U-764 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Brest	6 August 1944	Bergen	19 September 1944	45

 

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
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
20 Aug 44	17.08	50°09'N, 1°05'W	CORAL	638	British	ETC-72
25 Aug 44	07.05	49°51'N, 00°55'W	HMS LCT-1074	611	British
			Total = 1,249
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.    1
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  !
				"U  764"
				5th Patrol.
				Kommandant:  Oblt.z.See Hanskurt v Bremen
				Beginning:  6 August 1944
				Ending    :  19 September 1944.
			Distribution:   Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 2 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine 2 Skl.B.d.U. Op. Copy No. 3 Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West Copy No. 5 Führer der Unterseebootsausbildungsflottille Copy No. 6 Kommando der 27. Unterseebootsausbildungsflottille Copy No. 7 Kommando der 9. Unterseebootsausbildungsflottille Copy No. 8
			Enclosures:     1 Track chart For Copy No. 2 to 8 1 Summary of the important Radio Messages For Copy No. 2 to 8 4 Attack sketches For Copy No. 3 and 8 5 Torpedo firing reports For Copy No. 3, 4 and 8 1 K.T.B. Maschine For Copy No. 3
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		24.06. - 05.08.44	Brest	Shipyard period and outfitting.
		06.08.44	Brest
		22.15		Cast off for 5th patrol
		23.00		Taken in convoy.
		23.45		Between Point B 3 and B 2 several aircraft overflights.  No attack.  Probably mining aircraft.  From B 2 thick fog.
		07.08.44	Departure Route
		00.42	B 1	Released from convoy.  Course = 270°.
			Flat sea, full moon, fog
		00.50	BF 5221	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters.
		04.00	BF 5212
		05.08	BF 5212	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		05.30		Snorkeling ended
		08.00	BF 2878
		12.00	BF 5211	Day's run Surfaced      = 18.6 nm
				Submerged = 19.7 nm
				Total = 38.3 nm
		16.00	BF 5133
		20.00	BF 2798
		21.40	BF 2798	Was overrun by a search group of three at depth A -20 meters, course west.
		22.40	BF 2798	Was overrun by by a search group of three at depth A -20 meters, course east.
		24.00	BF 2798	During the entire day search group operations.
		08.08.44	Western Channel
		00.16	BF 2798	Snorkeled, course = 320°.
			Calm sea, cloudy	Listening gear out of service.
		04.00	BF 2791
		05.29	BF 2759	Snorkeling ended.  Course = 340°.
		08.00	BF 2755
		08.30		Course = 55°.
		12.00	BF 2753	Day's run Submerged = 61.8 nm
		16.00	BF 2761
		20.00	BF 2738
		23.25	BF 2739	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, overcast
		23.26	BF 2739	Borkum detection, Volume 2-3.
				Snorkel alarm.
		24.00	BF 2736
		09.08.44	Western Channel
		02.15	BF 2811	Borkum detection, Volume 4.
				Snorkel alarm.
		02.36	BF 2812	Borkum detection, Volume 2.  White light astern.  Probably aircraft searchlight.
				Snorkel alarm.  Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 2812	Course = 40°.
		05.15 - 05.35	BF 2812	Snorkeled.  On stopping white light on the horizon bearing 80°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.08.44

	- 2 -
		continued
		09.08.44	Western Channel
		08.00	BF 2578
		10.00		Course = 70.
		12.00	BF 2579	Day's run Submerged = 46.9 nm
		16.00	BF 2584
		20.00	BF 2585
		23.00		Course = 60°.
		23.15	BF 2526	Snorkeled, listening gear in operation again.  2 choke coils were burned out.
			Flat sea, overcast
		24.00	BF 2583
		10.08.44	Western Channel
		03.05	BF 2568	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 2568
		05.09 - 05.15	BF 2568	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		08.00	BF 2566
		12.00	BF 2644	Day's run Submerged = 47.2 nm
		16.00	BF 2645
		20.00	BF 2643
		23.15	BF 2643	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, pitch black
		24.00	BF 2643
		11.08.44	Western Channel
		02.15	BF 2628	Sound bearing in 30°T, Volume 0-1, shifted to the south and was slowly louder.
		02.45	BF 2628	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 2626
		08.00	BF 2626
		12.00	BF 2631	Day's run Submerged = 45.5 nm
		16.00	BF 2398
		20.00	BF 2399
		23.05		Course 85°.
		23.13	BF 2399	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 3177	During the entire day sound bearings from search groups.  Un-aimed depth charges and explosive locating.  On the sound bearings probably also noise buoys.  One bearing stayed at Volume 2 for 17 hours in the same direction.
				Course 90°.
		12.08.44	Channel
		00.20		Incoming Radio Message:  1809/11/866 2.  Occupy as attack area Channel north of 50°05'N "Sachse" and "Förster", south of this latitude "Bremen".
		00.42		On stopping to listen:
				Sound bearing Volume 3-4 shifted to the NE past the boat at Volume 5.  Boat went for a short time to depth A -60 meters.
		03.40	BF 3176	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3184
		08.00	BF 3185
		12.00	BF 3185	Day's run Submerged = 50.4 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.44

	- 3 -
		continued
		12.08.44	Channel
		15.00		Course 140°.
		16.00	BF 3185
		17.00	BF 3189	Cone buoy.
		17.20	BF 3189	Aircraft bearing 140°T, course south.  Probably belonged to a convoy that was heard faintly.
				Reached operations area.
		20.00	BF 3197
		21.00		Course 90°.
		23.17	BF 3531	Snorkeled.
			Flat sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 3531
		13.08.44	Channel
		03.20	BF 3532	Snorkeling ended.
		03.45	BF 3532	Detected by Asdic-destroyer.  Boat was circled by the destroyer, alternating Asdic, depth sounder and listening.  Ejected 3 Bolde and showed a sharp silhouette.
		04.00	BF 3533
		04.25	BF 3533	6 depth charges inexact.
		04.47		Destroyers ran off to the north at speed.
		08.00	BF 3612	Course 120°.
		11.30	BF 3615	Boat was searched for several times by a new Asdic-destroyer with Volume 4.
				Ejected 2 Bolde, no depth charges.
		12.00	BF 3615	Day's run Submerged = 50 nm
		16.00	BF 3615
		20.00	BF 3616
		20.20		Course 0°.
		22.00		Course 45°.
		23.58	BF 3624	Snorkeled.  Due to an Asdic-destroyer to the west, northeasterly course.
		24.00	BF 3624	Except for search groups no sound bearings during the day.
		14.08.44	Channel
		01.40	BF 3621	Blinking buoy.
		02.00	BF 3621	Snorkeling ended due to Asdic-destroyer.
		04.00	BF 3621	Intention:  Remain in the vicinity of the buoy, to observe traffic in the east of the operations area.
		04.59 - 05.19	BF 3621	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		08.00	BF 3287
		12.00	BF 3287	Day's run Submerged = 38.8 nm
		16.00	BF 3287
		20.00	BF 3288
		23.30	BF 3288	Snorkeled.
			E-Sea 3-4, dark night
		24.00	BF 3287	Except for patrol vessels no traffic observed.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.08.44

	- 4 -
		15.08.44	Channel	Intention:  Because there is no convoy traffic, occupy the western part of the operations area.
				Course 260°.
		03.12	BF 3612	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3612
		05.00 - 05.27		Snorkeled to ventilate.
		08.00	BF 3611
		12.00	BF 3611	Day's run Submerged = 34.7 nm
		13.40		Boat was searched for by an Asdic-destroyer several times.  No attack.
		16.00	BF 3533
		20.00	BF 3532
		23.13	BF 3199	Snorkeled course west.
			Dark night, calm sea
		24.00	BF 3198
		16.08.44	Channel
		00.30 - 01.50		Snorkeling interrupted due to a search group with Asdic and circular saw.
		02.00	BF 3197	180°T a lighted buoy.
		02.05	BF 3197	355°T  "    "        "    .
		04.00	BF 3188
		04.15		Incoming Radio Message:  2107/15/806  1.  Channel boats:  After ending Channel operation return transit Norway.  2.  Only boats, which are not able to do so due to fuel run into Bordeaux.  3.  Boats are to report position on return transit after crossing the longitude of BE 23 by Short Signal to indicate that they have begun return transit to Norway.
		04.28	BF 3188	Snorkeling ended.  Course 90°.
				Intention:  Get the boat in the vicinity of the buoys.
		08.00	BF 3189
		12.00	BF 3198	Day's run Submerged = 68.6 nm
		16.00	BF 3197
		20.00	BF 3197	During the day in square BF 3197 and 98 convoy traffic observed.
		23.00	BF 3198	Snorkeled.
			Sea 1-2, dark night
		23.08	BF 3198	Lighted buoy bearing 220°T.
		24.00	BF 3197
		17.08.44	Channel
		02.36	BF 3189	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3188
		05.04 - 05.24	BF 3188	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		08.00	BF 3189
		09.30	BF 3197	Hospital ship course south.
		12.00	BF 3197	Day's run Submerged = 45 nm
		13.00	BF 3197	Broad sound band shifted from N to S.  The shadows of steamers appeared several timed out of a rain band.  Range 8000 meters.
			Rain, Sea 1-2
		13.47	BF 3197	Stern T5 with certain data on a loaded 5000 ton freighter.  Suspect Pi failure.  Torpedo was

	Sun and Moon Data 15.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.44

	- 5 -
		continued
		17.08.44	Channel	still heard after 12 minutes running time at the target.  Target speed = 12 knots, target angle green 170°, range = 800 meters, depth = 7 meters, NS.
				Steamer was positioned far out on the side of the convoy.
		16.00	BF 3194
		20.00	BF 3194
		20.30	BF 3198	Hospital ship came back on a northerly course.
		23.02	BF 3198	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, dark night
		23.00	BF 3197
		18.08.44	Channel
		02.03	BF 3197	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3188
		08.00	BF 3189
		12.00	BF 3197	Day's run Submerged = 28 nm
		16.00	BF 3188	At 12.00 and 14.30 hours 2 convoys passed at great range, course south, no shooting opportunity.
		20.00	BF 3188
		24.00	BF 3188
		19.08.44
		00.14	BF 3188	Snorkeled.
		00.20	BF 3188	Snorkel alarm for bright star shell, bearing 350°T.
		04.00	BF 3188
		05.00	BF 3188	Snorkeling ended.  Snorkeling was interrupted a few times due to strong sound bearings and star shells.  During the night strong search group operations.
		08.00	BF 3188
		12.00	BF 3198	Day's run Submerged = 40.8 nm
		16.00	BF 3197	Northbound convoy passed at great range.  Against the current could not close.  Convoy consisted of freighters and large landing craft.  Otherwise no convoy traffic observed.
		20.00	BF 3197
		23.02	BF 3198	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, dark night	Intention:  Shift to the east in the operations area.  The enemy no longer seems to cling stubbornly to the deployed buoys.
		24.00	BF 3188
		20.08.44	Channel
		02.05	BF 3198	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3198
		05.10 - 05.30	BF 3198	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		08.00	BF 3198
		12.00		Day's run Submerged = 52.2 nm
				Southbound convoy passed at great range in the east.
		16.00	BF 3199

	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.44

	- 6 -
		continued
		20.08.44	Channel
		16.40	BF 3199	Sound band shifted from S to N.  About 20 small steamers.  Range 6000 meters.
		17.08	BF 3199	T5 from tube I on the 2nd to the last steamer 1500 tons of the convoy.
				Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = red 75°, range = 1500 meters, depth = 3 meters, WS.
		17.11		After 2 minutes 18.5 seconds torpedo detonation.
				Loud sinking sounds, afterwards impact on the bottom heard.
				Moved off to the southwest at silent speed.
		17.20		5 depth charges astern.
		17.29		3      "         "         "     .
		17.49		5      "         "         "     .
				Destroyers search with Asdic, listening and circular saw to detect the boat.
		20.00	BF 3532	Only faint circular saw is still heard from the pursuers.
		23.25	BF 3532	Snorkeled, course east.
			Calm sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 3532
		21.08.44	Channel
		01.35		Listening pause.  6 very close depth charges.  Snorkeling ended.
				2 destroyers must have heard the boat.
		01.50		10 very dull depth charges.
		02.06		4 depth charges.
		02.17		4     "          "    .
		02.25		2     "          "    .    Each time one destroyer stopped and listened, the other threw.
		03.35	BF 3611	No further sound bearings.  Snorkeled.
		04.00	BF 3611
		04.45	BF 3611	Borkum detection, Volume 1.
		04.50	BF 3533	Snorkeling ended.  Detection was slowly louder.  Sound band from the north and shifted to the south, Volume 2.
		08.00	BF 3532
		12.00	BF 3532	Day's run Submerged = 43.2 nm
		16.00	BF 3532
		20.00	BF 3532
		23.05	BF 3532	Snorkeled.
			Medium Sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 3532	No convoys observed, on the contrary patrol vessels have become more numerous.
		22.08.44	Channel
		01.10 - 02.10		Snorkeling interrupted.  2 patrol vessels shift with silent speed from E to W, passing close by the boat.
		04.00	BF 3535
		04.22	BF 3535	Snorkeling ended.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.08.44

	- 7 -
		continued
		22.08.44	Channel
		08.00	BF 3535
		12.00	BF 3535	Day's run Submerged = 47.1 nm
		16.00	BF 3536
		20.00	BF 3535
		23.39	BF 3536	Snorkeled.  Except for the standard patrol vessel operations no traffic observed.
			Calm sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 3536
		23.08.44	Channel
		03.24	BF 3614
		04.00	BF 3614	Snorkeling ended.
		06.00	BF 3614	Heard a southbound convoy.  Due to darkness no attack.
		08.00	BF 3614
		12.00	BF 3534	Day's run Submerged = 30 nm
		16.00	BF 3534
		20.00	BF 3536
		20.30	BF 3536	Northbound convoy at great range.
				Twilight.
				During the entire day strong search group operations with Asdic, circular saw, listening, ratchet and knocker.  Many depth charges.  The convoys now pass this part of the operations area only in the morning or evening hours.  Shifted attack area further to the south.
		23.57	BF 3536	Snorkeled.
			Light Swell, dark night
		24.00	BF 3536
		24.08.44	Channel
		03.00	BF 3617	Snorkeling ended. While snorkeling continuous star shells and Christmas trees observed in the northwest.
		04.00	BF 3617
		05.13 - 05.23	BF 3617	Snorkeled to ventilate.
		07.00	BF 3617	Broad sound band to the north.
		07.15		Convoy with about 20 landing craft (3000 tons) coming from the north.  Convoy steered 160.
		07.30	BF 3617	2 bundled LUT-shots from tubes I and II, miss.
			Duck pond, early morning mist	1st  target speed = 11 knots, target angle = green 90°, range = 400 meters, depth = 3 meters, MZ on.
				2nd  target speed = 11 knots, target angle = green 93°, range = 400 meters, depth = 2 meters, MZ off.
				Tube II was a tube runner.  Setting spindle did not disengage. Torpedo was ejected with mine ejection gear.  Miss shot tube I was unexplained due to exact data.
				Boat broached after the shot up to the upper edge of the conning tower.  Range to the nearest vessel 300 meters.  No defense.
		08.00	BF 3617
		12.00	BF 3539	Day's run Submerged = 29 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 22.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.08.44

	- 8 -
		continued
		24.08.44	Channel
		16.00	BF 3617
		20.00	BF 3539
		22.51		Snorkeled.  By day no further traffic observed.
		24.00	BF 3539
			Calm sea, dark night
		25.08.44	Channel
		01.51	BF 3539	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3617
		05.16 - 05.31	BF 3617	Snorkeled to ventilate.  The boat is positioned at a lighted buoy.
		06.00	BF 3617	Sound band from the north.
		06.45		The boat is positioned in a group of landing craft.
		07.04	BF 3617	T5 miss from tube IV on a 350 ton landing craft.  Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = red 120°, range = 400 meters, depth = 2 meters, NS.  Unexplained due to certain data.
		07.05	BF 3617	T 5 from tube V on 350 ton tank landing craft (smokestack type)
				Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = green 80°, range = 400 meters, depth = 2 meters, WS.
		07.08		Torpedo detonation.  Afterwards sinking sounds.  After 10 minutes propeller sounds from a motor boat at the sinking location.  Lifeboat.
				moved off to the west.  No defense.
		08.00	BF 3617
		12.00	BF 3538	Day's run Submerged = 34.5 nm
		16.00	BF 3536
		18.10	BF 3611	Boat was suddenly approached by a destroyer, which had probably laid stopped.  Own speed KF.
		18.13		A covering depth charge series depth A -40 meters.
		18.27		"           "         "         "        "    A -35 meters.
				Boat was heavier quickly and settled through slowly.  After ship leaked heavily.
		18.30		Boat lay on the bottom depth A -25 meters.
				Depth charges stopped, search operation went on.
				Major damage:
				Fixed periscope failed.
				Rear door of torpedo tube I cracked.
				Outer exhaust gas valve of the Junkers-compressor cracked.
				Flange, cooling water hull valve in the diesel room leaks heavily.
				Fuel oil tank 2 i cracked.
				Clutch linkage port main clutch torn (at the pressure hull).
				Cooling water return line in the diesel room torn.
				Port forward E-motor bearing scrapes strongly.  Both shafts bang.
				Cooling water piping for the E-motors leaks.
				Main rudder makes strong sounds.
				Battery has several cracked cells.
				Several lubrication fittings torn.
				Fu.M.O. cable leaks.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.44

	- 9 -
		continued
		25.08.44		Tube II cannot be loaded.
				Spindle shaft of the forward diving plane bent, makes strong sounds.
				Echolot depth sounder failed.
				Gyro-compass, listening gear and speed measurement system failed temporarily.
				Boat makes a lot of noise.
		20.00	BF 3611
		24.00	BF 3611
		26.08.44	Channel	Search operation in the vicinity of the boat has subsided.  Repaired damage.
		00.35	BF 3611	Raised the boat from the bottom.
		01.10	BF 3611	Snorkeled.  Course west.
				Aftership still leaks heavily.
		02.21		Incoming Radio Message:  1437/25/888  "Förster",  "Sachse", "von Bremen", "Reff".  1.  Immediately begin return transit to Norway.  You are reminded of Radio Message 2117/15.  2.  Circuit remains until receipt of new orders "Diana".
		04.00	BF 3611	Began return transit.
		05.20	BF 3611	Snorkeling ended.  While snorkeling continuous Borkum detection, Volume 3-4.  Loudest propeller sounds were 1-2.
		08.00	BF 3532
		11.35	BF 3522	Put the boat on the bottom due to opposite current, depth A -20 meters.  Bilges aftership were kept empty with the hand pump.  Strong search operation.  Boat was overrun by circular saw.  Convoy heard.
		12.00	BF 3522	Day's run Submerged = 33.5 nm
		16.00	BF 3522
		18.00		Raised the boat from the bottom.  Course 270°.
		20.00	BF 3521
		24.00	BF 3512	Snorkeled.  Course 260°.
			Calm sea, dark night
		27.08.44	Channel
		01.20	BF 3512	Borkum detection, Volume 2.
		02.52	BF 3511	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 3511
		08.00	BF 2636
		12.00	BF 2635	Day's run Submerged = 50 nm
		13.15	BF 2635	Put the boat on the bottom due to opposite current.
		16.00	BF 2635
		18.40	BF 2635	Raised the boat from the bottom.  Course 270°.
		20.00	BF 2634
		21.05	BF	Course 260°.
		22.29	BF 2628	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, dark night
		24.00	BF 2643	During the day various sound bearings.
		28.08.44	Western Channel
		01.06	BF 2642	Snorkeling ended.
		04.00	BF 2644

	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.08.44

	- 10 -
		continued
		28.08.44	Western Channel
		04.09 - 05.10	BF 2644	Snorkeled.
		08.00	BF 2566
		12.00	BF 2565	Day's run Submerged = 50 nm
		16.00	BF 2564
		20.00	BF 2559
		22.29	BF 2558	Snorkeled.
		24.00	BF 2557
		29.08.44	Western Channel
		04.00	BF 2573
		04.56	BF 2573	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BF 2572
		12.00	BF 2493	Day's run Submerged = 53.2 nm
		16.00	BF 2496	Fixed periscope is operable for large magnification again.
		20.00	BF 2495
		22.00	BF 2494	2 faint sound bearings coming from the west shift out quickly to the east.
		22.45	BF 2494	Snorkeled.
			Light Swell, cloudy
		24.00	BF 2486
		30.08.44	Western Channel
		01.45 - 02.42		Diesel sounds with southerly course.
				Stopped every 15 minutes.  Probably a snorkeler.
		04.00	BF 2484
		04.31	BF 2484	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BF 2476
		12.00	BF 2475	Day's run Submerged = 49.5 nm
		16.00	BF 2477
		20.00	BF 1699
		22.30	BF 2298	Snorkeled.  Course 287°.
			Medium Sea, cloudy	Headed for AL 99.
		24.00	BF 1697
		31.08.44	Western Channel
		02.58 - 04.05	BF 1685	Snorkeling interrupted.
		05.40	BF 1687	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BF 1687
		12.00	BF 1673	Day's run Submerged = 58.7 nm
		14.00	BF 1673	Boat was overrun by a fast vessel.
		16.00	BF 1672
		20.00	BF 1671
		22.37	BF 1671	Snorkeled.
			Medium Sea, cloudy
		24.00	BF 1568
		01.09.44	Western Channel
		02.43 - 04.02	BF 1559 - 55	Snorkeling interrupted.
		06.30	BF 1555	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BF 1554
		12.00	BF 1543	Day's run Submerged = 59.8 nm
		16.00	BF 1542
		20.00	BF 1541

	Sun and Moon Data 28.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		01.09.44	Western Channel
		22.32	BF 1439	Snorkeled.
			W-Sea 4-5, freshening
		23.11		Incoming Radio Message:  0901/1/849  On 3 September 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit "Förster",  "Reff", "Sachse", "von Bremen", "Rodler", "Brauel", "Wehrkamp".  Until then go to Diana Circuit.
		24.00	BF 1438
		02.09.44	North Atlantic
		03.15 - 04.15	BF 1426	Snorkeling interrupted.
		06.30	BF 1425	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BF 1413
		12.00	BF 1413	Day's run Submerged = 62.1 nm
		16.00	BF 1412
		20.00	BE 3633
		22.30	BR 3633	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, overcast
		24.00	BE 3397
		03.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	BE 3385
		07.30	BE 3373	Beginning of dawn.  Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BE 3372	Switched to "Ireland" Circuit.
		12.00	BE 3371	Day's run Submerged = 70.0 nm
		16.00	BE 3269
		20.00	BE 3268
		22.27	BE 3267	Snorkeled.
			Light Sea, overcast
		24.00	BE 3256
		04.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	BE 3243
		07.30	BE 3139	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	BE 3138
		12.00	BE 3137	Day's run Submerged = 82.7 nm
		16.00	BE 3126
		20.00	BE 3125
		22.30	BE 3124	Snorkeled.
			Light SW-Sea, overcast
		24.00	BE 3113
		05.09.44	North Atlantic
		03.00		Course 341°.  Headed for AL 69.
		04.00	AL 9996
		07.33	AL 9965	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AL 9962
		12.00	AL 9937	Day's run Submerged = 83.6 nm
		16.00	AL 9934
		20.00	AL 9637	Intention:  In the dusk surface to send position Short Signal and take a navigation fix.
			N-Sea 3, fewshwning
		22.06	AL 9682	Surfaced.
			Sea 3, 5/10, 1000 mb, dusk	Transmitter converter for the 200-watt transmitter is out of service.  Sent position Short Signal 2 times on the 40-watt transmitter.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.44

	- 12 -
		continued
		05.09.44	North Atlantic	Was not heard.
		22.43	AL 9682	Dived.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 329°T, 16.5 nm.
				The boat had been submerged for 31 days.
		22.53	AL 9681	Snorkeled.  Course 24°.
		24.00	AL 9657
		06.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 9619
		05.25		Course 359°, headed for AL 36.
		07.40	AL 9372	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AL 9372
		12.00	AL 9348	Day's run Submerged    = 83.5 nm
				Surfaced        = 3.5 nm
				Total = 87.0 nm
		16.00	AL 9345
		20.00	AL 9318
		22.44	AL 9315	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, freshening
		24.00	AL 9312
		07.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 6945
		07.37	AL 6915	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AL 6915
		12.00	AL 6912	Day's run Submerged = 85.5 nm
		16.00	AL 6678
		20.00	AL 6672
		22.43	AL 6648	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, half overcast	From the depth charges on 25 August 4 battery cells are dead and 8 are dying out.
		24.00	AL 6645
		08.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 6377
		07.27	AL 6347	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AL 6347
		12.00	AL 6341	Day's run Submerged = 88.3 nm
		16.00	AL 6317
		20.00	AL 6314
		22.30	AL 6311	Snorkeled.
			Flat sea, overcast
		24.00	AL 0377
		09.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 0317
		07.35	AL 3877	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AL 3877
		12.00	AL 3874	Day's run Submerged = 89.5 nm
		16.00	AL 3847
		20.00	AL 3844
		22.25	AL 3841	Snorkeled.
			Flat Sea, overcast
		24.00	AL 3817
		10.09.44	North Atlantic
		01.40	AL 3677	Course 31°, headed for AE 86.
		04.00	AL 3672
		07.34	AL 3627	Snorkel alarm for an aircraft searchlight.  Snorkeling ended.
			Light Swell, rain, overcast

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		10.09.44	North Atlantic
		08.00	AL 3627
		12.00	AL 3625	Day's run Submerged = 90 nm
		16.00	AL 3623
		20.00	AL 3489
		22.26 - 23.05	AL 3494	Snorkeled.
		23.16	AL 3494	Surfaced to send situation report.
			S 2, Sea 2-3, 10/10, 1000 mb, Vis. medium
		23.39		Outgoing Radio Message:  2300/10/191  Position AL 34.  BF 3617 like Rodler.  Freighter 1500 tons, landing craft 350 tons sank. Severe depth charge damage.
				- Bremen -
		23.45	AL 3491	Dived.
		23.55		Snorkeled.
		24.00	AL 3491
		11.09.44	North Atlantic
		22.20	AL 3465	Snorkel alarm for searching aircraft searchlight.
		04.10	AL 3462	Snorkeling interrupted.
		07.28	AM 1178	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AM 1178
		12.00	AM 1176	Day's run Submerged    = 78.6 nm
		16.00	AM 1173	Surfaced        = 5.3 nm
		20.00	AM 1157	Total = 83.9 nm
		22.25	AM 1152	Snorkeled.
			SW-Sea 2-3, overcast
		24.00	AM 1126
		12.09.44	North Atlantic
		04.00	AE 8883
		07.27	AE 8861	Snorkeling ended
		08.00	AE 8861
		12.00	AE 8838	Day's run Submerged      = 90.8 nm
				Surfaced         = 10.5 nm
				Total = 101.3 nm
		16.00	AE 8835
		20.00	AE 8833
		21.30	AE 8677	Course 60°, headed for AE 92.
		22.27	AE 8861	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, freshening
		24.00	AE 8861
		13.09.44	Iceland Passage
		04.00	AE 8658
		07.13	AE 8662	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AE 8662
		12.00	AE 8663	Day's run Submerged = 93.6 nm
		16.00	AE 9413
		20.00	AE 9415
		22.11	AE 9416	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, overcast	Am missing the following Serial Nos.:  From 3 September 151, from 8 September 149, from 10 September 178, 181-83.
		24.00	AE 9421

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.44

	- 14 -
		14.09.44	Iceland Passage
		04.00	AE 9195
		07.15	AE 9248	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AE 9245
		12.00	AE 9246	Day's run Submerged = 92.8 nm
		16.00	AE 9251
		20.00	AE 9252
		22.03	AE 9229	Snorkeled.
			Calm sea, overcast
		24.00	AE 9234
		15.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		02.55	AE 9233	Because the boat has received no return harbor from B.d.U. headed for AF 8477 (Bergen).  Course 114°.
		04.00	AE 9312
		06.30	AE 9324	Dawn.  Snorkeling ended.
			Half overcast
		08.00	AE 9324
		12.00	AE 9328	Day's run Submerged = 87.2 nm
		16.00	AE 9337
		20.00	AE 9362
		22.05	AE 9362	Snorkeled.
			Flat Sea, overcast
		24.00	AE 9368
		16.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	AF 7158
		06.30		Course 123°.
		07.00	AF 7195	Snorkeling ended.
				Switched to "Coastal" Circuit.
		08.00	AF 7195
		12.00	AF 7196	Day's run Submerged = 90.5 nm
		16.00	AF 7277
		20.00	AF 7512
		22.00	AF 7512	Snorkeled.
			Flat sea, overcast	Course 116°.
		24.00	AF 7424
		17.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	AF 7562
		07.08	AF 7563	Snorkeling ended.  Course 123°.
		08.00	AF 7644
		12.00	AF 7645	Day's run Submerged = 85.1 nm
		16.00	AF 7649
		20.00	AF 7657
		21.17	AF 7681	Snorkeled.  Course 134°.
			Calm sea, overcast
		24.00	AF 7685
		18.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	AF 7935
		07.00	AF 8745	Snorkeling ended.
		08.00	AF 8745
		12.00	AF 8749	Day's run Submerged = 90.4 nm
		16.00	AF 8781
		20.00	AF 8745
		22.02	AF 8785	Snorkeled.  Course 165°.
			Calm sea, overcast.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.44

	- 15 -
		continued
		18.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		24.00	AN 2333
		19.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	AN 2471
		06.20	AN 2475
		08.00	AN 2475	Snorkeling ended. Course 90°.
				Every hour at periscope depth.  Boat is located by plotting 12 nm from the coast.
		11.37	AN 2925	Grounding.  Surfaced.  Weapons check fired.  In a gap in the fog the lighthouse at "Slotterøy" appears.  Boat has a navigation offset of 15 nm to the south after 14 days.
			Thick fog
		12.00	AN 2925	Day's run Submerged = 97.8 nm
		12.47		Outgoing Radio Message: 1247/19/74  ßß My position is AN 2485. Navigation uncertain, request navigation support immediately.
				- U-764 -
				Headed for Marstein.
		15.00	Marstein	In fog aircraft sounds close by the boat.  Just before short detection.
		15.40	Marstein	Ran in.
		15.50		Taken in convoy.
		19.00	Bergen	Ran in.
				Day's run Surfaced      =   41.9 nm
				Submerged = 2745.4 nm
				Total = 2787.3 nm
				Experience and Considerations.
			The transit into the operations area lasted 6 days.  Average day's run was 45 nm.  Defenses only observed in the western Channel only off Brest and off the Channel entrance.  Up to 19 August north-south convoy traffic was observed in BF 3197 and 98.  After sinkings in this area strong deployment of patrol vessels, convoys only during twilight.  Convoys themselves only weakly protected or not at all.  Steamer convoys which do not keep to the set out buoys are protected by landing craft on the sides.  Steamers are widely separated from one another.  Vessels all carry barrage balloons, so can be seen a long way off.  Search groups were stronger day by day during the stay in the operations area.  Patrols by day along and on the convoy routes.  Many scare depth charges.  At night on convoy routes not so strong.  Search groups consist of:  1 circular saw. 1 Asdic and 1 listener.  The low RPM of the latter two were drowned out by the circular saw.  Patrol vessels let themselves drift a lot and can be recognized by light chirping.  Apart from circular saw "ratchet" and "knocker" were often observed.  Ratchets were like a children's ratchet [noisemaker], knocker:  1-3 bangs on a metal body.  Both previously unknown on the boat.  After torpedo shooting up to detonation ran from the shooting location at GF, then first silent speed.  Depth charges fell mostly in the vicinity of the shooting location.  Laying on the bottom was preferred.  Depth charges stopped immediately.  Asdic and knocker also like ratchet were shown the stern; moved off at silent speed.  Listening pauses [breaks in snorkeling to listen] according to the situation.  In the operations area mostly every 15 minutes.  Vessels on opposite courses reach Volume 2 very quickly, we unintentionally snorkeled up to Volume 3-4.  For Borkum detections dived briefly first when they were louder.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.44

	- 16 -
				continued
				Experience and Considerations.
			Boat operating routine:  2 meals.  Program time only while snorkeling.  Waste disposed of through the pressure air head and torpedo tube VI.  In so doing the rubber seal of the outer tube door of tube VI was damaged, probably by sharp tin cans. Consumption of potash cartridges in the operations area 12 units/day.  No Oxygen.
			Recognized patrol vessel types:  destroyers of the "HUNT and ATHERSTONE Class", frigates, corvettes, ML, PC and torpedo boats; additionally as patrol vessels:  fishing trawlers and loggers.  Landing craft were led by infantry landing boats.
			Return transit:  After leaving the Channel snorkeled through the night.  After reaching a charging level of 800 Amps. continued using both shafts for propulsion.  Shaft with modified spring clutch 300 RPM, without 350 RPM.  In large seas a one hour pause.  Once average day's run reached 90 nm.  Periscope continually manned by Watch Officers.  Half hourly reliefs.  Waste stowed in empty torpedo tubes.
				On board, 19 September 1944.
				Oberleutnant zur See
				and Kommandant

 

	Enclosures to U-764's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart of the patrol
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B."U-764" (von Bremen) from 6.8. - 19.9.1944.
	A successful Channel patrol under heavy surveillance, limited by unexplained missed shots.  The boat began return transit on orders after a severe depth charge attack caused substantial damage, with which boat coped well. Valuable experiences were relayed to all boats by Radio Message.
	Accredited successes:
	1 freighter 1500 GRT sunk
	1 landing craft 350 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page