U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-618 2nd War Patrol

U-618 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
St. Nazaire	25 November 1942	St. Nazaire	18 January 1943	55

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 Hit
None
Note: The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website. The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

Copy No. . . . . . . . . . .

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

U n t e r s e e b o o t e s "U 618".

Kommandant:

Oberleutnant z.S. B a b e r g .

Beginning on: 25.11.1942.

Concluding on: 18.1.1943.

Distribution:
7. Unterseebootsflottille	Copy No.	1
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote	" "	2
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote	" "	3
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine	" "	4 + 5
Ausbildungsgruppe Front	" "	6
27. Unterseebootsflottille	" "	7



Enclosures:
Track chart	Copy No.	1 - 4
5 Combat sketches	" "	1
Excerpt of the General Radio Log	" "	2 - 4
General Radio Log	" "	1
Officer-Only Radio Log	" "	1

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

- 1 -




	25.11.42	Bay of Biscay
	14.55		Cast off from the St. Nazaire Lock for 2nd war patrol.
			Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher.
	19.28		Released from convoy.
	20.00	BF 6492 upper-right
		E 2, Sea 2, Vis. clear, 1031 mb
	22.37		Test dive.
	23.52		Surfaced.
	23.55	BF 6726 center	Dived, for detection, horizontally polarized 168 cbm.
	24.00	BF 6726 center

	26.11.42	Bay of Biscay
	00.54		Surfaced.
	00.55	BF 6729 upper-left	Dived, for the same detection.
	02.30		Surfaced. Continued transit.
	04.00	BF 6754 lower-right
		E 2, Sea 2, light Swell, 1028 mb, clear cold moonlit night
	08.00	BF 5899 lower-center
		E 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.28		Test dive (deep dive to depth A +40 meters).
			No particular issues.
			Continued transit submerged.
	12.00	BF 5897 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 131.1, Submerged 21.8 nm.
	12.36		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	13.30		Dived.
	16.00	BF 5888 lower-left
	18.06		Surfaced in the evening twilight.
			Continued on the surface.
	20.00	BF 5874 lower edge right
		E 2, Sea 2, 1024 mb
	24.00	BF 5784 lower-edge left
		E 2, Sea 2, 1022 mb, bright moonlit night

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42

- 2 -




	27.11 42	Bay of Biscay
	03.20	BF 4994 lower-right	Dived, for detection, horizontally polarized 168 cbm.
	04.00	BF 4994 lower-center edge
	04.35		Surfaced.
	08.00	BF 4974 lower-edge left
		SE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, 1019 mb
	08.46		Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	BF 4895 left edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 166.6, Submerged 22.6 nm.
	16.00	BF 4886 upper-right
	18.23		Surfaced.
	20.00	BF 4876 upper-center
		NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, 1017 mb
	24.00	BF 4785 lower-center
		ENE 2, Sea 1, bright moonlit night

	28.11.42	Bay of Biscay
	04.00	BE 6997 upper-right
		NW 1, Sea 1, 1016 mb
	08.00	BE 6899 lower-center
		NW 1, Sea 1, rain shower, 1015 mb
	08.55		Incoming Radio Message 1138/27/19 (Excerpt)
			2.) New objectives: Freyberg, Loeser and Zurmühlen square 55, day's run 180 nm, Thurmann, Trojer, Scheibe, Hinsch, Baberg and Kapitzky square 92, economical transit speed.
			3.) All Anton Karl.
	05.09		Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	BE 6897 lower edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 175.6, Submerged 20 nm.
	16.00	BE 6888 lower-right corner
	18.05		Surfaced.
	19.18		Incoming Radio Message 1047/28/35 (Excerpt)
			4.) Previous objective for Baberg canceled. New objective is square DJ 25, speed settings up to 2 x HF authorized as transit speed.
	20.00	BE 9216 right edge lower
		NE 2, Sea 2, 1017 mb
	24.0	BE 9163 lower-center edge

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42

- 3 -




	29.11.42	Atlantic
	04.00	BE 9189 lower edge left
		SE 1, Sea 1, bright moonlit night, 1017 mb
	08.00	BE 9445 center-right edge
		NNW 2, Sea 2, breaking up cloud deck, 1017 mb
	09.00 - 09.37		Test dive.
	12.00	BE 8699 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 147.4, Submerged 14.3 nm.
		NNE 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1019 mb
	16.00	BE 8952 right edge lower
		SE 4, Sea 3, 1018 mb
	20.00	CF 3225 lower-center
		SE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, 1018 mb
	24.00	CF 3522 lower-center
		SSE 3, Sea 3, rain showers, 1018 mb

	30.11.42
	01.00		Outgoing Short Signal:
			My position is square CF 3528.
			"U-618"
	04.00	CF 3588 lower-center
		SSE 5, Sea 4, misty, 6/10, 1016 mb
	08.00	CF 3885 lower-center
		SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 9/10, 1015 mb
	09.02 - 09.37		Test dive.
	12.00	CF 6258 center	Day's run: Surfaced 259.6, Submerged 1.4 nm.
		SE 3-4, Sea 3, rain, Vis. good, 1016 mb
	16.00	CF 6552 upper-left
		S 5, Sea 6, rain, Vis. good, 1013 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42

- 4 -



	continued
	30.11.42
	20.00	CF 6823 center
		SSE 5, Sea 4, rain showers, 1012 mb, steep Swell
	24.00	CF 6888 lower-center
		SbyE 5, Sea 4, rain, 1010 mb

	01.12.42
	00.00		Incoming Radio Message 1909/30/145:
			To Baberg and U-432.
		[Mehdia, Casablanca, and Mazagan]	Task: carry out a quick surprise attack off the harbor in squares DJ 2543 and 24, further square DJ 2347.
			Situation: Both harbors and roadsteads by latest information continue as debarkation places for troop and material transports. As soon as square CG 90 expect medium to strong air surveillance. Off CG individual search groups. Off the named harbors destroyers and patrol boat protection with and without radar. In the vicinity of land sometimes continuous, apparently ineffective radar from land stations. By reports from other boat's operations good possibilities of attacks submerged in the roadsteads. Bad submerged locating conditions. Kals and Schweichel have had good success. No continuous presence off harbors, set off according to defenses and approach again. Continuous traffic stream to CG 9593.
	04.00	CF 9284 lower-center
		S 6, Sea 5, rain, 1005 mb, short steep Swell
	08.00	CF 9558 upper-center
		S 6, Sea 5-6, rain, Vis. good, 1005 mb
	08.48 - 09.32		Test dive.
	12.00	CF 9549 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 232.7, Submerged 2.3 nm.
		SSW 6, Sea 5-6, Vis. good, 1006 mb
	16.00	CF 9579 lower-edge left
		SSW 6, Sea 5, rain, 1006 mb
	20.00	CF 9843 upper-left
		SSW 4, Sea 4, Vis. good, 1006 mb
	24.00	CF 9873 center-left
		SSW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, 1007 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42

- 5 -




	02.12.42
	04.00	DH 2313 lower-left
		SSW 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, 1008 mb
	08.00	DH 2346 lower-left
		SSW 3, Sea 2-3, rain, 1009 mb
	08.37 - 09.22		Test dive.
	12.00	DH 2384 upper-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced 124.3, Submerged 1.7 nm.
		WbyS 3, Sea 2, Vis. very good, 1013 mb
	20.00	DH 3189 center-left edge
		SSW 2, Sea 1, 1014, faint marine phosphorescence
	24.00	DH 3512 upper-center
		S 1-2, Sea 1, 1015 mb

	03.12.42
	04.00	DH 3531 lower-right
		S 1, Sea 1, 4/10, overcast, 1015 mb
	08.00	DG 3616 center-right edge
		SSE 1-2, Sea 1, rain, 7/10, Vis. good, 1015 mb
	11.00	DH 3639 center-left	Drifting barrage balloon passed and taken on board.
			German balloon with Number S 480 b d u 41.
	12.00	DJ 1417 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 224.3, Submerged 1.5 nm.
		SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1016 mb, Vis. good
	16.00	DJ 1425 lower-right
		SSW 1, Sea 1, 2/10, 1015 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	DJ 1516 center-left
		SSW 1, Sea 1, 1016 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42

- 6 -



	continued
	03.12.42
	20.53		2 white lights bearing 350°T, held on to them.
	21.55	DJ 1279 lower-center edge	Large brightly illuminated Spanish freighter with course 240°, speed 14-16 knots.
			Came to old course.
	24.00	DJ 1297 lower edge left
		SSW 1, Sea 1, 1/10, 1017 mb

	04.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1399 lower-right
		S 1, Sea 1, moon shrouded, 1017 mb
	08.00	DJ 2198 center-right edge	Positioned in the morning twilight on the 200-meter line off the main harbor. Dived. Proceeded submerged towards the coast.
		SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. good, 1024 mb
	08.20		Sound bearing turbine in 300°T.
			On the horizon the mast heads of 2 destroyers, already at target angle 90°. Sounds shift slowly ahead with steady Volume and disappears in 10°T.
	12.00	DJ 2514 upper-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 232, Submerged 8.7 nm.
	13.50		A patrol vessel (trawler) passes to starboard on opposite course, distance 3000 meters.
			A second patrol vessel follows with the same course. Distance 1500 meters
	16.00	DJ 2515 upper-right
	18.55		Surfaced and up to 20.00 hours continued on a parallel course to the coast.
	20.00	DJ 2274 lower-right corner	Moved off on course 280°.
		SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1016 mb, murky	Several lights bearing 90°T, probably on land.
		SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1016 mb, murky	Beacons do not burn.
	24.00	DJ 2172 upper-center
		WbyS 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1016 mb

	05.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1358 upper-right
		W 3, Sea 3, rain, 1015 mb, Vis. good
	08.00	DJ 1263 lower edge right
		SSE 3, Sea 2-3, at times rain, Vis. good, 1015 mb
	08.00 - 08.39		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42

- 7 -



	continued
	05.12.42
	12.00	DJ 1253 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 157.4, Submerged 16.1 nm.
		WbyN 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good, long Swell, 1015 mb
	13.00		Came to opposite course. Intend to be off the coast again in the morning twilight on 6 December.
	14.35	DJ 1237 center-right	Crash dive for aircraft (land-based aircraft, type not recognized).
			One well-placed depth charge at depth A -20 meters.
			Diving plane failed.
			The entire boat was lifted momentarily.
	16.10		Went to periscope depth.
			The aircraft is abeam to port, distance 1000 meters approaching at low altitude.
			Suspect oil trace or air bubbles because the water is completely calm, Sea 0-1, am easily recognised from above. Therefore remained submerged until the beginning of twilight.
	19.30		In 200°T to 240°T an odd sound like a fast running engine, at times growing louder then fainter.
	20.00	DJ 1252 center-left
	20.53	Wind calm, very strong marine phosphorescence, dark horizon Vis. bad	Surfaced.
			Set off to the SW, to determine at daybreak if there is an oil trace or air bubbles.
	24.00	DJ 1166 upper-center
		W 1, Sea 1, marine phosphorescence, Vis. good, 1015 mb

	06.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1184 upper-right
		NNW 1, Sea 1-2, at times marine phosphorescence, Vis. good, 1016 mb
	08.00	DJ 1177 left edge upper
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good, 1016 mb
	08.06 - 08.50		Test dive.
			No oil trace, however strong air bubbles from the foreship

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42

- 8 -



	continued
	06.12.42
	09.55	DH 3633 center-left	Crash dive for flying boat from 350°T, range 1000-2000 meters, 3 aircraft bombs.
		Individual large clouds
			Main rudder failed. Starboard E-motor only capable of speed settings up to LF.
			Fire control system out of service. Glass bulbs and fuses.
			Because in this area there is apparently very heavy air surveillance and at the moment very unfavorable clouds, I remain submerged by day.
	12.00	DH 3633 upper-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 124.4, Submerged 19.7 nm.
	15.00		Went to periscope depth for Program time. As before blue sky with individual large clouds.
	15.15	DH 3633 upper-right	A Sunderland bearing 180°T, distance about 14000-16000 meters, very low.
			My suspicion that there is very strong air surveillance here seems to be confirmed. To get to the coast unnoticed there is only the possibility of proceeding submerged by day.
	16.00	AJ 1411 upper-left
	19.14		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1413 right edge upper
		NE 3, Sea 2, medium Swell
	24.00	DJ 1433 center-left
		ENE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1016 mb, Vis. good

	07.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1522 center
		ENE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good
	07.53		Dived.
			Again a cloud formation, tailor made for surprise by aircraft. Therefore continued submerged
			All depth charge damage corrected.
	08.00	DJ 1535 right edge upper
	12.00	DJ 1614 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 109.5, Submerged 3 nm.
	16.00	DJ 1615 upper-left
	19.05		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1625 upper-left
		NE 4, Sea 3, short Swell, Vis. good, 1018 mb
	24.00	DJ 1633 upper-right
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. very good, 2/10, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42

- 9 -




	08.12.42
	02.50	DJ 2175 lower-left	Spanish 4000-tonner on course 220°, speed 10-12 knots.
	04.00	DJ 2187 lower-right	Cannot reach the harbor before lightness, because too much time was lost in pursuit of the neutral.
		NNE 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. very good, 1018 mb
	07.39		Dived.
	08.00	DJ 2197 left edge upper	Very good listening conditions.
	10.30	DJ 2194 left edge upper	Sound bearing in 265°T.
			Search group of 7 vessels (fishing trawlers with shortened and set forward masts) forward and astern each one cannon.
			Formation steers easterly course.
	10.50		Range 8000-10000 meters bearing 180°T.
	12.00	DJ 2191 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 90.8, Submerged 22.5 nm.
	16.00	DJ 2167 lower-left
	19.13		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 2162 center
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1022 mb
	20.59		Incoming Radio Message 1743/8/184 (Excerpt)
			2.) Baberg if noticed give situation report.
	24.00	DJ 2219 lower-edge right
		NbyE 1, Sea 1, starry clear, 1023 mb

	09.12.42
	01.15		Detection vertically polarized 138 cm, increasing and decreasing tone.
	02.30		Dived because otherwise will reach the 200-meter line too early.
	04.00	DJ 2261 center-left
	06.13		Surfaced.
			Several lights bearing 0-45°T. It is a group of fishing trawlers or corvettes.
	06.37		Crossed the 200-meter line and submerged.
	08.00	DJ 2265 center	Continual sound bearings.
			Several trawlers at the limit of visibility. Continued to run towards the coast.
	11.00		A flying boat circles at low altitude.
			The sea today is nearly mirror flat.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42

- 10 -



	continued
	09.12.42
	12.00	DJ 2266 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 57, Submerged 31.4 nm.
	12.45		The flying boat always still circles at low altitude over the water.
			Advance directly off the harbor in DJ 2347. Land is easily distinguished.
			Off the entrance some small vessels. A steamer is not to be seen.
	13.00	DJ 2266 lower-center	Came to opposite course and moved off further.
	16.00	DJ 2265 lower-right
	17.50		Sound bearing of a piston engine bearing 310°T (suspect a patrol vessel).
			Despite better visibility nothing is seen in the periscope.
			However the flying boat still circles as before.
	19.42		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 2256 center-right	Again detection vertically polarized 138 cm, increasing and decreasing tone, growing fainter. Probably a land station.
		NE 1, Sea 0-1, marine phosphorescence, 2/10, 1024 mb
	23.00		Incoming Radio Message 2203/9/199 (Excerpt)
			2.) Baberg report situation or position.
	24.00	DJ 2162 upper-center
		Wind calm, misty, 1024 mb

	10.12.42
	03.07		Outgoing Short Signal:
			My position is square DJ 20.
			"U-618".
	04.00	DJ 2142 upper-left
		SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1022 mb, Vis. medium
	08.00	DJ 1352 upper-right	Dived.
		SW 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, stormy murky, 1021 mb
	12.00	DJ 1351 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 129.2, Submerged 23.7 nm.
	12.30		One detonation, probably an aircraft bomb.
	16.00	DJ 1343 upper-center
	16.15		A new detonation, probably another aircraft bomb.
	16.48		Two detonations, aircraft bombs.
	19.01		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42

- 11 -



	continued
	10.12.42
	20.00	DJ 1311 upper-edge right
		SW 3-4, Sea 2, 6/10, 1020 mb, misty, Vis. moderate
	22.16		Outgoing Radio Message 2103/10/112:
			From Baberg square DJ 1225, 83 cbm:
			1.) From DH 30 very strong air surveillance, dived by day.
			2.) Off main harbors patrol vessels and search groups. No traffic observed. Roadstead DJ 2347 empty. By day continual air by "Catalina". Sea mostly mirror flat. Nights ineffective detection vertically polarized 138 cm.
			3.) Believe presence has been detected and operations with the current defensive situation is not very promising.
			4) Going to DH 22 because still have only 88 potash cartridges. Request further orders.
	24.00	DJ 1225 upper-edge right
		SW 3-4, Sea 2, long Swell, misty

	11.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1133 lower-right corner
		W 5, Sea 4, completely overcast, rain, 1019 mb
	08.00	DJ 1122 lower edge left
		NW 5, Sea 4, 4/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good
	08.05		Dived.
			Initially continued submerged because there are only a few large low clouds in the otherwise clear sky.
	12.00	DJ 1121 lower edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 112.2, Submerged 22 nm.
	12.53		Surfaced.
	12.55	DJ 1113 lower-edge right	Crash dive.
			An aircraft bearing 20°T (apparently a land-based aircraft) on westerly course flying past ahead, distance about 10000 meters.
			While diving a detonation, that however lies too far away to have belonged to us.
			Always still individual clouds; remained submerged until the beginning of twilight.
	16.00	DJ 1113 lower-left corner
	18.55		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 7977 upper-right
		WSW 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, long medium-high Swell, Vis. good, 1021 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42

- 12 -



	continued
	11.12.42
	24.00	CG 7888 upper-right
		WSW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1021 mb, misty, Vis. medium

	12.12.42
	04.00	CG 7877 upper-left
		SW 4, Sea 3, occasional rain, completely overcast, 1020 mb
	08.00	CG 7788 upper-center
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. good, 1017 mb
	08.25 - 08.53		Test dive.
	12.00	CG 7778 lower left	Day's run: Surfaced 126.5, Submerged 14.8 nm.
		SW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1018 mb, Vis. good
	13.40		Incoming Radio Message 1316/12/142:
			Baberg economize on potash cartridges. Repeat advance to the coast.
	14.15		Came to opposite course.
	16.00	CF 9999 lower-center edge
		SW 5, Sea 4, Vis. good, 1018 mb, steep Swell
	19.45		A white light directly ahead bearing 120°T.
	19.52		Incoming Radio Message 1816/12/148:
			From "U-432":
			Advance to DJ 2347. Situation like Baberg. No coastal traffic. Position CG 7650, going to DJ 2524. 79 cbm, all torpedoes. SSW 2, 1024 mb, overcast square.
	20.00	DH 3252 upper-right
		SW 5, Sea 4, medium-high steep Swell, Vis. good, 1018 mb
	21.00	DH 3261 lower-right	Brightly illuminated passenger steamer on course 80°. Neutrality markings recognized, however not made out at range.
	24.00	DH 3357 center-right
		S 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1019 mb, marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42

- 13 -




	13.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1179 upper-edge right
		S 5, Sea 4, steep Swell, 1018 mb, Vis. good, marine phosphorescence
	08.00	DJ 1515 upper-right
		S 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 1018 mb, Vis. good
	08.10		Dived to proceed submerged.
	12.00	DJ 1516 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 236, Submerged 7.9 nm.
	12.51 - 13.28	Very low broken cloud deck	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1528 upper-center
	18.55		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1259 upper-left	By yesterday and today's navigation fix was assumed that the gyro compass, a new gyro assembly, has an error of 6-8°. Therefore delayed approach to the coast a day, to check the gyro compass by shooting the sun. Azimuth measurement not possible today due to the heavy swell.
		SW 2, Sea 2, steep Swell, 5/10, 1020 mb
	24.00	DJ 1373 center-left
		SW 2, Sea 2, steep Swell, bright moonlit night, 1020 mb

	14.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1377 lower-right
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, steep Swell, bright moonlit night, 1018 mb
	08.00	DJ 1338 left edge upper
		SW 6, Sea 5-6, steep Swell, Vis. very good
	08.06		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1529 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 104.1, Submerged 22.1 nm.
	12.30	Steep SW-Swell, low broken cloud deck, SW 7	Went to periscope depth.
			Boat can only be held at depth 14 meters at HF
			Remained submerged until twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42

- 14 -



	continued
	14.12.42
	16.00	DJ 1528 center
	19.07		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1524 lower-right
		WSW 4, Sea 3, steep SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1015 mb
	24.00	DJ 1276 lower-center
		WSW 3, Sea 2, completely overcast, gloomy, 1013 mb

	15.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1433 upper-left
		W 4, Sea 4, steep SW-Swell, 1007 mb
	08.00	DJ 1545 upper-center edge
		SW 6-7, Sea 6, misty horizon, 1008 mb, completely overcast
	08.15		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1544 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 98.4, Submerged 25.7 nm.
	13.02 - 13.28		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1466 upper-left
	18.59		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1197 lower-center edge	No navigation fix possibility since 13 December, also Swell so the boat can only be held at LF and HF at periscope depth. Therefore remained in this area back and forth in position until weather improvement.
		W 3, Sea 2-3, steep W-Swell, misty horizon, 1013 mb
			A gyro compass error has not been confirmed. Strong offset to the north apparently only from current.
	24.00	DJ 1161 lower edge right
		W 2, Sea 2, steep Swell, misty, 1014 mb

	16.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1277 upper-center edge
		NW 2, Sea 1, steep Swell, Vis good, 1010 mb
	08.00	DJ 1287 center
		W 2, Sea 1-2, steep Swell, Vis. good, 1010 mb
	08.15		Dived.

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

- 15 -



	continued
	16.12.42
	12.00	DJ 1249 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 102.7, Submerged 21.8 nm.
	13.07 - 13.40		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1281 center-left
	19.04		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1287 lower-left
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, steep W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1019 mb, bright moonlit night
	24.00	DJ 1243 center
		SW 3, Sea 2, steep W-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1019 mb

	17.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1243 lower-right
		SW 3, Sea 2, steep W-Swell, rain showers, 1019 mb
	08.00	DJ 1287 lower-left
		SW 3, Sea 2, steep W-Swell, misty horizon
	08.15		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1521 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 102.7, Submerged 21.1 nm.
	13.09 - 13.37	W 3-4, Sea 3, steep WNW-Swell, low broken cloud deck, rain showers, Vis. bad	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1527 lower-center edge
	19.00		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1581 center
		W 3-4, Sea 3, step SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	24.00	DJ 1827 lower-center
		WNW 3, Sea 2-3, steep Swell, misty, Vis. bad, 1020 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42

- 16 -




	18.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1588 center-right
		NNW 3, Sea 2, steep NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1021 mb
	08.00	DJ 1553 lower-center
		NW 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1021 mb, Vis. good
	08.19		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1558 upper-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 102.8, Submerged 21.1 nm.
	13.14 - 13.49	NW 5, Sea 4-5, steep NW-Swell, few large low clouds, Vis. good	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1585 upper edge left
	19.02		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1823 center-left edge
		NW 5, Sea 4, steep NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1026 mb
	24.00	DJ 1823 center-left edge
		NW 3, Sea 3, bright moonlit night, steep Swell, 1026 mb

	19.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1555 center-right edge
		N 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1025 mb, Vis. good
	08.00	DJ 1528 right edge upper
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, steep NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1025 mb
	08.27		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1552 right edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 87, Submerged 24.7 nm.
	13.13 - 13.42		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	DJ 1553 upper-left
	19.04		Surfaced. Advanced to the coast because today the Swell is weaker.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42

- 17 -



	continued
	19.12.42
	20.00	DJ 1529 upper-left
		NW 2-3, Sea 2, medium-high NW-Swell, misty horizon, 1026 mb
	20.15		Incoming Radio Message 1822/19/184 (Excerpt)
			3.) Baberg report situation.
	24.00	DJ 1627 upper-right
		NE 2, Sea 1, medium-high NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1027 mb

	20.12.42
	04.00	DJ 2418 upper-center
		NNE 2, Sea 1, medium-high NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1025 mb
	07.33		Dived.
	08.00	DJ 2429 center
	12.00	DJ 2438 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 122.3, Submerged 30.3 nm.
	15.00	DJ 2514 lower-right	Off the roadstead and off the harbor no traffic. Air surveillance by "Catalina".
	16.00	DJ 2511 lower-center edge	Several small patrol vessels (trawlers).
			Again moved off from the coast.
	19.11		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 2196 lower-center edge
		NW 3, Sea 2, medium-high NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1026 mb
	22.10		Outgoing Radio Message 2117/20/107:
			Today advanced to main harbor. Situation unchanged. No traffic.
			All torpedoes, 58 cbm.
			NW 3, Sea 2, NW-medium-high Swell, 1026 mb steady, +20°C.
	22.30	DJ 2194 lower-left corner	Two brightly illuminated steamers bearing 290°T on SW course. Already broad target angle.
	24.00	DJ 1396 lower-left
		NNW 2-3, Sea 2, medium-high NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1026 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42

- 18 -




	21.12.42
	04.00	DJ 1372 center-left
		N 2, Sea 1, high NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.00	DJ 1251 lower-left
		N 2, Sea 1, high NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.15		Dived.
	12.00	DJ 1242 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 153.8, Submerged 23.2 nm.
	13.00 - 13.42		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	13.15		Incoming Radio Message 1023/21/115 (Excerpt)
			1.) Baberg head for CG 47.
	16.00	DJ 1139 lower-center edge
	18.11		Surfaced.
	20.00	DJ 1123 lower-edge right
		N 2, Sea 1, long medium-high Swell, Vis. very good, 1029 mb
	24.00	CG 7977 lower edge left
		NW 2-3, Sea 1, long medium-high Swell, bright moonlit night, 1029 mb

	22.12.42
	04.00	CG 7867 upper edge right
		N 2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. very good, 1030 mb
	08.00	CG 7824 upper-left
		N 2, Sea 1, long medium-high Swell, Vis. very good, 1030 mb
	08.30 - 09.00		Test dive.
	12.00	CG 7571 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 164.4, Submerged 11.2 nm.
		NbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, long NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1033 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42

- 19 -



	continued
	22.12.42
	15.45		Incoming Radio Message 1339/22/141 (Excerpt)
			3.) For Baberg task in square CG 5590 [Lisbon] anticipated. Remain undetected therein. More to follow.
	16.00	CG 7438 lower left
		N 2, Sea 1-2, short steep NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1032 mb
	20.00	CG 7194 center
		ENE 2, Sea 1, short steep WNW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1031 mb
	24.00	CG 7137 center
		ENE 1, Sea 1, long WNW-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1033 mb

	23.12.42
	04.00	CG 4791 center
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, long NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1031 mb
	08.00	CG 4845 right edge lower
		NE 2, Sea 1, long NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1030 mb
	08.45		Dived.
	12.00	CG 4854 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 151.6, Submerged 6.8 nm.
	13.01 - 14.07		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	15.38		Incoming Radio Message 1034/23/168:
			For Baberg.
			1.) Operate off main harbor which lies in square 5569. [Lisbon]
			Here enemy departing and arriving traffic from and to the west, also primarily traffic to harbor in 9644. Detection of traffic most favorable in 5590 and 5830, 5910, 5940. Southbound traffic rins mainly from the cape in 5599 to the cape in 5945. Because this route is outside the three-mile limit, operation here is favorable. Occasionally also small, weakly escorted convoys. All naval squares CG.
			2.) Due to heavy neutral traffic, examine targets carefully beforehand. In no case shoot within the three-mile limit, do not let them see you.
			3.) Sea defense by patrol vessels, occasionally illuminated, light air surveillance.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42

- 20 -



	continued
	23.12.42
	16.00	CG 4861 left edge upper
	18.26		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 4942 upper-center
		E 2, Sea 1, NW Swell, 4/10, 1029 mb, Vis. very good
	24.00	CG 4926 center
		E 2, Sea 1, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1028 mb

	24.12.42
	04.00	CG 5477 lower edge right
		E 2, Sea 1, short E-Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.00	CG 5489 lower-center
		E 2-3, Sea 2, short SE-Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.13		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5497 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 116.2, Submerged 17.6 nm.
	13.06 - 13.47		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	13.23		Incoming Radio Message 1150/24/196 (Excerpt)
			3.) Baberg. On 23 December English "EMPIRE FRANKLIN" ready to depart with coal for Spanish harbor.
	16.00	CG 5494 upper-right
	18.50		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5496 center-left
		ESE 2, Sea 1, completely overcast, 1026 mb, in the east misty horizon
	24.00	CG 5586 lower-left	1 brightly illuminated torpedo boat in square 5590 moves back and forth in position at low speed.
		SE 2, Sea 1, bright full moon night, Vis. very good, bright horizon

	25.12.42
	02.30	CG 5826 upper-right	Two Spanish freighters with northwesterly courses.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42

- 21 -



	continued
	25.12.42
	04.00	CG 5826 lower-right
		W 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good, 1024 mb, bright full moon night
	08.00	CG 5816 lower-center
		WNW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1023 mb, Vis. very good
	08.21		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5811 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 128.5, Submerged 21.2 nm.
	13.07 - 14.02		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5812 upper-center
	18.54		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5822 center
		ENE 2, Sea 2, medium NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1023 mb
	22.00	Very bright moonlit night, Vis. over 10 nm	Two illuminated fishing trawlers outmaneuvered. Square 5834.
	24.00	CG 5838 upper-center
		N 2, Sea 2, light NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1022 mb

	26.12.42
	00.45		Again 2 illuminated steamers, they are on opposite course (about 330°), outmaneuvered and avoided.
	04.00	CG 5861 center-right
		N 4, Sea 3-4, short high NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
	08.00	CG 5825
		N 4-5, Sea 4, short high NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1019 mb
	08.06		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

- 22 -



	continued
	26.12.42
	12.00	CG 5821 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 107.9, Submerged 20 nm.
	13.01		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	15.29		Dived.
	16.00	CG 5585 upper-right	One aircraft (flying boat) bearing 100°T on course approximately 200°.
	19.37		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5589 upper-center
		N 5-6, Sea 4, short high NW-Swell, Vis. very good, starry clear, 1020 mb
	20.30		Illuminated patrol boat moving back and forth in square 5594.
	20.40	CG 5586 lower-right	One aircraft with position lights passed on easterly course coming from sea.
	20.45	CG 5586 lower right	Steamer bearing 35°T departing on SW-course.
	22.00	CG 5589 upper-center	It is a Spanish freighter, steers 225°.
	24.00	CG 5584 center-left
		N 4-5, Sea 4, steep NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1020 mb, Vis. very good

	27.12.42
	02.15	CG 5824 upper-left	Dived for detection horizontally polarized 168 cm, steady tone.
	04.00	CG 5824 lower-left	Surfaced.
		N 4-5, Sea 4, short high NNW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good
	08.00	CG 5813 upper-right
		NNE 4-5, Sea 4, short high NNW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1019 mb
	08.21		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5578 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 93, Submerged 22.5 nm.
	13.04		Surfaced.
	13.25	CG 5576 left edge upper	Flying boat bearing 90°T, just over the horizon on southerly course.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42

- 23 -



	continued
	27.12.42
	14.28		Dived.
	16.00	CG 5549 lower-center
	19.12		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5554 lower-right	Just off the coast several small steamers (patrol vessels?).
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, short high N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1019 mb
	22.50	CG 5586	Small Spanish tanker running in.
	23.45		Spanish freighter in square 5598 arriving from the south.
	24.00	CG 5597 lower edge left
		NNE 3, Sea 2-3, very bright moonlit night, 1/10, 1019 mb, Vis. very good, N-Swell

	28.12.42
	01.45	CG 5835	Portuguese freighter course 340°.
	04.00	CG 5823 lower-left
		N 4, Sea 3, very bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1020 mb, short high N-Swell
	08.00	CG 5572 lower edge right
		N 4, Sea 3, completely overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	08.19		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5575 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 108.1, Submerged 7.6 nm.
	13.38		Surfaced.
	15.43		Dived.
	16.00	CG 5581 upper-right
	19.11		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5589 upper-edge left
		NbyE 4, Sea 3-4, short high N-Swell, Vis. very good, starry clear
	20.15		Spanish passenger steamer departing in square 5822 on course 230°.
	22.05		Illuminated patrol vessel (probably a torpedo boat) on northerly course, low speed in square 5598.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42

- 24 -



	continued
	28.12.42
	23.00		Freight-passenger steamer in square 3836 upper-left on arrival course.
			Very badly illuminated Spanish neutrality markings on the after deck.
	23.45		Swiss steamer in square 5839 upper-center on course 340°.
	24.00	CG 5839 center-left
		N 3, Sea 2, medium N-Swell, very bright night, Vis. very good, 1023 mb

	29.12.42
	00.40		Portuguese freighter in square 5838 center on course 0°.
	04.00	CG 5829 lower-left
		N 4, Sea 3, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1022 mb
	08.00	CG 5579 lower-left
		N 4, Sea 3, short steep N-Swell, Vis. very good
	08.22		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5579 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 123, Submerged 21 nm.
	14.17		Surfaced.
	16.00	CG 5821 upper-right
		N 6-7, Sea 5, short steep N-Swell, Vis. very good
	16.16		Dived.
	19.07		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5826 center-right
		N 6, Sea 5-6, steep N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
	21.30		Spanish steamer in square 5839 on course 340°.
	24.00	CG 5863 upper edge right
		N 7, Sea 6, short steep N-Swell, Vis. changing, rain showers, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

- 25 -




	30.12.42
	04.00	CG 5825 lower-right
		N 9, Sea 8, short steep N-Swell, rain showers, 1018 mb
	08.00	CG 5819 center-right
		N 8, Sea 7, short steep N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1018 mb
	08.18		Dived.
			Boat cannot be held at periscope depth due to Sea State.
	12.00	CG 5816 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 101.2, Submerged 18.6 nm.
	14.18		Surfaced.
	16.00	CG 5588 upper-left	Dived.
		N 8, Sea 7, steep Swell, Vis. very good, 1022 mb
	19.14		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5586 upper-right
		N 8-9, Sea 8, steep N-Swell, Vis. clear, starry clear, 1022 mb
	24.00	CG 5838 upper-right
		N 6-7, Sea 5, short N-Swell, starry clear, Vis. very good, 1024 mb

	31.12.42
	04.00	CG 5837 center-left
		N 7, Sea 6-7, medium-long high Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1025 mb
	08.00	CG 5812 lower-right
		N 7, Sea 6-7, medium-long high Swell, Vis. very good, 1026 mb
	08.18		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5578 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 101.4, Submerged 19.2 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42

- 26 -



	continued
	31.12.42
	14.23 - 15.44		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5587 upper-left
	19.10		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5597 lower edge right
		N 6, Sea 4-5, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	20.25	CG 5598 center	Spanish steamer Shipping Co. "Ybarra and Co." Probably "CABO PALOS". Neutrality markings very bad, shipping company on smoke stack easily distinguished. Course 330°.
	22.35		Spanish steamer in square 5836 on course 335°.
	24.00	CG 5914 lower-left corner
		N 3, Sea 2, medium N-Swellm Vis. very good, starry clear, 1028 mb

	01.01.43
	00.30		Illuminated fishing trawler in square 5839, course 340°.
	01.05		One steamer exactly the same in square 5863, course 340°.
	01.45		Two illuminated torpedo boats in square 5947 at low speed and changing courses.
			An illuminated fishing trawler in square 5944 on course 340°.
	04.00	CG 5837 upper-center
		N 2-3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, 1026 mb
	08.00	CG 5821 upper-left
		N 1-2, Sea 1, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1025 mb
	08.18		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5587 upper-edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 113, Submerged 20 nm.
	14.28		Surfaced.
	16.00	CG 5825 lower-right	Dived.
		N 4, Sea 3-4, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1025 mb
	19.09		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43

- 27 -



	continued
	01.01.43
	20.00	CG 5837 lower-right
		N 4-5, Sea 4, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1025 mb
	22.00		In square 5860 several groups of illuminated fishing vessels.
	23.40		Portuguese freighter in square 5837 on course 160°.
	24.00	CG 5835 lower-left
		NbyW 4, Sea 3, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1025 mb

	02.01.43
	04.00	CG 5586 left edge lower
		NNW 4, Sea 3, rain showers, 1024 mb, Vis. changing
	08.00	CG 5578 lower-right
		NNW 4, Sea 3, Vis. very good, medium N-Swell
	08.20		Dived.
	10.15	CG 5578	Spanish steamer with 4 double masts in square 5578, course 60°.
			On the smokestack shipping firm "Ybarra & Co.", white paint, on the bow and stern of the hull painted Spanish neutrality markings.
	12.00	CG 5578 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 98.4, Submerged 18.9 nm.
	14.37 - 15.35		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5575 right edge lower
	19.11		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5823 left edge upper
		N 5-6, Sea 5, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1024 mb
	21.30		Spanish steamer in square 5832 on course 160°.
	24.00	CG 5588 upper-center
		N 5-6, Sea 5, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43

- 28 -




	03.01.43
	04.00	CG 5588 lower-center
		N 5, Sea 4, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1024 mb
	08.00	CG 5839 upper-center
		N 4, Sea 3-4, medium N-Swell, Vis. good, 1024 mb
	12.00	CG 5836 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 104.3, Submerged 21.3 nm.
	16.00	CG 5835 lower-center
	19.50		Surfaced.
	19.51	CG 5839 upper-right	Spanish tanker in square 5839 upper-right on course 340°.
	20.00	CG 5839 lower-center
		N 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. good, 1022 mb
	20.19	CG 5839 left edge lower	Brightly illuminated freighter. Approached to 800 meters on both sides. No neutrality markings, no flag.
	20.35		Steamer lights bearing 300°T. Initially went to see this steamer.
	21.01	CG 5837 upper edge right	Spanish tanker well illuminated, on course 180°.
			Ran back to the brightly lit freighter without neutrality markings.
	23.45	CG 5582	Brightly illuminated passenger steamer on course 90°.
	23.50		Outgoing Radio Message 2325/3/148:
			Urgent. From Baberg.
			Brightly illuminated freighter, on both side and astern without neutrality markings, from 5839 via 5559 to the north. Question sinking. All squares CG.
	24.00	CG 5589 upper-right
		N 3, Sea 2-3, light N-Swell, bright starry clear night, Vis. very good

	04.01.43
	00.10	CG 5597	Spanish steamer in square 5597 on course 160°.
	02.27		Incoming Radio Message 0201/4/151:
			"Baberg" let go.
	02.35		Broke off pursuit of the steamer, which holds tight along the 3-mile limit, in accordance with orders.
	03.00	CG 5555 upper-center	Spanish freighter in square 5555 on course 180°.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43

- 29 -



	continued
	04.01.43
	04.00	CG 5554 center-right
		N 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1022 mb
	08.00	CG 5575 upper-center edge
		N 3, Sea 1-2, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, completely overcast, 1022 mb
	08.25		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5572 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 105.1, Submerged 27.2 nm.
	14.27		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	14.53	CG 5572	Crash dive for aircraft (land-based aircraft) bearing 160°T on course 90°.
			Came to periscope depth and observed. Aircraft was no longer seen.
	15.04		Surfaced.
			Aircraft (land-based aircraft) bearing 90°T on course 0°.
			A steamer bearing 180°T. Distance 8-9 nm, target angle 5-10°.
	15.10		Dived for submerged attack
	15.54		Steamer bearing 120°T, range = 5000 meters, target angle 20. Swiss neutrality markings recognized.
	16.00	CG 5572 upper-left
	16.15	CG 5572 upper-center	Steamer with Swiss neutrality markings, Greek shipping firm "Hadjilias" Athens on course 270°.
			Distance 800 meters, target angle 90°.
	19.06		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5585 lower-center
		NNW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. strongly changing, rain showers, 1020 mb
	21.00	CG 5586	Aircraft with position lights bearing 110°T, on SW-course.
	21.50	CG 5595	Two illuminated steamers on arrival course, of these one Spanish.
	23.32		Incoming Radio Message 2251/4/168:
			To Baberg: Tonight English "SHETLAND" and "CASTALINA" will probably depart.
	24.00	CG 5835 upper-center
		NNW 3, Sea 1-2, light N-Swell, Vis. moderate to good

- 30 -




	05.01.43
	01.20		Spanish freighter in square 5838 on course 350°.
	01.45		Hospital ship (medium passenger steamer) in square 5863 on course 340°.
	04.00	CG 5835 upper-center
		NW 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
	08.00	CG 5821 upper-center
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, medium N-Swell, Vis. very good
	08.25		Dived.
	11.50		Spanish steamer arriving on course 50° in square 5579.
	12.00	CG 5579 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 100.1, Submerged 31.5 nm.
	16.00	CG 5572 upper-right
	19.06		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5582 left edge lower	Spanish steamer in square 5583 on course 350°.
		NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, medium N-Swell, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	20.15	CG 5582 lower-left	Two illuminated steamers bearing 100°T and 110°T departing on westerly course. Range about 6 nm.
	20.45		Both steamers came about and ran back in again.
	20.55		On land a strong searchlight illuminates, but the light does not reach the water surface. The source of the light is not seen stands behind gentle hills.
	21.00		In square 5595 a small illuminated vessel on westerly course which has the lights of a fishing trawler set.
	21.10		A further illuminated steamer in square 5595, departs on course 200°, also comes about and runs back in.
	21.45		A further high positioned searchlight on land.
			Several times lights the entire bay up. Showed a small silhouette and moved off. Was in the light cone several times but was not detected. Under these conditions getting closer is no longer possible.
			Therefore ran in the area sloth of the Cape in square 5530.

- 31 -



	continued
	05.01.43
	23.50		Spanish freighter in square 5834 upper-center on course 350°.
	24.00	CG 5834 upper-left
		NbyW 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 5/10, 1022 mb

	06.01.43
		CG 5862 lower-left
		NW 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. very good, 1022 mb, rain showers
	08.24		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5813 center	Day's run: Surfaced 107, Submerged 20.1 nm.
	14.31		Surfaced.
	14.50	CG 5815 center	Smoke trace bearing 155°T. Closed. Steamer running in on NE course.
			Maneuver ahead not possible due to proximity to the coast.
	15.54		Dived.
	16.00	CG 5816 upper-left
	19.09		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5828 upper-center
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. very good
	21.00		Brightly illuminated freighter in square 5861 on course 340°.
	22.45		Portuguese steamer in square 6863 upper-left on course 160°.
	23.22		Incoming Radio Message 2226/6/189:
			To Baberg.
			On 6 January at 20.25 hours "RENE PAUL" already departed Tejo estuary on southerly course.
	23.30		In square 5866 center-right illuminated lying stopped steamer without side lights and neutrality markings, apparently a fishing trawler.
	24.00	CG 5866 upper-right
		NW 3, Sea 2, medium NNW-Swell, Vis, changing, rain shower, 1022 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43

- 32 -




	07.02.43
	00.30		Vessel in sight in square 5816. It is the announced Englander, proceeds completely within the Bay and stays inside the 3-mile zone.
	02.20		The vessel passes the Cape in square 5845 at about 2 nm distance, speed 12 knots.
	02.40		Broke off because there is no shooting opportunity due to the three-mile zone.
	03.15		Two illuminated fishing vessels in square 5861 stopped or at low speed.
	03.25		Outgoing Radio Message 0233/7/193:
			Announced vessel type, brightly illuminated, via 5816 position 02.20 hours 5845, speed 12 knots. Broke off because coastal course well within the three-mile zone. Square CG.
			from Baberg.
	04.00	CG 5866 center-right
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, medium NNW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1021 mb, rain showers
	04.55		Illuminated steamer in square 5865 center on course 160°.
	08.00	CG 5855 center-left edge
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, rain showers, 1024 mb, Vis. very good
	08.30		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5851 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 115.9, Submerged 20.5 nm.
	14.40 - 15.27		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5851 upper-right
	19.08		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5864 lower-left	Between the Cape in 5599 and the Cape in 5945 run illuminated fishing trawlers.
		NNW 3, Sea 2, medium NW-Swell, completely overcast, Vis. good, 1025 mb
	23.45		Spanish freighter in square on course 340°.
	24.00	CG 5836 center-left
		NNW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1026 mb, Vis. very good

- 33 -




	08.01.43
	02.15		Spanish steamer in square 5597 lower-right on course 180°.
	04.00	CG 5589 lower-center edge
		NW 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, 1026 mb, medium NW-Swell
	08.00	CG 5579 upper-center
		NW 2, Sea 1, light NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1026 mb
	08.28		Surfaced.
	12.00	CG 5816 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 113.7, Submerged 20.9 nm.
	14.45 - 15.22		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5579 lower-right
	19.08		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5823 center-right
		NW 2, Sea 1-2, light NW-Swell, marine phosphorescence, 1027 mb, Vis. very good
	21.00		A Spanish and a Portuguese steamer in square 5832 on courses 160° and 170°.
	22.00		Weakly illuminated patrol vessel moving back and forth in position in square 5839
	24.00	CG 5917 upper-center
		NW 2, Sea 1, marine phosphorescence, light NW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1028 mb

	09.01.43
	03.50		Spanish steamer in square 5862 upper-center edge, course 0°.
	04.00	CG 5838 lower center edge
		W 2, Sea 1, light W-Swell, Vis. very good, marine phosphorescence, 1028 mb
	04.40		Portuguese gun boat in square 5834 on course 10°.
	06.20		Illuminated freighter in square 5823 on course 30°.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43

- 34 -



	continued
	09.01.43
	08.00	CG 5821 center
		W 2, Sea 2, medium W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	08.28		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5578 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 110.8, Submerged 18.1 nm.
	16.00	CG 5575 lower-right
	19.10		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5588 center-left edge
		W 4, Sea 3, long medium-high W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1028 mb
	21.05		A very well marked Portuguese tanker (illuminated marking "Portugal") in square 5585 upper-center on course 245°.
	21.35		Portuguese passenger steamer (SERPA PINTO?) in square 5582 on course 260°.
	24.00	CG 5835 upper-left
		W 3-4, Sea 3, long medium-high W-Swell, Vis. very good, marine phosphorescence, 1028 mb

	10.01.43
	00.50		Illuminated fishing trawler in square 5836 on course 0°.
	03.00		Two Spanish steamers in square 5834 on SW courses.
	03.40		Spanish freighter in square 5838, course 170°.
	04.00	CG 5838 lower edge left
		W 4-5, Sea 4, increasing Sea and Swell, 1025 mb
	08.00	CG 5824 center
		SW 6, Sea 5, short steep SW-Swell, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1024 mb
	08.34		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5579 lower-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced 117.7, Submerged 20.5 nm.
	14.44 - 15.35		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5572 lower edge right
	19.11		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43

- 35 -



	continued
	10.01.43
	20.00	CG 5549 lower edge right
		SW 8, Sea 7, short steep SW-Swell, completely overcast, 1018 mb, Vis. up to 5 nm
	20.40		Large Portuguese fishing trawler in square 5581 upper edge right steaming at low speed against the sea.
	21.45		Spanish freighter in square 5586 on course 350°.
			Quickly increasing weather and visibility deterioration.
			Beacons on land are only occasionally and also very faintly distinguished.
	24.00	CG 5835 upper-left corner
		SWbyW 8, Sea 7, short steep SW-Swell, Vis, 4-6 nm, rain, 1018 mb

	11.01.43
	00.30		Brightly illuminated steamer in square 5834 on course 0°.
	03.20		Illuminated patrol vessel in square 5841 back and forth on changing courses.
	04.00	CG 5838 lower-center edge
		W 6, Sea 5-6, short steep SW-Swell, completely overcast, rain, Vis. very bad
	08.00	CG 5821 center
		W 5, Sea 4-5, rain, Vis. bad, short steep SW-Swell, 1018 mb
	08.32		Dived.
	12.00	CG 5579 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 108.9, Submerged 20.9 nm.
	14.55 - 15.24		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 5575 lower edge right
	19.08		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5585 lower-center edge	Intend to run to the coast today for the last time and then begin return transit.
		WbyS 7, Sea 6, short steep SW-Swell, Vis. up to 5 nm, 1015 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43

- 36 -



	continued
	11.01.43
	21.40		Illuminated fishing trawler in square 5834 upper-center edge stopped or running at low speed.
	22.00	CG 5831 upper edge right	Crash dive for dimmed destroyer bearing 80°T, distance about 300-400 meters, bow left, target angle 20°.
		Very steep Swell, Vis. bad
			2 depth charges while diving.
			The destroyer must have been lying stopped just off the coast and heard us.
			A total of 40 depth charges.
			1 1/2 hour depth charge pursuit, initially by one, later by 2 vessels.
			Locating sounds, flooding mechanism operated.
			Ran off on course 280°.
			Afterward, listening sounds on the port side.
			Despite occasionally well-placed depth charges, before throwing no propeller sounds were heard. (suspect depth charge thrower).
			Before each series weak detonations (like strong Echolot)
	24.00	CG 5589 lower-right corner

	12.01.43
	04.00	CG 5588 center-left edge	Surfaced.
		WSW 7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell, Vis. 7-8 nm, 1014 mb
	08.00	CG 5548 upper-left
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, steep SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1014 mb
	12.00	CG 5544	Day's run: Surfaced 59.8, Submerged 38.2 nm.
	16.00	CG 5465 lower-right
	18.47		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5453 upper-center
		W 5, Sea 4, very steep NW-Swell, 3/10, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	20.08		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Have begun return transit due to fuel inventory.
			Torpedo and artillery inventory unchanged since last report.
			"U-618"
	24.00	CG 5184 upper-right
		NW 6, Sea 5, very steep NW-Swell, Vis. bad, 1020 mb, completely overcast, rain

	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43

- 37 -




	13.01.43
	04.00	CG 5119
		NW 6, Sea 5, very steep W-Swell, Vis. bad, 1016 mb, completely overcast, rain
	08.00	CG 2771 upper-center
		NW 6, Sea 5-6, very steep W-Swell, Vis. bad, misty horizon, 1012 mb
	08.52 - 09.17		Test dive.
	12.00	CG 1963 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 128.9, Submerged 11.3 nm.
		NW 7, Sea 6-7, very steep W-Swell, Vis. 6 nm, completely overcast, misty horizon, 1011 mb
	16.00	CG 1932 upper-left
		WNW 8, Sea 7, 8/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 5 nm, misty
	19.30		Incoming Radio Message 1836/13/165 (Excerpt)
			Tomorrow at 08.00 hours "Baberg" switch Coastal Circuit.
			"Teichert" Ireland Circuit.
	20.00	CG 1667 lower edge left
		NW 7, Sea 6-7, very steep W-Swell, rain showers, 1006 mb, Vis. bad
	24.00	CG 1628 lower-right
		NW 7, Sea 6, steep NW-Swell, rain, Vis. bad, 1006 mb

	14.01.43
	04.00	CG 1387 center-right
		NW 7, Sea 6, steep NW-Swell, 7/10, misty, Vis. moderate, 1011 mb
	08.00	CG 1349 upper-center
		NW 6, Sea 5-6, steep NW-Swell, starry clear, Vis. good, 1014 mb,

	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43

- 38 -



	continued
	14.01.43	increasing cloudiness
	08.37		Dived.
	12.00	CG 1343 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 103.1, Submerged 7.2 nm.
	13.52 - 14.41		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	CG 1317 center-right
	17.40	CG 1317 upper-center edge	5 detonations, apparently aircraft bombs (medium Volume).
	19.05		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 1311 lower-center edge
		NW 5, Sea 4, high NW-Swell, 4/10, Vis. very good, 1023 mb
	22.04		Outgoing Radio Message 2117/14/24:
			BE 9984 from Baberg:
			11 January depth charge pursuit by destroyer in CG 5831. Otherwise only neutral traffic. NW 4, high Swell, 1022 mb, rises.
	23.22		Incoming Radio Message 2230/14/26:
			Return harbor for Baberg is St. Nazaire.
	24.00	BE 9957 lower-center edge
		NW 5, Sea 4, high W-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1023 mb

	15.01.43
	04.00	BE 9929 upper-left
		NW 5, Sea 4, high W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1021 mb
	08.00	BE 9694 upper-right
		WNW 5-6, Sea 5, high W-Swell, 9/10, 1020 mb
	08.45		Dived.
	12.00	BE 9668 center	Day's run: Surfaced 88.5, Submerged 20.1 nm.
	13.57 - 14.36		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	16.00	BE 9662 right edge lower
	19.00		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43

- 39 -



	continued
	15.01.43











	20.00	BE 7177 lower-center edge
		SW 8, Sea 7-8, short steep SW-Swell, low cloud deck, Vis. bad, 1011 mb
	24.00	BF 7193 upper-left
		S 6, Sea 5, completely overcast, clear horizon, medium SW-Swell, 1010 mb

	16.01.43
	04.00	BF 7262 left edge lower
		SbyE 7, Sea 6, medium S-Swell, rain shower, misty, 1008 mb
	08.00	BF 7361 lower-center	Outgoing Short Signal:
		SbyE 7, Sea 6, medium SSE-Swell, rain showers, 1008 mb, Vis. bad	Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
			"U-618"
	12.00	BF 7363 center	Day's run: Surfaced 175.7, Submerged 20.2 nm.
	12.41 - 12.52		Surfaced for a navigation fix.
	13.57		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	14.21		Incoming Radio Message 0908/16/60:
			U-boat 618 from 7. U-Flottille.
			Escort positioned on 18 January at 09.00 hours "Herz 438".
			Report convoy intake with time.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43

- 40 -



	continued
	16.01.43
	14.24	BF 8117 lower-center edge	Crash dive for aircraft (land-based aircraft) bearing 290°T, 4 nm, northeast course.
	16.00	BF 8118 upper-center
	18.58		Surfaced.
	20.00	BF 8128 upper-center
		SSE 5, Sea 4-5, medium SSE-Swell, rain, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1002 mb
	24.00	BF 8218 upper-left
		SSE 4, Sea 4, medium SE-Swell, rain, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1001 mb

	17.01.43
	04.00	BF 8237 upper-right
		SE 4, Sea 3-4, medium SE-Swell, Vis. moderate to good, 1000 mb
	07.21		Outgoing Radio Message 0613/17/113:
			7. U-Flottille from Baberg.
			Request Radio Beacon Group II today 19.00 hours to lightness.
	08.00	BF 8322 lower-center
		SE 4, Sea 3, medium SE-Swell, Vis. very good, 997 mb, 4/10
	08.12		Dived.
	12.00	BF 8325 right edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 118, Submerged 24.7 nm.
	14.23		Incoming Radio Message 0910/17/73:
			U-618 from 7. U-Flottille.
			Radio Beacon Group II runs from 19.00 hours up to lightness.
	16.00	BF 8332 lower-center edge
	18.46		Surfaced.
	20.00	BF 9112 lower-left
		SE 3, Sea 2, medium SE-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1000 mb
	21.24		Dived.
	24.00	BF 9122 lower-center

	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43

- 41 -




	18.01.43
	00.55		Surfaced.
			On the entry route continually avoided fishing trawlers.
	04.00	BF 6754 lower-right
		E 3, Sea 2, SE-Swell, Vis. good, 1002 mb, bright moonlit night
	04.50	BF 6728 lower-center edge	Crash dive for aircraft. Illuminated by searchlight. No bombs.
			As soon as aircraft passed, dived.
			No Fu.M.B. detection.
	07.06		Surfaced.
	07.29		Outgoing Radio Message 0645/18/91:
			Urgent. 7. U-Flottille from Baberg.
			05.00 hours forced to submerged by aircraft in square 6728. Illuminated by searchlight. No detection. Request Radio Beacon until 10.00 hours.
	08.00	BF 6731 left edge lower
		E 3, Sea 2, light E-Swell, Vis. 5 nm, misty, 1003 mb
	09.05		Incoming Radio Message 0802/18/92:
			U-618 from 7. U-Flottille.
			Radio Beacon Group II runs from now to 10.00 hours.
	09.30		Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher.
	09.55		Outgoing Radio Message 0931/18/93:
			To 7. U-Flottille.
			Convoy intake 09.30 hours.
			from Baberg.
	12.00	BF 6517 center
		E 3, Sea 2
	13.15		Made fast St. Nazaire Lock.

	Enclosures to U-618's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart	Track chart of the entire patrol

Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

                    Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 618" from 25.11.42 - 18.1.43.

      In the operation close off the Moroccan coast and later off the Portuguese coast the Kommandant tenaciously tried again and again to achieve success. In the first case the defense was very strong, without meeting traffic In the second case, also offered the boat no opportunity for success, because only neutral traffic was met and the boat was not allowed to attack the enemy steamer due to the three-mile limit.

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

- The Chief of the Operations Department.-

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	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 618" from 25.11.42 - 18.1.43.

	In the operation close off the Moroccan coast and later off the Portuguese coast the Kommandant tenaciously tried again and again to achieve success. In the first case the defense was very strong, without meeting traffic In the second case, also offered the boat no opportunity for success, because only neutral traffic was met and the boat was not allowed to attack the enemy steamer due to the three-mile limit.

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