U-604 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Brest	14 October 1942	Brest	5 November 1942	23

 

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
27 Oct 42	21.06 - 22.18	27°57'N, 18°38'W	ANGLO MAERSK	7,705	British	SL-125
30 Oct 42	21.29	35°09'N, 16°30'W	PRÈSIDENT DOUMER	11,898	British	SL-125
30 Oct 42	23.02	35°15'N, 16°30'W	BARON VERNON	3,642	British	SL-125
			Total = 23,245
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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			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			"  U  604  "  .
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant Höltring
				Beginning:   9.   9   1942.
				Ending:       5.  11.  1942
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		09.09. - 13.10.42		Shipyard period in Brest.
		14.10.42
		17.50		Cast off from Brest U-boat base.
		18.02		Taken in convoy.  According to instructions of the Kommandant headed to position [outer point] in convoy.
		20.30		Escort change.
		23.05		Released from convoy at position [outer point].
		24.00	W 2-3, Sea 3, 1031 mb, 17°C, faint marine phosphorescence, overcast (rain)
		15.10.42
		03.44		Course 270°, 2 x GF.
		04.00	BF 5571
			WbyS 2, Sea 2, 1031.5 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain), faint marine phosphorescence
		07.09	BF 5472	Dived to proceed submerged (heavy marine phosphorescence).  Pressure test at depth A +25.
		08.00	BF 5472
		12.00	BF 5471	Day's run:  204.3 nm.
		16.00	BF 4692
		20.00	BF 4683
		20.45	BF 4683	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		21.00		Course 270°, HF.
		24.00	BF 4671
			W 2-3, Sea 2, 1035 mb, 16.5°C, overcast, medium marine phosphorescence
		16.10.42
		04.00	BF 4573
			W 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, 1035.5 mb, 17.5°C, medium marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 4483
			SW 1-2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, 1035 mb, 17°C, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.05	BF 4483	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 4482	Day's run:  177 nm.
		16.00	BF 4481
		20.00	BF 4472
		21.55	BF 4471	Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface, course 270°, HF.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		16.10.42
		24.00	BE 6691
			SWbyW 2, cloudy, Sea 1-2, 1033 mb, 21°C, light marine phosphorescence
		17.10.42
		04.00	BE 6671
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1033 mb, 21°C, cloudy, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BE 6583
			SW 1-2, Sea 1-2, 1031.5 mb, 20°C, overcast (fog)
		12.00	BE 6571	Day's run:  144 nm.
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1030 mb, 17°C, overcast (fog), patchy wisps of fog, Vis. bad
		12.26	BE 6571	Crash dive.  Torpedoes pulled.
		13.30	BE 6571	Propeller sounds bearing 346°T.
		13.39	"	Propeller sounds bearing 352°T.
		13.42	"	Propeller sounds no longer heard, in their place strange beating sounds.
				Possibly a corvette with new sound gear.
		15.06	BE 6496	Surfaced.
		15.08		Course 180°, LF.
		16.00	BE 6499
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2, 1028 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 6-15 nm, patchy ground fog.
		17.00		Course 208°, LF.  Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 90°T, 15 nm.
				Course 208°, speed 7.5 knots.
		20.00	BE 6769
			SEbyS 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 6-15 nm, ground fog
		24.00	BE 9131
			S 2, Sea 2, 1024 mb, 18°C, cloudy, Vis. 4-10 nm, ground fog, faint marine phosphorescence, bright moonshine
		18.10.42
		04.00	BE 9155
			S 2-3, Sea 2, 1023 mb, 18°C, cloudy, Vis. 4-12, ground fog, faint marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		18.10.42
		08.00	BE 9419	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 157°T, 10.8 nm.
			SbyW 2, Sea 2, 1024 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 5-14 nm, patchy ground fog
		12.00	BE 9472	Day's run:  171 nm.
			SbyW 2, Sea 2, 1023 mb, 21°C, cloudy, Vis. 16 nm
		16.00	BE 8933	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 7°T, 6.8 nm.
			SbyW 1, Sea 1, 1023 mb, 21°C, fog
		20.00	BE 8967
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1023 mb, 20°C
		24.00	CF 3223
			SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1022 mb, 19°C, Vis. 10 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		19.10.42
		04.00	CF 3257
			SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1023 mb, 19°C, Vis. 6-10 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		08.00	CF 3515
			SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1024 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm
		09.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 57°T, 10 nm.
		10.00		Course 211°, transit speed.
		12.00	CF 3466	Day's run:  168 nm.
			SW 2, Sea 1, 1024 mb, 22°, Vis. 16 nm
		14.54	CF 3495	Dived.  Boat balanced.  Torpedoes pulled.
		16.00	CF 3497	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 244°T, 17.5 nm.
			SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1024.5 mb, 23°C, Vis. 16 nm
		18.59	CF 3727	Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface.
		20.00	CF 3719
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 23°C, Vis. 16 nm
		24.00	CF 3771
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1027 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm, overcast
		20.10.42
		04.00	CF 5335
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1027 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy, moonshine

	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		20.10.42
		08.00	CF 5383
			W 2, Sea 1-2, 1028 mb, 24°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy
		10.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 83°T, 14.5 nm.
		12.00	CF 5625	Day's run:  153 nm.
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, 1029 mb, 26°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy
		16.00	CF 5672
			NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, long swell, Vis. 16 nm, 28°C, 1031 mb, cloudy
		17.45	CF 5677	Test dive.
		18.08		Surfaced.
		18.35	CF 5833	Test dive.  Pressure test to depth A +40 meters.
		19.36		Surfaced.  Course 213°, transit speed.
		20.00	CF 5836	Course 172°, transit speed according to Radio Message orders.
			E 3, Sea 2, swells, Vis. 15 nm, 1031 mb, 24°C, cloudy
		24.00	CF 5893
			E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°, moonshine, cloudy, Vis. very good
		21.10.42
		00.25	CF 5971	A white flare was fired bearing 180°T, range = 15-20 nm.
		04.00	CF 8317
			E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°C, overcast (rain)
		08.00	CF 8375	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 195°T, 4.6 nm.
			N 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1031 mb, 24°C, cloudy
		12.00	CF 8645	Day's run:  199 nm.
			NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, 1030.5 mb, 24°C, cloudy, Vis. good
		15.28	CF 8913	Crash dive.  While balancing the boat 2 sound gear distinguishable.  Sounds put astern and ran off on course 60°, 3 knots.
		16.00	CF 8913
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 1030 mb, 25°C, overcast (rain)
		16.10	CF 8913	Surfaced.  Course 60°, 8 knots.
		17.10		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 299°T, 16 nm.
		18.02	CF 8676	Dived.  Course 180°, KF.
		19.20		Underwater locating.
		19.33	CF 8676	Surfaced.  Course 180°, 8 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		21.10.42
		20.00	CF 8679
			E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		24.00	CF 8943
			ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 1030, 25°C, cloudy, moonshine, faint marine phosphorescence
		22.10.42
		04.00	CF 8979
			ENE 2, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain), faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	DH 2146
			NE 3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 24°C, overcast (rain)
		12.00	DH 2179	Day's run:  132 nm.
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 1030 mb, 24°C, overcast (rain)
		12.22	DH 2179	Steamer in sight bearing 280°T.  Due to unusual lighting conditions, gained the impression that the target angle was bow right 20°, assumed enemy course 340°.  In reality target angle was left 20°. As a result, while contact keeping we have the impression as a result of strong shifting due to passing speed, that he constantly turns off to port because of the increasing target angle. Actually the steamer steered a straight course. When the picture becomes clear from plotting that [we have] the wrong enemy bow the steamer disappears in a rain squall.
				Because of the straight course, size and white superstructure with colored smokestack the steamer 4-5000 GRT, is probably a neutral.  Search course unsuccessful.
		13.03		Last enemy bearing 237.5°T, course 340° 8-10 knots.
		15.18	DH 2412	Dived to listen.
		15.40		Course 0°.  Torpedoes pulled.
		19.19	DH 2172	Surfaced.  Course 0°, LF.
		20.00	DH 2172	Course 5°, LF.
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 1025 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)
		24.00	DH 2118
			NEbyN 3-4, Sea 3, 1025 mb, 22°C, overcast (rain)
		23.10.42
		04.00	CF 8975
			NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1026 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)

	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		23.10.42
		08.00	CF 8945
			NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1026 mb, 23°C, overcast
		09.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 155°T, 5.4 nm.  Course 180°, transit speed.
		12.00	CF 8973	Day's run:  184 nm.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		16.00	DH 2143	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 34°T, 2.8 nm.
			NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 27°C, cloudy
		20.00	DH 2187
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 26°C, cloudy
		21.21	DH 2424	Test dive.  Torpedoes pulled.
		21.53	DH 2424	Surfaced.
		24.00	DH 2451
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 25°, overcast, moonshine.
		24.10.42
		04.00	DH 2721
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1027 mb, 23.5C, cloudy
		08.00	DH 2757
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 24°C, cloudy
		09.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 306°T, 3.8 nm.
		12.00	DH 5113	Day's run:  182 nm.
			NE 3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		16.00	DH 5173
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		19.48		Distant aircraft bombs.
		20.00	DH 5419
			NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		21.01	DH 5443	Dived.
		21.31	DH 5443	Depth charges in the distance.
		21.49	"	18 depth charges in the distance, subsequently propeller sounds.
		21.52	"	Surfaced.
		21.53	"	Course 40°
		22.10		Course 180°, transit speed.
		24.00	DH 5473
			NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42

	- 7 -
		25.10.42
		04.00	DH 5719
			NEbyE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine
		08.00	DH 5776
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		10.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 325°T, 5.9 nm.  Course 352°, transit speed to new tactical position in accordance with Radio Message order.
		12.00	DH 5772	Day's run:  174 nm.
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		16.00	DH 5717	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 244°T, 7.3 nm.  Course 180°, transit speed.
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		20.00	DH 5774
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 22°C, cloudy
		21.20	DH 5777	Test dive.
		21.43	DH 8111	Surfaced.
		24.00	DH 8141
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 1025 mb, 22°C, cloudy
		26.10.42
		04.00	DH 8177
			NNE 1, Sea 1, 1024 mb, 23°C, cloudy
		06.01	DH 8414	In the distance about 28 depth charges.
		08.00	DH 8444
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 1023 mb, 24°C, cloudy
		09.00	DH 8444	Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 108.5°T, 2.5 nm.  Back and forth in reached position in accordance with Radio Message order.
		12.00	DH 8444	Day's run:  179 nm.
			N 2-3, Sea 2, 1022 mb, 23°C, cloudy
		16.00	DH 8444
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 1022 mb, 26°C, cloudy
		20.00	DH 8444
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 1021, 24°C, cloudy
		21.31	DH 8447	Test dive.
		21.46	"	Surfaced.
		24.00	DH 8444
			NbyW 3-4, Sea 3, 1021 mb, 24°C, cloudy

	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42

	- 8 -
		27.10.42
		04.00	DH 8444
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1020 mb, 23°C, overcast
		05.38		Course 323°, transit speed.
		08.00	DH 7637	Course 180°, transit speed.
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1020 mb, 23°C, cloudy
		09.36		Mastheads in sight.  Tanker, bow left target angle 60°, bearing 228°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy speed 12 knots.
		10.00		Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 350°T, 4.4 nm.  Sighted own U-boat.
		10.20		Dived for submerged attack, because am ahead of the tanker on the general course.
		12.00	DH 8444	Day's run:  182 nm.
		12.24	DH 8443	Because the tanker zig zags heavily, the boat does not come close enough.  At range = 3500 a three-fan with good shooting data.  Shot with target angle red 70° and target speed = 12 knots.  Miss, probably out of range.  Tanker appears gray, with out neutrality markings and flag.  On the stern 15.2 cm cannon and elevated 7.6 cm.  On the bridge superstructure and bow anti-aircraft machine guns.
		13.46		Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead.  Reloaded torpedoes while coming up out of sight.
		16.00	DH 8449	About 16.00 hours the tanker zig zags heavily up to 180°, occasionally out of sight in rain squalls, presumably to shake off U-boats.
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1018 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		19.15		Positioned ahead of the tanker on general course.
		19.45		Own U-boat in sight.
		20.00	DH 8547
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1018 mb, 25°C, cloudy
		20.05	DH 8547	Dived for submerged attack.  Shortly before shooting the steamer turns toward the boat from bow right target angle 45° to target angle 10°.  Turned away.
		21.06	DH 8547	Stern shot.  Range = 500 meters.  Hit in foreship.  Ran off a bit.
		21.27	"	Surfaced.  Tanker lies stopped on an even keel, only settled a little forward.  Therefore a coup de grace.
		21.48	"	Coup de grace.  Hit port side under the bridge.  Because the tanker makes no attempt to sink further after half an hour, and might be towed into a Canaries harbor, a second coup de grace.
		22.18	"	Hit port side in the aftership.
		22.20	"	Crash dive, because of impacting fragments

Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		27.10.42		and fireworks on the tanker. Gave the impression of automatic weapons fire.
		22.48	"	Surfaced.
		22.52	"	Tanker sunk.  9000 GRT.
		23.00	"	Course 330°, 10 knots.  Operating on Maßmann-convoy.  Tanker was of "SANDANGER" Type, the shipping company "Westfal-Larsen" from "Merchant Ships 1940", because the after mast was exactly at the first third of the distance from the bridge to the smokestack and the fore mast-bridge-after mast distance was nearly the identical.  Moderate, oblique projecting clipper bow, cruiser stern, smokestack higher than the bridge.
		24.00	DH 8486
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 1017 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine
		28.10.42
		00.12	DH 8466	2 corvettes bearing 10°T.  Suspect search group.
		00.24		Course 250°, LF.
		01.28		Course 330°, LF.
		01.37		Course 270°, LF
		02.03		Course 340°, LF.
		04.00	DH 8426
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 1016 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine
		08.00	DH 8154	Course 0°, LF.
			W 3-4, Sea 3, 1015 mb, 25°C
		10.00	DH 8154	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 180°T, 7 nm.  Course 0°, HF.
		12.00	DH 5781	Day's run:  206.5 nm.
			W 4, Sea 3, 1012 mb, 23°C, cloudy
		16.00	DH 5487
			WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, 1011 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)
		18.45		Course 339°, HF.
		20.00	DH 5413
			NWbyW 6, Sea 5-6, 1015 mb, 23°C, overcast
		21.41	DH 5172	Dived to listen and balance the boat.
		22.06	"	2 detonations bearing 69°T.
		22.20	"	Course 40°.
		22.24	"	4 depth charges heard in the distance.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		28.10.42
		22.35		Surfaced.
		22.40		1 detonation heard.
		24.00	DH 5151
			NW 6, Sea 5, 1013 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence
		29.10.42
		03.32		Forced off by destroyer.
		04.00	DH 2781
			NW 6, Sea 5, 1012 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence
		04.17		Course 40°, LF.
		08.00	DH 2735
			NW 5-6, Sea 5, 1011 mb, 23.5°C, cloudy, light marine phosphorescence
		09.30		On course 130° set off ahead of the plotted position of the convoy.
		11.20	DH 2818	Listening dive.
		11.30		Propeller sounds quickly growing louder.  No sound gear.
		11.48	DH 2818	A vessel at high speed overran at depth 20 meters.  Apparently a destroyer.  Afterwards went to depth A +20 meters.  No further sounds.
		12.00	DH 2819	Day's run:  241 nm.
		12.36		Surfaced.  Operating on the convoy position given by the contact keeper.
		16.00	DH 2821
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 22°C, cloudy (rain), heavy squalls
		18.30	DH 2575	Independent tanker in sight.  Operating on tanker.
		19.21	DH 2573	Convoy in sight.  Operating on convoy.  Holding contact very difficult due to the sea state, heavy rain squalls.  Maneuvered ahead.
		20.00	DH 2557
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain), heavy squalls
		22.20		Convoy out of sight in rain squall.
		23.15	DH 2524	Listening dive.  No sound bearings.
		24.00	DH 2527	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42

	- 11 -
		30.10.42
		00.12		2 torpedo detonations heard.
		00.17		2 torpedo detonations heard.
		01.05	DH 2522	Sinking steamer passed.
		01.28		Course 320°.
		02.00		Course 40°.
		04.00	DH 2291
			NW 7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain), moonshine, light marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening
		04.06		Shadow in sight.
		04.12		Shadow out of sight.
		08.00	DH 2311
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, 1013 mb, 17.5°C, cloudy
		08.59		Convoy in sight bearing 150°T.  Held contact on mastheads and maneuvered ahead.  Contact holding on the control room periscope has proved itself very well as in previous cases, above all in the rough sea.  The biggest ship seen so far is the foremost ship in the middle column.
		12.00	CF 9857	Day's run:  172.5 nm.
			WNW 7, Sea 6, 1013 mb, 23°C, cloudy (rain)
		16.00	CF 9834
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1013 mb, 24°C, cloudy (rain)
		17.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 203°T, 45 nm.
		20.00	CF 9867
			WNW 6, Sea 5, 1013 mb, 22°C, overcast
		20.40		With the beginning of twilight ran slowly towards the convoy.  Took aim at the fattest one from the day.  The first thing that comes in sight after the beginning of twilight is our fat one.
		21.29	CF 9868	2-fan.  Both hit from 800 meters.  Afterwards great fireworks.  Steamer, about 11000 GRT, large passenger steamer with a low smoke stack, of type like "ABOSSO" of the Elder Steamer Line.
			CF 9868	This type was found independently by those who saw the steamer in "Merchant Ships 1940".

Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		30.10.42
				Steamer stands immediately in flames.  Isolated detonations, suddenly flares go off on their own in all directions.  Then artillery bombardment from foremost ship of the port column.
		21.24		Crash dive.  Went to depth A +40 meters.  Reloaded.
		21.30		2 heavy detonations heard submerged, probably from our steamer, finally flying into the air.  Then sinking sounds heard.
		21.47		1 torpedo detonation.
		21.48		1 torpedo detonation.
		21.49		1 torpedo detonation.
		21.55		1 torpedo detonation.
		22.06		1 torpedo detonation.
		22.28		Surfaced.  Pursued.  Lights ahead.
		23.02   23.15	CF 9865	3 sinking ships observed.  Single hit on undamaged steamer running on opposite course.  Hit under the poop.  Steamer dives very quickly astern.  Because ship apparently floods through the shaft alley, left in sinking condition, because a new steamer is in sight ahead.  He also drives at slow speed towards the wreck location.  Also still undamaged.
		23.19	CF 9865	Single shot.  Missed.  From the assertion of the Engineering Officer and sound a certain Pi-failure after 52 seconds running time.
		23.27		New approach.  Miss.  This time passed ahead.  Because the steamer began to turn right away, let him go, because the Kommandant wanted to save the last stern torpedo for a favorable opportunity in the convoy.
		24.00	CF 9865
			WNW 5, Sea 4-5, 1016 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence and summer lightening
		31.10.42
		01.51		Course 20°, LF.  Pursued on presumed enemy course.
		04.00	CF 9596
			WNW 5, Sea 4, 1016 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, moonshine
		08.00	CF 9618
			NW 4, Sea 4, 1017 mb, 18.5°C, overcast

	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		31.10.42
		09.05	CF 9671	Remainder of convoy with 5 steamers in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.
		12.00	CF 9381	Day's run:  119 nm.
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3-4, 1017 mb, 20°C, cloudy, long swell
		14.20	CF 9358	Hit, U-Hirsacker.
		15.25		2 times 3 depth charges heard.
		16.00	CF 9328
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3. 1017 mb, 20°C, cloudy, long swell
		17.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 227°T, 26 nm.
		17.42	CF 9342	Forced off by destroyer.
		19.51	CF 6987	Crash dive for aircraft.
		20.00	CF 6989
		20.43		Surfaced.  Operated on the presumed position of the convoy.
		20.51		Crash dive.  Fu.M.B. detection.
		21.32	CF 6987	Surfaced.  Continued to search for the rest of the convoy.
		22.45	CF 6987	Crash dive for Fu.M.B. detection.
		23.28		Surfaced.  Continued search.
		24.00	CF 6976
			WbyS 4-5, Sea 4, 1017 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)
		01.11.42
		04.00	CF 6924
			SW 5-6, Sea 5, 1016 mb, 17°C, overcast (rain), heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	CF 6653
			SW 6, Sea 5, 1016 mb, 17°C, overcast
		08.23	CF 6653	Crash dive.  Fu.M.B. detection, afterwards loud propeller sounds bearing 235°T.
		09.10		Propeller sounds are somewhat fainter.  A typical steamer sound together with a destroyer sound.  Sounds are shifting ahead bearing 265°T.  At periscope depth all around sweep, in 270°T nothing, however bearing 205°T 1000 meters a destroyer, bow right target angle 20° stopped.  No shooting possibility.  Went to depth A +20 meters.  Afterwards with Asdic detection steered to depth A +70 meters.
		10.52	CF 6626	From the first serving [at 10.52 hours] to the last at 12.24 hours, depth charge pursuit, no damage despite well placed depth charges.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		01.11.42
				Destroyer exactly overruns the boat two times.  7 depth charges lying exactly over the boat sucked the boat from depth A +A +30 meters to A +50 meters.  The pursuit was carried out by 2 destroyers.  One was determined to be a fast escort vessel of the ATHERSTONE Class.  The crew held  up well.  There was calm in the boat.  The boat maneuvered well.  Flooding equipment [main bilge pump] was out of service after being used twice.
		12.24		Last depth charge.  A total of 23 depth charges.
		16.00	CF 6625
		16.30	CF 6628	Surfaced.
		16.51		Course 180°, HF.
		20.00	CF 6928
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, 1019 mb, 12°C, overcast (rain)
		21.48	CF 6828	Crash dive for aircraft without Fu.M.B. detection.  Because boat ran before the wind while burrowing after loose mooring lines in the over deck, heard aircraft engine sounds clearly on the bridge.
		23.06	CF 6953	Surfaced.
		23.29		Course 270°, LF.
		24.00	CF 6953
			W 4-5, Sea 4, 1015 mb, 15°C, overcast (rain), light marine phosphorescence
		02.11.42
		04.00	CF 6861
			W 4, Sea 3-4, 1012 mb, 14°C, cloudy
		08.00	CF 6842
			W 4-5, Sea 4, 1010 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain)
		11.50		Course 0°.
		12.00	CF 6752	Day's run:  190 nm.
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, 1011 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)
		16.00	CF 6455
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 1010 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain)
		16.52		Course 50°, GF.
		20.00	CF 6258
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, 1009 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain)

	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		02.11.42
		24.00	CF 3984
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, 1006 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening
		03.11.42
		04.00	CG 1713
			S 3-4, Sea 3, 1004 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening
		08.00	CG 1518
			SbyE 4, Sea 3, 1004 mb, 19°C, overcast
		08.40	CG 1516	Test dive.
		09.25	"	Surfaced.
		12.00	CG 1293	Day's run:  384 nm
			SE 5-6, Sea 4, 1002 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain)
		16.00	BE 9999
			SE 6, Sea 5, 1000 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)
		20.00	BF 7756
			SE 7, Sea 5-6, 1002 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain)
		24.00	BF 7557
			SEbyE 7-8, Sea 6, 1003 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain), heavy summer lightening and marine phosphorescence
		04.11.42
		04.00	BF 7385
			ESE 5, Sea 5, 1004 mb, 15°C, medium summer lightening
		08.00	BF 8121
			E 3-4, Sea 4, 1005 mb, 17°C, overcast (rain)
		08.08	BF 8121	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 5748	Day's run:  330 nm.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1008 mb, 18C, overcast
		12.12	BF 5748	Surfaced.
		13.54	BF 4999	Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		16.00	BF 8122
		17.00	BF 8123	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 232°T, 31 nm.  Surfaced.
		17.03	"	Dived.  Proceeded submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		04.11.42
		18.54	BF 8123	Surfaced.  Course 45°, HF.
		20.00	BF 5774	Dived.  Fu.M.B. detection.
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, 1007 mb, 18°C, cloudy
		20.30		Surfaced.
		22.35	BF 5746	Dived.  Fu.M.B. detection.
		23.07	"
		24.00	BF 5752
			NE 3, Sea 2, 1008 mb, 18°C, cloudy, heavy summer lightening
		05.11.42
		03.00		Courses as ordered by the Kommandant.
		09.29		Crash dive Fu.M.B. detection.
		11.10		Taken in convoy.
		14.00		Made fast Brest.
			During the patrol the Fu.M.B. proved itself very well despite the preliminary nature of the design.  The great heat initially appearing during operation was stopped effectively by the introduction of a compressed air tube which was fed by the low-pressure tool connection, because it was feared that the above normal heat would lead to the destruction of the casting compounds of condensers and resisters.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42

	Enclosures to U-604's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart for the period 14 October - 5 November 1942

	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-604" from 9.9 - 5.11.1942.
	Given the duration of the enterprise the success is gratifying.
	Specifically it is noted:
	The independently proceeding tanker at an estimated distance of 3500 meters was shot at needlessly.  Tough ones persist and strive for favorable shooting positions.
	On 30 October after coming in sight at 08.59 hours the convoy should have been marked for day attack.  Due to the comparatively weak screen the boat would still very likely be able to attack one more time at night.
	On finding the convoy again, as well as when losing it, it was only reported: "Convoy in sight" or "Lost".  Information on the location, course and the speed must be reported at all costs.
	The sinking on 27 October of the tanker estimated at 9000 GRT concerned "ANGLO MAERSK (7705 GRT).
		Signed in draft: D  ö  n  i   t  z  .
		For correctness:
	Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant.

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