 5 June and dive at night the order was received 24 hours late.
				Headed for BC 2697.
		12.00	AJ 9499	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 48 nm
				Submerged = 17 nm = 65 nm.
		20.00	AJ 9796
			N 4-5, Sea 5, SW-Swell, overcast, Vis. medium
		07.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 2338
		08.00	BC 2663
			N 4-5, Sea 4, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	BC 2694	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 152 nm
				Submerged =     0 nm = 152 nm.
		13.00	BC 2697	Reached new patrol line.  Back and forth in accordance with orders.
		08.06.41	North Atlantic
		12.00	BC 2697	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 90 nm
			NE 1-2. Sea 1, clear later overcast, Vis. good	Submerged =   0 nm = 90 nm.
				Back and forth in position in patrol line.
		18.40		Incoming Radio Message 1804/8/158 with orders to report on the prevalence of fog.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		08.06.41
		23.00		I report by Short Signal:  Up to 50% fog.  Of 16 days there were 6 days of fog and 2 days with bad visibility due to rain.  Short Signal was not received by Communications Station.
		20.30		Radio Message 1941/8/161 received with orders to head for a position to the SE due to the failure of "U-46".  Headed for square BC 3751.
		09.06.41	North Atlantic
		01.47		Short Signal with fog prevalence sent again and this time was understood.
		09.40	BC 3751	Dived due to fog.
			E 5, Sea 4, fog, Vis. 100 meters
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 63 nm
				Submerged =   4 nm = 67 nm.
		15.00 - 16.00	Fog	Surfaced to ventilate.
		19.00	NE 2, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium to bad	Surfaced.  In accordance with Radio Message 1608/9/183 headed for square BC 379x.  Due to the failure of "U-48" moved one position to the SE.
		10.06.41	North Atlantic, level of Newfoundland.
		00.00	BC 3791
			ENE 3-4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 1000 meters
		04.00	BC 3799	Reached new position in patrol line.  Back and forth in position.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 95 nm
				Submerged = 13 nm = 108 nm.
		14.26		Incoming Radio Message 13.10/10/109 and continuation (Officer Only) U-77, U-577, U-108, U-101, U-75.
				Occupy patrol line from square CC 3385 to CC 6625.  On 15 June at 02.00 hours be in position and steam back and forth as previously ordered etc.
		16.15		With 1 diesel LF and course 209° (7 knots) headed for square CC 3655.  At last, we can leave this unfavorable area. The weather and visibility impairs every possible operation. No traffic observed.
		20.00	BC 6161
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, rain and fog patches, Vis. medium to bad

	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.41

	- 15 -
		11.06.41	North Atlantic, level of Newfoundland
		00.00	BC 5399
		04.00	BC 5669
		08.00	BC 5698
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	BC 5693	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 134 nm
			NE 1, Sea 1, light SW-Swell, changing cloudiness, Vis. good	Submerged =     0 nm = 134 nm.
		16.00	BC 5958	First Watch Officer again sound.
		20.00	BC 5998
		12.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 8325
			S 2-3, Sea 2, misty, rain, Vis. bad
		04.00	BC 8351
		12.00	BC 8612	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 105 nm
				Submerged =     0 nm = 105 nm.
		20.00	BC 8563
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. from 0 to good, in the west a very dark cloud bank
		13.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.25 - 00.50	BC 8542
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. from 0 to good, bad in the west
		04.00	BC 8816
		08.30		Incoming Radio Message 0816/13/186:  Admiralty warning of a U-boat in square BC 85 at 04.00 hours.    B.d.U.
				That was us. Why is not clear to me because the lookout generally worked well.  Probably a steamer located near us from black clouds in the west bank that was not seen.
		12.00	BC 8866	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 104 nm
			W 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium	Submerged =     2 nm = 106 nm.
		20.00	CD 1116
			Heavily freshening wind
		14.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CD 1145
			W 8, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. medium
		02.00	CD 1147
			W 8, Sea 8	Light in sight bearing 145°T.  Ran towards it.  On getting closer steamer with prescribed lighting, illuminated neutrality

	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		14.06.41
		02.00		marking and a bright all around top light.  Steers 20°, speed 16-18 knots.  I do not come closer than 2000 meters.  Due to the sea state marking is not distinguished, I cannot catch him either.  No weapons use.  Pursuit given up.  Judging by the lights and the length of the ship (distant of the stern lantern) it may have been a USA warship.  Probably a battleship.
		08.00	CC 3632
			Wind initially shifting counter clockwise, then clockwise to the WNW 6-7, many squalls, Sea 8
		11.30	CC 3653	A steamer in sight bearing 240°T.  Initially steers 310°, then 260°.  I attempt to maneuver ahead against the short steep seas, however I must slow down.  With both diesels LF I can just beat against the seas. Briefly at higher speed.  Also courses gains nothing.  No weapons use possible.
			W 7-8, in squalls occasionally 10, Sea 8
		14.00	W 8-9, Sea 8-9, Vis. medium, lightly misty to the south	Because I can not get ahead, pursuit abandoned.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 128 nm
				Submerged =     0 nm = 128 nm.
		18.00	CC 3539	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 20°T, 14 nm.
				signed Paulssen
		15.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CC 3655	Reached position in patrol line. Back and forth beginning with northerly course.
			WNW 5, Sea 5, changing cloudiness, Vis. good
		01.00		To southerly course.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 123 nm.
		18.00	CC 3636 [typo 3656]	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 88°T, 24 nm.  Position amended.
				Torpedo track from 140°T.  Passed under the propellers.  Own speed 1 diesel KF.  Initially ran parallel to the bubble tracks then back along the track and continually threw hand grenades.
		18.39		Dived.  Heard an enemy U-boat in the sound gear and pursued continuously.  Enemy course 270°.  Goes at high speed and then stops to listen.  E-motors are heard clearly, also propellers.
		20.00		Enemy course 295°, then 310°.
		20.30		Enemy surfaced bearing 310° at the limit of periscope visibility.  Target angle 180°, 7000 meters away.  Runs away while blowing.  Recognized as an English type "Thames" type U-boat.
		20.52	CC 3652	Surfaced and ran after the boat with the intention of attacking in the darkness.  Attempted to send Radio Message.  The frequency is continually occupied.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. very good
		22.00		Enemy U-boat out of sight, lost; runs at high speed.
		22.25	CC 3624	Dived to listen.  No further sound bearings.  Possibly the enemy U-boat has dived.  However E-motor sounds

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		15.06.41
		22.25		are not heard.  I give up the pursuit.
		16.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CC 3524	Surfaced.  Sent Radio Message:
				To B.d.U. from "U-557":  Square CC 3656 evaded torpedo tracks.  After sound pursuit submerged English "Thames" type U-boat escaped on the surface course 310°.  I set off on course 245°, to shift my position 50 nm further to the west.  The enemy U-boat had probably determined my exact position, because I had been moving back and forth in the same area, before the shot with one diesel KF.  Furthermore I believe that the observed boat was the vessel that reported us on 13 June in BC 85 because we would have seen a surface ship. Therefore I believe it is not correct to go back to the old position.  I sent off the radio message, because I am certainly reported by the boat. Therefore I can break the radio silence to point out the danger to the boats positioned nearby and to bring about a shift of the patrol line from the B.d.U.
		04.00	CC 3562
		06.00	CC 3556	Reached position 50 nm to the west.  Resumed back and forth movement.
		12.00	Wind calm, Sea 0, mirror flat, clear, very misty horizon, Vis. medium	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 98 nm
				Submerged =   7 nm = 105 nm.
				Peculiar yellow smoke clouds in sight bearing 20°T.  Soon dissipates.
		14.38	CC 3553	Because nothing comes in sight, dived to listen.  In the suspected bearing nothing heard.  Apparently just an ordinary cloud, that fooled us.  On the other hand bearing 210°T a very weak sound heard.  Dived, to take the sound ahead.  Shifts out properly.
		15.25	Horizon was clear, light SSW-wind (0-1)	Surfaced and closed on it at high speed.
		16.25	CC 3558	Despite improving visibility and running 12 nm nothing comes in sight.  Dived to listen.  No further sounds heard.  Probably the sounds heard at 15.00 hours were own sounds.  Another attempt given up.
		16.45		Surfaced.  Again took position.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.41

	- 18 -
		17.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.10 - 02.30	CC 3556	Forward over deck torpedo downloaded into the bow room.  Torpedo hatch opened to take in the torpedo for 77 seconds.  Worked very well.  Only the erection and stowage of the overdeck gear was too cumbersome.  In particular the stowage because the men must crawl too far beneath the overdeck and there are too few locking rings.
			Wind calm, sea 0, mirror flat sea, light SE-Swell, misty horizon, Vis. medium
		12.00	Wind freshening to SSW 3, Sea 3, increasing fog, Vis. medium to bad	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 92 nm
				Submerged =   0 nm = 92 nm.
		18.06.41	North Atlantic
		10.00	CC 5569	Dived due to fog.  We hope for an early shift from this area. Steamers or convoys can no longer be expected here after the U-boat warning was given on 13 June in BC 85, on 17 June in BC 91, and after we were attacked on 15 June by a hostile U-boat.
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 100-500 meters, rain
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 96 nm
				Submerged =   2 nm = 98 nm.
		15.05	Fog, Vis. 100 meters	Surfaced.  Sound bearing in 350°T.  Closed on it.
		15.45	CC 5565	Dived to listen.  Sound bearing in 3xx.
		16.08		Surfaced, closed on course 290°.
		17.00	Fog, Vis. 50-100 meters	Dived to listen.  In the sound gear diesel-like sounds are heard over the entire horizon.  Only much harder and metallic.  A bearing can not be distinguished any more.  Volume remains the same, so that the impression is given of own sounds.  However the sound conditions in this area are so good as on 15 June with the encounter with the English U-boat where the boat was still alarmingly loud at 6000 meters.  Because no bearing can be determined remained submerged to observe.  No change.  Nothing seen in the periscope.
				Addendum:  Because later on diving no similar sounds were heard in the listening gear, is must be assumed that a vessel was the source of the sound.
		22.00	CC 5552	Surfaced.
			Fog, Vis. 50-100 meters	Incoming Radio Message 1817/18/131 with orders to form a new patrol line.  [by reference points, BC 8720 - CD 5540]
				Headed for square CD 1527 on 1 diesel KF.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.41

	- 19 -
		19.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CC 3561
			SW 2, Sea 1, fog, Vis. 100-500 meters
		08.00	CC 2626
			Fog
		12.00	CD 1411	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 103 nm
				Submerged =   12 nm = 115 nm.
		20.00	CD 1199	Because still a lot of time remaining to occupy the new position (22 June 02.00 hours), I run with one diesel at KF farther to the east, and will then head for the position from the east.
			Vis. somewhat better, about 3000 meters
			Weather and visibility clearing
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 270°T, 10 nm.
				Continued on page 21.

Sun and Moon Data 19.06.41

	- 21 -
		20.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CD 1512
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, misty, light rain, Vis. bad
		11.00	CD 1625	Came about.  Course 266°. 1 diesel KF.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 148 nm
				Submerged =     0 nm = 148 nm.
		14.50	CD 1311	Incoming Radio Message 1321/20/179 and continuation, which assigns us a new attack area.
			Clear and Vis. good, blue sky
			[by reference points depth 100 nm - in BdU's KTB the area is BD 5328 but the boat headed for BD 2982]	On course 55° and 1 diesel KF headed for square BD 2982.  Stern wind and current let us make 6 knots.  More haste does not seem necessary to me because I hope for encounters on the way to the new area.
		20.00	CD 1345
		21.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	CD 1334	U-203 reports the encounter with U.S.A. battleship "TEXAS".  Therefore we must also have met the American battleship on 14 June.
			W 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		04.00	BC 9779
		08.00	BC 9785
		12.00 - 12.30	BC 9748	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 123 nm
			NW 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, hazy, Vis. medium to bad	Submerged =     0 nm = 123 nm.
				Dived for test dive.
				Transit speed.  No events.
		22.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 4878
			ENE 2, Sea 2, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		12.00	BC 9398	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 158 nm
			SW 5-6, Sea up to 5, overcast, Vis. medium	Submerged =     1 nm = 159 nm.
		23.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 4878
			SW 4-5, Sea 5, overcast, occasional rain, Vis. bad to medium
		12.00	BD 4917	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 159 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.41

	- 22 -
		continued
		23.06.41
		15.21		Incoming Radio Signal from "U-203" with the report of a convoy in AJ 9253, speed 10 knots, course 60°.
		16.30		Incoming Radio Message 1556/23/163 with orders from B.d.U. for all boats to go, if at all promising.
				The distance to the reported convoy is a minimum of 500 nm.  The enemy speed is too high.  Closing for us is therefore no longer possible.
		20.00	BD 4637
		24.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5412
			WSW 2, Sea 2-3, Vis. changing overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	BD 5188
		08.00	BD 5192	Reached attack area,
		12.00	BD 5169	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 163 nm.
		18.20		Radio Message Signal from "U-203":  Enemy convoy AK 4543 steers SW-course, runs at slow speed.
				At first I believe there is an error by U-203 in the course information.
				But in order not to get any further away, I turn into the sea and await other other messages.
		18.53		Radio Message Signal from U-203:  Enemy convoy AK 4460 steers 220°, runs 9 knots.
				Therefore is is clear that this is a second convoy.  At this time the distance amounts to 500 nm. To reach still him, I would have to cover 600 nm.
				My fuel oil inventory is still 90 cbm.  For the 600 nm at 2 x HF I expect to use 20 cbm.  For return transit (1600 nm) at economical transit speed 30 cbm.  Remaining for attack 40 cbm.  It seems promising to run down the reported convoy despite the great distance.
				Besides I still have provisions for 14 days.  I must close at all costs, otherwise there won't be anything else.
		20.20	BD 5251	Operate on course 280° and 2 x HF (14 knots).  According to my calculations I can approach as early as the evening of 26 June.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.41

	- 23 -
		25.06.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5134
			NW 2, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. good
		00.18		Incoming Radio Message 2020 from U-203 with return transit report.
				This worsens our already poor prospects, because now there are no further contact keeper reports.
				Nevertheless I decide to press on.
		02.10	BD 5113	White light star seen on the horizon bearing 150°T.
		02.30		I suppose shipwreck survivors. Nevertheless, dived to listen to find out whether it is perhaps a ship. Nothing heard.
		03.00		Surfaced.  Again continued to operate on the convoy.
		04.00	BD 4333
		08.00	BD 1978
		10.40		Radio Message (Officer Only) 0926 from B.d.U. received:
				Ships of the outbound U-203-convoy have been ordered to remain north and west of the line AJ 5755 to BC 1517.
				As a result prospects of engaging him further are worsened.  We have to run an additional 220 nm.  Also the return transit is thereby 2000 nm.
		12.00	BD 1873	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 223.5 nm
				Submerged =     1 nm = 224.5 nm.
				Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank IV converted for use as a ballast tank.
		16.00	BD 1759
			SE 3-4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. up to 1000 meters
		21.30	BC 3951	I give up operating further on the convoy.   Due to the fog it has become hopeless. Our own experience in this area has shown that improvement in the visibility is not to be expected with continuous SE wind, U-111 has reported similarly.
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, fog, Vis. up to 500 meters
				Came about.  Again steered for the attack area on course 90°, 1 diesel LF.
		26.06.41
		00.15	BC 3956	With a brief improvement in the visibility a U-boat is in sight bearing 120°T.  To recognition signal answers U-553.  Briefly went within hailing distance.  He has also broken off operations on the SW-bound convoy
			S 6-7, Sea 5, fog and rain, Vis. up to 3000 meters
		04.00	BC 3966
		07.50	BD 1754	Visibility briefly improved.  Suddenly a large steamer (passenger liner) in sight at target angle 0°.  I must dive, because I can not get into the fog again in time.
			SSW 7, Sea 7, fog and rain, Vis. up to 3000 meters

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.41

	- 24 -
		continued
		26.06.41
		08.00		Submerged the boat can not be held at periscope depth (attack depth).  Broached 3 times.  In the mean time the steamer passed by.  Runs at high speed.
		08.50		Surfaced.  Pursued.  Enemy course about 220°.  Fog is thick again.  No weapons use possible due to sea state.  No further contact made.
				Continued transit.
		12.00	BD 1756	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 227 nm
			S 6, Sea 7, rain, Vis. bad	Submerged =     3 nm = 230 nm.
		16.00	BD 1846
		20.00	BD 1866
			Weather clearing, SW 3-4, Sea 5, partial overcast, occasional sun, Vis. good
		27.06.41	North Atlantic
		12.00	BD 2848	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 190 nm.
			S 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. good, weather was poorer	Transit to the attack area.
				No events.
		28.06.41	North Atlantic
		12.00	BD 3761	In the attack area ran to the eastern limit.
			SW 3-4, Sea 4, partial overcast, Vis. good	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 144 nm.
		14.30	BD 3842	U-boat in sight on the horizon bearing 10°T.  On recognition signal U-101 answers.  Briefly went within hailing distance.
			SW 3, Sea 2, large swell, clear, Vis. good
				B.d.U. intends in accordance with Radio Message 1152/28/140 and continuation, to catch the convoy reported by U-123 in DT 2623 in our area.
				Despite very low provisions I intend to remain in this are as long as humanly possible.  With the greatest economy the sea endurance of the boat can be extended to 14 July.
				U-101 can for this reason give no provisions.
				Because U-101 remains in the vicinity of the meeting I go to the southern part of my operating area.
		20.00	BD 3845
			S 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. medium to bad

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.41

	- 25 -
		29.06.41
		12.00	BD 3777	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 43 nm.
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good	Headed for the southern part of the attack area.  No events.
				U-103 has gained contact on the southbound convoy that U-123 lost.
				Air reports at 07.30 hours in square AL 9121 2 cruisers and 2 merchant ships.  Probably a convoy.
		30.06.41	North Atlantic
				Radio Message 2257/29/122:
				Air was assigned against southwest-bound convoy.  Boats south of the latitude of Point "Herbert" standby for bearing signals on wavelength 670 meters from 07.00 hours.    B.d.U.
				No bearing signals received.
		08.00	BD 5296
			S 4-5, Sea 3, clear, cloudy, Vis. medium
		12.00	BD 5297	Test dive.
			S 6, Sea 5, fog, Vis. 200-1000 meters	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 86 nm.
		15.10		Surfaced.  Continued on easterly course.
		18.25	BD 5564	Incoming Radio Message 1735/30/110:
				Boats in squares west of Point "Franz" course southeast, highest speed.        B.d.U.
				At first I believe that we are set on the southern convoy from U-103 and therefore steer further to the south.
				Radio Message 1750/30/111 clarifies.  Gives the probable position of the outbound convoy at 17.00 hours to: Point "Franz" in 202°T, 92 nm.  Southerly course, speed 6 knots.
		19.30	BD 5674
			SW 3-4, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad	Came to course 100°.  Highest speed is now for us 16 knots, because a cylinder of each diesel is out of service.
		01.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5689
			SW 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, occasionally misty
		04.00	BD 6722	Incoming Radio Message 0303/1/129 with orders to stand by for bearing signals from Condor aircraft.
		08.00	BD 6827
			SW 3-4, Sea 4, fog
		12.00	BD 6943	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 234 nm
				Submerged =     5 nm = 239 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.41

	- 26 -
		01.07.41
		12.00		Faint bearing signals heard from the Condor aircraft.
				Own bearing 61°T.  Bearing signal sent in accordance with orders.  The remaining bearings give no exact location. But it is clear that the convoy is considerably to the east.
		13.00	SW 2, Sea 2-3, misty, Vis. 4000 meters	Incoming Radio Message 1237/1/140:
				From cross bearings and aircraft reports the position of the convoy at 11.00 hours is about in BE 5143.  Observed course 210°.  35 merchant ships with escort.        B.d.U.
				Changed course to 90°.  Expect to intercept from 2 July at 00.00 hours.
		16.00	BE 4741	Speed reduced to 13 knots to charge.
			Vis. improving about 5 nm	Auxiliary cooling water pump must run constantly and consumes much power. Cooling water circulation [piping/channels] of both diesels eaten through repeatedly.
		20.00	BE 4755
		02.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 4846
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, misty, overcast
		04.00 - 04.17	BE 4946	Dived to listen.
			Pitch black night, misty, nothing seen at close range.	Nothing heard
		06.00 - 06.15	BE4965	Dived to listen.  Nothing heard.
			Twilight begins
			Fog	Even though I have crossed the suspected intercept point of the convoy for enemy course 210°, I run further to the east, because I believe that the convoy steers a more southerly course.
		07.30	BE 4965	Ran through a large oil slick for roughly 15 minutes.  Apparently the sinking location of a tanker.
		08.00 - 08.50	BE 4966	Dived to listen.
				Sound bearing 110°T.  Very faint.  Ran towards it.
				From the assigned air reconnaissance (Radio Message 0030/153) no bearing signals were heard.
		11.00 - 11.55	BE 5782	Dived to listen.  Diesel-like sounds bearing 140°T, same as on 18 June.  Very faint.  Continued on course 150°.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced     = 280 nm
				Submerged =   3.5 nm = 283.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.41

	- 27 -
		continued
		02.07.41
		14.00 - 14.20	BE 8131	Dived to listen.
			Occasional fog, misty	Sound bearing remains equally faint and inexact.  It can not be the convoy.  Probably a U-boat.
				I give up maneuvering ahead to the east and south.  Run at course 220° and 7 knots, to be roughly on the enemy course in the hope that another boat is in sight and reports.  In this way I won't get further away.
		15.11		B.d.U. requests position by Short Signal.
				Sent:  BE 81
		17.00		Incoming Alpha Alpha Signal from U-108.
				Convoy in sight square BE 7176, steers westerly course, low speed.
				Came to course 260° and highest speed (15 knots).
		17.50	BE 8128
			Misty horizon, Vis. up to 5 nm	Vessel in sight bearing 250°T.
				First Watch Officer crash dives.
				Nothing seen in the periscope.
		18.15		Surfaced.  In the reported bearing a German U-boat on the horizon.  Does not answer recognition signal cartridge.
				Radio Message 1729/2/173 from B.d.U. received, that the destination harbor for the convoy is Gibraltar.
				Came to course 240°, to great ahead to the south.
		19.00		The sighted U-boat now replies U-79.
				Radio Message 1832/2/175 from U-108:  Contact lost BE 7172 last course 210°, visibility 2 nm, in pursuit.
				I am unsure whether or not this is not a new convoy. The course of 310° is questionable.
				Initially came to course 270° to gain ground to the west.  I can still pursue when it is clear if it goes to the north or south.
		20.00	BE 8151	Contact keeper reports received from U-108.  Enemy course 325°.
			Vis. was better up to 10 nm
				Incoming Radio Message 1939/2/178 from B.d.U. with information that the convoy may not be bound for Gibraltar.
				Maneuvered ahead to the north.
		21.30		Contact keeper report from U-108.
		23.00		U-108 lost contact due to fog.

Sun and Moon Data 02.07.41

	- 28 -
		03.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7328	Continue running ahead despite broken contact.
			SSW 1-2, long SW-Swell, misty, Vis. bad
		04.00	BE 7235
			Fog
		05.30	BE 7222	Came to course 330° and 10 knots to conserve fuel.
				Visibility 100-200 meters.  Therefore, I stay in the approximate direction of advance of the convoy.  To search for in the fog has no purpose.
		08.00	BE 4849
		12.00	BE 4811	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 260 nm
				Submerged =     3 nm = 263 nm.
		16.00	BE 4453
			Fog
		18.00	BE 4421	Further operation on the convoy is hopeless.  I stay in his vicinity on easterly course and 1 diesel LF, I am certain that the convoy steers a northerly course as reported by U-108.  I do not distance myself too much and can continue to operate when the visibility improves.
			Vis. 100-500 meters
		19.30	BE 4184	Fog is thicker again.  Dived to listen.
				Incoming Radio Message 1837/3/110 assigning U-98, U-96 and U-95 new attack areas.
				Since it is up to the other boats south of 48°N, to fill out the established line, I occupy BD 60 and BE 40.  The fuel inventory easily allows it (45 cbm).  Still have provisions for a few days.
		22.00		Surfaced.
		04.07.41	North Atlantic
				U-77 and U-108 have broken off further pursuit of the convoy.
		00.00	BE 4157
			S 2, Sea 2, misty, rain, Vis. 1000 meters
		04.00	BE 4127
		08.00	BE 1784	Remain on southerly course and 1 diesel KF in the stated squares.
			Fog
		11.00	BE 1781	Dived.
		12.00	SSW 3-4, Sea 3, fog	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 119 nm
				Submerged =     6 nm = 125 nm.
		15.20	BE 1784	Surfaced.
			Vis. improving up to 5 nm
		20.00	BE 4113

	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.41

	- 29 -
		05.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 4118
			Fog, SSW 5-6, Sea 5, rain
		04.00	BD 6366
		12.00	BD 6394	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 66 nm
			W 2, Sea 2, clear to partial overcast, Vis. up to 12 nm, misty horizon	Submerged =  5.5 nm = 71.5 nm.
		16.00	BD 6624
		20.00	BD 6643
		23.45		"U-96" reports south-bound convoy in square [BD] 9419, 12000 tonner sunk, 2 steamer hits heard and return transit.
				Apparently he had a convoy.  It is incomprehensible to me why he did not not send contact keeper reports. "U-96" must have known that other boats were in the vicinity.
		06.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6671
			WSW 2, Sea 2, W-Swell, partial overcast
		12.00	BD 6854	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 88 nm.
		20.00	BD 9213	Course 90.
		07.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7123
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		11.00		Test dive.
		12.00	BE 4898	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 133 nm
				Submerged =    1.5 nm = 134.5 nm.
		20.00	BE 5751
		08.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 9222
			WNW 4, Sea 4, heavy W-Swell, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 9321	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 110 nm
				Submerged =      0 nm = 110 nm.
		20.00	BE 7112

	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.41

	- 30 -
		09.07.41	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 5768	Began return transit to the French Reich due to exhausted supplies.
			WNW 3, Sea 2, partial overcast
				In my opinion, the south-bound convoy must be through.
		01.14		Radio Message sent:  B.d.U. from U-557:
				Return transit BE 5773.  On 29 May AK 4441 independent 8000 GRT, 70% fog.
				Initially on course 80 heading for de Groix because return harbor is not yet specified.
		10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	BE 6713	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 280 nm
				Submerged =      1 nm = 281 nm.
		18.00		Attempt to send Short Signal:
				36 hours off return harbor.
		20.00	BE 6571	Short Wave transmitter out of service.  40-Watt Emergency Transmitter was not heard.
				Short Signal sent with the emergency transmitter was not heard again.
		21.00		Sent Short Signal again with the emergency eransmitter.
		21.10		Incoming Radio Message 2108/9/177:  "U-557" be off Lorient 11 July 08.00.
		10.07.41	North Atlantic, Level of the West Coast of the French Reich
		00.00	BE 6666
			ESE 1-2, Sea 1, lightly overcast, very bright night
		04.00	BF 4462
		08.00	BF 4532
		09.00 - 09.25		Test dive.
		12.00	BF 4623	Day's run:  Surfaced     = 296 nm
				Submerged =      1 nm = 297 nm.
		14.30	BF 5419	Sighted 3 drifting mines.  1 shot at.
		15.40	BF 5452	Fishing trawler seen at the limit of visibility bearing 120°T.  Avoided on the surface.
		19.20	BF 5545	Small steamer in sight bearing 90°T.  At the same time another bearing 30°T.  The latter with target angle 0°.  Because it is not perfectly distinguished, dived.
				Submerged determined that both fishing trawlers  fiy the French flag and yellow pennant.
		20.30		Surfaced.  Moved off on the surface on course 210°.
		from 21.00		Several times with Emergency Transmitter and to arrange for Short Signal Bearing Transmitter II.  Not received by Communications Center.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.41

	- 31 -
		11.07.41	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5563
		04.00		Reached Point "Ceder".  Entry Route "Cederland".
		06.00		Passed German convoy on southerly course.  Was not sighted.  No recognition signals.
		07.30	Point L 2	Reached Point L 2.
				Entered Lorient in the wake of the escort.
		08.30	Lorient	Made fast alongside "ISERE".
				Day's run:  Surfaced     = 300 nm
				Submerged =      3 nm = 303 nm.
				Oblt.z.S. and Kommandant
			Total duration of the war patrol:      60 days.
			Total nautical miles covered:           8524 nm.
			Successes:                1 steamer, estimated 8000 GRT.
			Special experiences are not present.
				Oblt.z.S. and Kommandant

Sun and Moon Data 11.07.41

	Enclosures to U-557's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire patrol
Torpedo	Torpedo Firing Reports (Schussmeldung)

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	Due to the often very poor visibility, the boat had very few opportunities for success. The war patrol was performed intelligently throughout. However, it was wrong after being fired upon by an enemy submarine to go to the dive site of the U-boat in order to combat with inadequate means (hand grenades). This jeopardized own boat without the prospect of its own success
		Signed in draft:  Dönitz.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

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