U-615 1st War Patrol

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

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	5 September 1942	La Pallice	30 October 1942	56

 

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
11 Oct 42	19.56	51°03'N, 46°15'W	EL LAGO	4,221	Panamanian	ONS-136
23 Oct 42	18.52 - 20.24	48°27'N, 25°55'W	EMPIRE STAR	12,656	British
			Total = 16,877
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  615  "
			Kommandant:           Kapitänleutnant  K  a  p  i  t  z  k  i
				Beginning:  26.3.1942.
				Ending    :    5.9.1942.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		26.03.42
		10.00	Hamburg, Blohm und Voß Shipyard	Commissioning.
		27.03.42 -	Hamburg, Blohm und Voß Shipyard and Tollerort	Crew exercises, puting to sea and return maneuvers.
		05.04.42		U.A.K. testing. [U-boat Acceptance Command]
		06.04.42	Hamburg, Tollerort
		14.10		Cast off, transfer voyage to Kiel.
		19.10	Brunsbüttel	Made fast.
		07.04.42	Brunsbüttel Harbor
		07.00		Cast off for Canal voyage to Kiel.
		14.17	Kiel, Tirpitz Mole	Made fast.
		08.04.42 -	Kiel	Travel time and U.A.K. testing.
		06.05.42
		07.05.42	Kiel
		10.00		Cast off for transfer to the East.
		22.23	Tromper Wik	Anchored.
		08.05.42
		07.00		Weighed anchor.
		12.10	Swinemünde	Made fast.
		10.05.42	Swinemünde
		05.30		Cast off, transit to the East, AK cruise.
		19.47	Danzig, Kaiser Harbor	Made fast.
		11.05.42 -	Danzig	U.A.G. testing, independent training, measured mile and fuel cruise.
		14.05.42
		15.05.42 -	Gotenhafen
		18.05.42		T.E.K. testing. [Torpedo Testing Command]
		19.05.42 - 20.06.42	Hela	Agru-Front, independent training, Engineering Officer School cruise.  [Technical training for Front U-boats]
		03.06.42 -	Hela	Agru-Front and independent training.
		11.06.42
		12.06.42	Danzig	Report to 25.U.Flottille. [Torpedo firing training]
		13.06.42	Danzig	Independent training.
		14.06.42	Danzig Bay	Artillery firing.
		15.06.42 -	Danzig, Holm Shipyard	Dry docked, guard wire, propeller and keel repairs.
		17.06.42
		18.06.42	Danzig Bay	Training at sea.
		19.06.42	"         "	Took over oil at sea (U-264).
		20.06.42	"         "	Depth charge training.

	- 2 -
		20.06.42 -	Danzig Bay	Independent training.
		22.06.42
		22.06.42 -	Danzig Bay	Torpedo shooting.
		28.06.42
		29.06.42 -	Danzig and Danzig Bay
		05.07.42		Independent training in harbor and at sea.
		06.07.42	Danzig	Put to sea for Rönne.
		20.00
		07.07.42	Nexø
		18.00		Begin testing.
		08.07.42	Nexø
		07.30		End testing.
		09.30	Rönne	Made fast.
		18.00	"	Put to sea, transit to Danzig.
		09.07.42	Danzig
		08.30		Made fast.
		10.07.42 -	Danzig and Danzig Bay	Independent training in harbor and at sea.
		12.07.42
		13.07.42
		06.30		Put to sea for Gotenhafen to the 27.U.Flottille. [Tactical training]
		13.07.42 -	Gotenhafen, Eastern and Central Baltic	Tactical training.
		22.07.42
		22.07.42	Gotenhafen
		12.30		Put to sea for Danzig.
		13.30		Made fast, boat certified.
		23.07.42	Danzig
		08.00		Put to sea for Hamburg.
		24.07.42	Hamburg - Tollerort
		20.25		Made fast alongside D. "VEENDAM".
		25.07.42 -	Hamburg	Final adjustment and overhaul, Howaldt Shipyard.
		21.08.42
		20.08.42	Hamburg	Sea trial.
		19.08.42 -	Hamburg	Illness of the Engineering Officer, equipping delay.
		28.08.42
		30.08.42 -	Hamburg	Torpedo and provisions loading.
		31.08.42
		01.09.42	Hamburg
		08.00		Put to sea for Kiel.
		18.45	Kiel	Made fast U-boat pier.

 

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				- . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . -
				" U  615  "
				Beginning:  5.  September 1942.
				Ending    :  30. October 1942.
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant  K  a  p  i  t  z  k  y
			Distribution: O.K.M. Copy No. 1 and 2   B.d.U.     "      "  3   2. A.d.U-Boote     "      "  4   7. U-Flottille     "      "  5   27. U-Flottille     "      "  6   Agru-Front f.       Kptlt. Jebsen     "      "  7         Enclosures: 1 track chart                     for Copy Nos. 1,3,4,5.   8 Barograph strips            for Copy No. 3   3 Torpedo firing reports    for Copy Nos. 3 and 5

	- 1 -
		05.09.42
		07.00	Kiel Wik (Scharnhorstbrücke)	Put to sea for the first war patrol.
		09.50	Western Baltic (Red 15)	Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher 18 through the Great Belt.
		12.00	Great Belt
			AO 7463	Day's run:  69.8 nm .
			SbyW 2, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm
		16.00	AO 7192 center-right edge
		20.00	AO 7241 center-left
			SSW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		20.50	Barrier at Red 27	Passed barrier, joined Vorpostenboot 1706.
		24.00	AO 4878 upper-right
			SbyW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		06.09.42
		02.40	Point Black 14	Sperrbrecher was detached by Vorpostenboot 1706.
		04.00	AO 4818 right edge
		06.10		Läsö Trindel passed to port.
		08.00	AO 4465 lower-right
			SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 1-2, hazy
		12.00	AO 4419	Day's run:  252.6 nm .
		16.00	AN 3625 center-left
			SW 4, Sea 4, Vis. 6 nm
		19.05	Entrance Kristiansand	Released Vorpostenboot 1706.
		19.45	Kristiansand	Made fast alongside steamer "NERISSE".
				Supplied with fuel oil and drinking water.
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		07.09.42
		08.00	Kristiansand	Put to sea in convoy.
		12.00	AN 3538	Day's run:  95.6 nm .
			W 3, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm
		13.21		Test dive.
		13.55		Surfaced.
		16.00	AN 3524
			W 4, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		16.59		Lister Lighthouse passed to starboard.
		20.00	AN 3277

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		07.09.42
		24.00	AN 3168
			W 3, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		08.09.42
		02.10	AN 3161	Released from convoy.
		04.00	AN 3153
			N 2, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AN 2975
		12.00	AN 2863 lower-left	Day's run:  136.2 nm (133 )
			NbyW 1, Sea 0, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm	( 3.2 ).
		16.00	AN 2823
		20.00	AN 2368
			S 2, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		22.29		Radio Message Orders:  "U-615" transit to the Atlantic via AM 3200.
		24.00	AN 2334
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		09.09.42
		04.00	AF 8749
			NbyW 3, Sea 1-2, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AF 8716	Switched to Ireland Circuit.
			W 3, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm
		12.00	AF 8477	Day's run:  136 nm (131 )
			W 3, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm	(   5 ).
		16.00	AF 7630
			WSW 6, Sea 5-6, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm
		20.00	AF 7634
			WSW 6, Sea 5-6, Swell 4, Vis. 2-3 nm
		21.55		Dived due to bad weather.  Only 3 knots speed of advance on the surface against the sea.
		24.00	AF 7626	Proceeded submerged.
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		10.09.42
		04.00

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		10.09.42
		04.00	AF 7624
		06.10		Surfaced.
		08.00	AF 7616
			SW 6-7, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		12.00	AF 7615	Day's run:  71 nm (54 )
			WSW 6, Sea 6, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm	(17 ).
		12.45		Dived to proceed submerged.
		16.00	AF 7614
		20.00	AF 7535
		21.30		Surfaced.
		24.00	AF 7534
			WSW 7, Sea 7, Swell 7, Vis. 1 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		11.09.42
		00.55		Dived to proceed submerged.
		04.00	AF 7528
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	AF 7543
			WNW 5-6, Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 5 nm
		12.00	AF 7642	Day's run:  78 nm (40 )
			WSW 5, Sea 5. Swell 4, Vis. 5 nm	(38 ).
		16.00	AF 7452
			WSW 6, Sea 5, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	AF 7472
			SW 3, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		24.00	AE 9932
			SW 3, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		12.09.42
		01.15	AE 9938	Crash dive, detection suspected.
		01.55		Surfaced.  Determined, that there was no detection but high frequency interference.
		04.00	AE 9992
			SW 4, Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		12.09.42
		08.00	AN 1118
			WSW 2, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 6 nm
		12.00	AN 1176	Day's run:  175 nm (174 ) [numbers don't add up]
			WSW 2, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(   2 ).
		16.00	AM 3297
			WSW 3, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		16.45		Radio Message Orders:  Boat belongs to Group "Pfeil" and occupies AL 4745 in patrol line.
		17.59	AM 3288	Crash dive for flying boat bearing 230°T, range = 7000 meters, altitude = 500 meters, course 120°, was unnoticed.
		18.40		Surfaced.
		20.00	AM 3411
			WSW 1, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		22.55	AM 3351	Crash dive.  Parachute flare bearing 320°T.  Range 2000 meters, Altitude = xxx meters, apparently from aircraft.  No detection.
		23.38		Surfaced.  Searchlight signal traffic bearing 140°T below the horizon.  Suspect exercise area for warships and aircraft.  Parachute flare therefore not intended for us.
		24.00	AM 3325
			WSW 1, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		13.09.42
		04.00	AM 3312
			WSW 3, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AM 2425
			SbyW 2, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	AM 2414	Day's run:  176 nm (174 )
			SbyW 1, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm	(   2 ).
		16.00	AM 2364
			SbyW 3-4, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	AM 2381
			SbyW 3, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm
		20.30	[typo position reported by U-216 was AK 6427]	Radio Message Order:  Operate at highest speed on convoy in AK 6247 heading 50°.
		20.45		Came to course 270° and both diesels GF.
		24.00	AM 1485
			SbyW 2, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42

	- 5 -
		14.09.42
		04.00	AM 1576
			SSW 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis 1 nm
		07.34		Test dive and deep diving test to depth A +40 meters.  Forward tube vents heavily.
		08.00	AL 3476
		08.35		Surfaced.
		09.25		Radio Message sent:  Passage and situation report from AM 5200.
		12.00	AL 3521	Day's run:  267 nm (263.5 )
			WSW 4, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm	(   3.5 ).
		16.00	AL 3517
			WbyN 5, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		19.00		Radio Message Order:  If there is no contact on the convoy by the beginning of twilight, break off operation and head for AL 72.
		21.45		Operation broken off and came to course for new position at transit speed.
		20.00	AL 2656
			NW 6, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 5 nm
		24.00	AL 2675
			NW 4, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 4 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		15.09.42
		04.00	AL 2819
			WNW 4, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	AL 2858
			WNW 2, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		11.21	AL 2850	Crash dive for flying boat, range = 9000 meters, altitude = 300 meters, southerly course, was unnoticed.
		11.55		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 2831	Day's run:  172 nm (169 )
			NbyW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm	(   3 ).
		12.59	AL 0262	Crash dive for a 2-engined land-based aircraft bearing 100°T, range 6000 meters, flying directly towards.  Was probably noticed.  No aircraft bombs.
		13.51		Surfaced.
		16.00	AL 0626
			WbyS 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		15.09.42
		20.00	AL 0296
			SW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		20.40		Went to both diesels GF on course 240°, operating on Trojer-convoy in AL 4582.
		20.50		Radio Message Orders:  for Group "Pfeil" operate on "Trojer"-convoy.
		24.00	AL 6118
			SW 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		16.09.42
		02.40		Radio Message:  Contact keeper has lost contact due to fog, ordered on general course 240° with transit speed.
		02.50		Operating on course 240° with both diesels LF.
				Position inexact, because for 4 days there had been no navigation fix due to weather conditions.
		04.00	AL 5257
			SW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AL 5425
			SW 2, 9/10 (rain), Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		09.30		Radio Message:  Convoy in AL 6938.
				Operating on convoy with both diesels GF.
		12.00	AL 4559	Day's run:  246 nm (242 )
			WNW 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(   4 ).
		15.25	AL 4570	A heavy smoke cloud bearing 260°T and afterwards several faint ones.  On closing only 1 ship with 2 light gray masts and 1 smokestack seen.  Steering courses from 0° through 90° to 180°.  Speed 10 knots.  Apparently the independent reported by Mäßenhausen.
		16.00	AL 4732	Let independent go undisturbed.
			NW 3, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm
		17.15		Bearing signals requested of the contact keeper.
		17.25		Searched on course 180°.
		20.00	AL 4784	Searched on course 200°.
			SW 1, obscured (rain), Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4-5 nm
		22.00		Still no further reports, blowing of the forward tube stopped.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		16.09.42
		23.30		Continued on course 240°.
				Radio Message Orders:  Operate on convoy position at 09.00 hours in AL 6938, course 240° and speed of advance 7.5 knots.
		24.00	AK 9353
			SW 1, 9/10, Sea 0, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		17.09.42
		04.00	AK 9349
			WNW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 9295
			NW 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		09.30		Only a 1-star navigation fix taken, resulting in a position to the east.
		12.00	AK 9521	Day's run:  217 nm (217 ).
			NW 3, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		12.30	AK 9521	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 208°T, allegedly a biplane.  3 nm away approaching directly in and just beneath the clouds.  No aircraft bombs.
		13.14		Surfaced.
		13.20		Searched on northerly course.
		14.00		Searched further on course 260°.
		15.00		Navigation fix gives position AK 9279.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 40 nm, 90°T.   Dead reckoning error over a long period time.
		16.00	AK 9511
			NW 2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	AK 9417	Radio Message for Group "Pfeil":  If there is no contact on the convoy by darkness, break off operation and occupy reconnaissance line from AL 5966 - 9814 on 18 September at 20.00 hours.  Course 65° advance to patrol line AL 6587 - 9654.  A westbound convoy is expected.
			NNW 2, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm                           [decoded incorrectly by U-615 AL is actually AK]
		22.00		Operation broken off.  On course 270° transit speed.
		24.00	AK 8657
			NW 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42

	- 8 -
		18.09.42
		04.00	AK 8566
			NNW 1, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. x nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 8555
		12.00	AK 8469	Day's run:  213 nm (211 ) [numbers don't add up]
			WbyN 1, obscured, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	AK 8455
		20.00	AK 7666
			SW 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		20.20		Test dive.
		21.28		Surfaced.
		24.00	AK 8418
			SW 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		19.09.42
		04.00	AK 8422
			SW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 8196
		12.00	AK 8257	Day's run:  161 nm (156 )
			WSW 2, 9/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm	(   5 ).
				Determined that the position [of the reconnaissance line] is incorrect due to an encoding mistake with the Address Book.  No Radio Message, so as not to betray own position, and current location is seen to lie exactly in [the convoy's] presumed direction of advance from the gap.   Went to the correct position.
		16.00	AK 8265
		20.00	AK 8319
			Rain
		22.30		Radio Message Orders:  Group "Pfeil" 23.00 hours course 245°, speed 7 knots, on 20 September at 10.00 hours come about to course 65°, 6 knots.
		24.00	AK 8323
			WbyS 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2-3 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		20.09.42
		04.00	AK 6774
			NNW 4, gloomy weather, Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		20.09.42
		08.00	AK 6782
			NNW 3, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1-2 nm
		xx.57		Test dive.
		xx.28		Surfaced, advance in patrol line.
		12.00	AK 6782	Day's run:  152 nm (142 )
			NW 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm	(  10 ).
		14.00		Radio Message Orders:  Group "Pfeil" operate at highest speed on the convoy reported by Jahn at 11.07 hours in AK 4168 on course 50°.  Convoy speed probably 7 knots.  Immediately switch to America I Circuit.
		xx.15		Came to course 327° and both diesels GF.
		xx.00		Switched to America I Circuit.
		16.00	AK 6724
			NW 6, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm
		xx.43		Port diesel out of service.  Heavy oil loss.
				Repairs to oil cover plate.
		xx.30		Port diesel again in service.  Went to old speed setting.
		20.00	AK 5666
			NW 4, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		22.00		Went to both diesels 2 x HF because finding the convoy before dawn appears hopeless.
		24.00	AK 5373	Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather between 00.00 and 04.00 hours.
			W 3, 5/10 (rain), See 2, Swell 3, Vis. 4 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		21.09.42
		02.11		Sent Radio Message:  AK 52, W 4, Sea 2, 1016 mb, after rising now falling, Cumulonimbus 10/10, showers, Vis. up to 2 nm, low W-swell.
		04.00	AK 5222
			SSW 4, obscured (mist), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1-2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		04.15		Radio Message Orders:  Operate on convoy position 00.00 hours AK 1499 on general course 50° - 70°.
		08.00	AK 0131
		09.00		Port diesel out of service for 1 hour.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		21.09.42
		09.50		Test dive.
		10.42		Surfaced, nothing heard.
		10.25		Search on course 90°.
		11.30		Short Signal:  Convoy located AK 1843.
		11.57		Came to course 345°.
		11.58		Contact keeper bears 11°T.
				Came to course 10°.
		12.00	AK 1859	Day's run:  295 nm (291 )
			SW 4, mist, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3 nm	(   4 ).
		15.00		Went to both diesels LF, convoy position so far to the north is unlikely.  Requested new bearing signals.
		16.00	AK 1668
			SW 6, 7/10, See 5, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm
		16.13		Destroyer smokestack bearing 310°T, 1000 meters away, bow left 90°.  First sighted at this range in the high seas.
		16.15		Dived for destroyer.  Boat can not be held at periscope depth.  Ran to the north unnoticed at depth A +30 meters.
		18.00	AK 1668	Was over run by another destroyer on northerly course and low speed.
		19.20		4 depth charges very far off.
		20.00	AK 1669
		20.29		Surfaced.  WSW storm.  No weapons use possible.  Course 50° can not be steered because of undercutting, ran at 30° to each side.
		22.03		Radio Message sent:  AK 1668 Overrun by 2 destroyers in succession.  Course north.  WSW 10, Sea 9, 996 mb, Vis. 1/2 nm, no weapons use possible, running with.
		24.00	AK 2514
			SW 8 , 9/10, Sea 8, Swell 6, Vis. 1-2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		22.09.42
		04.00	AK 2384
			W 8, Sea 7, Swell 8, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		22.09.42
		08.00	AK 2355	Still no contact keeper reports.
			W 8, Sea 8, Swell 8, Vis. 1/2 nm	No weapons use possible.
		12.00	AK 2329	Day's run:  152 nm (137 )
			W 7, 5/10, Sea 7, Swell 6, Vis. 6 nm	( 15 ).
		16.00	AK 2278
		20.00	AK 2291	Radio Message:  To Group "Blitz":  Weather improvement is not to be expected for the time being.
			W 7, obscured, Sea 6-7, Swell 7, Vis. 2-3 nm
		20.20		Radio Message Orders:  17 boats form Group "Blitz" and will take position on 25 September at 24.00 hours in patrol line from AK 0317 - AL 7559, transit from today's area accordingly. Until then use opportunities at the convoy and straggling steamers.  On departing report position and fuel.
		xx.20		Went in an easterly direction before the seas.
		24.00	AK 3174
			WNW 7, mist, (rain), Sea 7, Swell 6, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		23.09.42
		04.00	AK 3321
			WNW 8, obscured (rain), Swell 6, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AK 3337
			NNW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis.1 nm
		xx.00		Further operation on convoy appears hopeless, due to the high seas.  Departed on course 160° before the sea to ordered position in patrol line.
		12.00	AK 3366	Day's run:  154 nm (154 ).
			NNW 6, obscured (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 5, Vis. 3-5 nm
		15.54		Test dive.
		16.21		Surfaced.
		16.00	AK 3478
		20.00	AK 3645
			NNW 5, obscured, Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 5 nm
		22.00		Radio Message Orders:  Patrol line settled, run to meet Röther-convoy [U-380] at transit speed.
				Came to course 220°.
		24.00	AK 3677
			NNW 4, 7/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42

	- 12 -
		24.09.42
		02.10		Radio Message Orders:  Boats that can approach the Mäßenhausen-convoy [U-258] before evening 24 September operate on it.
		04.00	AK 3675	Operating on Mäßenhausen-convoy, came to course 42° and both diesels HF.  No navigation fix since 18 September.
			NW 5, 5/10, Sea 4-5, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AK 3629
			NW 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm
		09.00		Due to heavy overcoming seas went to both diesels HF.
		09.52		Crash dive.  Land-based aircraft bearing 90°T, 6000 meters away, flying towards the boat out of the sun.  Presumably was noticed.  No aircraft bombs.
		10.20		Surfaced.
		10.50		Requested bearing signals.
		12.00	AL 1511	Day's run:  180 nm (176 )
			NNW 3, overcast, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm	(   4 ).
		12.45		Contact keeper bears 87°T.
		12.50		Came to course 90°.
		15.00		First navigation fix since 18 September gives position AL 1538.  Convoy located AK 3665 and must bear 260°T.  However, bearing at 12.45 hours was 87°T.  Incorrect side or contact keeper has incorrect position.  Operating further on bearing signal.
		16.00	AL 1393
			WNW 4, 5/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		16.11		Requested bearing signals.
		16.30		Navigation fix:  exactly AL 1643, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 35 nm, 160°T.
				From the last position report convoy in AK 3665.  Radio bearing must have been incorrect.  Position is too far to the northeast.  Came to course 240° and HF.  Greater speed is impossible against the sea.
		19.00		Report from Göing [U-755] AL 1541, easterly course, 7 knots.  There is a great difference in the positions given by Göing and Mäßenhausen.
		19.30		Operating on Göing-convoy report, on course 315°, visibility to the west is greatly reduced by overcoming seas.
		20.00	AL 1567
			NNW 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6-8 nm

Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		24.09.42
		20.50	AL 1552	A destroyer bearing 240°T.  4 nm away at target angle 0°, to the right of it a steamer bow right target angle 40°.  Due to overcoming sea not seen earlier, attempted to run off at AK in 80°T.
		20.54		Crash dive.  Flying boat bearing 350°T, 5000 meters away in approach.  Nothing seen at periscope depth yet.
		21.50		Presumably am positioned ahead of the convoy.  Destroyer sound bearing shifts over 270° to the north of us, very loud.  In the periscope nothing seen due to the seas.
		21.45		From 230°T to 330°T piston and diesel sounds.  Nothing seen.  4 distant depth charges, sounds shift ahead to the north.
		22.30		Bearing 350°T heavy diesel sounds shift quickly away to the north.
		23.13		Surfaced at the beginning of twilight, nothing seen, bright night and good visibility.  Pursued on the last sound bearing in 80°T.  Suspect that the convoy made a twilight zig zag to the north.
		23.37		Radio Message sent:  AL 1551 was forced to submerge by a destroyer and flying boat, by sound bearings convoy passed by to the north, pursuing on course 80°.
		24.00	AL 1562
			Faint marine phosphorescence, NNW 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		25.09.42
		01.00		Nothing found, continued search in suspected direction of advance on course 170°.
		05.00		Nothing found, searched on course 30°.
		08.00	AL 1675
			WNW 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		09.00	AL 1624	Radio Message Orders:  Boats at Mäßenhausen-convoy if attack position can not be reached by noon, turn away and report.
			NNW 2-3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		09.15		Came to course 225° and transit speed because there is no prospect of contact with the convoy.
		xx.xx		Radio Message sent:  Position AL 1621, nothing, proceeding southwest, 56 cbm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		25.09.42
		12.00	AL 1618	Day's run:  235 nm (230 ) [numbers don't add up]
			NW 2, mist, (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1-2 nm	(   6 ).
		16.00	AL 1568
			WNW 3, mist, (rain), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		20.00	AL 1588
			W 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 3-4 nm
		24.00	AL 1719
			W 3, mist, (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		26.09.42
		04.00	AL 1744
			SSW 3, obscured (rain), Sea swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 3892
			W 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		09.29		Test dive.
		10.02		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 0323	Day's run:  130 nm (128 )
			WNW 3, mist, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 1-2 nm	(   2 ).
		14.45		Radio Message from Brandi [U-617]:  Convoy over 20 steamers AK 6385.
		15.05		Short Signal:  Convoy AK 6382.
		15.10		Operating on Brandi-convoy with both diesels HF and course 205°.  Will be at intercept point at dawn on 27 September.
		16.00	AK 0348
			NW 4, 5/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		17.00		Radio Message Orders:  All boats in AK or AL that are no longer operating on Röther-convoy, report position and fuel by Short Signal.
		18.00		Switched to Ireland Circuit.
		20.00	AK 6253
			WNW 2, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		21.26		Radio Message sent:  Position AK 0346, 54 cbm.  Operating to the southwest, NW 4, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm, 1010 mb, rising, rear side.
				Sent as a Radio Message because square AK 03 was not provided for in the Short Signal table.
		23.00		Radio Message Orders:  Boats in sea area AK and around AL 40, 50 and 70 operate on Brandi-convoy, confirm by Short Signal "Yes".  Boats form

	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		26.09.42
				Group "Tiger".  Switch immediately to Ireland Circuit.
		24.00	AK 6516
			W 5, 7/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 1-2
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		27.09.42
		00.30		Came to course 180°, still no further contact keeper reports.
		02.05		Dived to listen.  Nothing.
		02.38		Surfaced, searched on course 150°.
		03.50		Short Signal "Yes" sent.  Boat therefore belongs to Group "Tiger".
		04.00	AK 6587
			WbyS 2, obscured, mist, Sea 1, Swell 1-2, Vis. 1/2 nm
		04.43		Dived to listen.  Nothing.
		05.02		Surfaced, searched on course 275°.
		08.00	AK 6498
			W 2, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1-2 nm
		09.00		Still no further contact keeping reports, came to course 230°.  Am probably positioned behind the convoy.  Speed of advance against the seas only 8 knots.
		12.00	AK 6724	Day's run:  237 nm (235 )
			W 3, 2/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3	(   2 ).
		14.15		Radio Message Order:  1)  General course of the convoy probably 240°.  Speed in moderate weather 7-7.5 knots.
				2)  If convoy is not found up to the evening, continue on search courses from 230° - 270°, evasion in southerly direction  was probably covered by boats operating east of the convoy
		14.15		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather between 16.00 and 20.00 hours.
		16.00	AK 5966
			W 3, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 4 nm
		16.45		Radio Message sent:  AK 5847, W 5, Sea 3, high swell, abating, low Stratus, rain, Vis. 4 nm, 1019 mb falling.  Searching in 240°.
		16.50		Came to course 240° both diesels LF.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		27.09.42
		19.30		Met U-Mengersen, navigation exchange not possible due to seas.
				Came to course 270°.
		20.00	AK 5958	Radio Message Orders:  To Group "Tiger".  1)  Continue to operate at slow speed up to AK 70, stay there at most economical speed setting.  Convoy still may be behind.  2)  Supply anticipated in about 4 days in area BD 40 or 70, orders follow.
			W 5, obscured (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 8 nm
		24.00	AK 5949
			WbyN 5, mist, (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 1-2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		28.09.42
		04.00	AK 5947
			NW 7, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 5867
			NW 6, obscured (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 1 nm
		12.00	AK 5857	Day's run:  104 nm (104 ).
			W 5, 1/10, (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 4, Vis. 8 nm
		16.00	AK 5847
			W 5, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 3-4, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	AK 5789
			SW 4, obscured, rain, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 1-2 nm
		24.00	AK 8115
			WbyS 4, mist (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 2, Vis. 300 meters
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		29.09.42
		04.00	AK 7356
			WSW 4, obscured, mist, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 500 meters, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 7372
			WSW 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 500 meters
		09.25		Dived to listen, nothing, afterwards clutches filled.
		12.00	AK 7297	Day's run:  170 nm (156 )
				(  14 ).
		13.50	Fog	Surfaced.  Searched on course 150°.
		15.45		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather in the morning between 04.00 and 07.00 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		29.09.42
		16.00	AK 7526
			S 3, gloomy weather, fog, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 300 meters
		20.00	AK 7568
			SW 3, fog, gloomy weather, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 300 meters
		2x.30		Radio Message Orders:  Supply from Czygan about from 5 October in BD 7555.
		24.00	AK 7677
			SbyW 3, fog, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 100 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		30.09.42
		04.00	AK 7916
			SbyW 3, obscured, gloomy weather, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 500 meters, faint marine phosphorescence
				Radio Message sent:  AK 7910, SSE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, still fog, getting thinner, Vis. 1000 meters, 1015 mb steady, water +12°C, air +14°C, examination of the Fu.M.B. shows only crackle and static in receiver when transmitting, no tones, question whether it is operable or incorrect crosstalk.
		08.00	AK 7943
			SW 2, obscured, Sea 2, swell 1, Vis. 500 meters
		xx.00		Came to course 315°.
		10.15		Test dive.
		11.19		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 7946	Day's run:  123 nm (115 )
			SbyW 2, overcast, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(   8 ).
		16.00	AK 7917
			NNW 2, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	AK 7832
			NW 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 8-10 nm
		xx.50		First navigation fix since 26 September gives position AK 7915.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 21 nm, 105°T.
				Radio Message to Kapitzky:  Crackle and static in receiver with connected antenna is an indication that it is working.  Overlaid tones are first audible when transmitter radiates exactly on a harmonic.  Correcting is very difficult.  Perhaps adjustment during next shipyard period.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		30.09.42
		24.00	AK 7595
			NW 3, 9/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		01.10.42
		04.00	AK 7596
			NW 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1-2, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 7527
			W 2, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm
		09.53		Test dive.
		10.51		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 7511	Day's run:  118 nm (115 )
			W 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	AK 7192
			NW 2, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 15 nm
		17.10		Radio Message Orders:  1)  Supply scheduled on 4 October from 11.00 hours in BD 4355.  Bearing signals from U-118 from 16.00 hours.  2)  If meeting point unsuitable due to weather, proceed to the south.  U-118 suggest new meeting point.
		17.15		Proceeded to the meeting point on course 135°.
		17.30		U-boat in sight 6 nm away bearing 110°T.
		18.00		Meet with Schulte.
		18.30		Schulte out of sight bearing 0°T.
		20.00	AK 7195
			NW 2, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 15 nm
		21.15		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather tomorrow between 04.00 hours and 07.00 hours.
		22.30		Work on the upper deck.  Forward covering hatch is knocked loose at the cannon pivot point.  Some brackets and cover plates in the upper deck are knocked loose.
		24.00	AK 7519	Work ended.
			E 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		02.10.42
		04.00	AK 7559
			Calm, 1/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm, faint marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		02.10.42
		04.58		Radio Message sent:  AK 7558, calm, Sea 0, Swell 2, from the NW, Vis. 8 nm, moonlit, 1024 mb steady.
		08.00	AK 7677
			E 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm
		09.56		Test dive.
		10.58		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 7943	Day's run:  154 nm (151 )
			EbyS 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	AK 7984
			SE 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BD 1228
			E 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm
		24.00	BD 1267
			EbyN 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		03.10.42
		03.14	[torpedo tube was flooded for firing and the depth mechanism of the torpedo leaked]	Radio Message sent:  Watered G7e 44503 depth apparatus completely flooded.  Reason chamber sealing ring too large, buckled.  Three bolts loose.  Oscillating pin in guidance cable not engaged.  Serviced by "Meussen" Tollerort, Hamburg.  Again in service.  BD 1260, ENE 4, shifting counter-clockwise, Sea 4, Vis. 2 nm, 1018 mb slowly falling.
		04.00	BD 1532
			ENE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	BD 1644
			NE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3, heavy marine phosphorescence
		09.46		Test dive.
		10.27		Surfaced.
		12.00	BD 1678	Day's run:  148 nm (145 )
			NE 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	BD 1946
			NE 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	BD 4327
			NE 3, obscured (passing showers), Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		from 23.00		Back and forth in position 20 nm north of the meeting point.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		03.10.42
		24.00	BD 4321
			NE 4, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		04.10.42	BD 1984
		04.00	NNE 3-4, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1000 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BE 4319
			NNE 3, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm
		09.00		Dived to listen.  Diesel sounds bearing 10°T.
		09.37		Surfaced and ran towards the sound.
		10.10		Morning navigation fix gives position BD 4349.
		10.30		U-boat in sight bearing 10°T.  Meeting with U-216.
				Navigation comparison agrees roughly.  Reconnaissance line in 60°T agreed.
		12.00	BE 4349	Day's run:  130 nm (128 )
			NNE 3, 1/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm	(   2 ).
		13.25		U-216 turned to starboard.  Followed on course 130°.
		13.50		Another U-boat in sight bearing 140°T (Breithaupt) closed.
		14.05		Another U-boat in sight to the north, turned from westerly to northerly course.
		14.20		Ran with the two U-boats towards the one just sighted.
		14.50		2 U-boats in sight to the north.  Course 240°.
		15.10		A U-boat in sight bearing 50°T.
		15.20		Meeting with U-118.  All boats to the position for transfer.  Set off to the north and run with on SW course.
		16.00	BD 4349
			NNE 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		18.35		Radio Message Orders:  Boats of the supply group.  After supply with U-118 head for AK 96 at day's run 180 nm.  First boat setting off report by short signal.
		20.00	BD 4377
			NNE 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell1, Vis. 3 nm
		24.00	BD 4377
			NNE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42

	- 21 -
		05.10.42
		04.00	BD 4533
			SSW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BD 4376
			SSW 1, 8/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		10.45		Radio Message Orders:  Objective AK 96 settled,  head for AJ 88.  At 20.00 hours switch to America I Circuit.
		12.00	BD 4358	Day's run:  73 nm (73)
			SbyE 4, 2/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm
		13.10		U-216 breaks off fueling due to sea state.  U-118, U-216, U-599, U-615 run on southerly course at slow speed against the seas.
		1x.15		Radio Message Orders:  9 boats occupy on 8 October at 08.00 hours patrol line from AJ 8255 - BC 2315.  Boats form Group "Wotan" eastbound convoy is expected from about 8 October at 12.00 hours.
		16.00	BD 4358
			SbyE 5, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		19.30		Blinking light message to U-118:  Question is transfer to be reported for all boats to B.d.U.?  Answer:  Yes.
		20.00	BD 4358	Switched to America I Circuit.
			S 5, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 3-4 nm
		24.00	BD 4382
			SbyW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 500 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		06.10.42
		04.00	BD 4385
			SbyW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 400 meters, medium marine phosphorescence
		07.00		Radio Message from U-118:  Supply of remaining boats delayed due to south storm and is not to be expected anytime soon.  BD 4352, S 8, Sea 7, medium-high Swell, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1013 mb falling.  Positioned with economical speed on southerly course against the seas.
		08.00	BD 4388
			SSW 4, 4/10, (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		12.00	BD 4622	Day's run:  58 nm (58 ).
			WbyS 4, 3/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		06.10.42
		16.00	BD 4625
			WbyS 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	BD 4628
			WNW 4, 2/10, Sea 3-4, Swell 3, Vis. 7 nm
		24.00	BD 4655
			WNW 3, 4/10, Sea 3-4, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		07.10.42
		04.00	BD 4685
			NNW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1000 meters
		05.50		Strong glow below the horizon bearing 100°T.  Steamer "SWANHOLM" reported.
		08.00	BD 4925
			NNW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		11.07		Hose taken over from U-118, oil transfer.
		12.00	BD 4955	Day's run:  75 nm (75 ).
			NNW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		16.00	BD 4982	After oil transfer, provisions transfer.
			NNW 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BD 4982
			NNW 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		20.47		End of supply, remained at the request of U-118.
		21.13		Released.  Proceeded to ordered position at transit speed on course 310°T.
		24.00	BD 4948
			NNW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		08.10.42
		04.00	BD 4835
			WNW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BD 4585
			W 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		09.21		Test dive.
		10.37		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42

	- 23 -
		continued
		08.10.42
		10.40		U-boat bearing 60°T, 6 nm away, course 310°, "Breithaupt".
		12.00	BD 4545	Day's run:  128 nm (122 )
			NW 2, overcast, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 9 nm	(   6 ).
		19.00	BD 4439
			NNW 4, 1/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm
		19.30		U-Breihaupt out of sight bearing 170°T.
		19.40		Radio Message to boats of Group "Wotan":  Radio silence except for tactically significant reports.
		20.00	BD 4188
			SSW 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 5 nm
		24.00	BD 4149
			SW 4-5, 9/10, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		09.10.42
		04.00	BD 4144
			SW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 500 meters
		08.00	BC 6334
			W 3, 8/10, Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm
		10.00		Test dive.
		10.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	BC 3988	Day's run:  135 nm (132 )
			WbyN 3, 7/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 8 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	BC 3987
			WbyN 6, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BC 3944
			WbyN 4, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3 nm
		24.00	BC 3837
			WbyN 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2-3
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		10.10.42
		04.00	BC 3587
			WbyN 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BC 3572
			W 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		09.59		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42

	- 24 -
		continued
		10.10.42
		10.38		Surfaced.
		11.30		Radio Message Orders:  To Group "Wotan":  An eastbound convoy is expected 11 October.  Patrol line must be occupied by tomorrow at 08.00 hours except for Lilienfeld.
				Accordingly both diesels LF.
		12.00	BC 3462	Day's run:  129 nm (126 )
			WbyS 3, 1/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 9 nm	(   3 ).
		16.00	BC 3421
			WbyS 4, 2/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		18.20		Sun navigation fix gives position BC 3171.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 10 nm, 320°T.
		20.00	BC 2366
			WSW 4, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	BC 2321
			WbyN 5, m (rain), Sea 5-6, Swell 4, Vis. 7 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		11.10.42
		04.00	AJ 8925
			NW 5, 5/10 (rain), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1000 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		07.40	AJ 8955	Boat in position, with 1 diesel KF against the sea on westerly course back and forth in position.
		08.00	AJ 8920
			WNW 5, 6/10, Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm
		10.22		Test dive.
		11.25		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 8679	Day's run:  190 nm (185 )
				(   5 ).
		16.00	AJ 8952
			NW 3, 2/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm
		16.13	AJ 8952	Smoke feather in sight bearing 85°T.
		16.30		Steamer bearing 90°T, bow right, target angle 90°, 6 nm away, course 230°.  Speed 12 knots.
				Begin to maneuver ahead to the southwest.
		18.20		Navigation fix gives position AJ 8981, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 20 nm, 130°T, last navigation fix 10 October was probably inexact due to sea state.
		19.12	AJ 8975	Dived for submerged attack.
		19.56		2-fan from tubes I and II.  After 90 seconds a hit.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		11.10.42
				Boat undercut after the shot, after 4 minutes nothing seen.
		20.00	AJ 8975	Diesel sounds bearing 210°T quickly growing louder.
		20.40		Sounds are recognized as a U-boat.
		20.42		Surfaced.  U-Mengersen at sinking location, after signal traffic he moves off bearing 60°T.
				Took over the Captain and the 1st Engineer of the steamer.
		22.00		Ran on course 50° to the old position.
		22.26		Radio Message sent:  20.00 hours AJ 2898 "EL LAGO" sunk.  From Iceland for New York in ballast.  SW-course, 12 knots.  Captain and 1st Engineer on board.  Junkers compressor out of service, can not be repaired, NbyW 5, Sea 3, Vis. very good, rain showers, 1022 mb steady, in position.
		24.00	AJ 8952
			N 4, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		12.10.42
		02.23		Radio Message sent:  Square in Radio Message 2156/11/277 must mean AJ 8898.
		04.00	AJ 8926
			NNE 3, 5/10 (rain), swell 2, Vis. 1
		07.00		Radio Message from Mäßenhausen [U-258]:  17.00 - 23.00 hours contact on escorts on both sides.  Speed 7 knots, northeastwards, last in 8521.  Searching accordingly.  Assumption:  remote forward escort.  Position 8288 all naval squares.
		08.00	AJ 8926
			SW 3, 5/10 (rain), Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 1
		08.20		Radio Message Orders:  Group "Wotan" operate on Mäßenhausen-report, Go!
				Went to both diesels GF.  Operating on enemy course NE and speed 7 knots.
		10.52		Test dive.
		11.17		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 8638	Day's run:  216 nm (207 )
			SW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(   9 ).
		16.00	AJ 9117
			SSW 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		12.10.42
		18.15		Up to now no further reports on the convoy.  Continued search on course 185° in suspected direction of advance.
		20.00	AJ 6778
			SSW 2, obscured (rain), Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm
		20.10		U-boat bearing 230°T 7 nm away.  Steers initially east then 120° high speed.
		20.40		Came to course 170°, to form a reconnaissance line with the same boat.
		21.05		Boat out of sight bearing 90°T.
		21.30		Searched on course 130°.
		22.45		Radio Message:  To Group "Wotan".  1)  Break off operation on suspected eastbound convoy.  2)  Wallas pursue, remaining boats operate on Wallas report if position is not unfavorable.  Report operation by short signal, otherwise occupy old position in patrol line.
		22.50		Proceeding to position at transit speed.
		23.30		Short Signal:  Position AJ 8269 (17°?) have contact on convoy.
		24.00	AJ 9182
			SbyW 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		13.10.42
		02.30		Short Signal:  Convoy on 8358, eastbound.
		02.30		Came to northerly course.  Intention:  Because own position is inexact, get ahead of the convoy, at dawn get an accurate navigation fix and operate on the convoy, no radio contact with communications center.
		04.00	AJ 9187
			NW 3, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		05.30		Came to course 90°, ran along.
		06.10		Short Signal from Trojer [U-221]:  Convoy AJ 9148, course 75°.
				Searched on course 75°, no bearing signals.
		08.00	AJ 9156	Radio Message:  To Group "Wotan".  Immediately operate on Trojer-report, convoy at 02.00 hours AJ 8358 easterly course.
			NNW 4, 8/10 (rain), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		12.00	AJ 9267	Day's run:  213 nm (213)
			WNW x, 3/10, (v-hail), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 7 nm	Navigation fix gives position AJ 9281.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 30 nm,

	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		13.10.42
				110°T.  Probably plotting and navigation error.  Navigation fix in Sea 5 not seen as certain.
		13.00		Searched on course 50°.
				Radio Message:  B.d.U. expects weather improvement in the area of the group.
		15.00		Searched on course 0°.
		16.00	AJ 9313	Searched on course 330°.
			WNW 6, 5/10, Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 5-6 nm
		16.30		Radio Message from Trojer:  Convoy AJ 9241, course 75°, 7 knots.
		18.15		Bearing signals from Trojer bearing 250°T, large minimum.
		18.20		Searched on course 270°.
		19.20		Bearing signals in 260°T
		19.45		Searched on course 290°.
		19.50		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather between 04.00 and 07.00 hours.
		20.00	AJ 6974
			WNW 5, obscured (hail), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 6 nm
		21.15		U-boat in sight bearing 280°T.  Suspect contact keeper.
				Boat runs at high speed on course 50°, to the west a black squall front, Vis. 2 nm, suspect convoy in squall, hang with the contact keeper and run on course 70°.
		21.40		Signal traffic with U-559, is not the contact keeper, had not sighted [the convoy].
		21.45		Bearing signals in 165°T, searched on course 165° together with U-599.
		22.30		Another U-boat in sight bearing 230°T, run with, 2 shadows in sight, 2 escorts bearing 230°T, course east, otherwise nothing in the vicinity.
		23.09
		24.00	AJ 6988	Several star shells bearing 240°T.
			WNW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 3 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		14.10.42
		02.07	AJ 6980	Destroyer smokestack bearing 240°T.  Course east, searched behind it, nothing.
		02.10		1 corvette bearing 300°T, course 40°.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		14.10.42
		02.30		1 destroyer with 2 red lights one below the other bearing 190°T, occasionally extinguished, type of blinking signal, shoots star shells.
		03.40		Have probably met the stern escort, searched in northeasterly direction.
		04.00	AJ 6995	Searched in legs on convoy course to the east.
			WNW 6, 8/10 (hail), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm
		06.15		Radio Message sent:  AJ 9330, WNW 6, Sea 4, medium-Swell, Vis. good, hail shower, 1007 mb, rising, strong escort at convoy, forced to turn away by fireworks, in pursuit.  Destroyer with 2 red lights one below the other.  Weather calming.
		08.00	AK 4776
			NW 3, 6/10 (hail), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		08.30		Radio Message Orders:  Group "Wotan" continue operation without regard to fuel consumption.  If necessary supply for return transit is possible in BD 50.
		10.30		Early navigation fix gives position AK 4785.
		10.35	AK 4785	Smoke cloud bearing 160°T.
		10.50		Smoke cloud bearing 320°T.
		11.21		Corvette bearing 10°T target angle 0°, 7 nm away, positioned together with U-boat with bright conning tower top.
				Several mastheads bearing 40°T without smoke clouds, suspect convoy, ran off together with the other boat ahead of the corvette to the south, towards the single vessel positioned there, turned out to be a corvette with two masts, passed by astern.
		11.58		A corvette with two masts bearing 90°T, bow left 90°, 4 nm away (high out, sleeps), following corvette bearing 50°T, 7 nm away.
		12.00	AK 4723	Day's run:  264 nm (264 ).
			NW 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 7 nm	Set off to the south together with the other boat, corvette in 90°T is thought to be the remote stern escort, held contact on it and steamed up.
		14.30		Starboard diesel is out of service (exhaust gas valve).
		14.36	AK 4845	One smokestack destroyer bearing 250°T.  Comes quickly out, bow left 30°, 5 nm away.
		14.39		Can not get away on one diesel, dive for repairs, listen to destroyer's sounds shift to the south.

Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		14.10.42
				Remain submerged for repairs.
		16.00	AK 4845
		1x.50		4 depth charges far off.
		18.10		Diesel in service.
		18.15		Surfaced, operating further on own sound bearing 80°T from 11.21 hours.
		19.00		U-boat bearing 110°T 4 nm away, course 180°, believe that direction is improbable, if convoy is south of me, it must had steered south for a long time.  Operate further on 80°.
		20.00	AK 4859
			SW 4, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		20.15		Searched in direction 30°T, suspect northerly zig zag.
		24.00	AK 4925	Nothing found, searched on course 110°.
			S 3, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		15.10.42
		04.00	AK 5746
			SW 3, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 5793
			W 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		xx.x6		Test dive, Asdic impulses bearing 300°T.
		xx.x5		Surfaced, continued to run toward the impulses heard bearing 320°T.
		12.00	AK 5849	Day's run:  252 nm (239.5 )
			W 3, 7/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 7 nm	(  12.5 ).
		xx.x2		Dived to listen, nothing.
		xx.x4		Surfaced
		xx.x2		Continued seaching on course 70°.
		15.x2		U-boat in sight bearing 350°T, ran to meet, signal traffic with U-437.
		15.20	AK 5819 [probably AK 5846]	Crash dive.  From the west a "Liberator" approaching, 2000 meters away, 3 aircraft bombs while diving, no damage.
		xx.x5	AK 5819	Sound bearings destroyers or corvettes over the entire horizon.
		xx.x5		Aircraft had thrown a smoke float and remains at the diving location, 3 further aircraft bombs far off.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42

	- 30 -
		continued
		15.10.42
		17.03		Surfaced.  Closed a U-boat bearing 250°T.  Navigation comparison:  Position AK 5846.  Had assumed that the boat was U-437, only later realized that it must have been another boat.  Therefore did not see if U-437 was damaged by the attack.  On bridge and aft platform three bomb splinters found, no discernible impacts.
		17.42		Searched on course 190°, on contact keeper report.  In AK 8126, the other U-boat ran with
		19.42		another boat out of sight bearing 120°T.
		20.00	AK 5872
			SSW 3, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm
		20.40		Continued search on course 110°.
				Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather between 20.00 and 24.00 hours.
		21.57		Dived to listen.  Propeller sounds bearing 250°T - 290°T.
		22.25		Surfaced, searched on westerly course.
		21.35		Radio Message sent:  1)  5879, SW 2, Sea 2, short Swell, 10/10, Stratus thin medium high, in places broken.  No visibility greater than 5 nm, 1015 mb, steady.  2)  15.20 hours 5846 aircraft bombs Liberator, no damage.  Impact fusing, Aircraft bright gray on the bottom, dark on top, altitude 300 meters, all naval square AK.
		24.00	AK 8216
			SbyE 3, obscured (hail), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		16.10.42
		01.08		Dived to listen.  Propeller sounds in the north to east sector and several Asdic impulses.  Gurgling sounds bearing 250°T and Asdic impulses with it intermittent piston engines.  Suspect reported search group bearing 250°T and the convoy to the northeast.
		02.25		Surfaced, search on course 50°.
		04.00	AK 8222
			SSE 2, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1000 meters
		04.19		Dived to listen, piston engine bearing 320°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42

	- 31 -
		continued
		16.10.42		Heard very distinctly.
		04.45		Surfaced, searched on course 320°.
		06.02		Dived to listen, nothing heard.
		06.54		Surfaced, gave up search on sound bearings and searched to the east.
		08.00	AK 5891
			NbyW 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		11.20		Radio Message Orders:  Break off operation and operate on Keßler-convoy. [U-704]
				Convoy located to the east.
		13.30		Came to course 135° based on Keßler contact keeper report of 13.10 hours.
		12.00	AK 5982	Day's run:  234 nm (212.7 )
			SSE 3, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm	(  21.3 ).
		16.00	AK 9118
			SSE 2, obscured, gloomy weather (rain), Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
		20.00	AK 9199
			SbyW 2, obscured, gloomy weather, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm
		22.03		Came to course 141° (Keßler position report at 21.55 hours further south than expected).
		24.00	AK 9567
			SbyW 3, obscured, (fog), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 500 meters
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		17.10.42
		02.09		Up to now no more contact keeper reports, am positioned on convoy course, running 220° and waiting until the fog lifts.
		04.00	AK 9838
			SbyW 3, gloomy weather, fog, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 500 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 9884
			SSW 3, obscured, gloomy weather, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm
		08.42		Dived to listen, nothing.
		xx.00		Surfaced.
		11.45		Radio Message Orders:  For all boats of old Group Wotan no further supply anticipated.  Start return transit accordingly, boats which must supply for return transit proceed immediately to Wolfbauer.  In either case immediately

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42

	- 32 -
		continued
		17.10.42
				switch and report on Ireland Circuit.
		12.00	BD 3114	Day's run:  268 nm (263)
			NbyW 3, obscured, fog, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm	(    5 ).
		13.17	Visibility improving.	Southerly search course.
		15.05		Search course west.
		16.00	BD 2364	Search course west - southwest.
			SbyW 5, gloomy weather (rain), Sea 3-4, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm,
		20.00	BD 2371
			SSE 4, gloomy weather (rain), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		23.00	Barometer 968 mb.
		23.35		South storm, barometer rises again, boat proceeds into the seas.
		24.00	BD 2288
			W 8, obscured, fog, Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 50-500 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		18.10.42
		00.25		Radio Message sent:  BD 2289 hurricane 22.30 hours 968 mb, shifting clockwise, SSE to W heavy 10, fog, Sea 6, medium swell, low shifting quickly, searching on course 230°, still 37 cbm.
		04.00	BD 2288
			W 6, 3/10, passing showers, Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 1 nm
		06.00		Radio Message for boats on Panther-convoy:  Convoy is expected at dawn in the area of square BD 21, AK 89, BD 29 and 34 and area lying between.
		08.00	BD 2521
			SSW 6, 5/10, (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 1/2 nm
		12.00	BD 2513	Day's run:  125 nm (125 ).
			S 6, 7/10 (hail), Sea 6, Swell 9, Vis. 4 nm
		15.00		Radio Message Orders:  Continue searching.  On the basis of heavy west wind expect slower convoy speed about 6-7 knots.
		16.00	BD 2513
			SSW 6, obscured (hail), Sea 6, Swell 9, Vis. 4 nm
		16.45		Radio Message Orders:  Expect still slower speed for the

	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42

	- 33 -
		continued
		18.10.42
				convoy, up to heaving to.
		20.00	BD 2515
			SW 6, 8/10 (hail), Sea 6, Swell 9, Vis. 5 nm
		23.00		Radio Message Orders:  Convoy is probably steering 235° out of the area suspected today.
		24.00	BD 2515
			W 6, obscured (passing showers) (hail), Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 2 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		19.10.42
		04.00	BD 2514
			SW 6, 2/10 (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 2-3 nm
		08.00	BD 2435
			WSW 6, 5/10 (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 1 nm
		12.00	BD 2425	Day's run:  47 nm (47 ).
			WSW 5, 4/10 (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 5 nm
		16.00	BD 2416	Again came to south - west search courses.
			WSW 4, 2/10, Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	BD 2441
			W 3, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm
		21.00		Radio Message Orders:  Continue on southwest course and economical transit speed.  There is still a chance to find the convoy.
		22.36		Dived to listen, nothing.
		23.09		Surfaced.
		24.00	BD 1691
			W 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm, faint marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		20.10.42
		01.10		Radio Message Orders:  Break off convoy operation.  Kapitzky begin return transit if necessary, until then free to maneuver.
				Came to course 340°.  Intention:  To meet independents straggling in the storm and to start return transit in legs from AK 79.
		04.00	BD 1921
			SW 4, obscured, rain, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm

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

	- 34 -
		continued
		20.10.42
		08.00	BD 1917
			S 4, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 500 meters
		10.24		Test dive.
		11.00		Surfaced.
		12.00	BD 1838	Day's run:  183 nm (179 )
			SSE 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm	(   4 ).
		16.00	BD 1581
			SW 4, obscured (gloomy weather), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		20.00	BD 1551
			SSW 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm
		22.00		Converted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4 to a ballast tank.
		24.00	BD 1515
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		21.10.42
		00.03	Heavy marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
		00.20		Came to course 20°.
		04.00	BD 1249
			S 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BD 1225
			SSW 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		10.30		First navigation fix since 14 October gives position AK 7863.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 40 nm, 300°T.
		10.44	AK 7863	Crash dive.  Liberator at 3000 meters over the boat, course 60°, was unnoticed.
		11.11		Surfaced, came to course 130°.
		12.00	AK 7945	Day's run:  181 nm (174 )
			SW 3, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm	(   7 ).
		16.00	AK 7959
			WSW 3, 2/10, Sea 4, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	AK 8785	Position after exact navigation fix AK 8785.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 27 nm, 100°T.  Early navigation fix gave too great a correction.
			W 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		20.25		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky report weather between 03.00 and 06.00 hours.
		24.00	BD 1333
			W 4, 7/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42

	- 35 -
		22.10.42
		04.00	BD 2127
			W 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 2 nm, Vis. 5 nm
		04.14		Radio Message sent:  BD 2124, WSW 2, Sea 1, W-Swell 5, 10/10, Stratus and Cumulus at 3000 meters, moonshine, Vis. 6 nm.
		08.00	BD 2163
			WNW 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm
		10.14		Test dive.
		10.45		Surfaced.
		12.00	BD 2257	Day's run:  170 nm (168.5 )
			WbyN 2, 3/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm	(   1.5 ).
		16.00	BD 2295
			WbyN 3, 8/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		18.00		Navigation fix BD 2295, exact, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 8.5 nm, 315°T.
				Radio Message from Puttkammer [U-443]:  Convoy BD 3255, course 220°, operating on it on course 120°.
		20.00	BD 2613	Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky immediately report weather.   Kapitzky immediately switch to Ireland Circuit, operate on Puttkammer convoy.  Supply not possible.
			WNW 2, 6/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm
		18.24		Radio Message sent:  BD 2611, W 2, Sea 2, W-Swell 5, Altostratus broken, showers, Vis. very good, 1020 mb rising, 25 cbm, switching Ireland.
		20.20		Radio Message from Puttkammer:  5-10 steamers, heavy escort, course 200°, 12 knots, BD 3512.
		24.00	BD 2666
			WNW 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 3 nm, no marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		23.10.42
		04.00	BD 3491
			WNW 2, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm, moonshine, Vis. to the horizon
		05.00		Searching for convoy on expected direction of advance 200°, despite good visibility nothing found.  With enemy speed 12 knots and own fuel situation further operation on convoy is hopeless.  Went to economical transit speed and course 120°.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42

	- 36 -
		continued
		23.10.42
		08.00	BD 3812
			WNW 3, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		09.41		Test dive.
		10.05		Surfaced.
		12.00	BD 3827	Day's run:  213 nm (211 )
			WNW 3-4, 1/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 9 nm	(   2 ).
		16.00	BD 3869
			WNW 4, 4/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 10 nm
		18.15	BD 3984	Steamer bearing 20°T, bow right 0-5°, distance 8 nm, comes quickly closer.
		18.21		Dived to attack.
		18.23		Bearing 30°T, bow right 20°, 6 nm away, enemy steers southerly course, speed 12-14 knots.
		18.48		Fire control system fails.
				Decision:  4-fan on a valuable steamer.  Will shoot with fixed angle.
		18.52	BD 3984	4-fan with fixed angle.
				After 61 seconds a bright metallic impact heard in the entire boat, suspect a pistol failure.  After 67 seconds hit aft, after 20 seconds another explosion in the ship.  Enemy ship is the "SYDNEY STAR" class.
		19.10		Ship turns to port and remains stopped on heading 30°, light list to starboard, otherwise nothing, stern seems to be a bit deeper, on the stern superstructure a cannon of at least 10.5 cm, unmanned.
		19.15		Coup de grace from tube V with fixed shooting angle, missed because of an order failure 20° incorrect setting.  Tubes I and III were reloaded, went to the east side of the ship, boats are in the water, ship shows no further effect.
		20.00	BD 3984
		20.24		Shot from tube I, after 35 seconds a hit amidships causes nothing.
		21.00		Go to the west side, light smoke from the stern.
		21.16		Coup de grace from tube III after 79 seconds hit at the stern at the forward edge of the superstructure.  Initially nothing, not much to see in the twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42

	- 37 -
		continued
		23.10.42
		21.21		Ship sinks.  Bulkheads burst, very loud sounds in the boat.
		21.23		Very heavy explosion, suspect munitions or depth charge self ignition.  Also aircraft bomb possible, at periscope depth heavy concussion in the boat, nothing noted above.
		21.35		Piston sounds to the north, very faint, moved off in an easterly direction.
		22.10		Surfaced.  1 nm from the sinking location nothing more seen of the ship with good visibility, ran off, because the ship transmitted fore sure, sinking assured and search for the Captain at night has little prospect of success.
		23.10		Radio Message sent:  BD 3984 type "SYDNEY STAR" sunk, southerly course, 14 knots, sank after 3 hits, NW 3, Sea 3, medium swell, Cumulus clouds, showers, 1029 mb.  Return transit.
		24.00	BD 3997
			WbyN 3, 7/10, Sea 3, Swell, 3, Vis. 3 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		24.10.42
		01.40		Radio Message to Kapitzky:  You sank "EMPIRE STAR".
		04.00	BE 4143
			WbyN 3, 8/10, Sea 3-4, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	BE 4191
			WNW 3, 8/10, Sea 3-4, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm
		09.29		Test dive, reloaded tube V.
		11.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	BE 4274	Day's run:  182.6 nm (164 )
			WNW 2, 7/10, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm	(18.6 ).
		16.00	BE 4526
			W 3, obscured (passing showers), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BE 4648
			W 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm
		21.00		Radio Message Orders:  Kapitzky switch Coastal Circuit from 25 October at 08.00 hours.
		24.00	BE 4922
			WbyN 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42

	- 38 -
		25.10.42
		04.00	BE 5728
			WbyN 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BE 5842	Switched Coastal Circuit.
			NW 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	BE 5868	Day's run:  252 nm (252 ).
			WNW 2, obscured (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 3 nm
		16.00	BE 5985
			NNW 4, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 3 nm
		20.00	BE 9111
			NbyW 4, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm
		24.00	BE 9214
			N 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 1000 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		26.10.42
		04.00	BE 9216
			N 5, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BE 9314
			NNW 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 3 nm
		09.00		Dived.
		12.00	BE 9319	Day's run:  227 nm (196 )  [numbers don't add up]
				(   5 ).
		14.03		Surfaced to shoot the sun.
		15.49		Dived.
		16.00	BE 9361
		17.02		Surfaced to shoot the sun.
		18.05		Dived.
		18.30	BE 9319	Exact navigation fix gives BE 9319, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 30 nm in westerly direction.
		20.00	BE 9351
		20.26		Surfaced, continued transit on the surface.
		24.00	BE 9363
			N 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm, moonshine, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		27.10.42
		02.19	BF 7151	Aircraft bombs from land-based aircraft coming from an easterly direction.  Detection heard a few seconds before being illuminated by aircraft searchlight.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42

	- 39 -
		continued
		27.10.42
				Bomb thrown immediately, falls close alongside the bow.  Smoke and water column on the bridge.  Aircraft flies off to the west at an altitude of 100 meters and shoots with machine guns, afterwards several hits discovered in the bridge machine gun and upper deck.  Fire returned without effect.  Aircraft turns to port for a 2nd attack.  Searchlight was bright blue like an arc lamp.
		02.20		Crash dive, no further aircraft bombs, no damage discovered on the boat.
		03.07		Diesel sounds bearing 15°T.
		04.00	BF 7152
		04.32		Distant detonation bearing 145°T prior to this diesel sounds were heard in that direction.
		07.28		Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 7161
		10.52		Dived, proceeded submerged.
		12.00	BF 7255	Day's run:  156.4 nm (122.6 )
			N 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1000 meters	(  33.8 ).
		13.05		A distant depth charge series to the north.
		13.50		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.
		16.00	BF 7264
			S 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		16.02		A large land-based aircraft bearing 300°T, 8 nm away, disappeared in the clouds, course undetermined.
		16.02		Dived, proceeded submerged.
		20.00	BF 7266	Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.
		24.00	BF 7358
			SE 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		28.10.42
		04.00	BF 8147
			SE 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		07.30		Radio Message sent:  On Friday at 08.00 hours will be positioned off Gabel.
		08.00	BF 8167
			S 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.32		Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		12.00	BF 8169	Day's run:  127 nm (100.7 )
				(  26.3 ).

	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42

	- 40 -
		continued
		28.10.42
		12.15		Radio Message Order:  Return harbor for Kapitzky is La Pallice.
		16.00	BF 8248
		20.00	BF 8257
		20.17		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.
		24.00	BF 8269
			ESE 4, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 6, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
				Kaptl. and Kdt.
		29.10.42
		00.05		Radio Message Orders:  For Kapitzky escort positioned on 30 October at 08.00 hours at Point Gabel.
		01.30	BF 8948	Dived, Boat was detected by aircraft, no attack.
		02.00		Surfaced.
		02.11		Dived, Boat was detected by aircraft, no attack.
		03.40		Surfaced, proceeded submerged.
		04.00	BF 8349
			ESE 4, obscured, rain, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 500 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		04.35 - 07.18		Flashes on the horizon bearing 20°T - 58°T, later from about 06.00 flashes were also seen bearing 280°T.
		07.18		Dived, proceeded submerged.
		08.00	BF 8368
		10.58		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.
		12.00	BF 9148	Day's run:  111.5 nm (96.5 ) [numbers don't add up]
			WSW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 10 nm	( 17.6 ).
		14.59		Dived, back and forth on the 200-meter line.
		15.00	BF 9257	Navigation fix gives position BF 9257, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 27 nm, 80°T.  Sun fix validated by depth sounder.
		16.00	BF 9257
		20.00	BF 9257
		23.22		Surfaced, ventilated the boat.
		23.52		Dived.
		24.00	BF 9281
				Kaptl. and Kdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42

	- 41 -
		30.10.42
		04.00	BF 9281
		04.20		Surfaced.
		04.28		Dived, Boat was detected by aircraft.
		04.34		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface at GF to meeting point with escort.
		07.50	BF 9312	Boat taken under escort.
		08.00	BF 9312
			SW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	BF 6855	Day's run:  140.5 nm (121 )
				(  19.5 ).
		16.00		Entered La Pallice.

Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42

	Enclosures to U-615's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Track Chart	Track Chart

 

	Comments of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
	On the Kriegstagebuch of "U-615" from 5.9 - 30.10.1942.
	First war patrol of the Kommandant with a new boat.
	The convoy operation was heavily impacted by bad weather and visibility conditions.
	The sinking of both independents, including the refrigerator ship "EMPIRE STAR", is gratifying.
		Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For correctness:
		Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant.

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