U-81 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Brest	4 November 1941	La Spezia	10 December 1941	37

 

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
13 Nov 41	01.49 - 02.18	41°53'N, 63°48'W	HMS ARK ROYAL (91)	22,600	British
			Total = 22,600
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

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				K r i e g s t a g e b u c h   U - 81
				Beginning:  19.9.41.
				Ending:    10.12.41.
				Enclosures:
				1.)  Track charts
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		19.09. - 29.10.41	B r e s t	Shipyard period.
				Outfitting, 1/3 of the crew on leave.
		29.10.41	B r e s t
		14.00	NW 5, Sea 4, medium Swell, overcast, 1022 mb	Cast off U-boat Base for third war patrol.
		14.33		Taken in convoy
		16.42		Released Sperrbrecher.
		19.00		Released patrol boats, moved off on westerly course.
		20.00	NNW 4, Sea 4, medium Swell, overcast, 1022 mb
			BF 2876
		24.00	BF 2776
		30.10.41	NNW 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, partial overcast
			BF 1989
		08.00	BF 1898
		09.50		Dived for diesel repairs.
		15.00		Diesel repairs ended.
				Boat pumped out at depth T = 15 meters [actually depth 30 meters], re-balanced.
				Intended to test tightness to depth T = 75 meters [150 meters]
				Went deep slowly.  Waited for a while at depth T = 60 meters [120 meters], checked the boat.  Kommandant was just in the E-motor room when there was a strong water intake in the control room.  Packing of the hull closure valve for blowing main ballast tank 3 starboard was blown out by the water pressure.  The boat was held and brought to the surface with AK, all men astern and blowing main ballast tank 1 and 5.
		15.10		Surfaced.  Moved off at AK to the south, control room began replacing the packing.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41

	- 2 -
		continued
		30.10.41	A t l a n t i c	Radio Message Urgent from U-81:  At the moment not clear to dive, return transit, naval square BF 1887, course 170° speed 15 knots.
		15.35		Approaching flying boat in sight, attempted to run off to the east, because that was quickly recognized as hopeless, again came to the south.
				Flying boat, American type Martin PBM 1 came closer.  Turned away at range = 20000 meters, shot recognition signals at 1500 meters opened fire with Mg C 30 and Mg C 34.  Enemy turned away immediately, attempted to fly in from abeam.  Boat proceeded at AK and circled hard to port, flying boat circled at 1500 meters and shot with machine guns.  Again came to southerly course, flying boat continued to circle.
				Radio Message:  "FL, FL, FL, BF 1887, U-81" and "From U-81 request fighters!"
		16.08		Approaching war plane in sight in the east.
		16.09		Control room reports clear to dive.
		16.10		Crash dive!  At depth T =20 meters [40 meters] 3 aircraft bombs, at depth T = 50 meters [100 meters] 3 further aircraft bombs.
				While crash diving the water tight stern, carried closed because of the not clear to dive condition, was opened too late.  The boat became strongly down by the bow.  Estimated 40°.  Caught the boat by blowing main ballast tank 5 at depthT = 50 meters. [100 meters]
				Moved off at depth T = 30 meters [60 meters]at GF, later at HF and LF.  Boat has 70 kg air remaining.  It was pumped out and trimmed to save the air for an eventual listening pursuit.
				Failures from the aircraft bombs:
				Diving plane position indicator for the aft diving planes failed
				Water level glass of the regulating tanks broken.
				Main rudder motor and rudder position indicator failed.
				Depth meters in the control room and stern room failed, main depth gauge in the control room is still in service.
				Bolts of the emergency air intake valve in the control room conning tower pulled out.
				Engine telegraph system failed.

Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		30.10.41		Damage was repaired.
		21.00		Surfaced.  It is intended to move off to the south and run in to a southern base.
		[In the German original the name Honisc_ and the closed parentheses is cut off.  Presumably the name is Honisch]		The boat was made ready to dive at just the right time and saved by the excellent work of the E-Obermaschinisten (Ob.Masch. Honisch) and the 1.Zentralmaaten (Masch.Mt. Furlau).
				During the attack of the flying boat about 400 shots of 2 cm were fired.  The Mg C 34 failed after the first 10 shots.  The first Mg C 30 after about 100 shots, the second Mg C30 which had never been brought out before worked well.  It is particularly disturbing that only 4 magazines for the Mg ammunition were on board.  It is likely a hit was made on the flying boat.  The flying boat made two Mg hits in the bridge cladding of the boat.
		21.37		Sent position Short Signal.
				Incoming Radio Messages mostly answered by position Short Signal or were settled.
				By Radio Message from B.d.U. escort for U-81 will be at Point 30 at 07.00 hours, intend to come about and head for Brest.
		23.05		Crash dive for three aircraft, probably He 115.
		24.00	BF 4294
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good
		31.10.41
		02.50		Radio Message from U-81:  Clear to dive, will be at Point 30 at 11.00 hours, naval square BF 4295
		04.00	BF 4355
		08.00	BF 5122
			NW 3, Sea 5, medium Swell, partial overcast changing, Vis. good, at times rain showers

	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		31.10.41
		09.00		Aircraft (probably He 115) sighted for a short time in the south.
		about 10.00		Recognition signals exchanged with Arado.  Morse traffic.
		11.55 - 12.20		Crash dive for war plane.
		12.20		Recognition Signals exchanged with He 115.
		15.00		Taken in convoy.
		17.05		Released escort.
		17.40		Made fast at the Base.
		01. - 04.11.41	B r e s t	Shipyard period.
		04.11.41
		15.05		Cast off from the Base for war patrol.
		16.15		Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher "S L A" and two patrol boats.
		18.00	A t l a n t i c
			NNW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. good, partial overcast, 1024 mb
		19.30		Released patrol boats.
		20.00	BF 5217
		21.25		Radio Message:  Guggenberger report immediately if chart outfitting for the area of large square east of large square CG is on board.
		22.52		Short Signal "No" sent.
		23.10		Warplane in sight, stopped.
		24.00	NW 3, Sea 2, nearly completely overcast, Vis. good, 1024 mb
		05.11.41
		04.00	BF 5156
			NNW 3, Sea 2, partial overcast, Vis. medium, 1024 mb
		00.28		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Guggenberger return to Brest to take over missing outfitting.
		01.27		Short Signal:  Position 6 hours off return harbor sent.
		03.39		Radio Message:  Escort positioned for Guggenberger from 05.00 hours on 5 November Point 32.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		05.11.41	A t l a n t i c
		04.00	BF 5156
			NNW 3, Sea 2, partial overcast, Vis. medium, 1024 mb
		07.50		Taken in convoy Point 32.
		09.50		Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher " S L A ".
		11.50	B r e s t	Made fast U-boat Base.
				Chart inventory taken over, shipyard work ended.
		17.45		Cast off U-boat Base.  Departed for the third time for the third war patrol.
		18.00		Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher and patrol boats.
		19.28		Radio Message:  To Guggenberger:    . . . .  attempt follows in large square east of naval square Cäsar Gustav.  No unnecessary delays in transit thereto .  Attack on outbound transit only allowed against enemy targets that can be attacked without long operations.    B.d.U.
		21.05		Released from convoy at Point 32.  Headed to the west.
		24.00	A t l a n t i c
			BF 5132
			NW 1, Sea 0, isolated high clouds, Vis. very good, bright full moon
		06.11.41
		04.00	BF 4355
			Wind calm, very bright, 1026 mb
		08.00	BF 4258
			WbyS 1, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1032 mb
		09.40 - 13.02		Crash dive for aircraft.  Work on the leaking hull valves.
		12.00	BF 4276	Day's run        Surfaced:       175 nm
				Submerged       91 nm
				184.1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		06.11.41
		16.00	BF 4462
			NW 1, Sea 0, individual high clouds, Vis. good, 1027 mb
		17.35 - 18.24		Crash dive for aircraft.
		19.28 - 21.45		"       "          "
		20.35 - 21.25		Deep dive to depth T = 70 meters.  [140 meters] Minor issues were corrected.
		22.06		Sent position Short Signal as passing report square BF 44, was confirmed.
		20.00	BF 4481
		24.00	BF 4712
		07.11.41
		04.00	BE 6967
			Wind calm, clear sky, Vis. good, bright moon, 1031 mb
		08.00	BE 9325
			Overcast
		12.00	BE 9624	Day's run        Surfaced:       212.9 nm
			ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 1032 mb	Submerged      13.2 nm
				226.1 nm
		16.00	BE 9672
			ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, 1027 mb	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 19°T, 7 nm.
		20.00	BE 9918
			1026 mb
		24.00	BE 9977
			ESE 1, 1026 mb
		08.11.41	Central Atlantic
		04.00	CG 1259
			SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1024.5 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		08.11.41	Central Atlantic
		08.00	CG 1524
			SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1015 mb
		09.14 - 10.26		Test dive.
		12.00	CG 1558	Day's run        Surfaced:       205.5 nm
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1012 mb	Submerged        2.9 nm
				208.4 nm
		16.00	CG 1825
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1009 mb
		18.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 80°T, 6.6 nm.
		20.00	CG 1882
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1008 mb
		24.00	CG 4227
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad, 1005 mb
		09.11.41
		04.00	CG 4285
			SW 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1003 mb
		08.00	CG 4552
			SW 3, partial overcast
		08.40 - 11.35		Test dive.
		12.00	CG 4582	Work on the leaking suction valve of the drain piping forward.  Battery bilge and torpedo compensating tank II.
			SW 2-3, Vis. changing, partial overcast
				Day's run        Surfaced:       154.4 nm
				Submerged        8.2 nm
				162.6 nm
		16.00	CG 4828
			SW 4-5, Sea 3, medium Swell, 1004 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41

	- 8 -
		continued
		09.11.41	Central Atlantic
		18.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 250°T, 3 nm.
		18.36 - 20.46		Test dive, final adjustments in the control room.
		20.00	CG 4891
			SW 3-4, Sea 2-3
		24.00	CG 7233
		10.11.41
		04.00	CG 7349
			SW 5, Sea 4, medium Swell, partial overcast, Vis. changing, 1002 mb
		08.00	CG 7622
			SW 3-4, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1002 mb
		08.32 - 09.50		Test dive.
		11.53		Radio Message:  . . . and Guggenberger:
				1.  As attack area occupy the area of the large square, that lies east of CG.  Eastern limit longitude of square AD [GH] 8669.
				2.  After crossing the longitude of square 7896 to the east report arrival in operations area.
				3.  You are reminded of neutral traffic in this area.  French convoys possible.  Clear markings as neutral is required.
				4.  No own warships in the area.
				5.  U-boat hunts by single or formations of aircraft.  West of the longitude in Paragraph I continually barred.
		12.00	CG 7664	Day's run        Surfaced:       164.0 nm
			WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, 1001 mb	Submerged        7.6 nm
				171.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		10.11.41	Central Atlantic
		16.00	CG 8477
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast, 998 mb
		20.00	CG 8841
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times rain
		24.00	CG 8869
			WSW 2
		11.11.41
		04.00	CG 8986
			W 2-3, Sea 2-3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate, 998 mb
		08.00	CG 9786
			W 2, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		08.45 - 10.34		Test dive.
		12.00	CG 9793	Day's run        Surfaced:       242 nm
			W 1-2, partial overcast, 1005 mb	Submerged        5 nm
				247 nm
		12.45		Land in sight, African coast at Larache.
		13.55		Dived to attack a steamer.  Attack broken off because it is the Spanish steamer "LAIMO GIRONA", proper markings, course 250°.
		16.00	CG 9769
		16.40		Surfaced.
		17.08 - 20.16		Crash dive for fishing trawler.  It is intended to pass through the Strait of Gibraltar after the fall of darkness.
		20.00	CG 9845
			W 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, at times rain, Vis. medium
		24.00	CG 9586	Cap Spartel abeam.  The beacons on the Spanish and African coast burn and are distinguished perfectly.
			Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41

	- 10 -
		12.11.41	Gibraltar, Mediterranean
		01.50	W 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, at times moonshine, Vis. good	Tarife abeam.
		02.55		Gibraltar abeam.
				In the Strait of Gibraltar no definite surveillance was determined.  A lot of small fishing vessel, some of which were partially dimmed interfered greatly.  Fished with nets with light buoys which lay in two strings over the entire strait
				At Gibraltar a small dimmed vessel was sighted.  Destroyers or trawlers were not deployed as patrols.  Passed several steamers on opposite course.
		04.00	CG 9682
			W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, at times rain, 1005 mb
		06.10		Radio Message:  To . . . and Guggenberger:
				1.  As attack area occupy sea area square to the east of square CG 9595.  Reschke north of the latitude of the named square, Guggenberger south of this latitude.  Eastern limit of the attack area from AD [CH] 7347 to 8481.  Focal point in the west.  Attack free on all worthwhile targets.  Utilize element of surprise.
				2.  Giving passing report suspended.
				3.  Radio silence.  Exempt a) observations on the passage which are absolutely necessary for other boats.  b)  Sightings of convoys or warship formations, if operation by other boats is possible or larger action against Italians is obvious.
		08.00	CH 7478
			W 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, at times rain, 1005 mb
		08.08		Test dive, intended to remain submerged.

Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		12.11.41	Mediterranean
		12.00	CH 7713	Day's run        Surfaced:       169.8 nm
				Submerged      16.5 nm
				186.3 nm
		16.00	CH 7721
		20.00	CH 7722
		22.20	W 4, Sea 3, short Swell, clear night, Vis. good	Surfaced.
				Radio Message:  To . . . and Guggenberger:  Italian air reconnaissance reports about 1500 hours in square AD [CH] 9148 or 9412 English formation and battleship, aircraft carrier, cruisers and destroyers.  Course 270°, speed about 15 knots.
				Radio Message:  To . . . Guggenberger, returning English formation was suspected north of square CG 9595.  Guggenberger occupy the same attack area as Reschke.
		24.00	CH 7731	Intend to go to the north and as far as possible to the west.  As close as possible to Gibraltar the greater is the change of getting a shot.
			NW 5, Sea 4, medium Swell, nearly overcast, dark night, 1011 mb
		13.11.41
		04.00	CH 7459
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1012 mb	The prevailing seas do not allow high speed settings.
		05.06		Radio Message from Reschke:  English formation square 7625 course west.
		08.00	CH 7445	At speed 16 knots the boat should encounter the formation about 17.00 hours.
			NNW 3, individual high clouds, Vis. good
		08.26 - 12.00		Test dive and absolutely necessary work on the diesel reversing, exhaust gas piping and the Junkers compressor.
		12.00	CG 9666	Day's run        Surfaced:       92.2 nm
				Submerged      21.7 nm
				119.9 nm
		12.12		Crash dive for aircraft.  Boat is about 25 nm from Gibraltar.
		about 13.50		English torpedo boat in sight, comes out on an easterly course from Gibraltar, goes past the boat to the south

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		13.11.41		and then comes back again.  Headed to the south.
		about 15.15		Sea-base aircraft in sight to the south.  Flies circles.  Shortly thereafter several aircraft in sight mainly fighters.
		15.50		English formation in sight bearing 120°T.
				To Action Stations!
		16.00	CG 9652
			W 3, Sea 1-2, Vis. good	The English formation consists of one battleship of the "REVENGE" or "MALAYA" class, an aircraft carrier of the "ARC ROYAL" class the "FURIOUS", three or four large destroyers of most modern construction and three further destroyers.
				Formation steers on a westerly course in port 40° echelon and approximately every 15 minutes makes course changes up to 50°.  The destroyers drive in U-boat screen.  One destroyer is approximately 8000 meters ahead to starboard, possibly set out as remote sweeper.  Approximately 15 to 20 aircraft (sea-based outer escort, land-based inner escort in pairs and groups circle the formation at approximately 100 meters altitude).
		16.36	CG 9655	Four-fan between the remote and close screen on English battleship, aim point forward 10 meters, bow right, target angle 82°, enemy speed 16 knots, range = 3000-4000 meters, spread width 150 meters, depth 5 meters.
				Boat turned after the shot and broached  Caught at depth 5.35 meters with all hands forward and GF.  Due to aircraft danger went to depth T = 40 meters. [80 meters]
				After 6 minutes 06 seconds 1st hit (very heavy detonation) on battleship.
				After 7 minutes 45 seconds 2nd torpedo detonation probably on a large destroyer of the port screen or the aircraft carrier of the ARK ROYAL class.  Shooting range for the 2nd hit or the gradually slowing ETO would be about 6500 meters.

Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		13.11.41	Western Mediterranean
				Went to depth T = 60 meters [120 meters], gyro compass and cooling shut off, light voltage to 90 volts, water level glass isolated, hull valves secured.  Moved off to the NE at depth T = 65 meters [130 meters], later depth T = 50. [100 meters]
		17.25 - 20.20		162 depth charges from 3 destroyers, no damage.  Gradually depth charges fall astern.  Came to westerly course.
		22.22	SW 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, dark night, clear air	Surfaced.  Destroyers are about 8000-10000 meters astern.  Except for lighthouses on the Spanish coast nothing in sight.
				Steamer or patrol vessel, from sound bearings in the direct vicinity of the boat, was not seen.
				Moved off to the NE at LF.  Strong marine phosphorescence.
		24.00	CG 9662	Came to southerly course, later to the SE.  It is intended to run between Alborán and Tres Forcas.
		14.11.41
		02.20		The two lighthouses in sight.
		04.00	CH 7499
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1015 mb
		08.00	CH 7835
			SW 1-2, overcast, at times rain, Vis. changing, 1014 mb
		08.05		Dived.  It is intended to run close off the African coast and remain submerged all day.
		12.00	CH 7862	Day's run        Surfaced:       130.1 nm
				Submerged      19.7 nm
				149.8 nm
		14.00		Put the boat on the bottom depth T = 55 meters [110 meters], 4 nm from the African coast.
				From 09.00 hours U-boat hunt in the operations area.  Depth charge throwing vessels can be heard.
		16.00	CH 7867
		20.00	CH 7867
		20.10		Boat raised from the bottom, tubes I-IV drained, boat balanced.
		21.00	SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, 1016 mb	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		14.11.41	Western Mediterranean
		22.24		Surfaced.
				Tubes I-IV reloaded, battery charged.
				Radio Message:  To Reschke and Guggenberger "Reuter" reports sinking of "ARC ROYAL".  Give success report and/or observations.
				Radio Message:  To Guggenberger, Jebsen and Reschke.
				Occupy attack area north of the latitude of CG 9671.  divide in this order from west to east.  Eastern limit of the attack area is the line from square 7347 to square 8481 of the large square that lies east of CG.  Jebsen occupy attack area south of the named latitude.  You are reminded of independent traffic from square 7845.
				Ran to the eastern limit of the operations area to send a Radio Message.
		24.00	CH 7861
			SW 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1016 mb
		15.11.41
		04.00	CH 7646
			Wind calm, Vis. good, few clouds, 1015 mb
		05.55		Radio Message from U-81:  13 November 16.36 four-fan on battleship, ARK ROYAL, FURIOUS.  First hit on battleship, second hit target unknown.  Square 7645.
				Moved off to the north.  Due to high exhaust gas temperatures can only make RPM for 15 knots.
		06.00	CH 7359
			NW 1, Sea 1, partial overcast.
		06.04		Dived.
		from 09.00		U-boat hunt in operations area.
		12.00	CH 7355	Day's run        Surfaced:       122 nm
				Submerged      14.8 nm
				136.8 nm
		16.00	CH 7329	Around afternoon the defense abates, at periscope depth nothing seen.
		18.59		Surfaced.
		20.00	CH 8124
			Wind calm, high clouds, Vis. good, 1023	By the Wehrmachts Report and News learn that with the first hit on 13 November "MALAYA" was rendered unmaneuverable, "ARC ROYAL" was sunk by the second hit.  Apparently enemy speed was 17 knots.
		22.44		Radio Message:  To Guggenberger . . .
				1.  These boats receive the designation Group "Arnault".
				2.  On encountering strong U-boat hunts free to move off to the east to the longitude of the square AD 5646.
				3.  Return harbor after exhaustion of combat power is AR 1567 lower-right.  Return instructions follow.
				4.  . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		15.11.41	Western Mediterranean
				Because the operations area seems to be largely emptied, moved off to the east.  Steered search courses.
		24.00	CH 8191
			SE 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1024 mb
		16.11.41
		03.25		Steamer in sight at Cap Tenes close offshore.  Steamer proceeds in the 3 nm zone, it is properly illuminated and has French markings.
		04.00	CH 8284
			Wind calm, clear sky, Vis. good, 1023 mb	Received Italian Recognition Signals By Officer-Only Radio Messages.
		07.40		Dived.  Work on the diesels.  Apparently the disc of an exhaust gas valve cracked as a result of high exhaust gas temperatures.
		08.00	CH 8266
		12.00	CH 8344	Day's run        Surfaced:       163.3 nm
				Submerged      23.9 nm
				187.2 nm
		15.03		Surfaced.
		16.00	CH 8341	Headed for the Balearic Islands in order to catch the traffic possibly running most in the north.  Very quiet Sunday, which is quite nice after the troubled days.
			SW 1, Sea 0, clear sky, Vis. very good, 1024 mb
		20.00	CH 5984
			SW 1, Sea 0, nearly overcast, Vis. good, 1025 mb
		24.00	CH 5851
			W 1, 1025 mb
		17.11.41
		04.00	CH 5675
			W 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds, 1024 mb	Ran close off Formentera, nothing seen.
		07.55 - 09.35		Test dive.
		08.00	CH 5835	Day's run        Surfaced:       166.5 nm
			W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. medium, 1026 mb	Submerged        6.2 nm
				172.7 nm
		12.00	CH 5856
			Vis. medium
		14.24 - 17.11	Overcast, at times rain, Vis. greatly changing	Dived due to visibility conditions.
		16.00	CH 5884
		20.00	CH 8218
			NNE 1, Sea 1, few clouds, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		17.11.41	Western Mediterranean
		20.00	CH 8218
			NNE 1, Sea 1, few clouds, 1025 mb
		24.00	CH 8199	Steered search courses to Cap Ivi.
			Wind calm, overcast, 1029 mb
		18.11.41
		04.00	CH 8429	Stopped at the limit of the 3 nm zone off Cap Ivi, nothing observed.
			SE 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		07.37 - 15.47		Proceeded submerged.  Moved off from the coast.
		08.00	CH 8437
		12.00	CH 8425	Day's run        Surfaced:       150.2 nm
				Submerged      11.3 nm
				161.5 nm
				From the high exhaust gas temperature there is a heavy leak in the exhaust gas piping in the diesel room which can only be sealed provisionally, can no longer blow with the port diesel, only at low pressure with the starboard diesel.  The Junkers compressor is only limitedly operable.
		16.00	CH 8184	Steered search courses to Cap Gata
			NNW 1, Sea 1, clear sky, Vis. very good, 1021 mb
		20.00	CH 7589
		24.00	CH 7557
			NE 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, 1029 mb	At Cap Gata except for neutral steamers nothing seen.
		19.11.41
		04.00	CH 761x
			Clear sky, Vis. good, 1028 mb
		07.24 - 07.35		Proceeded submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		19.11.41	Western Mediterranean
		08.00	CH 7562
		12.00	CH 7564	Day's run        Surfaced:       160.5 nm
				Submerged       9.5 nm
				170.0 nm
		16.00	CH 7567
			Wind calm, a few high clouds, Vis. good, Sea 0, 1019 mb
		20.00	CH 7579
		24.00	CH 7499	Headed to the west south of Alborán
			S 1, Sea 0, overcast, misty, 1020 mb
		20.11.41
		04.00	CH 7455	Ran to the north close off the coast.  Except for neutral steamers nothing seen.
			Wind calm, Vis. good
		07.40		Dived.
		08.00	CH 7422
			N 1, partial overcast, Vis. medium, 1020 mb
		10.54 - 20.20		Lay on the bottom at depth T = 36 meters. [72 meters]
		12.00	CH 7185	Day's run        Surfaced:       130.5 nm
				Submerged      21.3 nm
				151.8 nm
		16.00	CH 7185
		20.00	CH 7185
		20.20	Wind calm, Sea 0, partial overcast, Vis. very good, 1023 mb	Surfaced.
		21.45		Radio Message:  To . . . Guggenberger and Ey:  Immediately begin transit to square CO 5385, in accordance with orders for Reschke and Jebsen.
				Radio Message 12312/18/142:  To Reschke and Jebsen:
				A.)  Transit route runs through the following connected points:
				1. Square CH 9123 lower-right, 2.  Square CJ 7611, 3. Set off just north of square 8656 (to pass within signal range), 4.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41

	- 18 -
		continued
		20.11.41	Western Mediterranean	4.  Via Square 5611 head for a point that from lighthouse in square 9822 lower-center bears 328°T, distance 9 nm.  This point is headed for the last 12 nm on course 73°.  Here a torpedo boat pilot is waiting and will escort the boat further to square 9859.
				5.  From here head for point CO 5385, further orders follow.
				B.)  Notification of arrival at point in accordance with Standing Order 4 is given 30 hours prior by Short Signal XYx.  If Signal is not confirmed 12 hours prior to arrival send Signal XZ8.
				Radio Message 1241/19.160:  To Reschke and Jebsen.
				1.  On passing square CJ 8656 set Morse name in accordance with Signal Book in International Flags at the periscope.  Reschke UIU.  If no flags are on board, send this identification signal with Morse letters to the Signal Station.
				2.  Continue from CJ 9826 first after outfitting with special encryption means.  After passing CJ 9826 the boats temporarily operate under the 23 U-Flottille.
				Headed to the east to go into the operations area on the prescribed route.
		24.00	CH 7462
		21.11.41
				About 02.00 hours passed two illuminated fishing cutters positioned on the line Cabo de Gata - Cape Tres Forcas possibly a monitoring line.
		04.00	CH 7534
			SW 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, Vis. very good, 1021 mb
		08.00	CH 7625
		09.30		2 steamers in sight one coming out one going in to Oran.  Avoided.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41

	- 19 -
		continued
		21.11.41
		12.00	CH 8411	Day's run        Surfaced:       153.4 nm
			SW 1, Sea 0, few high clouds, Vis. very good, 1025 mb	Submerged        6.1 nm
				159.5 nm
		16.00	CH 8432	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 115T, 5 nm.
		20.00	CH 8294
		24.00	CH 8343
		22.11.41
		04.00	CH 5998
			SW 0-1, Sea 0, clear sky, Vis. very good, 1026 mb
		08.00	CH 9143
		12.00	CH 9133	Day's run        Surfaced:       255.0 nm
				Submerged        0.0 nm
				255.0 nm
		about 13.00		Steamer in sight on northerly course, apparently comes from Algeria.  Avoided.
		16.00	CH 9251
			SW 1, Sea 0, few high clouds, Vis. very good, 1026.5	Boat still has 65 cbm fuel oil.  With transit to operations area at HF about 30 cbm will be available for use in the operations area, at LF around 40 cbm.  Reschke and Jebsen should arrive in the operations area on 25 November, Reschke is only to supply with fuel oil if necessary.  Todays Wehrmachts Report reports a battle in North Africa since 19 November.  From this information it may be concluded that the boat should get to the new operations area as quickly as possible.  I will proceed at HF and forgo the daily test dive.  The boat can then be in the operations area on 26 November.
		20.00	CH 9322
			SW 0, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1025 mb
		24.00	CJ 7415

	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

	- 20 -
		23.11.41	Western Mediterranean
		04.00	CJ 7511
			SW 1, Sea 0, clear sky, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
		04.50		Short Signal.  Still have half my fuel inventory. From U-81 and Position 30 hours off arrival point.  From U-81.
		05.05		Converted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank II and IV. [for use as ballast tanks]
		06.00 - 06.41		Test dive.
		08.00	CJ 7532
			SE 1, clear sky, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
		11.30		Radio Message:  To Guggenberger:  Fuel supply in CJ 9825 lower-right corner only, if possible without delay.  After passing CJ 9825 boat operates temporarily under 23. U-Flottille, and from passing mans Eastern Mediterranean U-boat Circuit.
		12.00	CJ 7391	Day's run        Surfaced:       273.3 nm
			SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. good, 1020 mb	Submerged        2.5 nm
				275.8 nm
		14.50		Radio Message:  To Guggenberger:  On passing CJ 9825 lower-right corner give short report with observations on passing CG 9671 and on the attack on 13 November for forwarding to B.d.U.
		16.00	CJ 8465
			SE 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, 1020 mb
		16.39	[Steuben & Göben are not U-boat commanders- it is unclear what this refers to]	Radio Message:  1st reason for new orders for Steuben, Göben etc. is beginning of English offensive in North Africa.  2nd purpose is relief of German Afrikakorps by attack on enemy warships and attempts to replenish.  3rd previous course of the fighting on land is favorable.

Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41

	- 21 -
		continued
		23.11.41	Western Mediterranean
		20.00	CJ 8581	The percentage of water in the lubricating oil rises however can be held by using the separator.  Search for the cause was postponed to be at the meeting point on time.
			SSE 2, Sea 1, few high clouds, Vis. very good, 1020 mb
		24.00	CJ 8649
		24.11.41
		02.0x		Morsed by searchlight to the signal station on "Ustica" Island.
		04.00	CJ 8696
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, clear sky, Vis. good, 1018 mb
		08.00	CJ 9732
			SE 1, partial overcast, misty, Vis. changing, 1020 mb
		09.10		Italian patrol vessel in sight.
		11.10		Boat is at the meeting point.
		11.20		Continued in Italian convoy "A S 67".
		12.00	CJ 9822	Day's run        Surfaced:       285 nm
			SSE 1, partial overcast, misty, 1020 mb
		13.50		Released from convoy, Italian liaison officer on board.
		14.25		Made fast Messina.
				Grand reception by the Italian Kriegsmarine.  Provisions, drinking water, 10 cbm fuel oil taken over.
				From 09.30 hours began repairs to the port diesel.  Gaskets of the cylinder liner II port are leaking.  Piston and liner were removed.
				Forward over deck torpedo downloaded.
				Excerpt of the Kriegstagebuch and short report in accordance with Radio Message 1414/23/247 sent by currier post.  Short report by secure teletype concerning observations passing the Strait of Gibraltar.
		08.55		Secure teletype:  To U-81:  Operations area for U-81 sea area

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41

	- 22 -
		continued
		24.11.41	Central Mediterranean
				sea area between 26° and 27°E, focal point south of 32°N.  Take encryption means for Eastern Mediterranean U-boat Circuit from 23 U-Flottille on board.
				In Messina everything was well prepared by the Italian Navy.  The boat was well supported.
		21.08		Cast off Messina.
		21.15 - 22.30		Headed to the south in Italian convoy.
		24.00	CJ 9885
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, misty, at times rain, Vis. bad, 1021 mb
		25.11.41
		03.04 - 03.25		Test dive, cylinder liner was installed.  While blowing with the diesel a diaphragm of the exhaust gas piping of the starboard diesel cracked again.  Blew with air. Due to heavy smoke in the diesel room can only run with both diesels LF diesel-electric.
		04.00	E 3, Sea 2, light Swell, at times rain, Vis. bad, 1018 mb
		07.18 - 17.38		Dived for diesel repairs.
				Exhaust gas piping starboard diesel in a second location.  Packing material is now exhausted.  Cylinder lining of the port diesel was installed, cylinder head was installed.
		08.00	CN 3312
		12.00	CN 3316	Day's run        Surfaced:       64.8 nm
				Submerged     10.1 nm
				74.9 nm
		16.00	CN 3327
		20.00	CN 3353

	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41

	- 23 -
		continued
		25.11.41	Central Mediterranean
		21.00	CN 3353	Because the boat must charge the highest speed the boat can run at is diesel-electric LF (6.5 knots).
			E 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, rain, Vis. changing, 1020 mb
		about 22.00		Port diesel is ready for testing.  After 10 minutes there is a crack in cylinder lining II port.  Removal was begun.  Repair duration about 2 days.
		22.10		Radio Message:  Diesel damage, arrival operations area expected 30 November, square 3369.  From U-81.
		23.30		4 shadows in sight on SE course, avoided in accordance with instructions.
		24.00	SSE 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, rain showers, dark night, Vis. changing, 1016 mb
		26.11.41
		04.00	CO 1184
			SE 2, Sea 2, 1016 mb
		07.00 - 17.55		Dived for diesel repairs.
		08.00	CO 1432
		12.00	CO 1433	Day's run        Surfaced:       93.0 nm
				Submerged     18.6 nm
				111.6 nm
		16.00	CO 1514
		20.00	CO 1519	While blowing the packing of the exhaust gas piping of the starboard diesel loosened. Can no longer blow with the diesels.
			E 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		24.00	CO 1559
			E 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad, 1020 mb
		27.11.41
		04.00	CO 1674	Junkers compressor out of service.
			SE 3, Sea 3, medium Swell
		08.00	CO 1921

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41

	- 24 -
		continued
		27.11.41
		08.00	CO 1921
			S 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, partial overcast, low hanging clouds, Vis. medium, 1020 mb
		10.01		Crash dive for aircraft.
				Because we cannot blow with the diesels and the Junkers compressor is out of service, we must continue submerged.  Intend repairs on the port diesel, began repairs to the diesel compressor.
		12.00	CO 19x4	Day's run        Surfaced:       105.2 nm
				Submerged        7.0 nm
				112.2 nm
		16.00	CO 1xxx
		17.48		Surfaced.
				Port diesel test run.  After a short time ready for KF, later for LF.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 120°T, 18 nm.
		20.00	CO 2781	Manhole cover for main ballast tank 3 leaks air.  Rubber sealing ring is torn.  Flood valve closed, sealing ring of cotton is installed.
			E 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, light rain, Vis. medium, 1021 mb
		24.00	CO xxxx
			Vis. changing
		28.11.41
		04.00	CO xxx
			S 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, few clouds, Vis. good, 102x mb	Junkers compressor is in service again.
		08.00	CO 526x
			S 2, Sea 2, few high clouds, Vis. good, 102x mb
		08.30 - 12.22		Crash dive for aircraft.
				With the port diesel can again blow at low pressure.
		12.00	CO 5371	2 aircraft in sight on ESE course.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41

	- 25 -
		continue
		28.11.41	Central Mediterranean
		12.00	CO 8371 [typo 5371]	Day's run        Surfaced:       125.2 nm
			E 1-2, Sea 1, few high clouds, Vis. good, 1028 mb	Submerged     14.7 nm
				139.9 nm
		12.53 - 14.x2		Crash dive for aircraft.
		15.52 - 17.55		Crash dive for aircraft.
		17.00 - 17.45		Deep dive.  Necessary minor repairs will be completed in the coming night.
		1x.xx		U-boat in sight on course 120°, probably Italian (in accordance with Radio Message 1032/27/506).
		20.00	CO 5623
			E 1-2, Sea 0, few clouds, bright moonshine, Vis. good, 1029 mb
		24.00	CO 6425
		29.11.41
		04.00	CO 6544
		08.00	CO 6589
			E 1, Sea 0, clear sky, 1030 mb
		08.02 - 14.14		Dived.
		12.00	CO 6823	Day's run        Surfaced:       162.0 nm
				Submerged     19.0 nm
				181.0 nm
		15.34 - 17.10		Crash dive for 2 aircraft.
		16.00	CO 6853	Boat is in the operations area.
			ENE 2, Sea 0-1, clear sky, 1029 mb
		20.00	CO 6895
		24.00	CO 9239
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds, bright moon, Vis. good, 1029 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41

	- 26 -
		30.11.41	Eastern Mediterranean
		04.00	CO 9341	Ran up to the 100-meter line.  Coast is difficult to distinguish because there are no objects to take bearings on.
			SSE 1, Sea 0, clear sky, Vis. good, [illegible few words]
		06.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 317°T, 6 nm.
		06.28		Dived.
		07.39		Sound bearing in 310°T.  To Action Stations.  Attack on small merchant steamer about 800 GRT was escorted by two patrol vessels (fishing trawlers).  Range was too great.  Attack on the starboard escort.  At target angle 60-70°, range 500 meters, the patrol vessel turns towards the boat and passes at low speed down the port side of the boat 100 meters away.  Patrol vessel flies the Dutch flag in the top.  Boat must have been heard even though only one E-motor LF and the periscope not extended.  Went to depth T = 60 meters [120 meters] at low speed.
				Both patrol vessels search astern.  One patrol vessel remains at the boat and only loses it around 10.50 hours when everything is shut off.
				Apparently listening conditions are very good.  It was accepted that the boat was not detected with certainty.
		08.00	CO 9344
		12.00	CO 9236	Day's run        Surfaced:       116.1 nm
				Submerged     24.1 nm
				140.5 nm
		16.00	CO 9232	Far off several depth charges.
		18.24		Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 6891
			NNE 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good, 102x mb
		24.00	CO 6827
		01.12.41
		04.00	CO 9215
			SE 1, overcast, Vis. good, 1029 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 27 -
		continued
		01.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean
		06.18		Dived.  Continued with both E-motors LF.
		08.00	CO 9216	Patrol vessel comes towards the boat and disappears after an hour, once everything was shut down.
		12.00	CO 6887	Day's run        Surfaced:       116.4 nm
				Submerged     28.7 nm
				145.1 nm
		16.00	CO 6876
		17.32		Surfaced.
		17.36		Crash dive for flying boat.
		18.06		Surfaced.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 347°T, 23 nm.  There must be a strong current to the north.
		20.00	CO 6843
			Wind calm, few high clouds, bright moonshine, Vis. very good, 1023 mb
		24.00	CO 6854
		02.12.41
		04.00	CO 9212
			SbyW 2, overcast, at times rain, 1020 mb
		04.25		Incoming Radio Messages 2114/1/557 and 2152/1/559 (report of a convoy 50 nm from the boat and a battleship formation 30 nm from the boat)
				Can no longer operate on either target due to the long delay time of the Radio Message.  The first transmission of the Radio Message was apparently not heard due to bad receiving conditions. (control station Volume 4, interference Volume 5)  Both messages were picked up for the first time on very low frequency at the time of reception..
		06.12		Dived.  Proceeded with one E-motor KF, gyro-compass switched off.
		08.00	CO 9217

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41

	- 28 -
		continued
		02.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean
		12.00	CO 9214	Day's run        Surfaced:       132.6 nm
				Submerged      20.0 nm
				152.6 nm
		16.00	CO 9214
		17.35		Surfaced.
		18.37		Radio Message:  From U-Chef Urgent.  Operations area Guggenberger.  Occupy operations area west of 26°E.  Focal point Sollum Bay to Cape Azzaz
				Headed for Cape Azzaz with search courses.
		20.00	CO 6877
			NNE 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. good, 1029 mb
		23.55		Shadow in sight bearing 60°T.  Shadow taken astern, apparently own U-boat.
		24.00	CO 6797
			NNE 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, Vis. good, moonshine, 1025 mb
		03.12.41
		00.05		2 shadows in sight bearing 290°T, target angle 0°.  Attempted to move off to the south.
				Shadows are two destroyers course 115°, 20 knots. Boat cannot get away.
		00.14		Crash dive at range = 3000-4000 meters.  Boat was not seen.
		01.20		Surfaced.
		01.47		Radio Message from Guggenberger:
				Urgent.  Square 6797 two destroyers, course 115°, 20 knots.
				Came to westerly course.
		01.50		Two destroyers bearing 300°T, bow left target angle 5°.  Attempted to move off to the north.  At target angle 20°, range = 4000-5000 meters boat was seen.  Both destroyers turn towards.
		02.04		Crash dive.
				Both destroyers search until 05.00 hours in the vicinity of the boat.  No locating, no depth charges.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

	- 29 -
		continued
		03.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean	Moved off at depth T = 70 meters [140 meters], everything switched off.
		04.00	CO 6797
		05.15 - 05.45		Passed a patrol vessels at a distance of 4000 meters.  Remained submerged because dawn has already broken.
		08.00	CO 6794
		12.00	CO 6791	Day's run        Surfaced:       52.5 nm
				Submerged    20.8 nm
				73.3 nm
		16.00	CO 6768
		17.36		Surfaced, headed for Sollum Bay.
		20.00	NE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, partial overcast, full moon, Vis. good, 1026 mb
		23.46		Coast at Sollum in sight.
		24.00	NNW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, few clouds, 1025 mb
		04.12.41		Back and forth in position 5 nm off Sollum coast.
		01.20		U-boat in sight bearing 340°T.
		04.00	CO 9241
			NNW 1, Sea 1, few clouds, bright moon, Vis. good, 1026 mb
		05.15		Two destroyers in sight bearing 200°T on course 30°.  No shooting opportunity.
		06.25		Dived.  Starboard inner exhaust gas valve cannot be closed.  Ball stud is broken.  Boat is limitedly clear to dive.
		08.00	CO 9134
		12.00	CO 9137	Day's run        Surfaced:       108 nm
				Submerged      19 nm
				127 nm
		16.00	CO 9137
		17.47		Surfaced.
				Junkers compressor out of service, repair impossible.  Completion valve compressor stage 2 and 3 is chipped.  Set off to the north to repair the exhaust gas valve.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41

	- 30 -
		continued
		04.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean
		20.00	CO xxxx
			S 3-4, Sea 2, medium Swell, few clouds, Vis. good, 1022 mb
		24.00	CO 87xx
			S 4, Sea 3, 1020 mb
		05.04.41
		04.00	CO 6xxx
			S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, 1017 mb
		0x.x0		Dived.
		08.00	CO xxxx
		12.00	CO 6736	Day's run        Surfaced:       99.0 nm
				Submerged     17.6 nm
				116.6 nm
		16.00	CO 6739	Sound bearing in 350°T.  Nothing seen at periscope depth.
		16.49		Surfaced.  Boat is fully ready to dive again.
				Operated on the sound bearing.
		17.00		Mastheads in sight bearing 190°T.  Vessel is a properly illuminated hospital ship on course 280°.
		19.05		Shadows bearing 180°T.
		20.00	CO 6791
			SSW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1019 mb
		20.11		Radio Message:  From U-81, convoy 6 vessels, course west speed 10 knots.
				Convoy zigzags around general course 290°, consists of one freighter, one tanker and 4 destroyers.  The steamers proceed in line abreast, distance 2000 meters.  2 destroyers ahead, one each to both sides driving U-boat screen.  Destroyers make strong search legs.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41

	- 31 -
		continued
		05.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean
		22.25		Radio Message:  From U-81:  2 steamers 4 destroyers square 6791.
		22.31		Position is improved by the evening navigation fix.
				Approached from the south on the convoy steering 210°, 220°.
		22.31		Four-fan on overlapping tanker and destroyer of the port screen.
				Tube I-IV, enemy bow left, target angle 60°, speed 10 knots, range 3500 meters, torpedo depth 2 meters.
		22.35	NNW 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, few clouds, bright moonshine, Vis. 10000 meters	Single shot from stern tube on the same targets.
				Tube V, enemy bow left, target angle 60°, speed 8 knots, range 3500 meters, torpedo depth 2 meters.
				1st hit after 3 minutes 46 seconds.
				2nd hit after 5 minutes 10 seconds.
				Effect was not observed.  It was assumed that the first hit was on the destroyer, the second hit was on the tanker. Convoy zigzags to the north after the hits.
				Size of the tanker 3000-4000 GRT.
				Moved off to the southwest to reload.
				The illuminated hospital ship is in sight again and is now positioned 8000 meters behind the convoy.
		23.45		Radio Message:  From U-81:  square 6757.
		24.00	CO 6758
			NNW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, 1022 mb
		06.12.41
		00.20		Two sharp shadows bearing 270°T coming towards the boat.  Convoy is located in 290T.  Moved off to the north, shadows are a destroyer and 1 steamer course east, 8 knots. While avoiding the boat comes relatively close to the 1st hospital ship and apparently was seen.  Hospital ship comes about and later follows the convoy at a distance of about 12 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41

	- 32 -
		continued
		06.12.41
		01.00		Radio Message:  From U-81:  01.00 hours convoy square 6744
				1 steamer, 1 destroyer square 6771 course east 8 knots.
				illuminated hospital ship square 6747 course 270°, 5 knots.
				Radio Message was sent with time group 2355 because encoding was still not changed.
		0x.xx		Destroyer bearing 270°T target angle 0°.  Avoided to the north.  Destroyer passes out of sight in the east in the direction of the shooting location.
		0x.xx		Second destroyer passed on course east.
				Convoy steered 270°, boat closed to the north.  the destroyers searching astern and to the north interfere greatly.
		0x.xx		Radio Message:  From Guggenberger:  Square 6747.
				The night has become even brighter, visibility with the naked eye 5 nm.   As highest speed the boat can make 2 x HF.  Exhaust gas temperature rises up to 700°C when running against the sea and Swell
		0x.xx		Boat attacks the convoy proceeding on course 270° from the north.
		0x.xx		Two-fan on freighter.
				Tube III and IV, enemy bow right, target angle 80°, speed 10 knots, range 4000 meters.
				The Unteroffizer at the lead angle calculator  repeats back incorrectly and sets wrong enemy bow without this being noticed by the Torpedo Officer.  Fan goes past far behind.
		0x.xx		Single shot from stern tube on freighter.
				Tube V, enemy bow right, target angle 80°, speed 10 knots, range 4000 meters, torpedo depth 2 meters.  Hit after 4 minutes 45 seconds.  Effect on target not observed.  Freighter size 4000 GRT.  Convoy makes strong zigzags.
				On second approach tanker was observed in his old position in the convoy.  However 3 destroyers were still seen.

Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41

	- 33 -
		continued
		06.12.41	Eastern Mediterranean	The port forward destroyer had apparently taken over the port flank screen.  The convoy which zigzagged strongly before the first attack, held course since the attack.
		03.12		Radio Message from U-81:  Convoy square 5969, south of torpedoes, 3 hits, question remaining.
				Boat hold contact behind the convoy.
		03.52		Radio Message from U-81:  Convoy runs into Tobruk, course 210°.  Return transit, large shipyard assistance.  Square 5995.
				Contact was broken off 25 nm off Tobruk, because boats operating on the convoy can no longer get ahead.
		04.00	CO 5964
			N 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, 1025 mb	Moved off to the west.
		06.35		Dived.
		08.00	CO 5913
		12.00	CO 5678	Day's run        Surfaced:       156.6 nm
				Submerged     19.4 nm
				176.0 nm
		16.00	CO 5974
		17.48		Surfaced.
		20.00	CO 5567
			N 2-3, Sea 1-2, partial overcast, 1028 mb
		21.26		Radio Message from Guggenberger:
				1.)  Hit likely on tanker and freighter, destroyer apparently heavily damaged.
				2.)  For I.U-Flottille  Request exhaust gas piping etc. for La Spezia.
		24.00	CO 5525
			N 2, Sea 1, 1030 mb
		07.12.41
		00.30		1 steamer and 2 destroyers in sight.  Group moves back and forth at low speed and changing courses.  Apparently the boat was seen at range 2000-3000 meters.  Group ran off at high speed.  It was probably an Italian

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41

	- 34 -
		continued
		07.12.41		R-Boot which did not have attack permission in this area.
		04.00	CO 5249
			N 2, Sea 1, 1029 mb
		06.45 - 07.11		Test dive.
		08.00	CO 5137
			NW 2-3, Sea 1-2
		11.56 -		Crash dive for two aircraft
		12.53		On surfacing again an aircraft in sight.
		12.00	CO 2771	Day's run        Surfaced:       192.5 nm
				Submerged     17.0 nm
				209.5 nm
		13.12 - 14.52		Crash dive for aircraft.
		16.00	CO 1964
		18.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 223°T, 20 nm.
		20.00	CO 1977
		23.04		Sent position Short Signal in accordance with instructions.
		24.00	CO 1571
			SbyW 1, Sea 1, overcast, dark night, 1025 mb
		08.12.41
		05.24		Position Short Signal from control station not solved.  From U-81.  Position 15.30 hours Point Sofie.
		04.00	CO 1425
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1020 mb
		08.00	CN 3368
		12.00	CN 3312	Day's run        Surfaced:       213.9 nm
				Submerged        6.3 nm
				220.2 nm
		15.20		Recognition Signals exchanged with Italian aircraft. Taken in convoy.
		16.00	CJ 9856	Abeam Messina Italian Liaison Officer on board.
			NW 3, Sea 2, 1015 mb	Secure teletype message sent in accordance with instructions.
				Radio Message to B.d.U. Deutsches Marinekommando Italian:  Square shooting location "ARC ROYAL" must mean CG 9655.  U-81.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41

	- 35 -
		continued
		08.12.41	Central Mediterranean
		20.00	CJ 9584
			NW 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. good, 1016 mb
		22.00		Stromboli abeam.
		24.00	W 5, Sea 4, overcast, short Swell, 1007 mb
		09.12.41
		04.00	CJ 9194
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. medium, 1008 mb
		08.00	CJ 9118
			WNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. medium, 1008 mb
		12.00	NW 4, Sea 3, partial overcast, 1012 mb	Day's run        Surfaced:       260 nm
				Submerged        0 nm
				260 nm
		12.35		Pontinische Island in sight.
		16.00	CJ 5941	Due to work on the diesel continued on one diesel LF.
			1015 mb
		20.00	CJ 5823
			NNW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, 1015 mb
		24.00	CJ 5466
			NNW 1, Sea 1, clear sky, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.41

	- 36 -
		10.12.41	Central Mediterranean
		04.00	CJ 5178	Monte Christo in sight.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, 1025 mb
		08.00	CJ 1937
			W 1, Sea 0, overcast, 1028 mb
		12.00	CJ 1623	Day's run:  Up to La Spezia:
			W 1, Sea 0, partial overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb
				Surfaced:       300 nm
				Submerged        0 nm
				300 nm
		15.10		Taken in Italian convoy.
		16.55		Release from convoy.
		17.25		Made fast U-boat Base Spezia.
			-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41

	Enclosures to U-81's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Report	Report on passing through the Strait of Gibraltar
Chart A	Track chart covering the patrol in the Atlantic
Chart B	Combat sketch for the period in the Eastern Mediterranean
Chart C	Combat sketch for the period in the Western Mediterranean

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-81" from 19.9. - 10.12.41.
	An excellently carried out patrol.
	Calm, sure, well considered action, as well as skill and absolute operational commitment particularly distinguish the young Kommandant.
	The sinking of the aircraft carrier "ARK ROYAL" is a success worthy of the highest recognition.
		Signed in draft: D ö n i t z
		For correctness:
		Leutnant and
		Adjutant, i.v.

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