U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-604 3rd War Patrol

U-604 - 3rd War Patrol

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

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Brest	26 November 1942	Brest	31 December 1942	36

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

Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
2 Dec 42	20.15	48°57'N, 23°35'W	COAMO	7,057	American	MKF-3

			Total = 7,057
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.












			K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

			"U-604"






			Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant H ö l t r i n g


				Beginning: 3.11.1942.
				Ending : 31.12.1942.









				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

- 1 -




	03.XI to 26.XI.1942 Shipyard period in Brest.
	continued
	26.11.42
	16.21		Put to sea.
	16.51		Taken in sperrbrecher convoy. Steered by the instructions of the Kommandant to point 346.
	22.07		Released from convoy. Course 186°, HF.
	22.19		Crash dive due to Fu.M.B. detection.
	23.00		Surfaced.
	23.02		Crash dive, detection was very loud.
	24.00	No weather because dived

	27.11.42
	00.12		Surfaced.
	00.14		Dived. Fu.M.B. detection.
	01.48		Surfaced.
	02.08		Dived. Fu.M.B. detection.
	03.32		Surfaced.
	03.35		Dived. Fu.M.B. detection.
	04.00
	05.47		Surfaced.
	08.00
	08.15		Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00		Day's run: 94.3 nm.
	13.48		Course 262°.
	16.00
	19.25		Propeller sounds.
	20.00		Propeller sounds taken astern, surfaced. Nothing detected.
	24.00	BF 5475
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1024 mb, +17°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	28.11.42
	01.07	BF 4696	Crash dive. Fu.M.B. detection.
	02.05		Surfaced.
	04.00	BF 4688
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1020 mb, +15°C, overcast (rain), faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BF 4822
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1020 mb, +14°C, overcast, no marine phosphorescence
	08.16	BF 4822	Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	BF 4821	Day's run: 174.5 nm. 3 aircraft bomb detonations at very great range.
	16.00	BF 4813
	18.55	BF 4815	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
	20.00	BE 4736
		E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1020 mb, +14°C, Vis. 10 nm, medium marine phosphorescence
	24.00	BE 6963
		Weather as at 20.00, 1022 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42

- 2 -




	29.11.42
	04.00	BE 6945
		E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1023 mb, +14°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 6857
		E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1023 mb, +15°C
	08.07	BE 6857	Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	BE 6849	Day's run: 182.5 nm.
	12.16		3 depth charge detonations to starboard far off.
	13.48		3 "
	13.52		5 "
	14.05		1 "
	14.09		4 "
	14.10		1 "
	14.12		1 "
	16.00	BE 6848
	18.50	BE 6871	Surfaced.
	19.13		Course 270°, LF.
	20.00	BE 6793
		E 1-2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. 10-12 nm, +15°C, 1023 mb, light marine phosphorescence
	24.00	BE 6773
		E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain), Vis. 12 nm, 1024 mb, +14°C, light marine phosphorescence

	30.11.42
	01.43	BE 6771	Light cruiser of the "DE RUYTER" type in sight bearing 305°T, range = 7 nm. Bow right, target angle 70°, northeasterly course.
			Cruiser comes out of a rain squall. Turned off, because the situation was unfavorable, boat is positioned between the moon and the cruiser. Cruiser put ahead, came to course 20°, 2 x GF. Cruiser grew smaller on course 30°. Assumed speed 20 knots.
	02.20		Cruiser passes out of sight with target angle 160°.
	02.23		Course 270°, transit speed.
	04.00	BE 5966
		E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, 1024 mb, +14°C, light marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 5954
		ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1024 mb, +14.5°C, Vis. 10-12 nm
	10.05		Course 314°, transit speed.
	12.00	BE 5941	Day's run: 151 nm.
		ENE 2-3, Sea 2, +15°C, overcast (rain), 1023 mb, Vis. 12 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42

- 3 -



	continued
	30.11.42
	16.00	BE 5597
		ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 1022 mb, +15.8°C, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-12 nm
	17.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 314°T, 4 nm.
	20.00	BE 5546
		ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 1021 mb, +15°C, overcast, Vis. 10 nm
	20.04		Test dive.
	20.21		Faint propeller sounds bearing 350°T.
	20.35	BE 5546	Surfaced.
	20.57		Course 320°, HF.
	21.32		Course 310°, transit speed. Nothing found.
	24.00	BE 5433
		ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 1021 mb, +14.5°C, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, light marine phosphorescence

	01.12.42
	04.00	BE 5182
		ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 1020 mb, +15°C, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, light marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 5142
		ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, +15°C, 1020 mb, Vis. 16 nm
	12.00	BE 1998	Day's run: 186 nm.
		ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, +15°C, 1020 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm
	16.00	BE 1957
		ENE 2-3, Sea 2, +14.5°C, 1020 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm
	17.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 270°T, 5.5 nm.
	18.50		Course 346°.
	18.40	BE 1918	Test dive.
	18.53		Surfaced. Course 346°, transit speed.
	20.00	BE 1915
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, +14°C, 1020 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	BE 1674
		N 2-3, Sea 2, +14°C, overcast, 1020 mb, Vis. 12 nm, medium marine phosphorescence

	02.12.42
	04.00	BE 1539
		E 2-3, Sea 1-2, +14°C, overcast, 1021 mb, Vis. 12 nm, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 1294
		NbyE 2, Sea 1-2, +14°C, overcast, 1020 mb, Vis. 10-14 nm
	12.00	BE 1229	Day's run: 182 nm.
		NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, +14°C, 1020 mb, Vis. 16 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42

- 4 -



	continued
	02.12.42
	12.31	BE 1229	Steamer in sight bearing 342°T. Bow left, target angle 60°. Turned away hard to port, steamer put astern. Enemy comes out very quickly.
			Came to 2 x GF. Enemy general course 205°. Slightly irregular zig zags. By plotting steamer runs 17.5 knots and is faster then the boat. Despite 600 Amps assistance per shaft the bearing continues to decrease, from 330°T at the beginning of the chase to 310°T at 17.30 hours. Boat gradually falls astern.
	16.00	BE 1524
		NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, +14°C, overcast, 1019 mb, Vis. 16 nm
		NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, +14°C, overcast, 1019 mb, Vis. 16 nm
	18.30		Steamer makes a general course change to the south and runs against the medium-high SE-swell. In so doing loses about 1 to 1.5 knots. Bearing steadies and increases very slowly. E-supplementation is switched off due to [battery] capacity. The boat slowly begins to gain ground. As twilight progressed angled in.



	19.00
	19.35		Steamer at target angle 0°. Course 170°, speed 16 knots.
	19.48		Steamer zig zags to 210°.
	20.00	BE 1739	Steamer zig zags to 160°.
		NbyE 2-3, Sea 1-2, +14°C, 1019 mb, overcast, Vis. +14°C, light marine phosphorescence
	20.07		Turned for bow attack.
	20.12		Bow right, target angle 30°. Steamer zig zags towards the boat with target angle 0°. Boat runs at range = 3000 meters at LF ahead of the steamer.
			With 2 x GF run to the port side.
	20.15	BE 1739	Attack with stern torpedo. At range = 800 meters. Hit under the bridge.
	20.18		Steamer settles.
	20.20		Steamer rises up sharply and sinks by the bow.
			Enemy was a single smokestack passenger steamer, turbine propulsion, cruiser stern and sharply raked forestem. On the stern apparently a disguised cannon. Dark gray paint over all. From bridge to stern continuously running superstructure. 3 decks. Very similar to the American type Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay. Estimated at 12,000 GRT. Approached the boats. By the consistent, independent statements of the crew of 3 rafts, size 16000 GRT.
			Name remained unclear despite repetition and repeated spelling. Letters noted "C E O U I" or similar.
	20.50		Course 353°, HF with charging to ordered objective.
	24.00	BE 1465
		NEbyE, Sea 2, +14°C, overcast, 1019 mb, Vis. 10-14 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence

- 5 -




	03.12.42
	03.25		Course 353°, LF.
	04.00	BE 1191
		NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, +13.5°C, 1019 mb, Vis. 12 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 7889
		E 2, Sea 2, overcast, +12.5°C, 1018 mb, Vis. 14 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	10.18	AL 7858	Test dive.
	10.37	"	Sound gear heard. Surfaced.
	12.00	AL 7825	Day's run: 277 nm.
		S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), +13.5°C, 1018 mb, Vis. 10-15 nm
	16.00	AL 7551
		SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, +14°C, 1019 mb, Vis. 10-14 nm
	16.56	AL 7274	Test dive. Pressure test to depth A +40 meters.
	17.00		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 332°T, 24 nm.
	19.18	AL 7271	Surfaced. Course 353°, transit speed.
	20.00	AL 7271
		SSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, +14°C, 1015 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AL 7214
		NbyW 3, Sea 2-3, +15°C, 1015 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 12 nm, faint marine phosphorescence

	04.12.42
	04.00	AL 4769
		NbyW 2-3, Sea 2, +11°C, 1015 mb, overcast, Vis. 12-14, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 4732
		WNW 2, Sea 2-3, +10°C, overcast, 1015 mb, Vis. 16 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	12.00	AL 4496	Day's run: 178 nm
		W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, +11C, 1013 mb, Vis. 16 nm
	16.00	AL 4438
		W 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), 1012 mb, +11°C, Vis. 10-16 nm
	17.00		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 74°T, 11 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42

- 6 -



	continued
	04.12.42
	19.30	AL 4197	At ordered position back and forth in position with one diesel LF.
	20.00	AL 4197
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, 1010 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +12°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AL 4197
		S 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1004 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +11°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	05.12.42
	04.00	AL 4197
		SSE 4-5, Sea 3, 1001 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 4 nm, +11°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 4197
		SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 1000 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 4-6 nm, +11.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	11.03	AL 4197	Dived. Torpedoes pulled.
	12.00	AL 4197	Day's run: 156.2 nm.
	16.00	AL 4197
	16.47	AL 4197	Surfaced. Continued back and forth in position.
	20.00	AL 4197
		S 5-6, Sea 5, 995 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-8 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AL 4194
		S 6-7, Sea 6-5, 993 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 4-8 nm, +13°C, medium marine phosphorescence

	06.12.42
	04.00	AL 4194
		SbyE 7-8, Sea 6, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 4194
		SEbyS 8, Sea 6-7, 986 mb, overcast, Vis. 6-10 nm, +13°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	11.15	AL 4194	Dived. Test dive.
	12.00	AL 4194	Day's run: 116.2 nm.
		S 7-8, Sea 6-7, 990 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +14°C
	16.00	AL 4194
	17.04		Surfaced.
	19.00		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 219°T, 18 nm.
	19.18		Course 276°, 7 knots.
	20.00	AL 4421
		SW 2, Sea 5-6, 997 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +11°C, faint marine phosphorescence

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

- 7 -



	continued
	06.12.42
	24.00	AK 6399
		SbyW 2-3, Sea 3-4, 996 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 12-16 nm, +11°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	07.12.42
	04.00	AK 6388
		W 3-4, Sea 3, 995 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +8°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 6296
		WbyS 4, Sea 3, 995 mb, overcast, +10.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence, Vis. 14 nm
	10.00		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 293°T, 12.5 nm.
	11.00		Course 92°, transit speed.
	12.00	AK 6282	Day's run: 116 nm.
		SSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, 996 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +11°C
	16.00	AK 6371	Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 20°T, 13 nm.
		SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 996 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 16 nm, +11°C
	17.00		Course 101°, transit speed.
	17.37	AK 6357	Test dive.
	18.13		Surfaced.
	20.00	AK 6355
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, 996 mb, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, +11°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	23.33		Course 310°, HF.
	24.00	AK 6238
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, 995 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +11.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	08.12.42
	04.00	AK 3982
		SWbyW 2-3, Sea 3, 993 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +11.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	04.35		Course 315°, HF.
	08.00	AK 0236
		ESE 5, Sea 4-5, 982 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	11.30		Course 309°, HF.
	12.00	AK 2854	Day's run: 222 nm.
		ENE 5-6, Sea 5, 982 mb, Vis. 10 nm, +9°C
	16.00	AK 2586
		ENE 6, Sea 5, 982 mb, Vis. 12 nm, overcast, +9°C
	16.04		Test dive.
	16.31		Surfaced.
	16.55	AK 2582	Crash dive for aircraft.
	17.15	AK 2582	5 aircraft bombs at some distance.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42

- 8 -



	continued
	08.12.42
	17.35		Surfaced.
	18.25		Convoy in sight bearing 282°T.
	18.45	AK 2556	Crash dive for aircraft. Aircraft came out of the clouds from 1000 meters away. No bombs.
	20.00	AK 2559
	20.23	AK 2556	Surfaced.
	20.55	AK 2559	Crash dive for very loud Fu.M.B. detection, Course 50°, HF.
	22.10		Surfaced. Continued to operate on supposed enemy course.
	24.00	AK 2562
		NEbyE 6, Sea 5-6, 981 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, +8.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	09.12.42
	04.00	AK 2621
		NbyE 6, Sea 5-6, 980 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	04.20		Crash dive for Fu.M.B. detection.
	05.56		Surfaced.
	08.00	AK 2632
		NbyE 6, Sea 5-6, 975 mb, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.17		Crash dive for Fu.M.B. detection (surface vessel).
	08.25		Surfaced.
	12.00	AK 4286	Day's run: 207 nm.
		N 6-7, Sea 6, 974 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +8.5°C	[12.00 position is obviously incorrect. The 12.00 position is approximately AK3377]
	16.00	AK 3375
		NbyW 7, Sea 6, 973 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +8.5°C
	20.00	AK 3396
		NNW 6-7, Sea 6, 973 mb, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, +8.5°C
	24.00	AK 3486
		W 6, Sea 5-6, 975 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +9°C, no marine phosphorescence

	10.12.42
	00.12		Star shell bearing 200°T.
	00.50		" 270°T.
	01.26	AL 1377	Listening dive.
	02.02		Surfaced.
	02.26		Tracer and star shell bearing 260°T.
	02.46	AK 3633	Enemy in sight.
	02.49		Course 90°, LF. Boat is positioned ahead of the convoy. Convoy target angle 0°.
	03.46		7 depth charges at some distance to port.
	03.55		6 " " " "
	04.00	AL 1516	Moved off on course 160° because conditions are unfavorable for attack. Convoy is positioned in darkness and runs with the high seas. Boat is in the bright sector and must attack against the sea. Use of binoculars is not possible.
		W 6, Sea 5-6, 976 mb, +9°C, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, no marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42

- 9 -



	continued
	10.12.42
			Frequent detections (Fu.M.B.) heard at regular intervals, volume 2-3, on 141 cm.
			Apparently a destroyer.
	04.34		Very loud rising detection on 141 cm from a destroyer. Destroyer astern at range = 2000 meters, bow right, target angle 10°. Went to 2 x GF. Star shells astern to starboard.
	04.59		Detection was quieter. Destroyer passes out of sight. Went to LF, course 180°.
			Intention: Because was forced off by destroyer, let the convoy run by, then pursue and break in from behind, to approach with the seas.
	05.32		Course 270°, HF.
	06.00		" 0°, HF.
	06.11		5 depth charges at some distance.
	06.30		Course 30°, HF.
	07.00		" 45°, HF.
	07.30		" 80°, GF.
	08.00	AL 1526
		W 6, Sea 5-6, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.45		Course 80°, GF.
	08.46		" 80°, LF.
	08.50		" 90°, LF. Pursuit broken off because too much time has gone by. It will be too bright to attack at 09.30 hours.
	10.00		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 211°T, 18 nm.
	10.50		Course 140°, HF. Convoy bearing 160°T, 24 nm away. (smoke clouds)
	12.00	AL 1645	Day's run: 171 nm.
		W 5-6, Sea 5, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +9.5°C
	12.27		Crash dive for aircraft.
	14.10		Surfaced.
	14.23	AL 1654	Crash dive for aircraft.
	14.41		6 aircraft bombs at some distance.
	16.00	AL 1654
	16.15		Surfaced
	16.17		Crash dive for aircraft.
	19.14	AL 1654	Surfaced.
	19.20		Course 170°.
	19.24		" 110°, LF.
	20.00	AL 1658
		NNW 3, Sea 4, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +9°C, no marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AL 2579
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	11.12.42
	00.22		B.d.U. Orders: Break off. Course 245° HF.
	02.00		Course 245°, LF. During the operation very good reception on convoy voice frequency (124.5 meters). American slang. Destroyer silhouette American type "SOMERS" 1 mast, high bridge, 1 smokestack.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42

- 10 -




	11.12.42
	04.00	AL 1861
		NWbyW 4, Sea 3-4, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +9.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 1848
		NWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, 982 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +9°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.16		Course 245°, transit speed.
	11.14	AL 1793	Dived. Torpedoes pulled.
	12.00	AL 1795	Day's run: 189 nm.
		WbyN 5-6, Sea 5, 985 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm
	15.22		1 depth charge or aircraft bomb at great range.
	16.00	AL 1789
	20.00	AL 1922
	21.17	AL 1921	Surfaced.
	23.48		Course 176°, transit speed.
	24.00	AL 1917
		W 4, Sea 4, 1000 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, faint marine phosphorescence

	12.12.42
	04.00	AL 1975
		W 3, Sea 3, 1002 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AL 4143
		W 2-3, Sea 3, 1001 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	12.00	AL 4179	Day's run: 139.5 nm.
		E 3, Sea 3, 996 mb, overcast, Vis. 12-16 nm, +10°C
	14.00	AL 4419	Dived. While balancing the boat sound gear sounds. Suspect: 2 locating destroyers, because 2 distinct impulses.
	14.23		Surfaced. Detection put astern.
			Course 90°, GF. Intention: Remain unnoticed in the patrol line.
	15.45		Course 135°, HF.
	16.00	AL 4437
		ENE 4, Sea 3, 994 mb, +10°C, overcast (rain), Vis. 12-16 nm
	18.04		Dived. Torpedoes pulled.
	20.00	AL 4547
	22.47	AL 4571	Surfaced. Course 308°, port diesel LF.
	24.00	AL 4469
		E 4, Sea 3, 990 mb, +9°C, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-10 nm, medium marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42

- 11 -




	13.12.42
	04.00	AL 4428
		E 4, Sea 3, 983 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-10 nm, +9.5°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	06.00		Back and forth in ordered position in patrol line.
	08.00	AL 4413
		E 4, Sea 3, 978 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +9°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	11.22		Dived. While balancing the boat locating destroyer heard abeam to port and starboard, apparently 2 distinct groups.
	12.00	AL 4413	Day's run: 188 nm.
	12.17		Surfaced.
	12.50		Course 0°, LF.
	16.00	AL 4172
		NNE 6-7, Sea 5, 976 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 4-6 nm, +9°C, high swell
	16.06		Dived. sound gear sounds far off.
	16.11		Course 180°, E-motors LF.
	16.50		" 167°, " "
	20.00	AL 4179	Sound gear sounds bearing 302°T, and 73°T.
	21.09		Course 289°, LF.
	24.00	AK 6394
		E 5-6, Sea 4-5, 975 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +9°C, medium marine phosphorescence

	14.12.42
	04.00	AK 6347
		NE 5, Sea 4-5, 974 mb, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, +9°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 6251
		NE 6-7, Sea 5-6, 976 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-8 nm, +9.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	11.00	AK 6135	Dived.
	12.00	AK 6134	Day's run: 178 nm.
	16.00	AK 6126
	19.00	AK 6122	Surfaced. Course 289°, LF.
	20.00	AK 6113
		NE 6-7, Sea 6, 974 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +9.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	23.45		Course 250°, LF.
	24.00	AK 0275
		NEbyE 6, Sea 5-6, 973 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8-10 nm, +9.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42

- 12 -




	15.12.42
	04.00	AK 5236
		NEbyE 6, Sea 5, 972 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +10°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 5227
		NE 5, Sea 4-5, 971 mb, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm, +10°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	11.30		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 285°T, 14 nm.
	11.50		Course 131°, LF.
	12.00	AK 5161	Day's run: 150 nm.
		NE 6, Sea 5, 968 mb, cloudy, Vis. 16 nm, +9°C
	15.08	AK 5182	Crash dive for aircraft.
	15.10		Faint propeller sounds bearing 148°T.
	15.46		Surfaced.
	15.55		Course 105°, HF. Operating on sound bearing.
	16.00	AK 5185
		NEbyE 6, Sea 5, 960 mb, overcast, Vis. 12-16 nm, +9°C
	16.26	AK 5186	Crash dive for aircraft.
	16.37		Faint propeller sounds bearing 133°T.
	16.55		Surfaced. Nothing seen.
	17.32	AK 5194	Crash dive for aircraft.
	17.34		7 aircraft bombs close by at depth A, no substantial damage.
	19.03		Surfaced.
	19.10		Crash dive. Destroyer bearing 180°T, bow right target angle 20°, range = 6000 meters, emerged suddenly from a rain squall. Dived because main ballast tank V does not seem to close.
	20.00	AK 5195	Surfaced.
	21.56		Course 245°, HF.
	23.40		" 70°, "
	24.00	AK 5421	Comment: Radio Message 2145/15/847 concerning destroyer sighting is sent immediately on "Hubertus" Circuit, however was not heard. Throughout the night I attempt to send it on Iceland [probably a typo for Ireland], America I and II Circuits. Was first heard by the Communications Center on "Hubertus" Circuit at 07.37 hours on 16 December.
		N 4, Sea 4, 956 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 14 nm, +9°C, no marine phosphorescence
			Radio Message 2305/15/845 is first heard from the radio repeater at 03.45 hours. Boat had only heard the Communications Center sometimes from 18.00 to 04.00 hours at volume 1. Enemy interference at volume 5.

- 13 -




	16.12.42
	01.30		Course 70°, GF.
	04.00	AK 5257
		N 4-5, Sea 4, 954 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-8 nm, +9°C, light marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 5342
		E 3, Sea 4, 954, +9°C, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, high swell
	12.00	AK 0286	Day's run: 227 nm.
		E 3, Sea 3-4, 957 mb, cloudy, Vis. 16 nm, +9°C, high swell
	12.53		Course 214°, GF.
	1332		Test dive.
	14.05		Surfaced.
	16.00	AK 5369
		E 3, Sea 3, 960 mb, +9°C, cloudy, Vis. 16 nm, high swell
	17.18		HF due to fog.
	17.59		GF course 204°.
	20.00	AK 5646
		NW 5, Sea 4-5, 964 mb, +9°C, overcast (fog), Vis 1000 meters, high swell, faint marine phosphorescence
	22.55	AL 5836	Listening dive.
	24.00	AK 5836	Course 230°, LF with one diesel.
		WNW 8, Sea 6, 970 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 2000 meters, +9°C, high swell, no marine phosphorescence

	17.12.42
	00.05		Surfaced.
	04.00	AK 5861
		NWbyW 9, Sea 8, 976 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 1-2 nm, +9°C, no marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 5857
		NWbyW 9-10, Sea 8, 980 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 3 nm, +9°C, high swell, no marine phosphorescence
	11.15		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 5875	Day's run: 204 nm.
		WbyN 8-9, Sea 8, 993 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +8°C, high swell
	13.36	AK 5873	Surfaced. Course 220°, one diesel LF.
	16.00	AK 8211
		WbyN 8-9, Sea 8, 999 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +8°C, high swell

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42

- 14 -



	continued
	17.12.42
	20.00	AK 8138
		W 7-8, Sea 7, 1002 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +8°C, no marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AK 8159
		S 5, Sea 5, 995 mb, overcast, Vis. 2000 meters, +8.5°C, no marine phosphorescence

	18.12.42
	04.00	AK 8157
		S 5-6, Sea 5, 993 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 3000 meters, +7.5°C, no marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 8418
		S 6, Sea 5, 978 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 2000 meters, +7°C, no marine phosphorescence
	10.58	AK 8444	Dived.
	12.00	" "	Day's run: 114 nm.
	13.35	" 7669	Surfaced.
	14.20	" "	Dived.
	20.00	" 7692
	21.30	" 7695	Surfaced. Course 140°. One diesel transit speed.
			Violent storm.
	23.48		Destroyer abeam to port distance 200 meters.
			Destroyer appeared at target angle 0 to port on a crest, obliquely over the boat from a hail squall. Got clear With AK-ahead, destroyer disappeared astern at a distance of 800-1000 meters in squall. Apparently remained unnoticed. Enemy course 280°.
	24.00	AK 8711
		WSW 12, Sea 9, 980 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 1-2000 meters, +7°C, no marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42

- 15 -




	19.12.42
	04.00	AK 8745	Dived.
		WSW 12, Sea 9, 981 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 2000 meters, +7°C, no marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 8745
	12.00	" "	Days run: 78 nm.
	16.00	" 8744
	19.02		Course 350°, LF.
	19.12	" 8741	Surfaced.
	20.00	" "	Course 320°, HF.
		W 7, Sea 7, 979 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +7.5°C, no marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AK 7683
		WbyN 6-7, Sea 6, 977 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +7°C, no marine phosphorescence

	20.12.42
	04.00	AK 7624
		WNW 6-7, Sea 5, 975 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +6.5°C, no marine phosphorescence
	08.00	AK 7293
		WbyN 4-5, Sea 5, 975 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, no marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	08.04		Course 180°.
	11.03		Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 210°T, 11 nm.
	11.13	AK 7563	Test dive.
	12.00	" "	Day's run: 158 nm.
		WbyN 2-3, Sea 3, 976 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 10 nm, +5°C, medium swell
	14.15		Sound gear sounds bearing 96°T.
	14.42	AK 7566	Surfaced. Course 90°, LF. Running in the direction of the sounds, because convoy is suspected. Nothing found.
	16.00	AK 7645
		WbyN 2-3, Sea 3, 976 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 10-12 nm, +5°C, medium swell

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42

- 16 -



	continued
	20.12.42
	16.26	AK 7645	Meeting with U-Scheibe.
	16.59		Course 190°, HF.
	20.00	AK 7913
		W 4-5, Sea 4, 977 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +5.5°C, no marine phosphorescence
	24.00	AK 7975
		SW 6, Sea 5, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, +5.5°C, no marine phosphorescence

	21.12.42
	01.45		Course 130°, LF.
	04.00	BD 1251
		WbyN 5-6, Sea 5, 984 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +6°C, faint marine phosphorescence, high swell
	08.00	BD 1296	Course 280°, LF.
		WbyN 6-7, Sea 5-6, 985 mb, overcast (snow), Vis. 8-10 nm, +6°C, faint marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	12.00	BD 1242	Day's run: 216 nm. Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 325°T, 16 nm.
		WbyN 5-6, Sea 5, 989 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 10 nm, +10C, medium swell
	12.26		Course 245°, LF.
	13.40		" 200°, LF.
	16.00	BD 1193
		SW 7-8, Sea 7, 993 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 6-8 nm, +10°C, high swell
	20.00	BD 1424	Course 280°, LF.
		SW 8, Sea 7, 992 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +9°C, high swell
	24.00	BD 1438
		SW 6-7, Sea 6, 991 mb, overcast (snow), Vis. 6-8 nm, +9°C, no marine phosphorescence, medium swell

	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42

- 17 -




	22.12.42
	04.00	BD 1475
		SW 4, Sea 4, 990 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +10°C, medium swell
	06.58	BD 1711	Listening dive. Course 105°.
	07.26		Surfaced.
	08.00	BD 1741
		SW 5-6, Sea 5, 988 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 10 nm, +10°C, medium swell
	12.00	BD 1764	Day's run: 190 nm.
		W 6, Sea 5, 989 mb, overcast (fog), Vis. 14 nm, 10°C, medium swell
	12.12		Port diesel, transit speed.
	16.00	BD 1846
		SWbyW 8, Sea 7, 989 mb, overcast, Vis., 16 nm, 10°C, high swell
	20.00	BD 1892
		W 7, Sea 6, 993 mb, overcast (hail), Vis. 10 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence, high swell
	24.00	BD 1975
		W 7-8, Sea 6, 994 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence, high swell

	23.12.42
	04.00	BD 1997
		WbyN 8-9, Sea 7, 1004 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 4-8 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence, high swell
	08.00	BD 5112
		WbyN 8, Sea 7, 1008 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence, high swell
	12.00	BD 5126	Day's run: 166.5 nm.
		W 6, Sea 6, 1012 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +10°C, medium swell
	13.13	BD 5137	Dived.
	16.00	BD 5138
	20.00	BD 5241
	20.13		Surfaced. Course 105°, LF.
	24.00	BD 5255
		W 4-5, Sea 4, 1020 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence, medium swell

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42

- 18 -




	24.12.42
	04.00	BD 5269
		SW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 1020 mb, overcast, Vis. 6-10 nm, +10°C, no marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BD 5373
		SW 6, Sea 5, 1021 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +11°C, no marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	11.15	BD 5383	Dived.
	12.00	BD 5394	Day's run: 138 nm.
	13.47		Surfaced.
	14.30		Dived.
	16.00	BD 5394
	20.00	BD 6177
	20.16	" 5394	Surfaced.
	24.00	BD 6426
		SW 5, Sea 4, 1024 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 6-8 nm, +15°C, faint marine phosphorescence, medium swell

	25.12.42
	04.00	BD 6436
		SSW 5-6, Sea 5, 1024 mb, +15°C, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, faint marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	08.00	BD 6527
		SSW 5, Sea 4-5, 1024 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +15°C, medium swell
	12.00	BD 6562	Day's run: 135 nm.
		SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 1023 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +14°C, medium swell
	16.00	BD 6645
		SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 1023 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +14°C, medium swell
	20.00	BD 6659
		SW 4, Sea 3, 1020 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +15°C, medium marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	24.00	BE 4471
		W 3, Sea 3, 1022 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, 15°C, medium marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42

- 19 -




	26.12.42
	04.00	BE 4485
		WbyN 4, Sea 3, 1027 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +15°C, faint marine phosphorescence, medium swell
	08.00	BE 4733
		WbyN 3, Sea 2, 1027 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +15°C, faint marine phosphorescence, light swell
	10.27	BE 4816	Steamer in sight bearing 195°. Steamer steers general course NE, speed 17 knots.
			Intention: Pursue steamer out of route Anton. Intention abandoned, due to lack of fuel. With only 1 knot speed advantage prospective duration of the maneuver ahead 12-14 hours.
	12.00	BE 4576	Day's run: 169 nm.
		W 3, Sea 2, 1031 mb, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, +15°C, light swell
	12.54	BE 4579	Crash dive for aircraft. Went to depth A +20 meters.
	15.42	BE 4560	2 sound gear sounds bearing 25°T. Apparently a search group.
	16.00	BE 4831	Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 102°T, 19 nm. Surfaced. Course 60°, LF.
		WbyN 3, Sea 2, 1031 mb, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, +13°C
	19.00		Course 110°, HF.
	20.00	BE 4676
		NW 3, Sea 2, 1031 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +13°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	BE 4931
		NbyE 3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +13°C, light marine phosphorescence

	27.12.42
	04.00	BE 5716
		NE 2, Sea 2, 1030 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +13°C, light marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 5761
		E 2, Sea 2, 1030 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +13°C
	12.00	BE 5849	Day's run: 182 nm.
		E 1, Sea 1, 1031 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +14°C
	16.00	BE 5897	Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 268°T, 8.1 nm.
		E 1, Sea 1, 1033 mb, cloudy, Vis. 18 nm, +15C
	18.17	BE 8311	Test dive.
	18.51		Surface.
	20.00	BE 8316
		NE 1, Sea 1, 1032 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +15°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42

- 20 -



	continued
	27.12.42
	24.00	BE 8362
		NE 1, Sea 1, 1033 mb, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, +15°C, faint marine phosphorescence

	28.12.42
	04.00	BE 9157
		NE 1, Sea 1, 1034 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 10 nm, +14°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BE 9515
		NE 1, Sea 1, 1033 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +14.5°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	09.30		Course 90°, LF. Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 165.5°T, 7.5 nm. Surfaced.
	12.00	BE 9534	Day's run: 237 nm.
		NE 2, Sea 1, 1033 mb, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, +14°C
	12.43	BE 9535	Dived to proceed submerged.
	16.00	BE 9536
	19.55	BE 9614	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
			Course 90°, HF.
	20.00	BE 9614
		N 2, Sea 1, 1033 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +14°C, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	BE 9635
		N 2, Sea 1, 1032 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence

	29.12.42
	04.00	BF 7434
		N 3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, overcast (rain), Vis. 8 nm, 13.5°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BF 7526	Course 53°.
		NbyE 4, Sea 3, 1029 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +14°C
	08.43	BF 7531	Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	BF 7299	Day's run: 188 nm.
	16.00	BF 7374
	18.57	BF 7375	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
	20.00	BF 7373
		NNE 4, Sea 3, 1027 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	22.00		GF.
	24.00	BF 8112
		NNE 6, Sea 5, 1028 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

- 21 -




	30.12.42
	00.51		HF.
	01.05		2 x HF.
	03.33		LF.
	04.00	BF 5747
		NNE 6, Sea 5, 1027 mb, overcast, +14.5°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	BF 5725
		NNE 7, Sea 6, 1026 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, +14°C
	08.32	BF 5713	Dived to proceed submerged.
			Difference between actual and dead reckoning position after a navigation fix = 276°T, 17.2 nm.
	11.50		2 aircraft bombs at great range to port.
	12.00	BF 5721	Day's run: 172 nm.
	16.00	BF 5487
	18.10		Surfaced.
	18.11		Dived.
	19.26		Surfaced. Course 67°, HF.
	20.00	NbyE 3, Sea 2, 1027 mb, +14.5°C, overcast (rain), Vis. 6 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
	21.56		Steered by the instructions of the Kommandant for Brest. 163.2 nm.
	24.00	NbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 1027 mb, overcast (rain), +14°C, Vis. 8 nm, faint marine phosphorescence

	31.12.42
	04.00	NNE 4, Sea 3, 1025 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, +14°C, medium marine phosphorescence
	08.00	NEbyE 4, Sea 3, 1022 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, +14.5°C
	08.37		Taken in convoy. Entered Brest by the instructions of the Kommandant.
	12.30		Made fast Brest.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42

Enclosures to U-604's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart Track chart for the period

Radio Excerpt of the Radio Log

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

                           to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-604" from 3.11. - 31.12.1942

        The Kommandant acted skillfully during the pursuit and sinking of the fast runner on 2 December. In contrast, the boat ought to have achieved success during the operation on the convoy from the 8th to the 10th of December. The boat had contact quite often, had opportunities for success several times and should not have failed to attack only because of unfavorable attack conditions, brief forcing off by a destroyer and continuous diving only for detections. Opportunities at the convoy are rare and must therefore be utilized whenever possible, even under unfavorable conditions.

Recognized success: 1 ship of 12000 GRT sunk.

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

- The Chief of the Operations Department -

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Return to the U-boat KTB page

	Enclosures to U-604's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart	Track chart for the period

Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log



	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-604" from 3.11. - 31.12.1942

	The Kommandant acted skillfully during the pursuit and sinking of the fast runner on 2 December. In contrast, the boat ought to have achieved success during the operation on the convoy from the 8th to the 10th of December. The boat had contact quite often, had opportunities for success several times and should not have failed to attack only because of unfavorable attack conditions, brief forcing off by a destroyer and continuous diving only for detections. Opportunities at the convoy are rare and must therefore be utilized whenever possible, even under unfavorable conditions.
	Recognized success: 1 ship of 12000 GRT sunk.

		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -