U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30311

F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

1 - 15 September 1942

PG30311

1.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	Op(EE)	U 171	-	Op(DL)	U 438	-	BE 66	U 572	-	CF 35
	68	-	DT 67	172	-	DT 59	455	-	BD 58	584	-	Op(AL)
	69	-	CC 18	173	-	EF 79	459	-	DT 59	590	-	CF 34
	86	-	DO 86	174	-	BE 71	462	-	CD 50	594	-	AL 77
	87	-	BF 91	175	-	BC 91	463	-	BF 73	596	-	CD 46
	91	-	Op(AK)	176	-	CD 50	504	-	DT 69	598	-	DE 31
	92	-	Op(AK)	179	-	CF 73	506	-	Op(ET)	599	-	AF 76
	96	-	BE 16	203	-	BE 85	507	-	Op(AK)	600	-	DO 16
	98	-	DE 12	211	-	AL 26	508	-	DE 45	604	-	AK 30
	107	-	Op(DK)	214	-	CG 45	509	-	DR 11	605	-	BE 52
	108	-	CD 84	216	-	AN 28	510	-	CE 75	608	-	Op(AL)
	109	-	Op(ET)	217	-	Op(ED)	511	-	Op(EC)	609	-	Op(AK)
	125	-	Op(EV)	218	-	AE 83	512	-	CE 16	617	-	AN 28
	130	-	DT 22	256	-	BF 54	513	-	Op(AH)	658	-	DE 98
	134	-	BF 68	259	-	AN 28	514	-	CC 16	659	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	CD 50	373	-	CD 50	515	-	DF 13	660	-	BE 71
	155	-	CE 74	380	-	Op(AL)	516	-	CE 51	705	-	BE 57
	156	-	DT 68	404	-	Op(AL)	517	-	Op(AH)	752	-	CF 62
	159	-	DG 36	406	-	Op(CF)	553	-	BF 11	755	-	CD 55
	162	-	Op(EE)	407	-	AK 30	558	-	Op(DM)	756	-	Op(AK)
	163	-	DE 49	409	-	AK 30	564	-	EE 46	D 5	-	AF 76
	164	-	Op(DM)	410	-	AF 76	566	-	BF 75
	165	-	Op(BB)	411	-	AK 30	569	-	CD 50
				432	-	BC 35

	On Return Passage: U 86 - 98 - 108 - 130 - 134 - 155 - 163 - 173 - 174 - 256 - 438 - 463 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 566 - 572 - 598 - 600 - 605 - 658 - 660 - 705 - 752
	Entered Port: U 134 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 753 - 333 La Pallice; U 618 - 440 - 258 - 221 - Kiel; U 460 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 49 see para. IVa.
		2)	U 69 reported a two-funneled ship at 1000 in CC 1777, course 50⁰, 20 knots.
			U 175 is operating against this ship from BC 7686.
		3)	U 96 was forced to submerge in BE 1957 by a destroyer and patrol vessel.
		4)	U 600 fired 2 single misses at the freighter she reported yesterday, course 320⁰, 12 knots. Faultless data. Returning home because of fuel.
			Convoy No. 50 and 51 see para. IVa.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 5158, ED 98, DO 9223, CA 57, DA 91, EC 28, GA 36(?), FJ 87, ED 91, DM 4440.
		A/c reports: AL 17, AL 15, CG 4719.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 49:
			Shadowing continued. The following boats reported convoy's

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		positions: U 609, which acted as shadower proper after she had fixed all her torpedoes, also U 407, U 411, U 409, U 92, U 659 and U 91. The following attacked: U 604 at 0733/1 in about 3729. She scored a probable hit at a 5,000 tonner. U 659's attack was frustrated by the convoy's making a leg just beforehand. Shortly before that U 409 was picked up by an escort vessel for a short time and depth-charged. Both periscopes out of order. U 407 tried a night attack at 0350. We could not fire as the enemy again made a sharp leg. U 91 fired a quadruple miss at dawn. The convoy proceeded via the following points: AK 3677 - 3683, AL 1716 (1945) 1735 (2320), 1845 (0345).
		In the morning U 211 was also ordered to operate against the convoy. She is outward-bound from home and was in about AL 10. At 0850 U 407 reported a Sunderland in AK 3726 and another one at 1153 in AK 3765. From then on the convoy had continuous air escort, and boats were constantly forced to submerge.
		U 91 reported that she was forced to dive once or twice every hour by a/c. This made hauling ahead very difficult and practically impossible for boats which were astern of the convoy. Ops. Control recommended the boats try a night attack and, if this proved impossible, to haul ahead so that a day attack could be made after first light. At 0123 the first shore-based a/c was reported in AK 3829. As experience had shown that further operation in the area under constant air patrol was useless, Ops. Control decided to break off the operation after first light. Boats which were in a position make an underwater attack at this time were to take their chance and then move away to the west. No successes were scored during the night. The following boats are returning: U 609 because of fuel, U 409 because both her periscopes are out of order, and U 604 because her electric and Junkers compressors are out of order. For summary see War Log of 2.9.
	2)	Convoy No. 50:
		U 174 sighted a convoy on a south course at low speed in BE 7235 at 1910. U 203 and U 590 were ordered to take action. U 174 lost contact at 2035 and started on return passage because of fuel. Last position BE 7228, 5 vessels seen for certain. Weather: north 9, heavy sea. As U 203 and U 590 were in a favorable position they will continue to operate at cruising speed on a course in accordance with the seaway and, if they have not sighted anything after crossing the enemy's course, will continue their passage south.
	3)	Convoy No. 51:
		U 404 reported at 0130 a small convoy with 6 destroyers in AL 5683, course west, 8 knots. Group "Stier" was ordered to take action. At 0408 U 404 lost contact and suspected that the convoy had turned south. She saw about 8 steamers and 4 destroyers for certain. The operation continues.
b)	1)	As traffic off Trinidad continues heavy, 2 further

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boats, U 175 and 514, were ordered to that area.

U 511 has been given freedom of action in the Caribbean according to her fuel situation.

Group "Eisbär" will move off from 2400/1/9, boat by boat. Boats are to report position and fuel between 0 and 5⁰ N.

The following have supplied from U 462: U 373 - 569 - 176 - 755 - 596 - 135. Tanker's stocks: 185 cbm, 85 days' provisions.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 604

1 ship

5,000 GRT

Torpedoed.

VI.

General:

I.	In commission on 1.8.:	342
	Commissioned in August	21
	Lost in August	363
	In commission on 1.9.42	13
	Plus foreign boats: UA, UC2, UD 1,3,4,5	6
		356

II.	Losses in August (Only those underlined have already been declared missing):
	U 213,	von Varendorff, on active service since January. Chased by corvettes on 1.8. E. of the Azores.
	U 588,	Vogel, on active service since January, 1st report 31.7. from convoy in the North Atlantic. Sank 1 ship according to other boat's observations.
	U 612,	Siegmann, rammed 6.8.42. while training in the Baltic and sank.
	U 210,	Lempke, first patrol, last report 6.8. at convoy in the NOrth Atlantic. 16 prisoners in America.
	U 335,	Pelkra, first patrol, last report 8.8. convoy North Atlantic.
	U 379,	Kettner, first patrol, last report 8.8. convoy North Atlantic.
	U 754,	Oestermann, experienced boat, last report 31.7. east of Boston.
	U 578,	Rehwinkel, experienced boat, left Nazaire 6.8. Presumably bomb or mine in Biscay.
	U 372,	Neumann, experienced boat, early August in East Mediterranean.
	U 464,	Harms, first patrol, no report since leaving Drontheim for the Atlantic.
	U 166,	Kuhlmann, first patrol, last report 27.7.42. in Gulf of Mexico.
	U 94,	Ites, experienced boat, last report 21.8.42., attacking convoy north of Jamaica.
	U 654,	Forster, experienced boat, last report 21.8.42., did not report 2.9., possibly lost with U 94 on 28.8.42. in the convoy operation off Jamaica. American broadcasters say that 2 boats were sunk.

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III.

Distribution:

	II	VIIa	VIIb/c	VIId	IXb/c	IXd1	IXD2	Xb	XIV	Total	Foreign	Sum

Front-line:	-	-	113	4	47	-	1	1	5	171	1	172
Trials:	-	-	95	-	17	1	4	3	-	120	2	122
Training:	37	4	16	-	2	-	-	-	-	59	3	62

	37	4	224	4	66	1	5	4	5	350

IV.

In August (excluding foreigners):

Total number increased by:	+	8
Number of front-line boats increased by:	+	19
Number of boats on trial decreased by:	-	11

Front-line boats were distributed as follows on 1.9.42:

Atlantic (without foreigners)	133	boats
Mediterranean	15	boats
Norway area	23	boats
	171	boats

VI.

During August in the Atlantic:

Daily average of boats at sea:	86.4
Of which in Ops. area:	30.9
Of which on passage:	55.5
(of which 17.5 on return passage)

VII.

Sailed in August:

From home	32	boats.
From West France	29	boats.

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2.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	Op(EE)	U 173	-	EF 35	U 438	-	BF 52	U 572	-	BE 98
	68	-	DT 97	174	-	BE 73	440	-	AO	584	-	Op(AL)
	69	-	CB 39	175	-	BC 79	455	-	BD 79	590	-	BE 78
	86	-	DD 95	176	-	Op(CD)	459	-	DT 87	594	-	Op(AL)
	87	-	BF 81	179	-	CF 78	460	-	BF 91	596	-	Op(CD)
	91	-	AL 15	203	-	CF 26	462	-	Op(CD)	598	-	CD 78
	92	-	AL 16	211	-	AL 10	463	-	BF 83	599	-	AF 48
	96	-	BE 15	214	-	Op(CG)	504	-	DT 98	600	-	DO 26
	98	-	CC 88	216	-	AF 87	506	-	Op(ET)	604	-	AL 10
	107	-	Op(GG)	217	-	Op(ED)	507	-	Op(FD)	605	-	BE 62
	108	-	CD 66	218	-	AE 85	508	-	DE 52	608	-	Op(AL)
	109	-	Op(ET)	221	-	AO 48	509	-	DF 43	609	-	AL 18
	125	-	Op(EV)	256	-	BF 52	510	-	CD 66	617	-	AF 87
	130	-	DT 62	258	-	AO 48	511	-	Op(EC)	618	-	AO
	135	-	Op(CD)	259	-	AF 87	512	-	CE 41	658	-	DF 74
	155	-	CD 66	333	-	BF 92	513	-	Op(BB)	659	-	AL 16
	156	-	DT 98	373	-	Op(CD)	514	-	CC 45	660	-	BE 49
	159	-	DG 62	380	-	Op(AL)	515	-	DF 15	705	-	BE 56
	162	-	Op(EE)	404	-	Op(AL)	516	-	CD 69	752	-	CG 14
	163	-	DE 55	406	-	Op(CF)	517	-	Op(BB)	753	-	BF 92
	164	-	Op(EB)	407	-	AL 18	553	-	DQ 87	755	-	Op(CD)
	165	-	Op(BB)	409	-	AL 14	558	-	Op(DM)	756	-	AL 10
	171	-	Op(DL)	410	-	AF 48	564	-	EE 52	UD 5	-	AF 48
	172	-	DT 89	411	-	AL 15	566	-	BF 81
				432	-	AJ 97	569	-	Op(CD)


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	On Return Passage: U 86 - 98 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 173 - 174 - 256 - 438 - 463 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 566 - 572 - 598 - 600 - 605 - 609 - 658 - 660 - 705 - 752.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 49, 50, 51 see para. IVa.
		2)	U 517 reported a small convoy on a NE course, speed 8 knots in BB 2475. She was ordered not to make any further shadower's reports unless U 165, nearby, requested them.
		3)	U 173 sighted a two-funneled vessel, course 0⁰, 20 knots, small zig-zags, in DQ 9681.
		4)	U 175 broke off her search for the ship reported yesterday by U 96, without result.
		5)	U 109 sank "Ocean Night", estimated at 10,000 GRT, in FF 3650, after chasing her for 22 hours. Main course 105, zig-zags from 35⁰ to 160⁰. Boat is searching for traffic between FF 3757 and 1166.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 32, DM 44, GB 1526, DC 1569, AH 96, BB 25, EB 22/25, DM 64, EB 8539, EB 53.
		Aircraft reported U-boat in AF 4829.
		U-boat attack in BA 38 (U 165).
		SSS report from S.S. "Ocean Night" in FF 36 (U-boat warning).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 49:
			U 91 attacked at dawn and fired a quadruple miss. Convoy's last position at 0830 was AL 1824, course 60⁰, speed 8 knots. U 211 dived away from a vessel at 0900 and picked up convoy by hydrophone. Depth-charged while attacking a destroyer. Except for U 756, all boats reported their position and fuel as ordered and moved away to the S.W. New approach point is AL 47. U 756 was ordered to report her position. Operation against this convoy is now concluded.
		2)	Convoy No. 50:
			U 203 made contact with the convoy, 5 smoke clouds at 1727 in CF 2871, course S., medium speed. Lost sight of convoy at 1914 in CF 5211 because of too great speed. OPeration broken off.
		3)	Convoy No. 51:
			U 404 pressed on at 250⁰ and could not regain contact because of very bad visibility. After an exchange of radio messages with the C.O. at 2100, Operations Control decided to break off the operation. C.O. reported that there was little hope of picking up the convoy again because of rough seas, and that according to dead reckoning the convoy's position should be about 40 miles ahead of his own. SW 9, sea 7-8.
	b)	U 432 will occupy AJ 90 as temporary attack area. U 590 will occupy CF 82, 85, 88. U 203, 81, 84, 87. U 406, 73, 76, 79.
		After breaking off operations against U 404's convoy, Group "Stier" was dissolved. Boats will join Group "Vorwärts". This group has been ordered to form a patrol line from AK 0391 to AL 7284 in the order: U 756 - 92 - 411 - 659 - 91 - 404 - 407 - 380 - 584 - 608 and 690. Purpose: to pick up an England - America convoy expected to pass on 4.9.

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None.

At 0940 a radio message was received from U 438, stating that U 256 was in position 47⁰ 02' North and 05⁰ 07' West, unable to dive or proceed. Measures were taken immediately for her protection. F.O.I.C. West Defences sent 2 M-boats to meet her, which could not however leave until 1330 and should reach the rendezvous at 2000. When they arrive U 256 will be towed into Lorient. U 438 is putting into Brest.

According to a report from the C.O., U 256 was surprised and bombed by aircraft.

Reports of Success:

U 109

1 ship

10,000 GRT

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3.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	Op(EE)	U 172	-	EJ 37	U 438	-	v. Brest	U 584	-	AK 90
	68	-	EJ 38	173	-	DR 48	440	-	AN 36	590	-	CF 50
	69	-	CB 53	174	-	BE 83	455	-	CD 31	594	-	AK 90
	86	-	DE 71	175	-	CC 29	459	-	EJ 18	596	-	BC 97
	87	-	BF 72	176	-	BC 94	460	-	BF 81	598	-	CD 87
	91	-	Op(AL)	179	-	DG 38	462	-	CD 81	599	-	AE 69
	92	-	Op(AL)	203	-	CF 50	463	-	BF 64	600	-	DD 88
	96	-	Op(AK)	211	-	AL 91	504	-	EJ 39	604	-	AL 58
	98	-	CC 96	214	-	Op(CG)	506	-	Op(ET)	605	-	BF 54
	107	-	Op(CG)	216	-	AF 72	507	-	Op(FE)	608	-	AK 90
	108	-	OD 66	217	-	Op(ED)	508	-	DE 37	609	-	AL 58
	109	-	Op(FF)	318	-	AL 31	509	-	CD 88	617	-	AF 72
	125	-	Op(EV)	221	-	AN 36	510	-	CD 66	618	-	AN 36
	130	-	DT 33	256	-	v. Lorient	511	-	Op(EC)	658	-	DF 49
	135	-	CD 21	258	-	AN 36	512	-	CD 68	659	-	AL 41
	155	-	CD 66	259	-	AF 72	513	-	Op(BB)	660	-	BF 44
	156	-	EJ 38	333	-	BF 83	514	-	CC 71	705	-	BE 55
	159	-	DG 92	373	-	BC 94	515	-	DE 63	752	-	BF 74
	162	-	Op(EE)	380	-	AK 90	516	-	CD 67	753	-	BF 82
	163	-	DE 35	404	-	AK 90	517	-	Op(BB)	755	-	BC 97
	164	-	Op(EB)	406	-	Op(CF)	553	-	DQ 94	756	-	?
	165	-	Op(BB)	407	-	Op(AL)	558	-	Op(DL)	D 5	-	AE 69
	171	-	Op(DL 56)	409	-	AL 42	564	-	EE 38
				410	-	AE 69	566	-	BF 83
				411	-	Op(AL)	569	-	BC 94
				432	-	Op(AJ)	572	-	BF 83

	On Return Passage: U 66, 86, 98, 130, 155, 163, 173, 174, 409, 463, 508, 509, 510, 553, 564, 566, 572, 598, 600, 604, 605, 609, 658, 660, 705, 752.
	Entered Port: U 256 - Lorient; U 438 - Brest; U 462 - St. Nazaire; U 572 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 356 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

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III.

Reports on the Enemy:

U 517 sank a steamer of 11,500 GRT in BB 2258.

U 203 sighted the Portuguese ship "Sines" in her operations area, carrying coal from Norfolk to Lisbon. In reply to a query, boat was ordered to treat the ship according to prize regulations, i.e. let her go.

U 108 reported a destroyer on a west course, high speed, in CE 4199.

U 165 lost contact with the convoy in BA 3834.

U 553 chased a ship type "Australia Star" in DQ 5238, making long legs about an east course. speed 17 knots. Ship lost sight of at 2200 in DQ 6175, general course 170⁰. Boat continuing on her return passage.

None.

U-boat sightings: CA 3279, DM 61, EB 86, AH 97, BB 23, DM 6147.

Aircraft sighted U-boat in BF 4448 and BF 4160.

U-boat attack: in BB 2270 (U 157).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 125 has been given freedom of action to the east and west of the Prime Meridian.

U 108 and 598 have refueled from U 155 and U 509 respectively.

Now that the list of all Swedish ships sailing in the Göteburg traffic has been amended, boats have been ordered to sink all ships not listed without warning in the blockade area and outside the blockade area, as soon as the crew has left the ship.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 517

2 ships

11,500 GRT.

VI.

General:

The early appearance of enemy aircraft to protect their convoys has had a restricting effect on convoy operations and this fact forced me again to demand an effective aircraft to combat the enemy air force protecting convoys.

This demand has been made to Naval War Staff, giving the following reasons:

The use of enemy aircraft to escort convoys has again severely restricted convoy operations and caused the total failure of the operation against Convoy No. 49.

The convoy was picked up on 31 August in AK 2914 on an east course and during the first day 2 ships were sunk and 2 others torpedoed.

Air escort appeared over the convoy already at 0900/1/9 in AK 3726 (800 miles from England, 450 miles from Iceland). Air escort was reinforced towards evening. By systematically forcing the U-boats to submerge, it made them lose contact at evening twilight and thus spoilt all the boats' best chances to attack during the first four moonless hours of the night. The enemy made clever use of the boats loss of contact to make a sharp leg, so that contact was not regained until 0300 and it was no longer possible to get the boats of the Group (except 2) near to the convoy. The convoy operation has to be broken off on 2.9. in the morning, as it no longer seemed possible for them to haul ahead in the face of the strong enemy air activity expected and in view of poor visibility, they were also exposed to too great a risk from aircraft with radar. Altogether 3 boats had been more or less severely bombed on 1.9.

As the attached diagram shows, the English have succeeded in gaining air control of a large sector of the North Atlantic by increasing the ranges of their shore based aircraft and have thus narrowed down very much the area in which U-boats can operate without danger from the air. In this connection it has been noticed so far that air patrol is stronger in

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	the east half of the Atlantic than in the west. Reasons for this are probably the small number of air bases in Newfoundland and Greenland and the fact that fewer U-boats have operated in this area. It is to be expected however, that, if U-boats were transferred to the West Atlantic, there would shortly be a stronger air patrol there and conditions would become the same as in the East North Atlantic.
	Apart from the serious effects enemy aircraft have so far had on U-boat warfare, i.e.:
		a)	Total losses and the large number of boats badly and slightly damaged.
		b)	Re-enforced shifting of U-boat operations far into the Atlantic and the consequent higher fuel consumption and short operational periods. (Final result: fewer U-boats in operations areas).
		c)	Greater difficulty in finding the enemy in the open Atlantic.
	B.d.U. is gravely concerned at the prospect of the same unfavorable air situation over the convoys extending to almost all parts of the North Atlantic, the main battleground of U-boats; this will undoubtedly be the case if things develop at their present rate. Unless suitable counter-measures can be taken prospects of success of U-boats will be reduced to an unjustifiable extent.
	The urgent need of counteracting enemy aircraft protecting convoys must therefore be emphasized once more. Aircraft used for this would have to fulfill the following conditions:
		a)	Very great range (aircraft must be able to remain over the convoy for some time).
		b)	Fighting power (must be superior to enemy flying boats and 4-engined land-based aircraft in speed and armament).
	In my opinion these conditions are not entirely fulfilled by the He 177, because, as far as I know, the range of this aircraft is only 2,200 km.
	B.d.U. therefore requests that every emphasis be laid on the development of an effective aircraft with long range, in the interests of a continued effective U-boat warfare.

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4.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	EF 47	U 172	-	EJ 67	U 411	-	Op(AK)	U 569	-	BC 67
	68	-	EJ 67	173	-	DR 42	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	CB 43	174	-	BE 92	440	-	AN 28	590	-	Op(CF)
	86	-	DE 27	175	-	CC 51	455	-	CD 22	594	-	AL 71
	87	-	BE 93	176	-	BC 67	459	-	EJ 49	596	-	BC 91
	91	-	Op(AL)	179	-	DG 68	460	-	BF 72	598	-	CD 85
	92	-	Op(AK)	203	-	Op(CF)	462	-	CD 81	599	-	AE 83
	96	-	Op(AL)	211	-	Op(AL)	504	-	EJ 69	600	-	DD 83
	98	-	CD 76	214	-	Op(CG)	506	-	Op(ET)	604	-	AL 94
	107	-	Op(CG)	216	-	AE 69	507	-	Op(FE)	605	-	BF 62
	108	-	CE 43	217	-	Op(EE)	508	-	DF 14	608	-	AL 71
	109	-	Op(FC)	218	-	AL 25	509	-	CD 85	609	-	AL 94
	125	-	Op(EV)	221	-	AN 28	510	-	CD 66	617	-	AE 69
	130	-	DH 81	258	-	AN 29	511	-	Op(BN)	618	-	AN 29
	135	-	BC 91	259	-	AE 69	512	-	CD 86	658	-	DF 54
	155	-	CD 66	333	-	BF 73	513	-	Op(BB)	659	-	Op(AL)
	156	-	EJ 68	356	-	AO	514	-	DD 35	660	-	BF 46
	159	-	DT 21	373	-	BC 67	515	-	DE 67	705	-	BF 54
	162	-	Op(EE)	380	-	AL 47	516	-	CD 82	752	-	BF 90
	163	-	CD 79	404	-	AL 47	517	-	AH 97(Op)	753	-	BF 68
	164	-	Op(EC)	406	-	Op(CF)	553	-	DQ 62	755	-	BC 91
	165	-	BA 38(Op)	407	-	Op(AL)	558	-	Op(DM)	756	-	?
	171	-	Op(DL)	409	-	AL 82	564	-	EF 14	D 5	-	AE 83
				410	-	AE 83	566	-	BF 54

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 98 - 86 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 173 - 174 -409 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 554 - 566 - 598 - 600 - 604 - 605 - 609 - 658 - 660 - 705 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 605 - Brest; U 752 - 753 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 125 sank a coastal freighter type "The Baron" (820 GRT) on 1.9. in EV 8123, course 270⁰. Since then no traffic, strong air activity. Boat is operating on in FG, upper third.
		2)	U 564 sighted a single ship (type "Australia Star", 12,614 GRT) in DQ 7213, course 280⁰, speed of advance 14 knots.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: EE 7772, BB 4271, BA 97, EC 4190, AH 97, DM 79, DO 78, EC 9285.
		Aircraft sighted U-boat in BF 4651.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	In order to prevent the expected convoy passing the patrol line by night, Group "Vorwärts was ordered to proceed in reconnaissance line, course 250⁰, speed 6 knots, from 2200 and to stop as patrol line at 0930/5/9. Visibility is very poor at the moment in the sea area, 3 -5 miles. U 218 will take up the most northerly position in the patrol line in place of U 756, probably lost.
		2)	U 87 is to steer for CF 86.
	c)	U 155 and U 460 will rendezvous in BD 9855 after 2000/7/9 to hand over the spare parts brought out from port by U 460.
	d)	U 756 on her first enemy patrol, was operating against Convoy No. 49 as part of Group "Vorwärts". She last reported at 0115/1/9: Driven

- 155 -

off by destroyer while making attack, depth-charged, no damaged, pressing on. Since then the boat has not replied to calls. There is no information on her sinking. She must be assumed loss.

Reports of Success:

U 125

1 ship

820 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -










- 156 -

5.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	EF 43	U 171	-	Op(DM)	U 409	-	AL 98	U 558	-	Op(DM)
	68	-	ES 98	172	-	EJ 97	410	-	AE 85	564	-	DQ 49
	69	-	CB 41	173	-	DR 12	411	-	Op(AK)	566	-	BF 52
	86	-	DE 26	174	-	BF 54	432	-	Op(AJ)	569	-	BC 29
	87	-	BE 89	175	-	CC 49	440	-	AF 84	584	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AK)	176	-	BC 29	455	-	CD 15	590	-	Op(CF)
	92	-	Op(AK)	179	-	DG 98	459	-	EJ 87	594	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(AK)	203	-	Op(CF)	460	-	BE 91	596	-	BC 53
	98	-	CD 83	211	-	Op(AK)	462	-	CD 81	598	-	CD 44
	107	-	Op(CG)	214	-	Op(CG)	504	-	EK 77	599	-	AE 85
	108	-	CE 29	216	-	AE 83	506	-	Op(ET)	600	-	DD 69
	109	-	Op(FG)	217	-	Op(EE)	507	-	Op(ET)	604	-	BE 23
	125	-	Op(EV)	218	-	AL 18	508	-	DF 13	608	-	Op(AK)
	130	-	DH 52	221	-	AF 84	509	-	CD 68	609	-	BE 23
	135	-	BC 53	258	-	AF 84	510	-	CD 60	617	-	AE 91
	155	-	CD 60	259	-	AE 83	511	-	Op(EC)	618	-	AF 84
	156	-	EJ 99	333	-	BF 71	512	-	CF 81	658	-	DF 37
	159	-	DT 51	356	-	AN 36	513	-	Op(BB)	659	-	Op(AK)
	162	-	Op(EE)	373	-	BC 29	514	-	DD 65	660	-	BF 52
	163	-	CD 83	380	-	Op(AK)	515	-	DE 86	705	-	BF 52
	164	-	Op(EC)	404	-	Op(AK)	516	-	CF 81	755	-	BC 53
	165	-	Op(BB)	406	-	Op(CF)	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	AE 84
				407	-	Op(AK)	553	-	DR 80

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 173 - 174 - 409 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 566 - 598 - 600 - 604 - 609 - 658 - 660 - 705.
	Entered Port: U 660 - 566 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 615 - 661 - Kiel; U 332 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 513 carried out a surprise attack on the ore port of Wabana in Conception Bay and sank two ore freighters totaling 18,500 GRT. Coning tower damaged as a result of ramming. After repairing boat intends to operate off St. Johns.
		2)	U 171 sank a tanker type "Cadillac" (12,062 GRT) in DK 5165. Return passage. Supply is planned.
		3)	U 506 situation: Sighted a large 2-funneled steamer on 31.8. in FF 2550, main course 300⁰, speed 14 knots. Otherwise no traffic up to 4.9. in ET 50, 80, 90 and FF 10 and 20. Slight air activity. From 4 -5.9. chased convoy of 3 freighters and 1 destroyer from FF 2543 to 2938. Course 120⁰, 10 knots. Hit on freighter of 6,000 GRT. Sinking probable. Operation in FF 11 is intended.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DM 75, EO 16, ED 9843.
		U-boat attack in BB 63 (U 513).
		English aircraft reported U-boat in AE 87.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	U 373, 569, 176, 432, 755, 596, 135 to form a patrol line from AJ 8815 to BC 2279. Boats will constitute Group "Loss". Plan: to operate against England - America convoys. U 159 and U 179 are proceeding to their operation areas via FD 10 and 20.

- 157 -

It is suspected that south and north-bound single-ship traffic collects between 100-200 and 200-300 miles E of St. Paul's Rock.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 506	1 ship	6,000 GRT	probably sunk
171	1 ship	12,000 GRT
513	2 ships	18,500 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

6.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	EF 25	U 171	-	Op(DK)	U 407	-	Op(AK)	U 553	-	DF 79
	68	-	ES 38	172	-	ES 37	409	-	BE 34	558	-	Op(EB)
	69	-	CA 61	173	-	DF 48	410	-	AL 31	564	-	DQ 52
	86	-	DE 32	174	-	BF 55	411	-	Op(AK)	569	-	BC 21
	87	-	CF 37	175	-	CC 78	432	-	AJ 89	584	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AK)	176	-	BC 22	440	-	AF 48	590	-	Op(CF)
	92	-	Op(AK)	179	-	DT 18	455	-	CD 17	594	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(AK)	203	-	Op(CF)	459	-	ES 29	596	-	BC 25
	98	-	CD 81	211	-	Op(AK)	460	-	BE 84	598	-	CE 51
	107	-	Op(CG)	214	-	Op(CG)	462	-	CD 81	599	-	AL 33
	108	-	CF 13	216	-	AE 88	504	-	ET 17	600	-	DE 42
	109	-	Op(FF)	217	-	Op(ED)	506	-	Op(ET)	604	-	BE 25
	125	-	Op(EV)	218	-	Op(AK)	507	-	Op(ET)	608	-	Op(AK)
	130	-	DH 23	221	-	AF 48	508	-	CD 97	609	-	BE 25
	135	-	BC 25	258	-	AF 48	509	-	CE 44	615	-	AO
	155	-	CE 19	259	-	AE 82	510	-	CE 19	617	-	AE 85
	156	-	ES 38	332	-	BE 92	511	-	Op(EC)	618	-	AF 48
	159	-	DT 81	333	-	BE 94	512	-	CD 81	658	-	DF 33
	162	-	Op(EE)	356	-	AN 29	513	-	Op(BC)	659	-	Op(AK)
	163	-	CD 81	373	-	BC 21	514	-	DD 94	661	-	AO
	164	-	Op(EC)	380	-	Op(AK)	515	-	DQ 14	705	-	BF
	165	-	Op(BA)	404	-	Op(AK)	516	-	CD 81	755	-	BC 22
				406	-	Op(CF)	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	AL 33

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 173 - 174 - 409 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 604 - 609 - 658 - 705.
	Entered Port: U 174 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 201 - 202 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Reports from U 608 and 594 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 217 found no traffic in the area of Trinidad.
		3)	U 507 also found nothing on her passage from the Brazilian coast to FE 37.
		4)	U 109 sank the British "Tuscan Star" (11,449 GRT) in FF 1149, course 60⁰, speed 14 knots. Returning because of fuel.
		5)	U 165 sighted a convoy of 5 steamers, course 70⁰, 7 knots in BA 3836. She attacked and scored 2 hits each on 3 steamers totaling 19,000 GRT. Sinking not seen but probable.
		6)	U 164 observed no traffic on the route CE 55 to DL 93 and back. Sank a coastal freighter of 2,000 GRT in EC 56, course 55⁰.
		7)	U 107 sighted 4 unescorted steamers in GG 5941 (off Lisbon), course south, and sank 2 totaling 8,500 GRT. Otherwise only

- 158 -

neutral ships and fishing vessels seen except for 1 patrol boat.

None.

U-boat sightings: DM 26, EC 94, DM 7529, BA 89, ED 8344, EO 38.

U-boat attack: in EC 94 (U 104?).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

U 608 reported 2 destroyers in AK 9399 at 0959, course 220⁰. As these may be part of the expected convoy, which according to dead reckoning should be nearby, U 584, 594 and 96 were ordered to act on this report. At 1042 U 594 also sighted a destroyer in AK 9369, which, from its position, could have been part of the starboard outer screen. Operations Control then decided to operate the whole of Group "Vorwärts" and gave orders accordingly. U 594 could not shadow for long in the rain and bad visibility (about 1 mile). The last position of the destroyers reported was at 1550 in AK 9616 according to hydrophone bearing. U 608 also reported rain and fog, visibility 500 meters. At 1035 she was forced to submerge in AK 6675 by destroyers and at 1420 picked up one steamer and 2 destroyers, course 250⁰, speed 8 knots, by hydrophone in AK 9625. As visibility deteriorated the boat did not succeed in shadowing. Last hydrophone bearing at 0500 from AK 9468. Group "Vorwärts" has so far continued to operate against the suspected convoy as visibility is expected to improve and there should be a W-bound convoy in this area. It is intended to break off the operation after sunrise if no contact is made by then.

U 590, 87, 333, 107 and 214 will join Group "Iltis". They have been ordered to form a patrol line from CF 7556 to 8654. From 2000/9/9 course south, day's run of 160 miles. Individual operation intended after supply in the south.

Group "Lohs" will form a new patrol line from AJ 8631 to 9796 in their old order at cruising speed.

U 356, 618, 661 are to proceed to the Atlantic via AM 32.

U 163 has delivered 6 torpedoes to U 516 and taken over distilled water from U 462.

Southern boats, including Group "Eisbär", have permission to attack as far as latitude 5⁰ South.

U 705, on her way into port, was expected at the escort rendezvous off Brest at 1800/5/9. The boat had not arrived there by today. She last reported on 3.9. that she was 48 hours off the port. It must be assumed that U 705 was lost by air attack, as English aircraft reported a U-boat in BF 4448 on 3.9. and in BF 4651 on 4.9. and they are sure to have attacked. The boat must be presumed lost. G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces flew reconnaissance along the boat's supposed approach route without result.

Reports of Success:

U 109	1 ship	11,449 GRT
U 164	1 ship	2,000 GRT
U 107	2 ships	8,500 GRT
U 165	3 ships	19,000 GRT	probably sunk.

- 159 -

7.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DQ 84	U 172	-	ES 68	U 407	-	Op(AK)	U 553	-	DF 82
	68	-	ES 68	173	-	DF 42	409	-	BE 46	558	-	Op(EC)
	69	-	CA 50	175	-	DD 36	410	-	AL 20	564	-	DQ 34
	86	-	CD 78	176	-	Op(AJ)	411	-	Op(AK)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	87	-	CF 55	179	-	DT 48	432	-	AJ	584	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AK)	201	-	BF 55	440	-	AE 69	590	-	Op(CF)
	92	-	Op(AK)	202	-	BF 55	455	-	CC 38	594	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(AK)	203	-	Op(CF)	459	-	ES 59	596	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	CD 81	211	-	Op(AK)	460	-	BE 77	598	-	CE 29
	107	-	CG 58	214	-	Op(AK)	462	-	CD 81	599	-	AL 25
	108	-	BE 87	216	-	AE 88	504	-	ET 47	600	-	DE 28
	109	-	Op(FF)	217	-	Op(ED)	506	-	Op(FF)	604	-	BE 61
	125	-	Op(FG)	218	-	Op(AK)	507	-	Op(FE)	608	-	Op(AK)
	130	-	DH 22	221	-	AE 69	508	-	CD 96	609	-	BE 61
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	AE 69	509	-	CE 52	615	-	AN 36
	155	-	CE 23	259	-	AL 24	510	-	CE 23	617	-	AE 87
	156	-	ES 69	332	-	BF 85	511	-	Op(EC)	618	-	AE 69
	159	-	EJ 13	333	-	CF 32	512	-	CD 81	658	-	CE 76
	162	-	Op(EE)	356	-	AF 79	513	-	Op(BB)	659	-	Op(AK)
	163	-	CD 65	373	-	Op(AJ)	514	-	DP 12	661	-	AN 36
	164	-	Op(EC)	380	-	Op(AK)	515	-	DP 62	755	-	Op(AJ)
	165	-	Op(BA)	404	-	Op(AK)	516	-	CD 81	D 5	-	AL 25
	171	-	DL 42	406	-	Op(CF)	517	-	Op(BB)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 409 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 604 - 609 - 658 - 173.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 461 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	For reports from U 608 and on U 658's convoy, see paragraph IVb.
		2)	U 517 reported a convoy in BB 1485, course 126⁰, speed 8 knots at 1716. She attacked in BB 1842, and torpedoed 3 steamers totaling 18,000 GRT. Sinking heard.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 74, BB 45.
		U-boat attack: BB 39 and BB 18.
		SSS reports from American S.S. "Pennmar" (5,868 GRT) (?).
		English aircraft reported U-boats in BF 4568, BF 4610 and CG 1273 (U 130).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Contact as not regained with the destroyers, nor was the convoy found. In reply to a query U 404 reported visibility was 600 meters. Operation was broken off as intended. Group "Vorwärts" was ordered to take up positions in patrol line from AK 6664 to AL 7854, in their old order. On her way there U 608 sighted a destroyer in AK 9813, course 290⁰. As there may be local patrol of this area, and further search was not hopeful in bad visibility, boats continued on their passage as ordered. The next convoy is expected on about 9.9.
		2)	U 658, on return passage, sighted a convoy on a north course, medium speed at 0947 in CF 6192. Boat was ordered to shadow for U 333, which was nearby. U 658 was chased north by a cruiser and forced to submerge until 2100. Depth-charges and hydrophone hunt. She lost contact and started on return passage because of fuel.

- 160 -

U 333 encountered the cruiser at 2000 and fired a miss at 1000 meters. The cruiser was a decoy and was towing a motor cutter. Changing course all the time from 90 - 270⁰, changing speed from 0 - 1- knots. Boat suspected an anti-submarine group. This appears to confirm Operations Control's view that there are always anti-submarine groups in this area disguised as convoys.

U 599, 259, 617 and 216 are to make for AJ 83 via AK 65.

UD 5 is proceeding to ES 50 via AL 70, CF 40, ES 30. Independent ships have several times been sighted along this route.

U 159 is to continue from FD 10 and 20 to sea area around FH 9670 (Pointe-Noire). She may not go further S. than 5⁰ S.

U 130 was bombed by a Boeing in CG 1233. Slight damage.

U 128 has been ordered to escort U 108 through Biscay with radar interception gear. It is intended in future to provide such escort for damaged boats not equipped with radar interception gear.

From 0000/8/9 independently-routed ships may not be attacked in route A north of 20⁰ North. Boats have been informed of the sailing of "Weserland".

Reports of Success:

U 517	2 ships	12,000 GRT	presumed sunk
U 517	1 ship	6,000 GRT	torpedoed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DO 56	U 173	-	DF 13	U 409	-	BE 65	U 553	-	DF 64
	68	-	ET 77	175	-	DD 65	410	-	AL 31	558	-	EC 27
	69	-	CA 50	176	-	Op(AJ)	411	-	Op(AK)	564	-	DF 77
	86	-	CD 85	179	-	DS 99	432	-	Op(AJ)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	87	-	Op(CF)	201	-	BF 49	440	-	AE 59	584	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AK)	202	-	BF 49	455	-	CC 53	590	-	Op(CF)
	92	-	Op(AK)	203	-	Op(CF)	459	-	ES 97	594	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(AK)	211	-	Op(AK)	460	-	DD 98	596	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	CD 81	214	-	CG 48	461	-	BF 91	598	-	CF 12
	107	-	CG 48	216	-	AL 33	462	-	CD 81	599	-	AL 01
	108	-	BE 93	217	-	Op(ED)	504	-	ET 79	600	-	DE 34
	109	-	ET 97	218	-	Op(AK)	506	-	Op(FF)	604	-	BF 50
	125	-	Op(FF)	221	-	AE 59	507	-	Op(FE)	608	-	Op(AK)
	130	-	BE 99	258	-	AE 59	508	-	CE 49	609	-	BF 44
	135	-	Op(AJ)	259	-	AL 27	509	-	CE 35	615	-	AN 31
	155	-	BD 98	332	-	BF 76	510	-	BD 98	617	-	AL 33
	156	-	ET 77	333	-	CF 29	511	-	Op(EC)	618	-	AE 59
	159	-	EJ 42	356	-	AF 77	512	-	CD 81	658	-	CF 36
	162	-	Op(ED)	373	-	Op(AJ)	513	-	Op(BC)	659	-	Op(AK)
	163	-	CE 42	380	-	Op(AK)	514	-	DP 42	661	-	AN 31
	164	-	Op(EC)	404	-	Op(AK)	515	-	DP 59	755	-	Op(AJ)
	165	-	Op(BA)	406	-	Op(CF)	516	-	CD 81	D 5	-	AL 01
	171	-	DL 56	407	-	Op(AK)	517	-	Op(BB)
	172	-	ES 99

	On Return Passage: U 66, 86, 98, 109, 130, 155, 163, 171, 173, 409, 508, 509, 510, 553, 564, 598, 600, 604, 609, 658.
	Entered Port: U 604 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 261 - 262 - 178 - Kiel; U 607 - St. Nazaire

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 161 -

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

U 214 situation: fog and mist in the area off Lisbon, no definite patrol, several neutrals daily. Otherwise nothing.

U 202 bombed on her way through Biscay, damaging 2 torpedoes.

U 617 sank a freighter of 1,500 GRT, course 320⁰, speed 10 knots on 7.9. in AE 7672.

U 163 reported an independently-routed ship in CE 1694 (Route A), course NE, zig-zagging, speed 13 knots. In reply to query boat was told to sink the ship. Contact was lost.

U 511 sighted nothing along the route EC 28 via ED 14 and 38 to 32. Chased U.S. tanker "Brazos" in vain in DO 8969.

None.

U-boat sightings: EG 67, CB 3886, FJ 8773, BB 28, CA 8534, BB 1427, BB 76.

U-boat attack: In DD 18/19.

English aircraft reported U-boats in BF 4567, 4568 and AE 7113.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 69 to have freedom of action after carrying out special operation (mine-laying in Chesapeake Bay on the American coast).

U 410 is to make for AK 65 via AJ 83.

U 615 has been ordered to proceed into the Atlantic via AM 32.

As all boats of Group "Eisbär" have reported their positions, the time for supplying has been fixed at from 1000/20/9. U 462 has delivered fuel to U 98, U 512 and U 516 and distilled water to U 163. Also 2 torpedoes to U 516.

U-boats have been informed of the sailing of U 905 - "Spichern" and U 906 - "Uckermark".

Reports of Success:

U 617

1 ship

1,500 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DO 38	U 173	-	CD 81	U 406	-	Op(CF)	U 517	-	Op(BB)
	68	-	FE 39	175	-	DD 92	407	-	Op(AL)	553	-	DF 39
	69	-	CA 70	176	-	Op(AJ)	409	-	BF 55	558	-	Op(EC)
	86	-	CD 91	178	-	AO 40	410	-	AL 25	564	-	DF 81
	87	-	Op(CF)	179	-	EH 39	411	-	Op(AL)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	91	-	Op(AL)	201	-	BE 94	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	Op(AL)
	92	-	Op(AL)	202	-	BF 47	440	-	AE 84	590	-	Op(CF)
	96	-	Op(AL)	203	-	Op(CF)	455	-	CC 55	594	-	Op(AL)
	98	-	CD 81	311	-	Op(AL)	459	-	FD 36	596	-	Op(AJ)
	107	-	CF 92	214	-	Op(CF)	460	-	CE 24	598	-	BE 85
	108	-	BF 71	216	-	AL 25	461	-	BF 81	599	-	AK 63
	109	-	ET 85	217	-	Op(EE)	462	-	CD 81	600	-	CD 77
	125	-	Op(FG)	218	-	Op(AL)	504	-	FE 27	607	-	BF 91
	130	-	BF 76	221	-	AE 84	506	-	Op(FF)	608	-	Op(AL)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	AE 84	507	-	Op(FF)	609	-	BF 46
	155	-	BE 84	259	-	AL 19	508	-	CF 36	615	-	AF 79
	156	-	FE 26	261	-	AO 40	509	-	BE 91	617	-	AL 14
	159	-	EJ 72	262	-	AO 40	510	-	BE 84	618	-	AE 84
	162	-	Op(EE)	332	-	BE 94	511	-	DO 95	658	-	BE 98
	163	-	CE 29	333	-	CF 58	512	-	CD 81	659	-	Op(AL)
	164	-	Op(ED)	356	-	AL 31	513	-	Op(BC)	661	-	AF 79


- 162 -

165	-	Op(BA)	373	-	Op(AJ)	514	-	DP 71	755	-	Op(AJ)
171	-	DL 69	380	-	Op(AL)	515	-	DP 84	D 5	-	AL 48
172	-	FE 41	404	-	Op(AL)	516	-	DF 14

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 409 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 609 - 658 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 409 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 595 - Brest; U 704 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 50 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 173 operated against a steamer on a west course in CD 5992. Portuguese flag recognized before the attack.
		3)	U 109 chased in vain a ship type "Duchess of Bedford", 350⁰, speed 18 knots.
		4)	U 507 came upon a probable ship in FF 1161. Bridge, funnel and mast at the top, making smoke spasmodically, steering slowly to the northeast.
		5)	U 510 sighted a destroyer and a smoke cloud in BE 7923 on an east course. Boat suspects anti-submarine group.
		6)	U 755 sank an American auxiliary cruiser of 3,000 GRT, course 230⁰, speed 10 knots in AJ 9727 with a triple fan.
		7)	U 66 sank the Swedish
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DC 1124, CA 51/52, BA 3853.
		English aircraft reported a U-boat in BF 7891 and 4890.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 50:
		U 584, belonging to Group "Vorwärts", sighted a convoy of 11-15 steamers in AL 7463 at 2029. It was ON 127, which was expected at this time by dead reckoning. Group "Vorwärts" was ordered to operate against it. At 2146 U 584 confirmed that course and speed were as suspected, i.e. W 220⁰, 5-7 knots. Visibility was again very bad in this area, only 1000-900 meters during showery weather. This made it extremely difficult for U 584 to shadow. She lost contact at about 2230 in AL 7461, but came up to the convoy again and reported at 0151 convoy in AL 7458, course 230⁰, speed 7 knots. An unidentified boat requested beacon signals. Contact was finally lost at 0230 and was not regained by morning. Group "Vorwärts" is continuing to operate on a southwest course. U 599 and 259, in the vicinity, were also directed against the convoy. Later, however, they were ordered to continue their passage to AJ 83, because of stormy southerly winds (wind force 8-9 and corresponding seaway).
	b)	1)	U 514 and 515 have been given freedom of action in the area east of Trinidad. Their attention has been called to medium to strong air activity.
		2)	U 202, 210 and 332 are to steer for DF 10. After supplying it is intended to operate them in the Caribbean.
	c)	U 462 has sold out and is returning. Last supply: U 173 starboard compressor, U 98 and 600 each about 30 cbm of fuel.

- 163 -

Reports of Success:

U 755		1 ship	3,000 GRT
66		1 ship	6,390 GRT.

VI.

General:

Group "Vorwärts" was disposed on the basis of radio intelligence reports and experience available, which together showed that the route of ON-convoys had been diverted south. It is astonishing with what persistence the English have plied the routes immediately north and south of the Great Circle during the last few months in spite of several large-scale attacks by U-boats. For several weeks boats have been disposed in the same area each time to pick up west-bound convoys. Nevertheless, the English have stayed on their old route and this time they were picked up in exactly the position plotted by dead reckoning.

If this convoy operation should take the boats far to the west, it is intended to refuel them in square BC and then operate them NE of Newfoundland.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DQ 24	U 173	-	CD 68	U 406	-	Op(CF)	U 553	-	DG 12
	68	-	FF 44	175	-	DP 13	407	-	Op(AL)	558	-	Op(ED)
	69	-	Op(CA)	176	-	Op(AJ)	410	-	AL 19	564	-	DF 56
	86	-	CE 13	178	-	AN 36	411	-	Op(AL)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	87	-	Op(CA)	179	-	EH 69	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	Op(AK 77)
	91	-	Op(AL)	201	-	BD 79	440	-	AE 79	590	-	Op(CF)
	92	-	Op(AL)	202	-	BE 88	455	-	CC 45	594	-	Op(AK 99)
	96	-	Op(AL)	203	-	Op(CF)	459	-	FE 54	595	-	BF 50
	98	-	BE 77	211	-	Op(AL)	460	-	CE 42	596	-	Op(AJ)
	107	-	Op(CF)	214	-	Op(CF)	461	-	BF 72	598	-	BE 94
	108	-	BF 50	216	-	AL 19	462	-	CD 80	599	-	AK 65
	109	-	ET 97	217	-	Op(EE)	504	-	FE 55	600	-	CD 80
	125	-	Op(FG)	218	-	Op(AL)	506	-	Op(FF)	607	-	BF 81
	130	-	BF 82	221	-	AE 79	507	-	Op(FF 13)	608	-	AL(Op)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	AE 79	508	-	CF 13	609	-	BF 47
	155	-	BE 86	259	-	AK 65	509	-	BE 93	615	-	AF 77
	156	-	FE 64	261	-	AN 36	510	-	BE 85	617	-	AL 13
	159	-	ES 15	262	-	AN 36	511	-	ET 97	618	-	AE 79
	162	-	Op(EE)	332	-	BE 88	512	-	DE 65	658	-	BF 74
	163	-	BD 99	333	-	Op(CF)	513	-	Op(BC)	659	-	Op(AL)
	164	-	Op(ED)	356	-	AM 23	514	-	EE 11	661	-	AF 77
	165	-	Op(BA)	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	EE 24	704	-	BF 82
	171	-	DM 73	380	-	Op(AL)	516	-	DE 62	755	-	Op(AJ)
	172	-	FE 49	404	-	Op(AL)	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	AL 77

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 109 - 108 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 609 - 658 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 108 - Lorient; U 609 - St. NAzaire.
	Sailed: U 552 - St. Nazaire, U 619 - 260 - 382 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 164 -

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoy No. 50 see paragraph IVa.

U 512 chased a ship type "Africa Star" for 15 hours, main course 305⁰. 2 unsuccessful attacks.

U 513 sighted a convoy of 2 destroyers and 2 steamers at 2346 in BB 6333, course 190⁰. Transport of 7,000 GRT sunk by 2 hits. Strong air patrol in the area.

U 217 has observed no traffic in ED 90, S. third since 1.9.

None.

U-boat sightings: CA 28, ED 44/47, BB 3458.

U-boat attack: In AK 9868.

English aircraft report U-boats in BE 9666, BF 71 and AE 4784 (4 hits suspected in a depth charge attack?).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 50:

U 594 regained contact at 1106 in AK 9699. Course reported as 240⁰. As the weather cleared up and visibility was up to 10 miles, all boats succeeded in getting onto the convoy in the course of the day. The following made contact: U 584 at 1000, U 608 at 1345, U 380 at 1450, U 404 at 1437, U 96 at 1455, U 407 at 1509, U 659 at 1522, U 92 at 1731, U 411 at 1822, U 91 at 1906, U 218 at 0008. U 211 requested beacon signals at 0024. The convoy steered a main course of 235 - 240⁰ making long legs to both sides. According to U 91, its position at 0209 was AK 9887. After dark all boats were driven off. Contact was lost and was not reestablished by morning. Several boats managed to attack and successes were scored.

U 96 attacked at 1630 and sank 3 steamers totaling 16,000 GRT, was then forced to submerge until 2300 and pressed on. U 407 could not fire by day as the convoy was zig-zagging so sharply. U 659 torpedoed a freighter at 0154 and sank a tanker of 8,000 GRT. During the subsequent depth-charge hunt the pressure-tight cover of No. 3 main ballast tank was torn off at No. 15 manhole. Further damage to the Junkers compressor and loud knocking noises forced the boat to start home. U 91 reported at 0209 that the convoy and the surrounding sea were brightly lit by flares which were being fired constantly. U 584 was driven off while making a day attack and, while pressing on, she encountered a detached 9,000-ton tanker which she sank. U 608 torpedoed a steamer of 5,000 GRT in AK 9885. Afterwards she was attacked by destroyers with gunfire and depth-charges. U 411 was sighted when about to make a night attack and forced to submerge. The last boat to attack was U 218, which sank a 5,000-tonner and probably also a 3000-tonner. Altogether therefore, 7 ships totaling 41,000 GRT were sunk and 3 ships totaling about 14,000 GRT torpedoed.

U 595, 607, 704, 356, 221, 440, 258 and 618 are to steer for AL 72. Having carried out her special operation, U 69 will operate in DC 12.

U 69 has carried out her mine-laying.

Reports of Success:

U 513	1 ship	7,000 GRT
U 96	3 ships	16,000 GRT
U 659	1 ship	8,000 GRT
	1 ship		Torpedoed.
U 584	1 ship	9,000 GRT
U 218	2 ships	8,000 GRT.

- 165 -

11.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DE 98	U 176	-	Op(AJ)	U 407	-	Op(BD)	U 558	-	Op(ED)
	68	-	FF 75	178	-	AN 28	410	-	AK 65	564	-	DF 38
	69	-	Op(CA)	179	-	EJ 77	411	-	Op(AL)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	86	-	BD 89	201	-	CE 36	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	Op(BD)
	87	-	DH 18	202	-	BD 96	440	-	AL 25	590	-	Op(DH)
	91	-	Op(BD)	203	-	CE 98	455	-	CB 65	594	-	Op(AK)
	92	-	Op(BD)	211	-	Op(AK)	459	-	FE 85	595	-	BF 46
	96	-	Op(BD)	214	-	DH 27	460	-	CD 69	596	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	BE 79	216	-	AK 66	461	-	BE 93	598	-	BE 96
	107	-	DH 19	217	-	Op(ED)	462	-	CD 93	599	-	AK 56
	109	-	ET 82	218	-	Op(AK)	504	-	FE 89	600	-	CD 65
	125	-	Op(FG)	221	-	AL 34	506	-	Op(FF)	607	-	BF 72
	130	-	BF 54	258	-	AL 24	507	-	Op(FF)	608	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	259	-	AK 59	508	-	BE 87	615	-	AM 32
	155	-	BE 95	260	-	AO	509	-	BE 48	617	-	AK 03
	156	-	FE 93	261	-	AN 28	510	-	BE 95	618	-	AL 25
	159	-	ES 45	262	-	AN 28	511	-	DP 62	619	-	AO
	162	-	Op(EE)	332	-	CF 22	512	-	DE 85	658	-	BF 73
	163	-	BE 79	333	-	CH 19	513	-	Op(BC)	659	-	BD 32
	164	-	Op(ED)	356	-	AM 15	514	-	Op(EE)	661	-	AM 32
	165	-	Op(BA)	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	Op(EE)	704	-	BF 67
	171	-	DM 86	380	-	Op(AK)	516	-	DE 67	755	-	Op(AJ)
	172	-	FE 88	382	-	AO	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	BE 17
	173	-	CE 42	404	-	Op(AK)	552	-	BF 67
	175	-	DP 43	405	-	DG 39	553	-	CE 37

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 109 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 658 - 659 - 462.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 50 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 514 sank the schooner "Helen Forsey" by gunfire on 6.9. in DD 9282, course SW, and on 11.9. in EE 7135 (off Barbados) 2 steamers totaling 12,000 GRT. Ships are aground in 13 meters of water. Otherwise nothing sighted.
		3)	U 69 situation: Sighted 2 convoys off Hatteras, course 190 and 350⁰ respectively, about 18 ships, speed 10 knots. Could not get close because of airship.
		4)	U 333, on her way south with Group "Iltis", reported an English escort vessel at 1849 in DH 4354, course 60⁰, 10 knots. According to our dead reckoning the expected SL convoy could not be anywhere near, boats therefore continued on their southward passage as ordered.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 2871, EE 47, BB 2224, BD 2548, BB 63, DN 78, DN 99, CA 2877, BA 39.
		U-boat attack: EE 71 (U 514(, BD 27 (convoy).
		English aircraft reported U-boats in CG 8394 (attack with depth charges).
	d)	None.

- 166 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Immediately after sunrise, about 0930, U 407 sighted the convoy in BD 2382; shortly after U 92 also sighted it and reported its course as 180⁰. This was clearly the morning zig-zag, because afterwards the enemy again steered a west course and subsequently a southwest course as hitherto. At about 1000 its position was BD 2388, at 1300 - 2299, at 2130 - 2732 and at 0136, BD 2756.
		From various boats' reports it seemed possible that the convoy is proceeding in 2 groups each at same distance from the other. This was confirmed next morning by U 404, which had sighted 2 main groups and now counted about 18 steamers. It must therefore have been a very large convoy.
		All boats made contact in the course of the day and night and many of them attacked and scored successes. U 92 attacked the convoy on its morning zig-zag and torpedoed a 4000-tonner. Boat was temporarily only able to make 10 knots, as her port engine was out of order; she repaired the damage by about 1800 and attacked again at 2300 in BD 2488, but could not fire as the enemy was zig-zagging. U 594 fired an unexplained quadruple fan miss at a large tanker in a night attack and was depth-charged by day by a corvette. The boat's operation is restricted owing to shortage of fuel (25 cbm). U 96 was driven off to the east by a motor sailing vessel and sank the vessel by gunfire in BD 2394. Towards evening she reported her starboard diesel unserviceable and requested freedom of action. She was ordered to follow up in the convoy's course and sink any damaged ships encountered. U 91 was driven off while making an underwater attack and pressed on. U 380 fired a quadruple fan at 0021 at a 9,000-ton tanker and 2 ships of 5000 tons. 4 explosions heard without doubt. U 584 scored 2 hits on a 4-masted motor vessel of 9,000 GRT. Ship burnt out and sank. U 211 attacked at 0105 and scored 4 hits with a quadruple fan at a 2-funnelled destroyer and heard 2 definite explosions. Sinking not observed. U 608 was driven off by a destroyer while making a night attack and depth-charged. While pressing on she sank 3 stragglers of 10,000, 5,000 and 9,000 GRT. Boat reports the ship of 5,000 GRT torpedoed yesterday now sunk. The weather was good the whole time, wind southeast to southwest 0 - 4, visibility 10 miles. Good weather conditions favored the operation in every way, and led to success. So far 12 ships have been sunk altogether and 9 ships and 1 destroyer torpedoed. The operation continues
	b)	U 461 (tanker) is now to make for BC 93. She has been ordered to increase her day's run to 240 miles, as Group "Vorwärts" needs to be supplied.
	c)	U 155 is unable to crash-dive and is to have radar interception gear escort by U 704.
	d)	1)	Boats have been informed of the sailing of U 907 (Brake).
		2)	Lieut.(s.g.) Mutzelburg, C.O. of U 203, died at sea on 11.9. of serious internal injuries and concussion. After the first report of rendezvous was arranged with a boat with M.O. the C.O. died before medical aid could reach him. In him the U-boat arm has lost one of its best captains.

- 167 -

Reports of Success:

U 514	1 sailing ship	12,000 GRT
514	2 ships	4,000 GRT	torpedoed
U 92	1 ship
U 96	1 motor sailing vessel
U 380	4 explosions - 3 hits assumed
U 584	1 ship	9,000 GRT
U 211	4 ships		torpedoed
U 92	1 destroyer		torpedoed presumed sunk
U 608	4 ships	33,800 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DF 71	U 176	-	Op(AJ)	U 407	-	Op(BD)	U 558	-	Op(ED)
	68	-	FN 11	178	-	AF 79	410	-	AK 56	564	-	DG 11
	69	-	Op(DG)	179	-	ES 17	411	-	Op(BD)	569	-	Op(AJ)
	86	-	BD 99	201	-	CE 37	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	Op(BD)
	87	-	Op(DH 40)	202	-	BD 98	440	-	AL 29	590	-	DH 40
	91	-	Op(BD)	203	-	CE 84	455	-	CB 56	594	-	Op(BD)
	92	-	Op(BD)	211	-	Op(BD)	459	-	FM 24	595	-	BE 65
	96	-	Op(BD)	214	-	Op(DH 40)	460	-	CD 95	596	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	BE 86	216	-	AK 56	461	-	BE 58	598	-	BF 76
	107	-	Op(DH 40)	217	-	Op(ED)	462	-	CE 84	599	-	AK 49
	109	-	ET 54	218	-	Op(BD)	504	-	FM 22	600	-	CE 41
	125	-	Op(FG)	221	-	AL 28	506	-	Op(FF)	607	-	BE 69
	130	-	BF 61	258	-	AL 29	507	-	Op(FF)	608	-	Op(BD)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	259	-	AK 73	508	-	BE 86	615	-	AM 24
	155	-	BE 93	260	-	AN 36	509	-	BF 61	617	-	AK 53
	156	-	FM 31	261	-	AF 79	510	-	BF 71	618	-	AL 29
	159	-	ES 75	262	-	AF 79	511	-	DQ 18	619	-	AN 36
	162	-	Op(EE)	332	-	CF 15	512	-	DQ 14	658	-	BF 64
	163	-	BE 85	333	-	Op(DH 40)	513	-	Op(BB)	659	-	BE 14
	164	-	Op(EE)	356	-	AM 23	514	-	Op(EE)	661	-	AM 24
	165	-	Op(AB)	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	Op(EE)	704	-	BE 93
	171	-	DN 77	380	-	Op(BD)	516	-	DE 86	755	-	Op(AJ)
	172	-	FM 24	382	-	AN 36	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	BE 42
	173	-	CE 27	404	-	Op(BD)	552	-	BF 82
	175	-	DP 73	406	-	Op(DH 40)	553	-	CE 36

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 109 - 130 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 508 - 509 - 510 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 658 - 659 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 130 - 509 - Lorient; U 658 - St. Nazaire; U 262 - Bergen
	Sailed: U 181 - 620 - 610 - 253 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 50 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 558 sighted convoy No. 51 at 0535 in ED 8622, course 280⁰, low speed. At 0651 is was in ED 8378, speed 9 knots. U 558 is pursuing.
		3)	For U 156's report see paragraph IVd.
		4)	U 173 reported a U-boat in CE 2667. Probably one of our own.
		5)	U 506 sank the Swedish ship "Sima" (5,244 GRT) in EU 7870, course 290⁰.

- 168 -

		6)	U 87 sighted a destroyer on her own at 1600 in DH 7237, course 30⁰, speed 10 knots. No operation by Group "Iltis".
		7)	U 512 sank the American tanker "Patrick J. Huley" (10,600 GRT) by gunfire in DQ 6417. Previously she had made day torpedo attacks and fired unexplained misses. Boat suspected an anti-torpedo net, because the hydrophone bearing of the torpedo at the end of its run was the same as the hydrophone bearing of the tanker. This view is not accepted.
		8)	U 515 sank the tanker "Stanbeck Melbourne" (or some similar name), on her way from Para to Trinidad, and "Respect", both courses 310⁰, 10,444 GRT and 4,668 GRT respectively.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: DQ 5620, EC 41, EB 36, BD 42, BB 15, BB 66, AM 5394.
		2)	U-boat attack: In ED 86, BD 27, EE 71.
		3)	Aircraft reported U-boats: AM 3151, AM 3532, AM 1962.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 50:
		U 218 also attacked last night, but was driven off by destroyers and depth-charged. At 0700/12/9 U 404 regained contact. The boat sank a tanker of 6,000 GRT at night on 10.9., observed a further hit and fired three single shots at 2 6,000-tonners and one 5,000-tonner on 12.9. Sinking of 2 ships heard for certain in hydrophones. Contact was maintained except for short breaks. The convoy was in BD 4337 at 1044, then steered southwest to BD 4355 and from there west to BD 4149 at 0401. Contact was then lost. Convoy was again reported by U 407 at 0801 in BC 6359, course 270⁰, speed 7 knots. U 91 was fired on by a destroyer at 1040/12 and afterwards hunted with hydrophones and depth-charges. Slight damage. U 380 damaged her starboard diesel while chasing a straggler and could not repair the damage with her own resources. Boat was ordered to search the convoy's route for stragglers. Almost all boats succeeded in close to the convoy during the day. Contact was lost at twilight, but at 0401 U 407 sighted the convoy again. In reply to a query U 608 reported that the stragglers sunk were all undamaged and that the 9,000-tonner reported sunk was "Hectoria", London (13,800 GRT). U 218 and 94 each sighted a group of 5 ships, which were probably one and the same. U 411 sighted another group of 15 ships. Weather was good again, visibility averaged 5 - 10 miles. Boats have not so far reported any further successes. The operation continues.
	b)	1)	Group "Iltis" has closed up, leaving 30 miles between boats and at 1400 was in reconnaissance line from DH 7148 to 7358. Day's run 160 miles. At 2000 the Group was ordered to halt and remain stationary in patrol line, a N-bound SL convoy was expected. If no contact had been made with the enemy by 1000/13/9 boats were to continue on a S. course, speed 7 knots, to halt again at 2100 and remain in patrol line.
		2)	U 615 - 661 - 356 - 221 - 618 - 440 - 607 - 258 and 595 will form Group "Pfeil" and will take up position in patrol line from AL 4745 to AL 7816 at cruising speed.
	c)	1)	U 156 sank the British "Laconia" (19,695 GRT) at 0110 in FF 7721, course 310⁰. After torpedoing her, boat discovered that the ship had 1500 Italian prisoners of war on board. Group "Eisbär", including U 459 and U 506

- 169 -

and 507 were ordered to proceed to the scene at once at high speed. An Italian boat in the vicinity was also directed there. It is intended to make for "Bingerville" (French Ivory Coast) in the first place with the survivors. Meanwhile U 156 had taken 193 persons on board, including 21 British. Further orders will be given.

From 2000/13/9 attack is forbidden in the whole of Route A, including south of 20⁰ North.

U 162, commanded by Commander Wattenberg, an experienced boat, has not reported since 1.9.42. She was lost operating in the area off Trinidad and was probably destroyed there by aircraft. Nothing further is known. Boat must be presumed lost.

Reports of Success:

U 506	1 ship	5,244 GRT
512	1 ship	10,600 GRT
515	2 ships	15,112 GRT
404	3 ships	17,000 GRT
404	2 ships		torpedoed
608		4,800 GRT	(difference for Hectoria)
156	1 ship	19,695 GRT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

13.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DF 27	U 178	-	AF 77	U 407	-	Op(BD)	U 564	-	CE 85
	68	-	FN 41	179	-	ES 47	410	-	AK 49	569	-	Op(AJ)
	69	-	Op(DC)	181	-	AO	411	-	Op(BD)	584	-	Op(BD)
	86	-	BE 78	201	-	CE 51	432	-	Op(AJ)	590	-	Op(DH)
	87	-	Op(DH)	202	-	CE 25	440	-	AL 45	594	-	Op(BD)
	91	-	Op(BD)	203	-	CE 83	455	-	CB 84	595	-	BE 53
	92	-	Op(BD)	211	-	Op(BD)	459	-	FM 52	596	-	Op(AJ)
	96	-	Op(BD)	214	-	Op(DH)	460	-	DF 23	598	-	BF 60
	98	-	BE 95	216	-	AK 49	461	-	BE 48	599	-	AK 71
	107	-	Op(DH)	217	-	Op(ED)	462	-	CE 80	600	-	CE 27
	109	-	ET 18	218	-	Op(BD)	504	-	FM 37	607	-	BE 56
	125	-	Op(FG)	221	-	AL 51	506	-	Op(FF)	608	-	Op(BD)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	253	-	AO	507	-	Op(ET)	610	-	AO
	155	-	BF 73	258	-	AL 54	508	-	BE 96	615	-	AM 16
	156	-	FF 77	259	-	AK 71	510	-	BF 60	617	-	AK 54
	159	-	Op(FD)	260	-	AN 29	511	-	DQ 21	618	-	AL 29
	163	-	BE 94	261	-	AF 77	512	-	DQ 56	619	-	AN 29
	164	-	Op(EE)	332	-	CE 37	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	AO
	165	-	Op(BA)	333	-	Op(DH)	514	-	Op(EE)	659	-	BE 62
	171	-	DN 84	356	-	AM 15	515	-	Op(EO)	661	-	AM 16
	172	-	FM 53	373	-	Op(AJ)	516	-	DQ 12	704	-	BF 73
	173	-	CE 35	380	-	Op(BD)	517	-	Op(BB)	755	-	Op(AJ)
	175	-	EE 13	382	-	AN 29	552	-	BF 72	D 5	-	BE 47
	176	-	Op(AJ)	404	-	Op(BD)	553	-	CF 21
				406	-	Op(DH)	558	-	Op(ED)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 109 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 203 - 508 - 511 - 510 - 553 - 564 - 598 - 600 - 659 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 598 - St. Nazaire; U 510 - Lorient.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 170 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 50 and 52, see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 558 attacked Convoy No. 51 in EE 8299 and sank 2 freighters of 7,000 and 8,000 GRT, and 1 freighter each of 5,000 and 7,000 tons. Afterwards she was driven off. She could not give chase because of destroyers and night aircraft. Pursuit abandoned.
		3)	U 164 sighted a large motor freighter in EC 6538 on 7.9., course 200⁰. Otherwise no traffic from EC 66 via ED 52 - EE 45 to EE 94. Fuel tank damaged by bombs.
		4)	U 217 situation: No traffic in the sea area west of Trinidad from 1 - 11.9. Intends to operate in EE.
		5)	U 600 reported an independent ship zig-zagging on a northwest course in CE 2861. She was not permitted to attack, as the ship may be one of our own.
		6)	U 68 sank the British "Trevilley", 5,296 GRT, in FF 8588.
		7)	U 704 avoided a quadruple fan in BF 7239 and saw a periscope.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 5136, EC 2859, BC 53, ED 65, AK 56, DB 59, BC 63.
		English aircraft reported U-boats in BF 7283, AL 2928, AF 7141, and AF 7731 (depth-charge attack). Attack with bombs probable in AL. Aircraft suspected 2 hits.
		U-boat attack in EO 12. Three over-crowded life boats sighted NE of Trinidad. Norfolk harbor has been closed for the present on account of mines.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 50:
			U 584 reported the convoy in BC 6355 at 1147. At about the same time U 96 was in BC 6356 between 2 sections of the convoy. The smaller section, on a southwest course, was on her port bow, the larger with about 12 smoke clouds on a west course, on her starboard quarter. Other boats' reports also showed that the convoy had divided. The north section was steering via BC 6316 to 6135 and southwest to about BC 5393. The south section was reported in BC 6359 - 6375 via BC 6511. In the course of the day U 407, U 411, U 404, U 91 and U 92 made contact. At 1825 U 96 was forced to submerge in BC 6314 by an aircraft. This position is about 550 miles east of St. Johns. U 380 and 584 also reported that they had been driven off by aircraft while shadowing. So far in previous operations aircraft have not appeared in this remote area. Long-range English aircraft must therefore recently have been stationed in Newfoundland.
			U 407 fired 4 single shots at the convoy and heard 3 explosions. U 594 sank the American "Stonesteet" (6,131 GRT) at 1500. According to the captain 11 of the 35 ships in the convoy had been sunk by the evening of 12.9., 2 tankers had been slightly damaged and 1 badly. One corvette was missing. U 92 scored 3 hits at 3 steamers totaling 17,000 GRT at 0300 in BC 6145. Sinking not observed. U 91 torpedoed a 2-funneled destroyer and a heavy fire broke out. She scored a hit amidships on a second destroyer coming alongside. Destroyer sank at once. Sinking of burning destroyer not observed.
			It is intended to continue the operation. There has only been slight fog so far. Boats are to break off the pursuit when they have just enough fuel left to allow them to reach the supply point with a small reserve.
		2)	Convoy No. 52:
			U 216 came upon an E-bound convoy in AK 64 and was apparently forced to submerge at once. The first report was not received by control. At 1430 U 216 reported the convoy's last position at 1030 in AK 6427. U 617 reported at once that she was

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operating against the convoy. U 440, 221, 258 and 618 were ordered to do the same. U 356, 615 and 661 were making for the convoy at maximum speed. U 216 continued to shadow for the present. Convoy consisted of at least 30 steamers with destroyer escort. Position at 1853 was AK 6160, course NE, speed 10 knots. At 2230 U 216 was forced to submerge by 3 destroyers and lost contact. Weather: rain, visibility 1 mile, West 7. U 599, 410, 259 which were about 200 miles to the west, reported in the course of the day that they wanted to operate against the convoy. They were ordered to continue on their way to the patrol line as ordered, also U 595 which was in BG 16. The convoy had not been picked up by morning. The operation continues.

Group "Loss", acting on fresh orders, is in patrol line from AJ 8314 to 9796, with U 259, U 410, U 599, U 373, U 569, U 176, U 432, U 755, U 596 and U 135.

None.

U 156 has been ordered to remain at the position of the sinking. U 506 and 507 are making for there at maximum speed to take over survivors. Fast French ships have left Bingerville and Dakar to take over survivors which are in the U-boats or still in lifeboats. Remaining boats of Group "Eisbär" are continuing their passage south.

(add to b)

U 382, U 260 and U 619 are to make for AE 64. It is intended to operate against a QP convoy which is at sea, with these and further boats.

Reports of Success:

U 558	2 ships	15,000 GRT
558	2 ships		torpedoed
68	1 ship	5,296 GRT
407			3 hits
594	1 ship	6,131 GRT
92	3 ships	17,000 GRT	torpedoed
91	1 destroyer		sunk
91	1 destroyer	torpedoed	presumed sunk.

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14.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DF 27	U 178	-	AM 32	U 406	-	Op(DT)	U 558	-	Op(ED)
	68	-	FM 66	179	-	ES 78	407	-	Op(BC)	564	-	CE 91
	69	-	Op(DC)	181	-	AN 35	410	-	AK 54	569	-	Op(AJ)
	86	-	BE 84	201	-	CE 48	411	-	Op(BC)	584	-	Op(BC)
	87	-	Op(DT)	202	-	CE 43	432	-	Op(AJ)	590	-	Op(DT)
	91	-	Op(BC)	203	-	CE 66	440	-	AK 60	594	-	BC 65
	92	-	Op(BC)	211	-	Op(BC)	455	-	GB 74	595	-	BE 12
	96	-	Op(BC)	214	-	Op(DT)	459	-	FM 69	596	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	BF 64	216	-	AK 63	460	-	DF 27	599	-	Op(AJ 69)
	107	-	Op(DT)	217	-	Op(EE)	461	-	BD 67	600	-	CF 34
	109	-	EJ 97	218	-	Op(BC)	462	-	CE 68	607	-	BF 27
	125	-	Op(FG)	221	-	AK 60	504	-	FM 64	608	-	Op(BC)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	253	-	AN 35	506	-	FF 44	610	-	AN 35
	155	-	BF 57	258	-	AK 60	507	-	FE 37	615	-	AL 36
	156	-	FF 47	259	-	Op(AJ)	508	-	BF 72	617	-	AL 41
	159	-	FD 27	260	-	AF 76	511	-	DE 95	618	-	AK 60
	163	-	BF 74	261	-	AM 32	512	-	DQ 81	619	-	AF 79
	164	-	Op(EE)	332	-	CE 55	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	AO
	165	-	Op(BA)	333	-	Op(DT)	514	-	Op(EE)	659	-	BF 44


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171	-	DN 67	356	-	AL 28	515	-	Op(EE)	661	-	AL 38
172	-	FM 62	373	-	Op(AJ)	516	-	DP 63	704	-	BF 49
173	-	CF 12	380	-	Op(BC)	517	-	Op(BB)	755	-	Op(AJ)
175	-	EE 43	382	-	AF 76	552	-	BE 96	D 5	-	BE 77
176	-	Op(AJ)	404	-	Op(BC)	553	-	BE 88

	On Return Passage: U 66, 86, 98, 109, 155, 163, 171, 173, 203, 508, 511, 553, 564, 600, 659, 704, 440, 462.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 582 - Brest; U 128 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 50 and 52 see para. IVa.
		2)	U 202 reported an independent ship on a south course in CD 9611. It might have been one of our own, therefore boat was not allowed to attack.
		3)	U 68 reported S.S. "Breedijk" (6,861 GRT) darkened and armed in FF 8479. Ship was sunk after boat requested permission to attack in the south area of Route A.
		4)	U 203 sighted a periscope in BE 8818.
		5)	U 175 has so far found no traffic off Barbados and Trinidad. Strong air activity.
		6)	U 515 sank "Ocean Vanguard" (8,000 GRT) in EE 7770, also a 3,500-tonner.
		7)	U 125 has seen nothing in FG, center and northern thirds. She is continuing to operate in the northern third of FF.
		8)	U 615 passed unobserved between the Shetlands and the Faroes in her outward passage.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: ED 87, EL 26, DM 27.
		Aircraft reports of U-boats: BE 9177, BF 4319, AF 7569, AL 0224.
		English aircraft attacked a U-boat with depth-charges in about AL 30.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 50:
			Contact was only established temporarily with escort vessels. Thus U 92 reported 2 destroyers in BC 5393 ar 1142. U 608 and 380 were forced to submerge by a corvette and a destroyer respectively. Dull Newfoundland weather was already setting in. Visibility deteriorated partly to 300 meters. Operations Control decided to break off the operation, if contact had not been made by dark. Towards afternoon the boats reported constant fog. Experience has shown that it is useless to operate against convoys in these conditions and only means danger for the boars; the pursuit was therefore abandoned. Boats are to proceed to BC 93 to supply from U 461. Final comments on the convoy see paragraph VI.
		2)	Convoy No. 52:
			U 258 reported at 1005 a corvette in AL 1985, and U 617 reported a destroyer at 1507 in AL 4136. U 440 was in AL 1959 at 1537 unable to dive. During hydrophone hunt 7 screws fixing the foot of the depth-charge gear to the 3 main ballast tank had been torn off. Later the boat was again able to dive to 20 meters and assistance was no longer required. Operation was broken off at dark, because the

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convoy was already in the area of enemy aircraft patrol and the boats would not have reached it at its speed of 10 knots. All boats taking part reported their positions except U 661 and steered for CA 72. U 440 returning to West France.

Group "Iltis" will proceed south in reconnaissance line from 0900/15/9, speed 7 knots. From 2100 boats will remain stationary as patrol line.

None.

It has again been pointed out to boats in the south that permission to attack south of 0⁰ is cancelled by the ban on attack in Route A. Attack is only permitted in the strip along the African and Brazilian coasts as hitherto.

Reports of Success:

U 68	1 ship	6,861 GRT
U 515	2 ships	11,500 GRT.

VI.

General:

Final remarks on Convoy No. 50:

Good weather and corresponding visibility conditions favored the operation against the convoy. 13 boats took part, of which 8 were on their first patrol with the exception of one boat, the C.O. of which was ill, all scored successes against the convoy, i.e. sunk: 15 ships, 2 destroyers, 1 corvette; torpedo hits: 17. According to a captain taken prisoner the convoy originally consisted of 35 ships. According to boats' reports on 13.9., there were only 18 ships left, of which 2 were sunk during the night 13/14.

As it is certain that many of the ships were hit once or twice, the results reported by the U-boats have been boiled down. 19 ships are regarded as sunk and 6 torpedoed. It is probably however that the losses of the convoy were higher. No attacking boats were lost. One boat only received slight damage, which could not be repaired at sea and made it necessary for her to return.

This is a very good result. It shows once more that convoy operations are still possible and can be successful outside the range of enemy air force, provided a sufficient number of boats are used and the weather is fair. The work of C.O.'s is deserving of special recognition; 75% of the C.O.'s were on their first patrols in command. Apart from their efficiency, the tenacity with which they pursued the convoy for 5 days and attacked again and again should be mentioned. Only someone who has served in a U-boat himself can asses the demands made on C.O. and crew.

It is regrettable that torpedoes with impact firing still have such small effect.

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15.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	DF 20	U 176	-	Op(AJ)	U 404	-	Op(BC)	U 553	-	BE 94
	68	-	FF 87	178	-	AM 24	406	-	Op(DT 20)	558	-	Op(ED)
	69	-	Op(DC)	179	-	Op(FD)	407	-	Op(BC)	564	-	BE 87
	86	-	BE 94	181	-	AN 28	410	-	AK 47	569	-	Op(AJ)
	87	-	Op(DT)	201	-	CD 96	411	-	Op(BC)	582	-	BF 55
	91	-	Op(BC)	202	-	CD 95	432	-	OP(AJ)	584	-	Op(BC)
	92	-	Op(BC)	203	-	BE 86	440	-	AK 63	590	-	Op(DT 20)
	96	-	Op(BC)	211	-	Op(BC)	455	-	CA 94	594	-	EC 93
	98	-	BF 81	214	-	Op(DT 30)	459	-	FM 65	595	-	Op(AL)
	107	-	Op(DT)	217	-	Op(EE)	460	-	DF 27	596	-	Op(AJ)
	109	-	EJ 57	218	-	Op(BC)	461	-	BD 73	599	-	Op(AJ)
	125	-	Op(FG)	221	-	AL 51	462	-	CF 43	600	-	CF 33
	128	-	BF 55	253	-	AN 28	504	-	FM 64	607	-	BD 37
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	AL 42	506	-	FF 77	608	-	Op(BC)
	155	-	BF 60	259	-	Op(AJ)	507	-	FE 69	610	-	AN 28
	156	-	FF 77	260	-	AF 72	508	-	BF 55	615	-	AL 27
	159	-	FD 69	261	-	AM 24	511	-	DF 47	617	-	AL 42
	163	-	BF 48	332	-	CE 75	512	-	DQ 74	618	-	AL 44
	164	-	Op(EE)	333	-	Op(DT)	513	-	Op(BB)	619	-	AF 72
	165	-	Op(BB)	356	-	AL 29	514	-	Op(EE)	620	-	AN 28
	171	-	DO 44	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	Op(EE)	659	-	BF 40
	172	-	FM 65	380	-	Op(BC)	516	-	DP 67	661	-	AL 02
	173	-	BE 79	382	-	AF 72	517	-	Op(BB)	704	-	BF 60
	175	-	Op(ED)	216	-	AL 42	552	-	CG 16	755	-	Op(AJ)
										D 5	-	CF 18

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 98 - 109 - 155 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 440 - 462 - 203 - 508 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 600 - 659 - 704.
	Entered Port: U 155 - 108 - Lorient; U 704 - St Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 757 - 257 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 53 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 66 reported an independent ship in CD 9881, southerly course, medium speed. As this is probably one of our own ships, boats have once again been ordered in future not to attack independent ships in Route A nor even to report them.
		3)	U 515 continues to find heavy traffic off Trinidad, making for the main harbor on a northwest course. She sank a British 6,000-tonner on 14.9. in EE 7776 and on 15.9. the Norwegian "Soerhold" (4,801 GRT). Both ships were loaded and on their way to New York via Trinidad.
		4)	U 514 scored 2 hits on the British S.S. "Kioto" (3,297 GRT) in ED 9929. Ship had 5 hatches and a crew of 80. She was estimated much larger than she really was. The wreckage was washed ashore by the current in ED 9952 and set on fire by gunfire at night.
			Boat suspects that the 2 transports sank on 11.9. were destined for that base.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DN 74, BB 19, BB 45, BA 97, BB 99, CG 9551.
		U-boat attack: ED 99, BB 17, and CC 45.
		SSS report from CC 4810 from "Santa Cecilia".
		Further sightings: AM 2424, AF 7976 and CG 9554 (?)
		Depth-charge attack in unknown position.
	d)	None.

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IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 53:

U 221 reported a west-bound convoy at 1909 in AL 4567. According to dead reckoning it was the expected ON 129 against which it was intended to operate Group "Pfeil". There were 6 boats in the vicinity 2 more southwest of these and 100 and 200 miles away. 9 boats would therefore operate against the convoy. Its position at 1932 was Al 4582, course 240⁰, about 11 - 15 steamers. U 221 was ordered not to attack until another boat had reported contact. This was necessary because of the prevailing bad visibility, about 500 meters, in order not to lose the convoy again at once. As however, in the course of the evening, several boats reported fog, U 221 was given permission to attack if sudden chances presented themselves. At 2120 U 216 requested beacon-signals. Shortly afterwards U 221 reported that she had lost contact in the fog, no hydrophone bearing. Last definite position at 2000 in AL 4582. As bad visibility was probably only temporary only temporary boats were ordered to proceed on a course of 240⁰ assuming enemy speed about 7 knots. The convoy was not found again by morning.

U 382 and 619 are to make for AL 27. Choice of route into the Atlantic at their own discretion. U 610, 620 and 253 are to make for AE 29. An operation is planned against the QP convoy with these and other boats.

U 661, U 615, U 635, U 216, U 221, U 617, U 607, U 258, U 618 and 595 will take up positions in patrol line from AL 4714 to 7816 at cruising speed. Boats will form Group "Pfeil". (Patrol line was not formed, as the expected convoy was picked up beforehand, see paragraph IVa.)

U 517 and U 615 have been given permission to leave their present operations area at discretion, if anti-submarine activity makes further operation impossible.

U 159 will join Group "Eisbär" instead of U 156. Its intended to supply this group in CG 1999 from 22.9.

U 218 is returning on account of damage and will proceed via the point at which Group "Vorwärts" is supplying and there deliver 75 cbm fuel to U 91.

U 66 reports supplying from U 460 completed.

U 382 was seen by an aircraft in AF and bombed. She will have to return to Bergen for repairs. U 506 and 507 have taken over survivors from U 516 and have lifeboats in tow, including some Englishmen and Poles. Boats were ordered to cut the lifeboats with the Englishmen and Poles loose. A position check showed that AF 7752 was the point where "Laconia" sank. New rendezvous with French ships in FE 9695 on 17.9.

Reports of Success:

U 515	2 ships	10,801 GRT
U 514	1 ship	5,000 GRT	(tonnage assumed by B.d.U.)

(Signed): DÖNITZ.

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