U-979 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Horten	14 August 1944	Trondheim	10 October 1944	58

 

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
22 Sep 44	18.54	64°03'N, 22°52.5'W	USS YUKON (AF 9) (damaged)	5,969	American
			Total = 5,969
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				======================
				"  U  979  "
				1st patrol.
				Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    M  e  e  r  m  e  i  e  r
				Beginning:    6. 8.1944
				Ending:      10.10.1944
				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 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West Copy No. 5 Führer der Unterseeboote -Ausbildung- Copy No. 6 Kommando der 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7 Kommando der 11. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8
				Enclosures:
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 3 -
		06.08.44	Western Baltic
		08.00	ESE 0-1, Sea 0, Swell 0, 5/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1026 mb	Cast off Kiel for 1st patrol under Operations Orders "Atlantic" No. 56 for U-boats in the Atlantic.
		09.30		Convoy intake at Kiel Lightship.  In convoy transit on Route 1 and 28.
		12.00	Western Baltic	Surfaced           = 32
			ESE 0-1, Sea 0, 5/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1026 mb	Submerged       =   0
				Day's run:         = 32 nm
		12.02		Enemy aircraft formation in attack on Kiel.  Passing distance to the boat 20000-25000 meters.
		16.00	Great Belt
			ESE 0-1, Sea 0, 2/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1026 mb
		19.30		1843/6/024:  Kneip, Meermeier, Ulber, Matuschka in accordance with Kurier Test Order Paragraph 6 work as weather boats as follows:  Ulber, Meermeier as weather boat 3.
				Work as Kurier boat is not possible because the alternate frequency is not known.
		20.00	Great Belt
			ESE 0-1, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1026 mb
		21.09		Beginning of twilight.
		07.08.44	Great Belt
		00.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1023 mb
		04.00	Wind calm, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1023 mb
		04.37		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	Kattegat
			NE 1, Sea 0, 6/10, Vis. 7 nm, 1022 mb, misty
		12.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1023 mb	Surfaced           = 171
				Submerged       =     0
				Day's run:         = 171 nm
		16.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, Vis. 8 nm, 2/10, 1021 mb
		19.30		Released from convoy.
		20.00	Skagerrak, Route Erle
			W 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1019 mb
		21.09		Beginning of twilight.
		08.08.44	Skagerrak
		00.00	W 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1018 mb
		04.00	Oslo Fjord
			W 1, Sea 0, Vis. 4 nm, 1/10, 1018 mb

	- 4 -
		continued
		08.08.44
		04.37		Made fast Horten.
		08.08. - 10.08.44	Horten	Agru-Front, Branch Officer Horten for snorkel training and combat training of the crew.
		10.08.44	Training area Horten
		08.20		Accident submerged with U-1223 due to incorrect position of U-1223.  Damage determined to my boat was only stiffness in the outer tube door of torpedo tube 4.
		13.10		Radio Message 1119/10/068:  From 10 August 20.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit:  . . . .Meermeier (U-979) . . . .
		17.10.44		Radio Message 1421/10/073:  1.  An equipment problem found in the Kurier transmitter.  Ing. Berner arrives today latest in the morning to switch the devices.  2.  Depart first when the devices are ready.
		10.08. - 14.08.44		Anchored in Falkenstenbukta at Horten.  Waited on Ing. Berner.
		11.08.44
		18.15		Radio Message 1706/11/97:  Ulber, Meermeier in convoy to Kristiansand, . . . .   Release escort at specified point, then independent transit into the Atlantic.  Objective Naval square AL 10 via naval square AE 60 in accordance with Standing Order No. 13 1nd 14.
		14.08.44		Departed Horten for Kristiansand.
		18.30
		20.00	Skagerrak
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1013 mb
		21.14		Beginning of twilight.
		15.08.44	Skagerrak
		00.00	SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1016 mb
		04.00	Skagerrak
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1018 mb
		04.36		Beginning of twilight.
		05.20		Made fast Kristiansand for last supply.
		21.00		Cast off Kristiansand.  In convoy to the west.
		21.13		Beginning of twilight.
		16.08.44	Skagerrak
		00.00	NW 1, Sea 0, Vis. 5 nm, 8/10, 1021 mb
		01.20	AN 3524	Released from convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.44

	- 5 -
		continued
		16.08.44	I intend to set off from the coast and proceed to the north between the German warning area and the mine barrier.
		16.08.44	North Sea
		01.25	AN 3524	Dived to proceed submerged.
		04.00 - 04.20	NW 2, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm, overcast, 1019 mb	Snorkeled.
		08.00	AN 3515
		12.00	AN 3514	Surfaced           = 56
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb	Submerged       = 17
				Day's run:         = 73 nm
		12.20 - 12.30		Ventilated the boat with the snorkel.
		16.00	AN 3436
		20.00	AN 3434
		22.00 - 04.00	W 1, Sea 0, light Swell, Vis. good, 1016 mb	Snorkeled.
		21.30		Beginning of twilight.
		17.08.44	AN 3422
		00.00
		04.00	AN 3413
		08.00	AN 3412
		12.00	AN 3411	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 47
				Day's run:         = 47 nm
		15.03 - 17.55	SW 2, Sea 1, Vis. 13 nm, 4/10, 1015 mb	Snorkeled.
		16.00	AN 4632
		20.00	AN 4395	Came to course 0°.
		22.05 - 05.07		Snorkeled.
		18.08.44
		00.00	AN 4368
			SSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10, light Swell, Vis. 3 nm, 1015 mb
		04.00	AN 4338
		08.00	AN 4332
		12.00	AN 3895	Surfaced           =   0
			SSE 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 6 nm, misty, 1008 mb	Submerged       = 74
				Day's run:         = 74 nm
		12.24 & 14.52		Surfaced to take a celestial navigation fix.
		15.05 - 17.10		Snorkeled.
		16.00	AN 2865
			SSE 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. 8 nm, 1009 mb
		20.00	AN 2838
		21.45 - 05.10		Snorkeled.
		21.30		Beginning of twilight.
		19.08.44
		00.00	AN 2832
			SE 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, Vis. clear, 1010 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.44

	- 6 -
		continued
		19.08.44	North Sea
		04.00	AN 2368
		04.39		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AN 2362
		12.00	AN 2338	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 75
				Day's run:         = 75 nm
		15.15. - 18.25		Snorkeled.
		16.00	AN 2332
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 13 nm, 9/10, light Swell, 1014 mb
		18.00		Came to course 308°.  Objective AE 65.
		20.00	AF 8788
		21.31		Beginning of twilight.
		22.10 - 00.57		Snorkeled.
		20.08.44
		00.00	AF 8776
			NW 1, Sea 0, low Swell, Vis. clear, 3/10, 1015 mb
		04.00	AF 8749
		05.15 - 06.45	N 3, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm, 8/10, 1011 mb	Snorkeled.
		04.45		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 8754
		12.00	AF 8741	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 57
				Day's run:         = 57 nm
		12.30 - 13.30	N 3, Sea 2, Vis. 13 nm, 7/10, 1013 mb	Snorkeled.
		16.00	AF 7963
		17.30 - 19.00		Snorkeled.
		20.00	AF 7935
			N 4, Sea 3, Vis. 14 nm, 6/10, 1014 mb
		21.35		Beginning of twilight.
		21.08.44
		00.00	AF 7923
		00.48 - 02.55		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 7684
		04.49		Beginning of twilight.
		07.12 & 08.25		Swedish tanker and steamer on easterly course.
		08.00	AF 7684
		08.10 - 10.45	N 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, 1013 mb	Snorkeled.
		12.00	AF 7673	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 71
				Day's run:         = 71 nm
		14.55 - 17.16	NNW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1014 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AF 7563

	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.44

	- 7 -
		continued
		21.08.44	Norwegian Sea
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		22.15 - 01.10		Snorkeled.
		22.08.44
		00.00	AF 7538
		04.00	AF 7226
		04.56		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7287
		12.00	AF 7284	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 70
				Day's run:         = 70 nm
		16.00	AF 7276
		18.20		Attack periscope out of service.
				Sea water got into the hydraulic oil through the periscope installation, which led to stresses on the control valve of the hydraulic oil system.  The oil was separated and the control valve made operable.  Now when I extended the periscope the pennant creaked, then I put the lever in the middle position.  However the periscope continued to extend.
				When I then wanted to stop the periscope by placing the drive lever in the retract position, the pennant broke and the periscope dropped from about 13 meters onto the landing support.
				The pennant probably jumped from the winch and because  the control valve was corroded, I could not stop the periscope with the extend switch.
				A new pennant was installed.  Damage to the optics resulted in complete failure of the periscope.
				There was no possibility that the periscope could be made partially usable.
			Because water contamination of the hydraulic oil also damaged the control valve of the forward periscope and the forward periscope is insufficient for snorkeling, I decide to interrupt the patrol and run in to replace the periscope.
		20.00	AF 7272
		21.48		Beginning of twilight.
		23.08.44
		00.00	AF 7247
		04.00	AF 7166
		04.56		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7166	Interrupted the patrol, came to course 90°, to run closer to the Norwegian coast.
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, very misty, 1019 mb
		07.55		Surfaced to charge the battery and to report by Radio Message.
				Check fired the anti-aircraft weapons.  The twins are ready, the 3.7 cm is out of service.
		09.37		Aircraft  detected on the Fu.M.O. [radar] relative bearing 330°, range 6000 meters.
				Aircraft flies past on the port side, range decreased to 2500 meters.  Aircraft did not emerge from the very low clouds.  Then range increased again quickly.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.08.44

	- 8 -
		continued
		23.08.44	Norwegian Sea
		09.59		Sent Radio Message 0802:  Position naval square 7166.  Attack periscope out of service.  Request entry Bergen to replace periscope.
		10.05	AF 7163
		12.00	AF 7251	Surfaced           = 25
				Submerged       = 41
				Day's run:         = 66 nm
		16.00	AF 7252
		20.00	AF 7253
		21.45		Beginning of twilight.
		22.35	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. clear, long low Swell, 1018 mb	A short time after extending the snorkel mast detection in the Wanze. Went to depth 20 meters.
		23.20		Began snorkeling.
		24.08.44
		00.00	AF 7262
		00.25		Snorkel alarm.
				In the forward periscope that is 1-2 meters below the surface a searching searchlight is recognized.  The searchlight is is still visible for almost half an hour at a depth of 17 meters.
				I believe that the enemy determined my position as a result of sending the Radio Message and has deployed heavy air surveillance.
		01.23 - 04.50		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 7341
		04.53		Beginning of twilight.
		04.55		Radio Message 1427/23/150:  Meermeier.  1.  Go to Bergen.  Flottille prevents U-boat hunting.
				2.  24 August 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		08.00	AF 7345
		12.00	AF 7349	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 49
				Day's run:         = 49 nm
		16.00	AF 7373
			SW 5-6, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1012 mb
		20.00	AF 7384
		21.32		Beginning of twilight.
		22.35 - 05.00		Snorkeled.
		25.08.44
		00.00	AF 7622
		04.00	AF 7629
		04.56		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7664
		12.00	AF 7668	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 63
				Day's run:         = 63 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 23.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.44

	- 9 -
		continued
		25.08.44	Norwegian Sea
		16.00	AF 7692
			W 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good, 4/10, 1015 mb
		16.10 - 17.15		Snorkeled.
				10.25 and 17.26 hours surfaced to shoot the sun.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 110°T, 5 nm.
		20.00	AF 7696
			W 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1017 mb
		20.58 - 21.08		Surfaced.
		21.06		Sent Short Signal:  Position 36 hours off escort intake point.
		21.22		Beginning of twilight.
		22.35 - 02.32		Snorkeled.
		26.08.44
		00.00	AF 8711
		04.00	AF 8743
		05.03		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 8746
		12.00	AF 8758	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 68
				Day's run:         = 68 nm
		16.00	AF 8782
			SW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, 1014 mb
		18.00		Radio Message 1038/26/2:  U-979 (Meermeier):
				Escort positioned 27 August 09.00 hours Hellisøy.  Beacon Group Bergen North runs from 01.00 - 03.00 hours.
				- 11. U.Flottille -
		20.00	AF 8785
		20.45	SSW 2, Sea 1, Vis. clear, overcast, 1013 mb	Norwegian coast in sight. Exact point is not determined.
		21.11		Beginning of twilight.
		23.05 - 02.32		Snorkeled.
		27.08.44
		00.00	AF 8789
		03.20		Came to course 90°.  Headed for Hellisøy.
		04.00	AN 2414
		05.07		Beginning of twilight.
		06.10		Hellisøy bearing 36°T, 3 nm.
		08.00	AN 2416
			SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 7 nm, overcast, rain, 1012 mb
		08.35		Surfaced off Hellisøy.
		09.00		Convoy intake.
		11.48		Made fast Bergen.
				Surfaced           = 45
				Submerged       = 37
				Day's run:         = 82 nm

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

	- 10 -
		continued
		27. - 29.08.44
			Bergen	Bergen shipyard to replace attack periscope.  The oil examination showed 16% water in the hydraulic oil, which caused the damage.
				The periscope was replaced, new hydraulic oil filled, leak at the control valve of the snorkel mast corrected.
		29.08.44
		15.20		Departed Bergen.  Taken in convoy.  Patrol continued.
		22.28	WSW 2, Sea 1, long, low Swell, Vis. good, 1012 mb	Released escort at Point AS 1.
		22.40		Came to course 270° and dived.
		30.08.44
		00.00	AF 8791
		00.35 - 05.05		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 8749	Came to course 307°.  Objective AE 65.
			W 1-2, Sea 0-1, long Swell, Vis. clear, 1015 mb
		05.20	AF 8748	Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 8749
		12.00	AF 8745	Surfaced           = 83
				Submerged       = 37
				Day's run:         = 120 nm
		16.00	AF 8744
		18.00		Radio Message 1548/30/75:  Meermeier proceed to AL 50 via AE 60.
		20.00	AF 7963
		21.03		Beginning of twilight.
		22.13 - 00.00	NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1015 mb	Snorkeled.
		31.08.44
		00.00	AF 7935	Crash dive for searching searchlight.  Went to depth 17 meters.  No Wanze detection before.
		00.30 - 05.05		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 7923
		05.24		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7688
		12.00	AF 7684	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 60
				Day's run:         = 60 nm
		16.00	AF 7673
		17.06 - 18.08	N 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm, 7/10, 1005 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AF 7648	Radio Message 1823/31/93:  Kneip, Meermeier 1 September 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
		21.11		Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.08.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		31.08.44	Norwegian Sea
		21.57 - 22.02	NE 5-6, Sea 4, long Swell, 8/10, Vis. 8 nm, 999 mb	Surfaced to empty bailers.
		22.30 - 05.07		Snorkeled.  The boat can still be held well athwart the sea at Sea State 4.
		01.09.44
		00.00	AF 7644
		04.00	AF 7562
			NE 5-4, Sea 3, medium-high Swell, misty, overcast, 1003 mb
		05.28		Morning twilight.
		08.00	AF 7537
		12.00	AF 7526	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 60
				Day's run:         = 60 nm
		16.00	AF 7522
		17.00 - 18.30	N 1-2, Sea 1, low Swell, Vis. 14 nm, 1008 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AF 7287
		21.13		Beginning of twilight.
		22.10 - 06.00	NW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1010 mb	Snorkeled.
		02.09.44
		00.00	AF 7276
		04.00	AF 7247
		05.34		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7165
		10.10	AF 7165	Propeller sounds relative bearing 95°, 42°T.  Nothing is seen in the periscope.  Propeller sounds were soon fainter and disappeared, although for all around listening several depths were steered.
			NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. very good
		12.00	AF 7161	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 72
				Day's run:         = 72 nm
		12.15		Propeller sounds heard again bearing 60°T.  Ran to meet the stationary bearing.
		12.50		Mastheads in relative bearing 8°, 65°T, 9-10 nm away, target angle right 5-10°.  Enemy course 235°.
		13.05		Formation zigzags and becomes target angle 40-50°.  Enemy course 200°.
				Am on attack course 110° at GF, then at HF with regard to the battery because the abeam distance is about 13000 meters and I can only reach shooting position by the zigzagging of the enemy.
				The formation consists of:  1 "LONDON" cruiser, 1 "AURORA" cruiser and 4 destroyers.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.44

	- 12 -
		continued
		02.09.44	Norwegian Sea
		13.55		The formation passed at range = 12000 meters (the heavy cruiser filled 3-4 in the periscope at 6 x enlargement).  The cruisers proceed in port echelon, the destroyer are all ahead to port of the formation in the sun sector.  Air escort could not be determined.  There is no escort on my side of the formation.  Unfortunately a rare favorable attack opportunity came to nothing because I could not reach shooting position.
		14.20	AF 7161	Formation out of sight.  Continued transit into the Atlantic.
		15.20 - 15.29		Surfaced and sent a Radio Message 1410/2:
			NW 2, Sea 1, medium-long Swell, 2/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb	Kr Kr, 2 cruisers, 4 destroyers AF 7164, course southwest, speed 15 knots.    Meermeier.
				(Radio Message was not picked up by Control.)
		20.00	AF 7129
			NW 1, Sea 0, Vis. good, 2/10, 1016 mb
		21.19		Beginning of twilight.
		22.00 - 23.00		Snorkeled.
		23.05	AF 7128	During a snorkel pause, at intervals of 20-30 minutes all around listening, propeller sounds bearing 315°T, relative bearing 8.  Sounds shift very slowly to port.
				Nothing seen in the periscope with good full-moon visibility conditions
		23.30	Because I believe by the listening experience of the morning that I am very far off, I surface, to close the target.
		23.35		Relative bearing 343°, 290°T, 2 shadows, very broad target angle.  Held on at AK.
		03.09.44
		00.00	AF 7124
			W 1, Sea 0, light Swell, cloudless, Vis. 6 nm, 1018 mb
		00.13		Vessels were smaller and passed out of sight ahead.
		00.29		Dived for all around listening.  No further sound bearings.  Continued transit.
		02.43 - 06.05		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 4778
		05.45		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 4774
		12.00	AE 6996	Surfaced           =  7.5
				Submerged       = 59.0
				Day's run:         = 66.5 nm
		14.35 - 15.35	Wind calm, Sea 0, low Swell, Vis. very good, 1022 mb	Snorkeled.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		03.09.44	Northeast of the Faroes
		16.00	AE 6992
		17.00		Radio Message 1439/3/150:  Own air sighted 07.00 hours in naval square AF 1540 1 carrier, 2 cruisers, 6 destroyers, 6-8 merchant ships.  Course 200°, speed 10-15 nm.  Outbound boats exploit every attack opportunity.
			By plotting I am positioned ahead of the convoy and must meet in the next night.  Ran to meet on course 20°.
		20.00	AE 6968
		21.27		Beginning of twilight.
		23.06 - 05.29	NE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. clear, 1017 mb	Snorkeled.
		04.09.44
		00.00	AE 6965
		04.00	AE 6936
		05.43		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 4477
		12.00	AE 4477	Nothing is seen of the convoy.
				Only a few very weak detonations in an easterly direction were heard at night.
			I believe that the convoy proceeded not on course 200° but instead on course 180° and headed not for the Faroes but instead for the Shetlands.  Then it would have passed by about 30-35 nm east of me.
			Because by plotting the convoy my have passed by me a long time ago, I continue transit into the operations area.
		12.15 & 14.47	NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1015 mb	Surfaced to take a navigation fix.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 350°T, 25.5 nm.
		16.00	AE 6668
		17.06 - 18.57	NW 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, 3/10, 1016 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AE 6667
		21.25		Beginning of twilight.
		22.25 - 22.53	W 1, Sea 1, light Swell, 4/10, 1015 mb	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.  When starting the diesels to snorkel by probably turning on the exhaust gas valve too late the exhaust gas entered the boat through the relief valve.  2 men suffered smoke inhalation because they did not don Tauchretter immediately.  Both regained consciousness after half an hour.  No injuries.
		23.10 - 05.40		Snorkeled.
		05.09.44
		00.00	AE 6682
		04.00	AE 6673
		05.52		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 6675
		12.00	AE 6674	Surfaced           =  4
				Submerged       = 65
				Day's run:         = 69 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.44

	- 14 -
		continued
		05.09.44	North of the Faroes
		16.00	AE 6596
			NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb
		16.00 - 17.25		Snorkeled.
		20.00	AE 6598
		22.33 - 06.00	NW 1, light Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1011 mb	Snorkeled.
		06.09.44
		00.00	AE 6598
		04.00	AE 6821
		06.04		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 6815
		12.00	AE 6736	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 66
				Day's run:         = 66 nm
		12.05	NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1008 mb	Propeller sounds bearing 8°T, relative bearing 107°.  Patrol vessel or fishing vessel, target angle right 60°, range = 12000 meters, course 130°.
				Passing distance 9000 meters, enemy speed 12 knots.
		12.35		Vessel out of sight.
		16.00	AE 6736
			NE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm, 6/10
		20.00	AE 6735
		21.36		Beginning of twilight.
		21.54	NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm, 8/10, 1007 mb	Sound bearing 36°T, relative bearing 135°.
				Typical diesel sounds, which switch to port very quickly and disappear ahead.
				In the prevailing visibility conditions the fast shift from starboard to port could only be a snorkeling U-boat.
		22.25 - 06.22		Snorkeled.
		07.09.44
		00.00	AE 6729
		04.00	AE 6711
		06.19		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 6742
		12.00	AE 6744	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 59
				Day's run:         = 59 nm
		13.00		Came to course 216°.  New objective is AL 51.
		16.00	AE 5969
		17.05 - 19.02	N 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 11 nm, 1003 mb
		20.00	AE 5992

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.44

	- 15 -
		08.09.44	Southeast of Iceland
		00.00	AE 5995
		01.10	NE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, 2/10, Vis. 6 nm	Sound bearing in 301°T, relative bearing 85°, shifting astern.
				Surfaced and closed with a lead angle of 30°.
		01.53		Dived, because nothing was seen, while visibility was good.
				Sound bearing now in 25°T and disappeared suddenly.
				Because the target shifted so quickly and the bearing broke off suddenly, I believe I fell for a school of porpoise.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a celestial navigation fix = 250°T, 18 nm.
		02.42 - 07.00		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AE 5987
		06.33	AE 8312	Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8315
		12.00	AE 8318	Surfaced           =  8
				Submerged       = 60
				Day's run:         = 68 nm
		16.00	AE 8341
		17.36 - 18.54	N 1-2, Sea 0-1, half overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1020 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AE 8269
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		21.15 - 03.30		Snorkeled.
		09.09.44
		00.00	AE 8292
		04.00	AE 8297
		06.46		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8299
		12.00	AE 8534	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 57
				Day's run:         = 57 nm
		15.05 - 17.10	NW 1, Sea 0, nearly cloudless, Vis. 15 nm, 1016 mb	Snorkeled.
		16.00	AE 8529
		20.00	AE 8555
		21.40		Beginning of twilight.
		23.00 - 06.53	N 1, light Swell, Vis. good, 1018 mb	Snorkeled.
		10.09.44
		00.00	AE 8558
		04.00	AE 8579
		07.00		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8812

	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.44

	- 16 -
		continued
		10.09.44	South of Iceland
		12.00	AE 8817	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 71
				Day's run:         = 71 nm
		16.00	AE 8763
		18.03 - 19.00	NE 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1015 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AE 8766
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		23.03 - 06.32	N 1, Sea 0, few clouds, Vis. good, 1012 mb
		11.09.44
		00.00	AE 8768
		04.00	AE 8797
		07.08		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 3254
		12.00	AL 3229	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 70
				Day's run:         = 70 nm
		16.00	AL 3252
		18.15 - 19.04	SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1006 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AL 3257
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		12.09.44
		00.00	AL 3273
		01.03 - 04.24	SE 6-7, Sea 5, misty, overcast, Vis. low, 998 mb	Surfaced.  Because the weather has deteriorated, I decide to charge the battery on the surface, due to fear of damage to the snorkel mast and the bad visibility is unfavorable for a surprise attack.
		04.00	AL 3411
			SE 7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. bad, 996 mb
		04.26		Immediately after surfacing a loud knocking sound is heard in the listening gear.  A lashing bang like a gun shot at a shooting range, and a dull bang, which sounded like an anvil blow.
				There are different sources of noise that release about 90 bangs per minute.
				These sounds are a nasty nuisance because they can be heard very loudly with the naked ear in the boat.

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

	- 17 -
		continued
		12.09.44	South of Iceland	By turning and coming about with the boat I can get no exact bearing.
				I drive in a wide circle, to see where the sounds come from and who causes them.
		07.23		Beginning of twilight.
				As soon as something can be seen in the periscope I extend it high, nothing is seen.
				Now continued on my old course.  The sounds were louder once again and then decrease in volume.
		08.00	AL 3414
		09.30		The sounds disappear gradually.
			I believe that while proceeding on the surface we were detected and the sounds were from a buoy thrown in my vicinity, which serves either as a marker for search groups or only to have a morale effect on the crew.
		12.00	AL 3417	Surfaced           = 26
				Submerged       = 34
				Day's run:         = 60 nm
		16.00	AL 3339
		20.00	AL 3363
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1002 mb
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		21.07 - 02.08		Snorkeled.
		13.09.44
		00.00	AL 3364
			S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. clear, 1006 mb
		04.00	AL 3383
		07.34		Beginning of twilight.
		07.35 - 09.45		Snorkeled.
		08.00	AL 3521
		12.00	AL 3524	Surfaced           =   0
				Submerged       = 61
				Day's run:         = 61 nm
		15.06 - 17.10		Surfaced to take a navigation fix.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 170°T, 9 nm.
		16.00	AL 3516
			SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. good, 1008 mb
		20.00	AL 3543
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		22.23 - 06.55	SW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1009 mb	Snorkeled.
		14.09.44
		00.00	AL 3548
		04.00	AL 2696
		08.00	AL 2832

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.44

	- 18 -
		continued
		14.09.44	South of Iceland
		12.00	AL 2835	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 63
				Day's run:         = 63 nm
		16.00	AL 2837
		17.37 - 19.06	W 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10, Vis. 13 nm, 1010 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AL 2853
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		22.30 - 07.00	W 1, Sea 0-1, long low Swell, Vis. good, 1013 mb	Snorkeled.
		15.09.44
		00.00	AL 2855
		04.00	AL 2884
		05.30	AL 2884	Radio Message 1918/14/176:  Officer-Only Gustav:
				1)  Meermeier.  Occupy attack area around square AE 47.  Close close off the harbor.  "Fischer" is in the same sea area
				2)  If boat boats a south of the latitude of naval square AE southern edge, tonight send Short Signal weather report as passing report.
				Came to course 342°.
			Intention:  Head for the coast between naval square 4756 and AE 4783 via naval square AD 5968.
		07.05 - 07.10	NW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. clear, 1015 mb	Surfaced to send Short Signal weather report because I am 200 nm south of the southern edge of AE.  Short Signal was not picked up.
		08.00	AL 2849
		12.00	AL 2846	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 72
				Day's run:         = 72 nm
		16.00	AL 2842
		17.55 - 18.35	NNW 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1011 mb	Surfaced.  Check fired anti-aircraft weapons, all weapons ready.  AK cruise.
				Short Signal weather reports sent once more and was picked up by Control.
		20.00	AL 2812
		21.42		Beginning of twilight.
		22.26 - 06.32	N 2, Sea 1, Vis. medium, lightly cloudy, 1012 mb	Snorkeled.
		16.09.44
		00.00	AL 2674
		04.00	AL 2644
		07.53	AL 2563	Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 2563
		12.00	AL	Surfaced           = 10.5
				Submerged       = 60.0
				Day's run:         = 70.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.44

	- 19 -
		continued
		16.09.44	South of Iceland
		16.00	AL 2532
		20.00	AL 2398
		21.42		Beginning of twilight.
		22.15 - 07.00	NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm, half overcast, 1007 mb	Snorkeled.
		17.09.44
		00.00	AL 2391
		04.00	AL 2361
		07.55		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AL 2326
		12.00	AL 2323	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 70.5
				Day's run:         = 70.5 nm
		16.00	AL 2188
		17.35 - 19.00	N 1, Sea 0, light Swell, Vis. good, 1012 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AL 2182
		21.42		Beginning of twilight.
		22.15 - 06.05	No wind and seas, light Swell, Vis. clear, 1016 mb	Snorkeled.
		18.09.44
		00.00	AL 2154
		04.00	AL 2119
		07.57		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 7798
		12.00	AE 7794	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 71
				Day's run:         = 71 nm
		16.00	AE 7791
		20.00	AE 7768
		21.45		Beginning of twilight.
		19.09.44
		00.00	AE 7753
		00.18 - 06.55	SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium, 1002 mb	Snorkeled.
		04.00	AE 7725
		08.00	AE 7485
		12.00	AE 7481	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 65.5
				Day's run:         = 65.5 nm
		13.52 - 16.20		Surfaced to take a navigation fix.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 15°T, 10 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.44

	- 20 -
		continued
		19.09.44	Southwest of Iceland
		16.00	AE 7452
		20.00	AE 7427
		21.45		Beginning of twilight.
		22.08 - 06.21	NW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, Vis. 13 nm, 1013 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.09.44
		00.00	AE 7316
		04.00	AE 7175
		08.00	AE 7148
		08.02		Beginning of twilight.
		12.00	AE 7144	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 65
				Day's run:         = 65 nm
		14.35	AE 7117	Grounding.
				The boat was proceeding at depth 30 meters, when suddenly the keel touched bottom.
				The only shallow spot in this area is 47 meters, which I thought I could pass without danger.
				By this the boat must have had a navigation offset of 26°T, 10 nm.
				I was proceeding on one E-motor at 100 RPM.  The depth meters showed correctly.
				Damage was not determined.
		16.00	AE 7117	Moved off to the west a few miles.
		20.00	AD 8339
		21.45		Beginning of twilight.
		22.18 - 04.00	WSW 1-2 Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1015 nm	Snorkeled.
		21.09.44
		00.00	AD 8333
		04.00	AD 5988
		08.00	AD 5969
		07.30 - 08.52	SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. low, misty, overcast, 1009 mb	Snorkeled.
		09.30	AD 5966	Came to course 90°.  Objective coast south of Skagi.
		12.00	AD 5966	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 58.5
				Day's run:         = 58.5 nm
		16.00	AE 4744
		20.00	AE 4745
		21.41		Beginning of twilight.
		22.30		Came to course 270°.
				I move off a bit to first be off the coast the next morning in twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.44

	- 21 -
		continued
		21.09.44	West of Iceland
		22.55 - 02.00		Snorkeled.
		22.09.44
		00.00	AE 4755
		01.00		Came to course 90° to head for the coast.
		04.00	AE 4746
		06.30 - 07.41		Snorkeled.
		07.12		Lighthouse Reykjanes bearing 111°T, relative bearing 21°
				"        Stafnes bearing 52°T, relative bearing 322°.
		07.25	Light wind, long Swell, 8/10, Vis. clear, 1010 mb	Both lighthouses burn with peacetime identifiers.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 138°T, 10 nm.
				Off the coast, there was a busy fishing industry, so I was forced to evade several times.
			I intend to run at a distance of 4 nm off the coast to the north and back and forth off Skagi because there I expect the traffic focal point.
		08.00	AE 4783
		08.03		Beginning of twilight.
		12.00	AE 4759	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 54.5
				Day's run:         = 54.5 nm
		16.00	AE 4756
		17.45	AE 4756	By land bearings I an bearing 260°T , 4 nm from Skagi
			SSW 3, Sea 2, medium-high long Swell, Vis. 14 nm, 3/10	I attempt to lie on the bottom with a water depth of 35 meters.  The boat rolls like a plaything in the heavy surf despite a negative buoyancy of 6 tons, so that I must immediately go up again.
		18.25	AE 4756	Sound bearing 257°T, relative bearing 257°.  Masthead range 9000 meters, bow right 30°.  Soon I recognize a corvette, enemy course 45°.
				Came to attack course 305°.
		18.36		Bearing 265°T, range = 6500 meters, bow right 30-35° a 6000-ton steamer and a "Catalina" as escort over the steamer.
		18.50		The corvette passes at a range = 4000 meters.
		18.53		Two aircraft bombs far off.
		18.54	AE 4756	2-fan from tubes 2 and 4,
			SSW 3, Sea 2, medium-high Swell, Vis. good	Target angle right 80°, target speed = 12 knots, torpedo speed = 30 knots, range = 2500 meters, spread angle 3°.
				2 T III A with Pi 2 were fired depth 4 meters.
				Target takes up 12° periscope angle at 6 x magnification.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.44

	- 22 -
		continued
		22.09.44	West of Iceland
		18.54		Aim point center.
				Hit on the 6000-ton steamer at the level of the bridge.  Water column, reached double the masthead hight.
				Torpedo running time: 2 minutes 54 seconds.
		18.59		Again 2 aircraft bombs far off.
				Due to the aircraft surveillance I can only extend the periscope sparingly.
		19.00		I came to course 335° to take the corvette ahead.
				I still have 3 T V in the tubes.
				The steamer shows a slight list to starboard and has a hole in the hull below the bridge.
				He has turned to starboard and proceeds on an easterly course for the coast, presumably to set himself on the beach.
		19.04		I attempt to carry out coup de grâce
				Bow right 80°, target speed = 12 knots, torpedo speed 24.5 knots, range = 2000 meters.  One T V from tube I was fired with depth 4 meters, MZ on.
				Aim point:  one ship length behind the target.  Target fills the periscope half at 6 x magnification.
				No hit.
				Before the torpedoing I had estimated shooting data.
				As my listener later reported, after the hit the steamer reduced RPM strongly.
		19.05		Shortly after the shot was taken, the corvette turned the circular saw on.
				After the torpedoing the corvette drove his search courses with Asdic on the other side of the steamer from me.
				At irregular time intervals from 1/2 to 5 minutes the circular saw ran, each time with strong RPM reduction.
				The steamer proceeded at low speed towards the coast, where he passed out of sight.
				Because I was holding onto the corvette, I am soon in a hopeless coup de grâce position behind the steamer.
				Because the corvette also does not come closer, set off to reload.
		20.00	AE 4755
			SW 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, 2/10, long Swell
		20.35		Corvette passes out of sight on easterly course.
		21.45	AE 4755	The corvette comes in sight again bearing 45°T, relative bearing 180°, target angle 0°, range = 9000 meters.

Sun and Moon Data 22.09.44

	- 23 -
		continued
		22.09.44	West of Iceland
		21.45		Beginning of twilight.
		21.50		The corvette comes to a southerly course and becomes bow right 40-50°.
				He deploys the circular saw again at irregular intervals, stops apparently to listen and turn Asdic on.
				I come to attack course to possibly reach shooting position.
		22.07		Corvette turns to northerly course and becomes target angle 120°.
		22.17		With increasing darkness the corvette passes out of sight on a northerly course.
			I intend to move off a bit to the southwest to charge the battery and to be off Reykjanes at the southwest tip of the peninsula the next morning because there is suspect a focal point of traffic to and from England.
		22.25 - 05.03		Snorkeled.  Came to course 225°.
		23.09.44
		00.00	AE 4758
		03.30		Came to course 100°.  Objective Reykjanes.
		04.00	AE 4773
		07.15 - 07.31		Snorkeled to ventilate the boat.
				During this night the lighthouses do not burn.
		08.00	AE 4782
		09.12	NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. good, half overcast, long high Swell	By land bearings I am 5 nm west of Reykjanes.
		12.00	AE 4783	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 61.5
				Day's run:         = 61.5 nm
		14.50	AE 4783	Sound bearing in 340°R, 98°T.
			NW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. clear, 4/10, long high Swell
		14.55		1 patrol vessel bearing 95°T, range = 2500 meters, target angle left 25-30°.  Enemy course 305°.
		15.02		Convoy in sight consisting of 3 freighters each 3000 tons and 4 escorts.
		15.06		Single shot from tube I on 3000 ton freighter, target speed 8 knots, target angle left 90°, range = 1000 meters.
				One T III A was fired with dept 4 meters, MZ on.
		15.08		After a running time of 1 minute 56 seconds a heavy detonation, several explosions follow immediately.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.44

	- 24 -
		continued
		23.09.44	West of Iceland
				After these detonations, when I wanted to shoot the next steamer the periscope was suddenly dark.
				It was then reported that we were overrun.  In the conning tower I had not noticed.  Also heeling of the boat was not perceived.
				Judging by the strength of the explosions I believe the steamer was loaded with ammunition and flew into the air.
		15.12		To continue the attack I proceed with the forward periscope at depth 12 meters because I believed the aft periscope was completely bent.
				The steamer I wanted to shoot second lay with a very broad angle in relative bearing 300°.
				Just astern to port the escort that rammed me lays a depth charge series of 4 units at a range of 200 meters.  The periscope was only slightly bent and justs about 3 meters out of the water.  Therefore I decide to go to depth 20 meters.
		15.16		Reversal shot from tube V by sound bearing.  Due to an order failure the shot was taken with a shooting angle of 180° instead of 210°.
				3-4 patrol vessels participated in the subsequent pursuit circle wildly around me, stopping and listening, then start using Asdic again and in the mean time turning off the circular saw.
				I proceed at depth 20 meters the entire time.  The boat was not overrun once or detected by the patrol vessels.
				I deployed 2 walls of Bolde at right angles to one another and attempted to withdraw behind them.
		16.10		6 depth charges at harmless range.
		16.21		10 depth charges also at harmless range.
		17.15		The patrol vessel are still heard only weakly.
		19.40		2 sound bearings, which quickly increase in volume, however pass behind me.  Bearings outside listening range.
		20.08		I set off to the west away from the coast.

Sun and Moon Data 23.09.44

	- 25 -
		continued
		23.09.44	West of Iceland
		20.00	AE 4757
		22.15 - 08.25	NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. clear, long Swell, 1015 mb	Snorkeled.
		24.09.44
		00.00	AE 4779
			Because the bent periscope cannot be retracted, and attack with the forward periscope is impossible because it extends too far out of the water, I break off the patrol.
		04.00	AE 7124
		08.00	AE 7152
		08.09		Beginning of twilight.
		12.00	AE 7159	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 56
				Day's run:         = 56 nm
		16.00	AE 7185
		20.00	AE 7191
		21.26		Beginning of twilight.
		22.55 - 23.50	SW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, medium Swell, Vis. unclear, 1006 mb	Snorkeled.
		25.09.44
		00.00	AE 7197
		00.45 - 08.00		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AE 7435
		08.00	AE 7466
		08.09		Beginning of twilight.
		12.00	AE 7469	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 60
				Day's run:         = 60 nm
		16.00	AE 7493	Came to course 90°.
		20.00	AE 7542
		21.19		Beginning of twilight.
		21.52 - 22.05		Surfaced to determine the damage from ramming.
				The periscope is bent about 15° aft.  The port bridge cladding is torn apparently from impact with the propeller of the patrol boat.  The Fu.M.O. mast is damaged and the port twin is smashed.
		22.30 - 03.00	SW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 8/10, Vis. 10 nm, long high Swell, 998 mb	Snorkeled.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.44

	- 26 -
		26.09.44	South of Iceland
		00.00	AE 7573
		04.00	AE 7582
		06.22 - 08.00		Snorkeled.
		08.00	AE 7591
		12.00	AE 7592	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 57
				Day's run:         = 57 nm
		16.00	AE 7593
		20.00	AE 7593
		21.00		Beginning of twilight.
		22.10 - 04.00	WNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, long high Swell, 1007 mb	Snorkeled.
		27.09.44
		00.00	AE 7673
		04.00	AE 7681
		07.00 - 07.32		Surfaced.  Sent Radio Message 0457/27:
				On 22 September AE 4756 torpedoed an arriving 6000 GRT freighter.  Escorted by corvettes and aircraft.  23 September AE 4783 small convoy.  3 steamers, 4 escorts, hit on 3000 tonner.  Afterwards heavy detonation.  Assume ammunition steamer sunk.  After first shot rammed by patrol vessel. Periscope bent. During depth charge pursuit by 3-4 patrol vessels with Asdic remained at depth 20 meters, was not detected.  Position AE 7672.  Return transit.    Meermeier.
		07.49		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 7683
		11.50	AE 7691	Knocking impulses as we had on 12 September.  I accept the source is a buoy again.
		12.00	AE 7691	Surfaced           =  6
				Submerged       = 53.5
				Day's run:         = 59.5 nm
		13.50		Knocking sounds have disappeared.
		16.00	AE 7692
		20.00	AE 8471
		21.07	AE 8472	Beginning of twilight.
		22.08 - 07.15	W 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1025 mb, medium Swell	Snorkeled.
		28.09.44
		00.00	AE 8472
		04.00	AE 8482
		07.56		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8491
		12.00	AE 8492	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 68.5
				Day's run:         = 68.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.44

	- 27 -
		continued
		28.09.44	South of Iceland
		16.00	AE 8493
		17.00	AE 8493	Came to course 52°.  Objective AE 6735.
		20.00	AE 8547
		20.45		Beginning of twilight.
		21.50 - 23.45	WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. medium, 1018 mb	Snorkeled.
		29.09.44
		00.00	AE 8545
		01.20 - 06.15		Snorkeled.  The boat can only be held very badly in the stern sea.  Therefore I steer 120° and 0° to take the seas about 60° from astern, whereby the boat can be held much better.
		04.00	AE 8554
		07.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8524
		12.00	AE 8528	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 56
				Day's run:         = 56 nm
		16.00	AE 8526
		20.00	AE 8526
		20.33		Beginning of twilight.
		21.45 - 03.15	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, long low Swell, 1022 mb	Snorkeled.
		30 09.44
		00.00	AE 8298
		04.00	AE 8374
		05.05 - 07.25		Snorkeled.
		07.43		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 8348
		12.00	AE 8346	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 61
				Day's run:         = 61 nm
		16.00	AE 8354
		20.00	AE 8352
		20.22		Beginning of twilight.
		21.15 - 24.00	NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, 1028 mb, Vis. 12 nm	Snorkeled.
		01.10.44
		00.00	AE 8334
		02.12 - 07.15		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AE 8332
		07.37		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 6774
		12.00	AE 7675	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 66
				Day's run:         = 66 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.44

	- 28 -
		continued
		01.10.44	East of Iceland
		16.00	AE 6773
		20.00	AE 6757
		20.10		Beginning of twilight.
		21.21 - 06.10	Wind calm, no Sea State, light Swell, overcast, 1025 mb, Vis. moderate	Snorkeled.
		02.10.44
		00.00	AE 6755
		03.00		Set back clocks from D.S.Z. to 02.00 hours M.E.Z.
		04.00	AE 6735	Came to course 90°.
		06.33		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AE 6814
		12.00	AE 6815	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 63.5
				Day's run:         = 63.5 nm
		16.00	AE 6816
		18.58		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AE 6824
		21.15 - 23.22	NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 1020 mb	Snorkeled.
		03.10.44
		00.00	AE 6826
		01.26 - 06.10		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AE 6838
		06.27		Beginning of twilight.
		06.20 - 06.28	NNW 6, Sea 5, overcast, 1029 mb, Vis. 10 nm	Surfaced to empty bailers.
		08.00	AE 6941
		12.00	AE 6942	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 64
				Day's run:         = 64 nm
		16.00	AE 6943
		17.30		7 medium-loud aircraft bombs bearing 120°T.
		18.31		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AE 6952
		20.10 - 06.15	N 2, Sea 1, overcast, long Swell, Vis. good, 1024 mb	Snorkeled.
		04.10.44
		00.00	AE 6961
		01.00		Came to course 100°.  Objective G R 1.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.44

	- 29 -
		continued
		04.10.44	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	AF 4741
		06.17		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 4746
		12.00	AE 4752	5 distant aircraft bombs.
				Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 70
				Day's run:         = 70 nm
		16.00	AF 4755
		18.31		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 4764
		20.10	AF 4764
		20.10 - 01.15	SW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1022 mb, Vis. 9 nm, medium-high Swell	Snorkeled.
		05.10.44
		00.00	AF 4769
		01.15		Sound bearing in 90°T.  A tone like that of a light motorcycle.
		02.25		Sounds out of hearing range.
		04.00	AF 4857
		06.12		Beginning of twilight.
		06.18		Sounds heard again.
		06.45 - 07.00	NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1024 mb, Vis. 12 nm	Snorkeled.
				At periscope depth nothing is recognized.  I move off from the sound bearing to the south and the sounds were fainter.
		08.00	AF 4872
		12.00	AF 4873	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 55
				Day's run:         = 55 nm
		15.50		Sounds heard again bearing 85°T and 5°R.
		16.00	AF 4884	Sounds shifted slowly astern and were louder.  Propeller sounds are not heard.
		17.55		About 10 aircraft bombs in the vicinity of the boat.
				By estimate with respect to the depth charges, which I saw donate, the aircraft bombs can't lie more than 1500 meters away.
				Moved off, sounds disappeared slowly.
		18.45		At periscope depth nothing is recognized.
			I believe that the sounds originate from buoys.  I cannot explain whether or not the aircraft bombs only fell accidentally in the vicinity of my boat.
		19.30 - 24.00	NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. clear, 1028 mb	Snorkeled.
		20.00	AF 4885

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.44

	- 30 -
		06.10.44	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4897
		04.00	AF 4899
		02.30 - 06.15		Snorkeled.
		06.08		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 7311
			N 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1028 mb, Vis. good
		12.00	AF 7313	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 62
				Day's run:         = 62 nm
		16.00	AF 7321
		18.10		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 7325
		20.10 - 02.45	NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1025 mb, Vis. moderate	Snorkeled.
		07.10.44
		00.00	AF 7334
		04.00	AF 7339
		05.05 - 06.15		Snorkeled.
		05.59		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 8118
		12.00	AF 8119	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 67
				Day's run:         = 67 nm
		16.00	AF 8127
		17.56		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 8153
		20.19 - 24.00	W 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1026 mb, Vis. 10 nm	Snorkeled.
		08.10.44
		00.00	AF 8162
		01.59 - 02.08		Surfaced.  Sent Short Signal:  Position 48 hours off convoy intake point. (Signal was not heard).
		02.20 - 03.15		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 8163
		05.55		Beginning of twilight.
		05.59 - 06.10		Surfaced and sent Short Signal once more.
				Again not heard.
		08.00	AF 8245
		12.00	AF 8246	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 58.5
				Day's run:         = 58.5 nm
		10.20 & 11.59 & 14.05		Surfaced to shoot the sun.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 263°T, 18 nm.
		14.45		Came to course 82°.  Objective GR 1.
		14.07		Sent Short Signal:  Position 36 hours off convoy intake point.   Was understood.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.44

	- 31 -
		continued
		08.10.44	Norwegian Sea
		16.00	AF 8247
		17.48		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 4245
		20.15 - 24.00	W 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb	Snorkeled.
		09.10.44
		00.00	AF 8255
		03.18 - 06.15		Snorkeled.
		04.00	AF 8255
		05.52		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AF 8265
		12.00	AF 8263	Surfaced           =  0
				Submerged       = 62
				Day's run:         = 62 nm
		12.15		Grip Lighthouse bearing 112°T, 8 nm.
				Back and forth in position off the coast.
		16.00	AF 8341
		17.38		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AF 8262
		21.16		Radio Message 1707/9/28:  U-Meermeier!  Escort positioned 02.00 hours GR 1.  Escort vessel sends 2 hours  after intake time on 365 khz Identifier Letters Ubel.  After convoy intake send Short Signal with arrival time Trondheim.  Radio Beacon Group 17 in accordance with NBN runs from 23.00 hours to 01.00 hours.
				13. Uflottille.
		10.10.44
		00.00	AF 8265
		02.03	SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. clear, 1023 mb	Surfaced.
		02.16		Taken in convoy at GR 1.
		03.14		Short Signal:  11.00 hours.  U-979.
		07.06		Short Signal:  09.30 hours.  U-979.
		09.30		Made fast U-boat Base Trondheim.
				Concluding Remarks.
			The boat reached the operations area unnoticed, where it stayed for two days and got into shooting position twice.  A greater success against the small convoy on 23 September 1944 was hindered by the ramming.  The defenses were not very heavy.  I had the impression that the patrol vessel was hesitant to pursue a prosecution, although the location of the boat had to be known from the ramming, as well as by the periscope jutting a few meters out of the water.
			The subsequent pursuit showed that at depth 20 meters the boat was neither detected by Asdic or listening and the depth charges were thrown by guesswork in the area.
				The odd

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.44

	- 32 -
			The odd sound bearings on 12 September and 5 October which on one hand, sounded like rifle shots and anvil blows and on the other hand like motorcycle noise, were depressing the first time because of their volume, especially because I sould not look for the source of the sonds by day because of the far extended and bent periscope.  I believe that the sounds originate from buoys and are intended to have an effect on morale.  It is noteworthy that the sounds arise each time after surfacing or sending a Radio Message.
			Snorkeling is throughly proven.  Snorkeling was carried out up to Sea State 5, from Sea State 4 I ran athwart the seas.
			Serious health issues did not arise during the 6-week submerged patrol.
			The behavior of the crew on their first patrol was calm and reliable.
			A steamer of 6000 BRT was torpedoed.  The sinking of a 3000 GRT freighter was accepted, because after the torpedoing several heavy explosions followed, which made it possible to conclude that ammunition was loaded.
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.

 

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Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

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