U-96 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
11 Dec 40	15.12	59°15'N, 11°36'W	ROTORUA	10,890	British	HX-92
11 Dec 40	20.52 - 22.02	58°51'N, 10°00'W	TOWA	5,419	Netherlands	HX-92
12 Dec 40	01.56	58°51'N, 10°00'W	STUREHOLM	4,575	Swedish	HX-92
12 Dec 40	04.31	57°51'N, 8°36'W	MACEDONIER	5,227	Belgian	HX-92
14 Dec 40	07.20 - 10.21	59°45'N, 18°00'W	WESTERN PRINCE	10,926	British
14 Dec 40	21.02 - 21.13	60°15'N, 18°24'W	EMPIRE RAZORBILL (damaged)	5,118	British	OB-257
18 Dec 40	16.15	58°33'N, 17°48'W	PENDRECHT (damaged)	10,746	Netherlands	OB-259
			Total = 52,901
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.

		14.09.40		Commissioning at the Blücherbrücke Kiel.
		15. - 18.09.40		Own training.
		19. - 27.09.40		U.A.K. testing in Kiel.
		28. - 29.09.40		Transit to Gotenhafen.
		30.09. - 03.10.40		T.E.K. shooting in Gotenhafen.
		04. - 09.10.40		U.A.G. I. testing in Danzig.
		10. - 14.10.40		Artillery firing off Pillau.
				N.E.K. testing with "U-15" and [illegible word]
		15. - 22.10.40		U.A.G. I testing and shipyard period in Danzig.
		23.10.40		Transit to Gotenhafen.
		24. - 31.10.40		Tactical training in the Baltic.
		01.11.40		Transit to Saßnitz.
		02. - 07.11.40		Torpedo firing in Saßnitz.
		08.11. - 09.11.40		Transit to Memel.
		10. - 14.11.40		Torpedo firing off Memel.
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

		15. - 17.11.40		Transit to Kiel.
		18.11.40		Shipyard period for final adjustments and overhaul.
		18.11. - 03.12.40		Equipping for remote patrol.
				(Degaussing and radio direction finder calibration)
		04.12.40		Put to sea for remote patrol.
				Kptlt. and Kommandant

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				of
				U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "  U  96  "
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				Beginning:      4. December 1940
				Ending:        29.  December 1940
			Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant Lehman-Willenbrock.

	- 1 -
				1st War Patrol.
		04.12.40	Kiel Bay	Put to sea from Kiel for transit to Frederikshavn in accordance with Outbound Orders
		05.00
		06.45		Joined convoy "Frankfurt" at lightship.  (Ng. Kl)
		08.00	AO 7731
			SWbyW 3, overcast (fog), Swell 2
		12.00	Great Belt	Day's run:  = Surfaced        79 nm
			AO 7541	Submerged      0 nm = 79 nm
			SWbyW 3, overcast, Swell 2
		16.00	AO 7168
			SW 2, 8/10, Swell 2, Vis. medium
		17.25	AO 7241	Anchored:  24 meters water, 50 meters chain
				Sejerø   bearing 195°T
				Hjelm    bearing 299°T
		05.12.40	Kattegat
		00.00	AO 7241
			SWbyS 5, overcast (rain), Sea 3-4, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		01.30		Weighed anchor.  Continued transit in convoy.
		04.00	AO 7221	From 07.20 hours continued transit in convoy "TG" from Anholt to Frederikshavn.
			SSW 5, overcast (rain), Sea 3-4, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		08.00	AO 4843
			SSW 5, overcast (rain), Swell 4, Vis. low
		12.00	AO 4491	Day's run:  = Surfaced      170 nm
			SSW 5, overcast (rain), Swell 4, Vis. medium	Submerged       0 nm = 170 nm
		13.27	Frederikshavn	Frederikshavn West harbor, made fast alongside "T 9".  Supplied with 6 tons fuel oil, 300 liters fresh water from naval tanker "GABELSFLACH".
		06.12.40
		06.32		Put to sea from Frederikshavn.  From 07.30 hours began transit in convoy "T 9" to Kristiansand South in accordance with secure teletype from B.S.O.
		08.00	AO 4486
			SbyW 4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 2
				10.09 - 10.28 hours test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.40

	- 2 -
		continued
		06.12.40
		12.00	Skagerrak	Day's run:  = Surfaced      64 nm
			AO 4451	Submerged    0.1 nm = 64.1 nm
			SSE 4, overcast, Sea 4, Vis. good, Swell 3
				12.15 hours  Cruiser NÜRNBERG, KÖLN and 4 T-boats pass to starboard on easterly course 4000 meters away.
				15.37 hours  Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Due to U-boat hunt on 7 December 1940 from 07.00 - 19.00 hours be submerged in square AN 38 north of the 40-meter line.  Afterwards continue transit.  No U-boat hunt.  Report by Short Signal "yes" or "no" if area can be reached on time.
				B.d.U.
		16.00	AN 3637 center
			EbyN 5, 9/10 (rain), Swell 4, Vis. medium
				16.31  Short Signal "yes" sent.
				17.53  Radio Message from B.d.U. Short Signal confirmed.
				From 18.00 hours continued transit from Point 26 without escort, course for southern mine barrier gap.
		20.00	AN 3539
			EbyN 5, overcast (rain, snow), Swell 4, Vis. medium
				20.10  Passed mine barrier.
		20.10	Course 215°
		07.12.40	North Sea
		00.00	AN 3583
			ENE 5, overcast (rain), Swell 3, Vis. medium
		01.06	Course 180°
				01.45  Dived in square AN 3822.
				02.24  Put the boat on the bottom, depth = 33 meters.
				Water density at the surface   = 1.0026
				Water density on the bottom = 1.0031
		08.35	AN 3822	09.35  Surfaced to ventilate and for morning navigation fix.
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium, Swell 3
			08.10 morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 1.8 nm, 100°T	09.13  Dived, program time up to 10.00 hours at periscope depth, afterwards on the bottom for torpedo maintenance and reloading.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.40

	- 3 -
		continued
		07.12.40
		12.00	AN 3822	Day's run:  = Surfaced      163 nm
				Submerged       2 nm = 165 nm
		15.17		Raised the boat from the bottom for program time at periscope depth.
		16.00	Course 317°
			AN 3822
		17.49		Surfaced.  Began transit to the Atlantic at the Shetland's
		20.00	AN 3547
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		22.10	Course 320°.
		24.00	AN 3423
			N 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		08.12.40
		04.00	AN 3144
			N 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good
		07.02 - 07.29		Test dive.  (Crash dive for training)
		08.00	AN 4321
			N 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		12.00	AN 2857	Day's run:  = Surfaced      206 nm
			N 7, Sea 5, 3/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4	Submerged       6 nm = 212 nm
		15.33		Crash dive for aircraft (course 90° then turned to 180°, range 5000 meters).
				Submerged torpedoes pulled and ventilated.
		16.00	AN 2842
			NW 7, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. changing, Swell 4
		18.27		Surfaced.
		20.00	AN 2733
			NW 6, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		24.00	AN 2258
			NWbyW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.40

	- 4 -
		09.12.40
		04.00	AF 7971
			W 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		05.00	Course 290°
		06.30	Course 270°
		08.00	AF 7882
			SWbyS 5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.54	Course 230°
				10.04 hours morning navigation fix.  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 1.7 nm, 349°T.
		12.00	North Atlantic	Day's run:  = Surfaced      234 nm
			AF 7796	Submerged     2.2 nm = 236.2 nm
			SW 5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		12.24		Dived for aircraft (course 40°, 6000 meters away).
		13.09		Surfaced.
		13.29		Course 240°.
		16.00	AN 1211
			SW 6, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		16.22		Dived for aircraft (course 210°, distance 5000 meters).
		16.58		Surfaced.
		20.00	AN 1192
			SW 6, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		24.00	AN 1352
			SW 7, Sea 4, 8/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4
		10.12.40
		01.00	Course 238°
		04.00	AN 1374
			SW 6, Sea 4, 7/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4
		06.30	Course 261°
		08.00	AN 3459
			W 4, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.00		North Rona Rock in sight bearing 205°T.
		10.00		Sula Sgeir Island in sight.
		08.56	Course 270°
		09.25	Course 290°
		11.42	Course 230°
		12.00	AM 3396	Day's run:  = Surfaced      246 nm
			W 5, Sea 4, 8/10, [remainder of weather illegible]	[distance submerged illegible]

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.40

	- 5 -
		continued
		10.12.40
		12.06 - 13.41		Dived for lunch and ventilate the torpedoes.
		14.29		Radio Message from B.d.U.
				"Occupy operations area AL 20 and 30 south of 60°N.  Traffic suspected about 59°N."
		15.00	Course 270°
		16.00	AM 3523	Reached latitude on receiving the Radio Message was 59°04N.  Intention:  to reach the eastern edge of the operations area and proceed on north-south courses centered on 59°N.
			W 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AM 3512
			W 4, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		23.48 - 00.07		Dived to listen.
		24.00	AM 2623
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		11.12.40
		04.00	AM 2611	From Radio Message B.d.U. of 10 December (time group 2103/200) weather Short Signals are to be sent three times daily.  Sent for the first time at 03.00.
			NW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Swell 5, Vis. good
		03.52 - 04.18		Dived to listen.
		07.14 - 08.15		Dived to listen and breakfast.
		08.00	AM 2522
			NW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Swell 5, Vis. good	11.00 hours navigation fix, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 14 nm, in direction 50°T.
		11.46		Radio Message "Inbound convoy was in AL 1410 on 11 December at 11.00 hours"
				The convoy course was estimated at 100°.
				Operating on the announced convoy, maintained course 270°.
		12.00	AM 2376	Day's run:  =       172 nm  Surfaced
			NW 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4	3.2 nm  Submerged
				Total    175.2 nm
		13.15		Convoy in sight bearing 246°T.  Convoy course is about 130°, target angle is about 70°.  Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40

	- 6 -
		continued
		11.12.40		Convoy steers changing courses around 120° without destroyer screen.  The formation is line abreast, 2 columns.  Estimate about 12 steamers.
		14.22		Dived.  G.H.G. failed.  Convoy temporarily out of sight due to high Swells.  Boat can only be held at HF.  When the convoy is again in the periscope I am in ahead in the center.  Target angle 0°.
				Attack course abeam to the Sea (180°).
		15.12		1 torpedo (G 7e) stern shot on the largest steamer of the convoy, four master with one smokestack.  Ore steamer 8 hatches, 4 lifeboats, 1 cannon astern, estimated size 11000 GRT.  Settings were target angle 70°, speed 7 knots, lead angle 12°, range estimated at 900 meters, by running time (50 seconds) 750 meters.  Torpedo hits aft 50 meters.  Steamer sinks over the stern post after about 10 minutes.
				The intended bow shot on the following tanker fails, because the boat undercut.  Was over run by the 2nd column.  Went to depth 20 meters.  After about 3 minutes went to periscope depth.  Steamers have all turned aside and run scattered.
		15.40		Surfaced, ran to the lifeboats to determine the name and give course information.  A tanker comes back to the shooting location to rescue the shipwrecked.
		15.42		Dived and initiated attack.  Target angle is very sharp.  Turn a circle to port and arrive in shooting position at 15.55 hours, (1 G 7e) bow shot on the tanker, that lies stopped or at slow speed against the sea and took lifeboats alongside.  Attack course 49°.  Shooting data:  Target angle 110°, speed 2 knots, [illegible line - for shooting data see the torpedo firing report]

Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40

	- 7 -
		continued
		11.12.40		Torpedo track skewed against the Swell, miss.  Second shot is not possible because the steamer turns away and runs off.  He throws two fog buoys and steers zig zag courses, general course 140°.
		16.00	AM 2513
			NW 5, Sea 4, overcast, (rain), Swell 4, Vis. good
		16.20		Signal sent:
				"Enemy convoy in sight square AM 2375.  Enemy steers southeasterly course."
		16.14		Surfaced.
				Attempted to make a submerged twilight approach.  Maneuvered ahead of a steamer proceeding independently on easterly courses.
		17.21		Radio Message from B.d.U.
				"Stick to it, U-140 is approaching."
		18.06		Dived.  G.H.G. fails again.
		18.13		Surfaced, because the steamer does not come in the periscope and with the heavy zig zag successful attack appears hopeless; and, to avoid losing contact.
				Two medium steamers are distinguished bearing 20°T on easterly course.  Maneuver to the south of these to get ahead for a night surface attack.  The steamers separate and go at different times to course 135°.
		20.00	AM 2618
			NW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, Swell 3, Vis. good, bright moonlit night
		20.52		1 G 7a bow shot fired.  Hit amidships.  Set data:  enemy speed 10 knots, target angle 70°, lead angle 13°, estimated range 1500 meters, by running time (54 seconds) = 1080 meters.  Estimated size 7000 GRT.
				Steamer had 2 masts, 1 smokestack, 1 cannon astern.
				After the hit only settles slightly, no list.  Steamer remains [illegible word]

Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		11.12.40
				out.  Throws light buoys.
		20.55 - 21.00		Crash dive, because steamer turns after the hit and I suspect artillery fire.  However his cannon remains unmanned.
				Until 21.20 hours in the moon lee with zig zag courses awaiting sinking.
		21.30		Coup de grace from tube V (G 7a) hit aft.  Running time 67 seconds.  The torpedo was momentarily a surface runner.
				The steamer still doesn't sink.
		22.02		From 22.02 hours 16 shots with artillery fired.  Lifeboats are in the water.
		22.42		Steamer sinks.
				Closed the lifeboats to determine the name.  In the boat are German speaking Dutchman.  Understanding is difficult.
				Gave:  "Dover from Canada."
		22.50	Course 130°	Continued pursuit in the direction in which the steamer passed out of sight.
		23.22		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:
				"Convoy scattered, 2 steamers 18000 GRT sunk.  Pursuing in direction 130°,  AM 2618."
		12.12.40
		00.00	AM 2618
			W 4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. very good, Swell 3, bright moonlit night
		00.02		Steamer in sight bearing 110°T.
				Maneuvered ahead for attack in the moon lee.
		01.45		Dived for submerged attack with the air search periscope, stopped at depth 8 meters, let steamer come on.
		01.56		1 torpedo (G 7e) shot.  Hit aft.  Stern breaks off after about 6 minutes.  Steamer sinks after 11 minutes over the stern post.  4 lifeboats are set out.
		02.04		Surfaced.
				Shooting data:  [illegible line - for shooting data see the torpedo firing report]

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.40

	- 9 -
		continued
		12.12.40		lead angle 15°, estimated range 400 meters, by running time (23 seconds) 345 meters.
				Appearance:  2 master, motorship, especially long, about 160 meters, three island ship, smokestack not made out, superstructure between bridge and smokestack, cargo hatches, high stern superstructure.  Estimated size 8000 GRT.
		02.1x	Course 125°	Pursued in the direction of the North Channel.
		03.14	Course 190°	Steamer in sight bearing 120°T.
		04.00	AM 2863	Maneuvered ahead in the moon lee.  Steamer changes course to 170°, as St. Kilda comes in sight ahead.
			S 3, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
				At St. Kilda ran past close by the island and avoided two patrol vessels with their lights set.
		04.31		1 torpedo (G 7e) fired at the freight steamer.  Hit aft.  Steamer sinks within 6 minutes over the stern post.
				Shooting data:
				Enemy speed 10 knots, target angle 90°, lead angle 19°, estimated range 1300 meters, by running time (85 seconds) 1275 meters.
				Appearance:
				2-master, 1 smokestack, 4 cargo hatches, estimated size 4000 GRT.
		04.47	Course 155°	Continued pursuit to the North Channel.
		06.00	Course 180°
		04.53		Signal sent:
				"Position square AM 2862, pursuing course 180°."
		06.54		Smoke trail astern to starboard, soon thereafter a small steamer in sight.  Attack initiated.  Steamer steers continually zig zagging course and holds the boat despite great range and dark horizon ahead.  Ran abeam and stopped, all auxiliary machinery secured vessel [illegible few words]

Sun and Moon Data 12.12.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		12.12.40		not shot.  Steamer makes a suspicious impression, seems to be a U-boat trap.
				No locating sounds perceived.  Following behind in the vicinity of the steamer is a small steam vessel, small patrol vessel type.  The trap was about 800 GRT, long, no superstructure, 2 canted masts, 1 canted smokestack.  At long range appearance like a torpedo boat.
				Type:  MEDWAG QUEEN (No. 507 merchant ship images)
		06.46		Radio Message to B.d.U. sent:
				"2 other steamers about 12000 GRT sunk. Still 6 torpedoes (Etos).  Position AN 3914."
		07.02	Course 230°	Ran athwart suspected steamer route.
		08.08	Course 270°	Set off from the coast.
		08.00	AM 0237
			S 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		10.08	Course 310°
		10.26 - 10.57		Dived for patrol vessel.
		11.02 - 14.31		Dived.  Patrol vessel stays in the vicinity.  U-boat hunt along the coast.  Distant depth charge detonations.  Reloaded torpedoes.
		12.00	AM 2886	Day's run:  = Surfaced      252 nm
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Swell 3, Vis. medium	Submerged     11 nm = 263 nm
		12.58	Course 270°
		14.40	Course 315°	Began transit into assigned operations area: (AL 20 and 30).  Plotted course on the suspected general course (100°) of the reported convoys (12 December 11.00 hours AL 1410).
		14.44 - 14.53	)	Dived for aircraft.
		15.00 - 15.11	)
		16.00	AM 2873
			S 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		16.0x		Aircraft in sight, did not dive.

Sun and Moon Data 12.12.40

	- 11 -
		continued
		12.12.40
		16.30	Course 310°
		20.00	AM 2722
			S 6, Sea 5, rain, Swell 4, Vis. medium
		21.00	Course 290°
		13.12.40
		00.00	AM 1692
			S 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. low, Swell 3
		04.00	AM 1563
			S 6, Sea 4, overcast rain, Swell 4, Vis. medium
		08.00	AM 1512
			S 6, Sea 4, overcast mist, Swell 4, Vis. low
		08.31 - 09.19		Dived to pull the torpedoes.
		09.52	Course 330°
		10.15 - 10.55		Dived to pull the torpedoes.
		12.00	AL 3492	Day's run:  = Surfaced      260 nm
			S 6, Sea 4, overcast mist, Swell 3, Vis. low	Submerged     12 nm = 272 nm
		13.00	Course 210°	Back and forth in position with north-south courses on the suspected convoy route.
		16.00	AL 3488
			S 6, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		20.00	AL 3651
			S 7, Sea 5, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4
			Course 0°
		24.00	AL 3476
			S 7, Sea 5, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		14.12.40
		00.45	Navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 11 nm, 325°T
		02.58		Steamer in sight ahead on westerly course.  After determining course and speed attacked and at 05.49 1 torpedo (G 7e) fired.
				Miss, probably by understeering.  Setting were:
				[illegible line - for shooting data see the torpedo firing report]

	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		14.12.40		range 600 meters.
		04.00	AL 3414	Estimated size 2-3000 tons.  Steamer travels in ballast.
			SW 5, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
				Attacked for the 2nd time after matching speed again and at 06.59 hours 1 torpedo (G 7e) fired.  Miss, probably understerred.
				Setting were:
				Enemy speed 9 knots, target angle 90°, lead angle 18°, range 400 meters.
		07.06		Steamer in sight bearing 210°T, 4 masts.  Let the small steamer previously attacked go and maneuvered ahead of the newly sighted steamer for attack.  Target angle at sighting was about 80°.  Steamer steers zig zag course.  When zig zagging toward target angle was 60°.  Attacked immediately and at 07.20 hours shot one torpedo (G 7e).
				Set data was:  enemy speed 11 knots, target angle xx, lead angle 21.5°, range 1500 meters, miss due to underestimating the enemy's speed.
		08.00	AL 3337	The steamer makes irregular zig zags up to 90° to either side.  Speed was accepted as 14 knots.  Estimated size 10000 GRT.  In the center a passenger superstructure.
			SW 5, Sea 3, overcast mist, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		08.20 and 08.25		2 small steamers on westerly course in sight with changing courses very close.  Went between both because I would have lost a lot of the ground gained to weather by moving further off.  The four-master probably also has a steamer in sight and runs off on a northerly course, then turns after a short time to about 120°.  As a result am suddenly in a favorable shooting position.  Closed at AK.
		08.55		At 08.55 shot 1 torpedo (G 7a).  Hit forward, between the bridge and the forward masts.

Sun and Moon Data 14.12.40

	- 13 -
		continued
		14.12.40		Set data was:
				Enemy speed 14 knots, target angle 80°, lead angle 28°, range 800 meters, running time 48 seconds = actual range 720 meters.  The torpedo breaks through the surface several times .  Steamer settles deeper forward, stops, gives siren signal and transmits:
				"SSS - 59°32N, 17°47W, WESTERN PRINCE torpedoed, ar. -
				I have the impression the steamer will still float.  Therefore at 09.04 hours dived to reload a torpedo.
		09.13		Surfaced, to shoot a coup de grace.
				"WESTERN PRINCE" lies forward up to the upper deck in the water, lifeboats were put to the water.  Therefore waited to shoot a coup de grace.
		09.27		Dived to reload the remaining 2 torpedoes (G 7e).  Because dawn is breaking here and I want to leave the position, at 10.21 hours shot a coup de grace (G 7e)
				Running time 58 seconds.  The torpedo hits forward below the foremast.  After the torpedo detonation there follows another detonation apparently munitions.  Bright fiery glow.  Heavy smoke development.  As the smoke abated the steamer sinks rapidly over the fore stem.
				Sinking time 1 minute after the 2nd hit.
		10.36	Course 270°
		11.08		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:
				"Between 59° and 60°N independently traveling steamers.  "Western Prince" sunk.  AL 3334, still 1 Eto.
		12.00	AL 3326	Day's run:  = Surfaced      205 nm
			SW 6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged     5.2 nm = 210.2 nm
		12.50		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Good.  After shooting last torpedoes return harbor is "Lorient"."

Sun and Moon Data 14.12.40

	- 14 -
		continued
		14.12.40
		13.45	Course 200°	After setting off from the shooting location on course 270° I continued moving back and forth in position on north-south courses.   The area of the latitude occupied seems to lie in the middle steamer route and redirection will probably first take place after one day.
		16.00	Course 0°
			AL 3357
			SW 7, Sea 4-5, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		19.23	Course 20°	Steamer in sight bearing 20°.
		19.00	Navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 5.2 nm 76°T	Hung on to the steamer to determine course.  The steamer zigzags frequently.  Initially his general course is 190°.  It is a small steamer, about 3-4000 GRT.  In the prevailing Swell I believe that use of a torpedo is pointless, especially because the torpedo running course would be with the seas.
		20.00	AL 3182	On closing initially no armament determined.  I believe that success by use of the cannon and MG C30 is possible.  Armed attack conducted before the sea from a sharp target angle.
			SW 6, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		21.02		Opened fire.  6 incendiary shells fired.  MG C30 has a malfunction before the 1st shot.  While passing a cannon is noticed on the after deck, turned away and
		21.13		crash dived.
				There were 2 hits on the bridge and probably 1 hit at the waterline.
		21.41		Surfaced, to torpedo him with improving weather.
		22.13	Course 220°
		22.55	Course 180°	Steamer passes out of sight with visibility deterioration (hail and rain squalls) and was not found again.

Sun and Moon Data 14.12.40

	- 15 -
		15.12.40
		00.00	AL 3328	After surfacing Radio Message received:
			S 7, Sea 5, 7/10, (hail), Vis. low, Swell 4	"EMPIRE RAZERBILL" position 59°42N, 17°50W, shelled and followed by submarine."
				His navigation incorrect by 25 nm in 145°T.
		00.50		Therefore came to northerly course for the night, to search for steamers avoiding to the north.
		04.00	AL 3198
			S 8, Sea 6, overcast mist (squalls), Vis. low, Swell 4
		06.15		Vessel in sight, apparently a small steamer.  Weapons use is no longer possible due to Sea State.
		06.30	Course 160°
		06.47		Dived.
		08.00	AL 3271	Proceeded submerged due to heavy weather and low visibility.
			S 8, Sea 6, overcast mist (squalls), Swell 4, Vis. low
			Course 180°
		12.00	AL 3277	Day's run:  =       170 nm  Surfaced
			Not observed	23.2 nm  Submerged
				Total    193.2 nm
		13.23		Surfaced to ventilate and observe the weather.
		14.13		Dived.
		16.00	AL 3414
			S 8 (10), Sea 7, overcast squalls hail (rain), Vis. low, Swell 5
		18.58		Surfaced.  Heaved to charge the battery.
		20.00	AL 3417
			S 6, Sea 6, overcast mist, squalls, Vis. low, Swell 4
		20.39		On request by B.d.U. position Short Signal sent:  "Position square AL 34"
		23.55		Dived.
		24.00	AL 3444
			S 8, Sea 6-7, overcast squalls, Vis. low, Swell 4
		16.12.40
		04.00	AL 3447
			No observation

	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.40

	- 16 -
		continued
		16.12.40
		06.16		Surfaced to ventilate and observe the weather.
		07.26		Dived.
		08.00	AL 3474
			SW 8, Sea 6, overcast, mist, hail, Vis. changing, Swell 4
		12.00	AL 3477	Day's run:  = Surfaced      20 nm
			No observation	Submerged   30 nm = 50 nm
			Course 160°
		12.53		Surfaced to charge the battery.
		16.00	AL 3611	For MGZ = 13.00 hours Short Signal weather report sent to B.d.U., to report position and situation.
			WbyS 8 (10), Sea 6-7, overcast squalls hail, Vis. low, Swell 4
		20.00	AL 3614
			No observation
		21.58		Surfaced, charged the battery.
		23.18		Dived.
		24.00	AL 3615
			No observation
		17.12.40
		04.00	AL 3618
			No observation
		08.00	AL 3642
			No observation
		08.20		Surfaced.  Weather improving, barometer rising to 1015 mb.  Again proceeded on the surface to search for steamers.
		11.00	Navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 48 nm 180°T
		11.54 - 13.16		Dived for lunch.
		12.00	AL 3846	Day's run:  = Surfaced      51 nm
			No observation	Submerged   37 nm = 88 nm
		13.25	Course 0°
		16.00	AL 3816
			SW 6, Sea 5, overcast squalls, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		20.00	AL 3649
			SW 6, Sea 5, overcast squalls, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		24.00	AL 3613
			S 6, Sea 4, overcast squalls (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		18.12.40
		01.00	Course 200°
		04.00	AL 3618
			S 5, Sea 3, overcast, [remaining weather observation illegible]

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.40

	- 17 -
		continued
		18.12.40
		08.00	AL 3671
			S 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. very good, Swell 2
		09.58 - 10.32		Dived to pull the torpedoes.
		10.00	Course 0°.
		11.00	Navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 9.7 nm 315°T
		12.00	AL 3568	Day's run:  = Surfaced      144.5 nm
			S 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. very good, clear horizon, Swell 2	Submerged      3.5 nm = 148 nm
		15.25		Tanker in sight bearing 55°T, small target angle.
		15.30		Dived for submerged attack.
		16.15		1 G 7e fired.  Therefore torpedoes, except for G 7a in overdeck containers expended.
				Hit aft ahead of the engine room.  1 lifeboat flies in the air.
				Shooting data:
				Enemy speed 9 knots, target angle 97°, range 500 meters, running time 25 seconds = 375 meters.
				Tanker stopped, crew prepares to set out the boats.  2 rafts were lowered to the water.  Cannon astern was manned for a short time.  Apparently forward there is a second cannon.  Tanker settles astern deeper however does not sink.  Closed to determine the name:  "PENDBRECHT" Rotterdam, smokestack marking of the shipping firm "Van Ommeren."  Size 10746 GRT.
				Periscope deliberately shown to induce the crew to disembark. Thereafter cannon was directed at periscope.
		16.00	AL 3532
			W 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2	Ran off submerged, to pull 1 G 7a from the forward overdeck canister at the limit of visibility.  The weather situation is favorable for this.
		17.28		A second and at 17.59 hours a third tanker in sight.  Both of the tankers steer 240°, proceeding widely apart, easily in visibility [illegible one or possibly two lines]

Sun and Moon Data 18.12.40

	- 18 -
		continued
		18.12.40
				to stop.  I suspect that the crew was taken over.  The tanker runs again.  With the sighting of the tankers new situation arises.  Intend to shoot artillery from long range to determine if the crew is still on board.  Will then try to dispatch "PENDRECHT" with artillery and then hold contact on the other tankers and transfer G 7a from the over deck.
		18.02		Surfaced.  While bypassing
		18.21		2 shells are fired from the 2nd tanker.  Both lie short, far away.
		18.10		"PENDRECHT" turns to course 90° and runs off.  I decide to let both tankers run off, reload and still attack one more time.
		19.00		Radio Message on 600-meter wave received:
				"SSS 5828 N, 1811 W Call.  Attacked by submarine, suspicious tanker, flying Dutch flag in her vicinity."
		19.09		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:
				"3 tankers, course 240° AL 3532."
		19.15	Course 90°
		20.00	AL 3476
			SW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2
		20.15		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Hang onto the tankers.  U-52, U-100 coming up."
		20.25		Radio Message to B.d.U.: (sent off before receiving the above Radio Messages)
				"PENDRECHT" torpedoed, out of torpedoes, still runs, course 90° AL 3479."
				After steaming to starboard up to target angle 80° stopped and from 20.30 to 22.20 hours a G 7a was transferred from the over deck canister.  Transfer completed without difficulties.  Boat lies before the Sea.  Main ballast tank 1 pre flooded.  Torpedo compensating tanks 2 and 3, tubes, regulating fuel oil tanks and regulating tanks pumped.

Sun and Moon Data 18.12.40

	- 19 -
		continued
		18.12.40
		24.00	AM 1398	Tanker passes out of sight 30 minutes after beginning transfer.  Pursued on course 90°.  A broad oil trace at 23.30 gives a good indication.
			S 5 (6), Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
				Tanker was not found again.
		19.12.40
		04.00	AM 1395
			S 6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		0x.08	Course 120°	Steering changing courses around the suspected main course and searched during the day for "PENDRECHT".
		06.44	Course 80°
		08.00	AM 1622
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.36		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"If out of torpedoes, go to Lorient".
		09.00	Course 180°
		09.28 - 09.54		Test dive.
		12.00	AM 1636	Day's run:  = Surfaced      233 nm
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3	Submerged    9.4 nm = 242.4 nm
		15.30	Course 60°
		15.49		Battleship of the RODNEY class and 6 destroyers bearing 0°T, still small target angle in sight.
		15.53		Dived, attack initiated.  Enemy zig zags off to the west, does not approach further.  Range of the destroyers (flank escort) about 2500 meters.
		16.00	AM 1693	Quickly passes out of sight in the increasing haze bearing 290°T.
			S 6, Sea 3-4, overcast mist, Vis. low, Swell 3
		16.07		Surfaced to pursue.
		16.42	Course 300°	Radio Signal to B.d.U.:
		16.45		"1 battleship, 6 destroyers.  Enemy steers southerly courses.  AM 1693.
		17.15	Course 0°
		17.35		Radio Signal to B.d.U.:
				"Enemy out of sight, compass bearing 290°, AM 1692."

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.40

	- 20 -
		continued
		19.12.40
		17.40		Dived to listen due to low visibility.
		21.41		Surfaced.
		21.42	Course 60°	No traffic.  Intend to run to the NE up to the Rosemary Bank and from there search on westerly courses between 59° and 59°30N and search for "PENDRECHT" and again to the old focal point AL 33, 34 and 35.
		24.00	AM 2517
			S 5, Sea 3-4, overcast mist, Vis. low, Swell 3
		20.12.40
		02.10 - 05.35		Dived due to bad visibility.  Listening speed.
		04.00	AM 2534
			No observation
		08.00	AM 2395
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, mist, Vis. low, Swell 3
		09.00	Course 290°
		11.00	Navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 9 nm 285°T.
		11.45	Course 235°
		12.00	AM 2346	Day's run:  = Surfaced      163 nm
			SSE 5, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium Swell 3	Submerged    14 nm = 173 nm
		15.45		AM 1489 lower-center edge wreckage (yellow painted planks, apparently superstructure, rubber bag)
		16.00	AM 1622
			SSE 5, Sea 3, Vis. good, Swell 3
		16.00	Course 280°
		16.56		Motor sailer ahead to port in sight on easterly course.  Appears to be a watch vessel, avoided to the north.
		20.00	AM 1398
			SbyE 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. low, Swell 3
		23.59		Dived, listening speed.
		24.00	Course 270°
			AM 1371
			SbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. low, Swell 2

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.40

	- 21 -
		21.12.40
		04.00	AL 3493
			No observation
		08.00	AL 3492
			SbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		08.30	Course 220°	Surfaced.
		10.30	Course 340°
		12.00	AL 3483	Day's run:  = Surfaced      150 nm
			SbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged    16 nm = 166 nm
		16.00	AL 3413
			SbyE 4-5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 2-3
		17.00	Course 210°
		19.58		Dived, listening speed.
		20.00	AL 3414
			SbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, very dark night, Swell 3
		21.15 - 23.59		Surfaced for Radio Message reception.
		24.00	AL 2365
			SbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		22.12.40
		04.00	AL 3368
			No observation
		08.00	AL 3391
			No observation
		08.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 3522	Day's run:  = Surfaced      113 nm
			SE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3	Submerged   19.5 nm = 132.5 nm
		13.00	Course 350°
		16.00	AL 3384
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		17.00	Course 200°
		20.00	AL 3513	During the last two days no traffic observed.  Visibility, however, was very limited. Apparently the steamer route has been moved south.  Radio Message from "U-52" concerning convoy and heavy traffic in square AL 4798 can also confirm it.  Decide to go to the SSW, and shoot the last torpedo
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.40

	- 22 -
		continued
		22.12.40		there.
		24.00	AL 3544
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		23.12.40
		04.00	AL 2699
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		08.00	AL 2838
			SE 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium, Swell 3
			11.00 hours navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 49 nm, 47°T.
		12.00	AL 2699	Day's run:  = Surfaced      162.5 nm
			SE 6, Sea 4, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged       0.0 nm = 162.5 nm
		16.00	AL 2862
			SE 6, Sea 4, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AL 2883	Dived, listening speed.
			SE 6, Sea 4, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		24.00	AL 2886
			No observation
		24.12.40
		02.00		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 0222
			SSE 4, Sea 2-3, Vis. good, Swell 2
		08.00	AL 0254
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
			11.00 navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 4 nm 54°T
		11.00	Course 300°
		12.00	AL 0249	Day's run:  = Surfaced      114 nm
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2	Submerged      12 nm = 126 nm
		16.00	Course 270°	No traffic observed.
			AL 2937	Began return transit.
			S 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		17.16		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				"Transit to Lorient.  Ventilation motor, G.H.G. power supply, radio direction finder.  To Serial No. 122:  RODNEY type.  Square AL 29."
		19.16	Course 240°
		19.55 - 21.56		Dived for Christmas celebration.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.40

	- 23 -
		continued
		24.12.40
		20.00	AL 0196
			SbyE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		25.12.40
		04.00	AL 4269
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2
		08.00	AL 4537
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2
		12.00	AL 4558	Day's run:  =       225 nm  Surfaced
			SSE 4, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 2	4 nm  Submerged
				Total    229 nm
		16.00	AL 4849
			SEbyE 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
			Course 120°
		20.00	AL 4898
			SE 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		24.00	AL 8152
			SE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		26.12.40
		04.00	AL 8271
			SEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.00	AL 8288
			SEbyS 4, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
			11.00 navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 33 nm 5°T
		12.00	AL 9173	Day's run:  =       223 nm  Surfaced
			SE 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	0 nm  Submerged
				Total    223 nm
		16.00	AL 9435
			SE 6, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AL 9558
			SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		24.00	AL 9911
			SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		27.12.40
		04.00	AL 9964
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.00	AM 7779
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.40

	- 24 -
		continued
		27.12.40
		12.00	BE 3163	Day's run:  =       260.3 nm  Surfaced
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3	0 nm  Submerged
				Total    260.3 nm
		16.00	BE 3286
			SEbyE 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2-3
		20.00	BE 3643
			SEbyE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2-3
		21.00	Course 120°
		24.00	BE 3696
			SSE 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, Swell 2
		23.42		Short Signal sent:
				"Position in 36 hours off the return harbor."
		28.12.40
		04.00	BF 1737
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		08.00	BF 1882
			SSE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		10.31		Crash dive for training.
		11.01		Surfaced.
		12.00	BF 4233	Day's run:  =       282.5 nm  Surfaced
			SSE 3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good, Swell 1	1.5 nm  Submerged
				Total   284.0 nm
		12.14		Crash dive for aircraft.
		12.34		Surfaced.
		13.28		Drifting mine to port.  English model, long, lead cap and closing cover with lifting eye above.
		13.45		Mine in square BF 4315 shot with MG C30 (55 shots).
		16.00	BF 5351
			SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		20.00	BF 5171
			SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		21.00	Course 90°
		24.00	Course 250°
			BF 5434
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1

	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.40

	- 25 -
		29.12.40
		01.40	Course 90°
		04.00	BF 5543
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		08.00	BF 5563
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1
		09.00 - 09.28		Test dive.
		09.30		Zig zag course, main course 60°.
		12.00	BF 6421	Day's run:  = Surfaced      247 nm
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1	Submerged    2.7 nm = 249.7 nm
		13.18		Main course 295°.
		15.18		Taken in convoy at Point 2 off Lorient.
		16.00	BF 6181
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		17.30		Made fast Lorient U-boat base.
				The patrol lasted 26 days.  Covered were:
				Surfaced       = 4656.5 nm
				Submerged   = 119.8 nm    = 4776.3 nm
				14.7 hours were run at AK diesels.
				Consumed were:
				Fuel oil              = 104.81 cbm
				Lubricating oil    = 0.552 cbm
				Fresh water       = 2.085 tons
				Expended were:
				12 torpedoes (2 G 7a, 10 G 7e)
				Of these 8 were hits (6 attack shots, 2 misses)
				Sunk were:
				5 steamers with a total of 40900 GRT, of these WESTERN PRINCE.  Additionally the tanker "PENDRECHT" 10746 GRT was torpedoed.  Sinking was not observed.

Sun and Moon Data 29.12.40

Note:  page 26 is blank