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

16 - 30 April 1944

PG30345

	16.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 67 U 218 - CD 73 U 532 - LE 86 U 765 - AL 64   68 - DT 11 262 - BE 65 537 - DS 71 766 - BF 65   92 - Op(BD 72) 267 - Op(BD 60) 541 - Op(DB 90) 802 - BC 99   123 - CG 47 302 - Op(BD 30) 543 - DS 33 851 - FD 54   129 - DR 95 311 - Op(AL 90) 546 - BF 44 852 - Op(GR)   154 - DH 18 333 - BF 82 548 - Op(AK 31) 856 - Op(CH 20)   155 - BT 68 342 - AK 34 550 - Op(CB 50) 859 - AE 91   170 - Op(DC 10) 385 - AL 23 552 - AF 72 860 - AF 76   178 - EH 39 448 - BE 64 621 - BF 48 962 - BF 58   181 - FD 13 473 - BE 64 667 - Op(BD 95) 970 - BE 65   188 - FS 21 488 - Op(DR 95) 672 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BE 65   190 - ET 24 505 - EK 44 736 - Op(AL 50) 993 - BE 61   196 - ES 75 515 - DG 89 740 - BE 66 1062 - LE 86   214 - CG 46 518 - CD 52 741 - Op(BD 97) 1222 - AN 43
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 333 - 448 - 473 - 518 - 532 - 546 - 552 - 621 - 740 - 766 - 802 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993.   Entered Port:  U 766 - St. Nazaire.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) At 0703/16/4. U 667 fired bow T 5 at destroyer of presumably southbound convoy in BE 4747.  Explosion after 12 minutes and then loud noises lasting minutes at a time.  (Presumed sunk, final examination to be made on return of Commander).  Forced to submerge for 12 hours.  "Fliege" tested.     2) Air attacks on boats returning through Bay of Biscay: At 0410 in BE 6610 and 0453 U 546 in BF 4483.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sightings by aircraft of 19 Group:       2256 surfaced submarine in unspecified position, course and speed interrupted.       0217 boat in unspecified position.       Another aircraft had anti-surface vessel location at 0410, was above surfaced submarine at 0412, and reported boat submerged at 0423 (see III a) 2) - U 740).  Position unspecified.  Aircraft D/F'd in BE 6988 at 0421.     2) 5 ASV-locations by aircraft of 19 Group, positions unspecified.         - 237 -

 

	3) At 1305 all U.S. warships received orders from "Abir" to proceed to CA 6231 at full speed as ship had been torpedoed there (U 550?).     4) Enemy units located in:  AL 9670 - AN 2180 - AM 8140.   d) None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) 1) U 385 detailed to attack area AL 10 - 30, according to moon and defence in east or west section.  Left free to advance eastwards.     2) U 765 retiring slowly to the west and will occupy AK 60/90 for weather reports from 20.4.  U 741 then relieved, and will commence return passage.   b) - c) None.   d)  Japanese boat "Kiefer" sailed from Lorient on return passage to Japan.         V. Reports of Success:      U 667                1 destroyer.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         17.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 52 U 218 - CD 54 U 532 - LF 17 U 765 - Op(AL 60)   68 - DS 35 262 - BE 69 537 - DR 95 802 - BD 75   92 - Op(BD 48) 267 - Op(BD 60) 541 - Op(DB 90) 851 - FD 82   123 - CG 45 302 - Op(BD 30) 543 - DS 34 852 - Op(GR)   129 - DR 95 311 - Op(AL 90) 546 - BE 44 856 - Op(CB 20)   154 - DH 16 333 - BF 82 548 - AK 28 859 - AE 83   155 - EU 71 342 - Op(AK 33) 550 - Op(CB 50) 860 - AF 72   170 - Op(DC 10) 385 - Op(AL 20) 552 - AF 79 962 - BF 58   178 - EJ 11 448 - BE 65 621 - BF 46 970 - BE 68   181 - ER 52 473 - BE 55 667 - Op(BE 47) 986 - BE 66   188 - FC 76 488 - Op(DR 95) 672 - Op(AL 60) 993 - BE 65   190 - ET 52 505 - EK 72 736 - Op(AL 60) 1062 - LF 17   196 - FD 12 515 - DS 32 740 - BE 66 1222 - AF 79   214 - CG 51 518 - CD 37 741 - Op(AK 94)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 333 - 448 - 473 - 518 - 532 - 546 - 552 - 621 - 740 - 802 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 238 -

 

	III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 546 attacked by aircraft in BF 4557 at 0452.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sightings by aircraft of 19 Group:       0530 boat lying stopped, position unspecified (aircraft D/F'd in BE 4940 at 0550).     2) 1020 submarine on northerly course, speed 10 knots, and 0412 submerging boat.  Both positions unspecified.       2 ASV locations by aircraft of 19 Group, one other by Gibraltar aircraft, all positions unspecified.     3) Enemy units located in BF 1616 - BE 3880 - AM 8945 - 5290.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         18.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 19 U 214 - CG 28 U 532 - LF 27 U 765 - Op(AL 90)   68 - DS 29 262 - BF 47 537 - DR 95 802 - BD 76   92 - Op(BD 45) 267 - Op(BD 60) 541 - Op(DB 90) 851 - FD 88   123 - CG 43 302 - Op(BD 30) 543 - DS 52 852 - Op(GR)   129 - EG 34 311 - Op(AL 90) 546 - BF 4557 856 - Op(CB 20)   154 - DH 21 333 - BF 82 548 - AK 29 859 - AE 85   155 - EU 76 342 - Op(AK 30) 550 - Op(CB 50) 860 - AF 47   170 - Op(DS 10) 385 - Op(AL 20) 552 - AF 79 962 - BF 58   178 - DT 74 448 - BE 69 621 - BF 46 970 - BE 69   181 - ER 59 473 - BF 55 667 - Op(BD 90) 986 - BF 44   188 - FL 45 488 - Op(DR 95) 672 - Op(AL 60) 993 - BE 66   190 - ET 64 505 - EK 79 736 - Op(AL 60) 1062 - LF 27   196 - FD 18 515 - DS 34 740 - BF 44 1222 - AF 76   218 - CD 52 518 - CD 32 741 - Op(AK 91)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 333 - 448 - 473 - 518 - 532 - 546 - 621 - 552 - 740 - 802 - 962 - 986 - 993 - 970.   Entered Port:  U 473 - Lorient.   Sailed:  U 731 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 239 -

 

	III. Reports on the enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings.     2) ASV location in BF 5813.     3) Enemy units located in:  AL 6420 - AM 6421 - 8880, AM 1730, BE 2650 - 5373.   d) None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) None.   b) Operations areas:  U 543 and U 68 Caribbean, U 515 freedom of action in Gold Coast area.   c)  U 488 refueled U 66 - 543 - 68 - 515 since 21.4. in DR 8355, the first boat for return passage, other 3 full.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         19.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 11 U 218 - CD 34 U 537 - EG 33 U 765 - Op(AL 90)   68 - DS 51 262 - BF 48 541 - Op(DB 90) 802 - BD 82   92 - Op(BD 48) 267 - Op(BD 60) 543 - DS 46 851 - FL 15   123 - CG 27 302 - Op(BD 30) 546 - BF 46 852 - Op(GR)   129 - EG 39 311 - Op(AL 90) 548 - AK 54 856 - Op(CB 20)   154 - CF 98 333 - BF 82 550 - Op(CB 50) 859 - AL 23   155 - EU 85 342 - Op(AK 30) 552 - AF 79 860 - AE 69   170 - Op(DC 10) 385 - Op(AL 30) 621 - BF 55 962 - BF 58   178 - DT 48 448 - BF 47 667 - Op(BD 95) 970 - BF 47   181 - ER 92 488 - Op(DR 83) 672 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BF 45   188 - FL 14 505 - ET 24 731 - BF 55 993 - BF 44   190 - ET 68 515 - DS 52 736 - Op(AL 60) 1062 - LF 56   196 - FD 46 518 - BD 79 740 - BF 45 1222 - AF 72   214 - CG 25 532 - LF 56 741 - Op(AK 95)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 333 - 448 - 518 - 532 - 546 - 552 - 621 - 740 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993 - 1062.   Entered Port:  U 621 - Brest;  U 532 - 1062 - Penang.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 240 -

 

	III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) U 170 on return passage on account of provisions.  Situation sea area off coast of Florida:  No shipping on N. - S. route.  Boat sighted 3 fast single ships.  On 22.3. no attack made on account of engine trouble, course 1600, speed 14 knots.  On 4.4. T 5 fired (and missed) at 7,000 GRT, 1800, speed 17 knots.  (Circle runner and end of run detonator).  On 7.4. 5 torpedoes fired at 7,000 GRT, 2950, speed 9 knots, 2 hits, no effect.  Steamer continued passage without zig-zags.  Possibly decoy.  Afterwards destroyer and submarine chaser unit, slight night air activity.       2) At midday on 10.4. U 843 was badly bombed in FT 1447.  Stern tubes and 2 T 5 remained out of action.       Boat reported that ship sunk on 8.4. was steamer "Nebraska" (8,261 GRT).     3) U 543 attacked by carrier-borne aircraft at 0936 in DS 4497 without location.     4) U 970 attacked by aircraft in BF 8280 at 0237.   b)  None.   c) 1) Aircraft of 19 Group sighted 5 surfaced submarines on course 1200, and another aircraft submerging boat, 3600, 5 knots, both positions unspecified.     2) Aircraft of 19 Group reported 4, and another aircraft of 19 Group 2 ASV locations in unspecified positions.     3) Guardship "BAT" D/F'd in BD 93.     4) Enemy units located in:  AM 5452 - 4810 - 5270 - 1360 - BD 1550 - BE 3485 - 3393 - BF 2520 - 1730 - 1130.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - c) None.   d) 1) U 843 reported again (see III a) 2)) therefore declaration of loss in War Diary of 15.4. IV d) cancelled.     2) U 974 (Group "Mitte") in convoy proceeding to Bergen was torpedoed by English submarine off Karm-Sund and sunk.         V. Reports of Success:      U 843                1 ship                8,261 GRT.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         - 241 -

 

	20.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - DR 68 U 214 - CG 22 U 518 - BD 84 U 741 - AK 98   68 - DS 45 218 - BD 78 537 - EG 39 765 - AK 69   92 - Op(BD 45) 262 - BF 73 541 - Op(CB) 802 - BD 91   123 - CG 25 267 - Op(BD 60) 543 - DS 44 843 - GF 45   129 - EH 47 302 - Op(BD 30) 546 - BF 54 851 - FL 46   154 - CF 96 311 - Op(AL 90) 548 - AK 73 852 - Op(GR)   155 - Op(EU 94) 333 - BF 68 550 - Op(CB 50) 856 - CB 20   170 - DC 96 342 - Op(AK 30) 552 - AF 79 859 - AL 16   178 - DT 19 385 - Op(AL 30) 667 - Op(DB 95) 860 - AE 69   181 - ER 99 448 - BF 48 672 - Op(AL 60) 962 - BF 58   188 - FD 76 488 - Op(DR 83) 731 - BF 57 970 - BF 82   190 - Op(EU 71) 505 - Op(ET 28) 736 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BF 46   196 - FD 81 515 - DS 46 740 - BF 55 993 - BF 45                     1222 - AF 47
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 333 - 448 - 518 - 546 - 552 - 740 - 741 - 802 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993.   Entered Port:  U 198 - La Pallice;  U 861 - 853 - 742 - Kiel (to Group "Mitte").   Sailed:  U 333 - La Pallice.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a)  Aircraft attacks on boats returning through Bay of Biscay:      2322  U 546 in BF 5473.      0051  U 970 in BF 9140 (compare c) 1) and 2) radio intercept reports).   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sighting at 0620 by aircraft of 19 Group in unspecified position.     2) Aircraft of 19 Group reported (presumably in connection with III a)):       0259  ASV location in unspecified position.       0259 ASV location (4 S-boats) in unspecified position, aircraft D/F'd in BF 5593.       0345  enemy submarine in BF 5859.       0455  3 submarines in BF 5576, 900, 12 knots.       0522 reported boats surfaced.       0431  ASV location.       0504 1 merchant ship (600 GRT?) in unspecified position.  Also another aircraft of 19 Group:       0302 ASV location in BF 5571 (cancelled 0310).       0336  ASV location without further details (bearing Brest 183).  Cancelled 0415.         - 242 -

 

	3) Further U-boat sightings:       2330  surfaced boat in BF 4693.       2303  submarine in unspecified position.       0620  submarine in unspecified position.       Apart from these ASV locations in CG 5553, BF 7929, BF 5833 and 2 ASV locations in unspecified position.     4) Enemy units located in AM 7840 - 7740 - BD 6170, BF 1620 - CA 3480.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c)  Meeting place for U 488, 66, 543, 68 and 515 removed to DR 8446 on account of confirmation by U 543 of carrier-borne aircraft on 19.4.  Boats to arrive one day later than for other meeting place.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         21.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - DR 86 U 214 - BF 79 U 541 - Op(DB) U 843 - GF 57   68 - DR 69 218 - BD 76 543 - DR 91 851 - FL 81   92 - Op(BD 72) 262 - BF 82 546 - BF 54 852 - Op(GR)   123 - CG 22 267 - Op(BD 60) 548 - AK 78 853 - AO 47   129 - EH 75 302 - Op(BD 30) 550 - Op(CB 52) 856 - Op(CB 20)   154 - CG 71 311 - Op(AL 90) 552 - AF 79 859 - AK 03   155 - Op(EU 96) 342 - Op(AK 30) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AE 83   170 - DD 47 385 - Op(AL 30) 672 - Op(AL 60) 861 - AO 47   178 - DT 13 448 - BF 49 731 - BF 81 962 - BF 58   181 - FD 11 488 - Op(DR 84) 736 - Op(AL 60) 970 - BF 91   188 - FD 46 505 - Op(ET 64) 740 - BF 64 986 - BF 54   190 - Op(EU 76) 515 - DS 47 741 - BD 33 993 - BF 55   196 - FD 88 518 - BD 83 765 - Op(AK 60) 1222 - AE 69   198 - BF 91 537 - EH 44 802 - BD 92
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 546 - 552 - 740 - 741 - 802 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 740 - Brest.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 243 -

 

	III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 546 was attacked by aircraft at 1630 in BF 5483 (4th attack in 4 days on return passage through the Bay of Biscay).  During the night boat requested fighter escort from BF 5493 as one of the electric motors was out of order.  As fighter escort is not available boat will be taken under escort by 4 modern minesweepers at 0300/22/4 in BF 5571.   b) None.   c) 1) One cancelled submarine sighting by Gibraltar aircraft in unspecified position, and one sighting by Azores aircraft, position also unspecified.     2) ASV location by aircraft of 16 Group in AN 8291 and by Gibraltar aircraft in CG 5553.  Location cancelled later.       2 locations by Gibraltar aircraft (position on land), cancelled immediately.     3) Enemy units located in AM 5460 - 8169 - 7410 - 7430 - BF 1750.   d) None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c) U 66 reported position EH 5661 implying that meeting place with U 488 for refueling will have to be shifted nearer.  On 21.4. had sufficient provisions for one week.   d) None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         22.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 66 U 198 - BF 83 U 518 - BD 92 U 802 - BE 71   68 - DR 91 214 - BF 84 537 - EH 72 843 - GF 86   92 - Op(BD 72) 218 - BD 85 541 - Op(DB) 851 - FL 89   123 - BF 79 262 - BF 83 543 - DR 85 852 - GR   129 - ER 21 267 - Op(BD 60) 546 - BF 54 853 - AN 35   154 - CG 45 302 - Op(BD 30) 548 - BC 33 856 - Op(CB 20)   155 - Op(EV 76) 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 39   170 - DD 43 342 - Op(AK 30) 552 - AN 24 860 - AE 83   178 - DG 96 385 - Op(AL 30) 667 - Op(BD) 861 - AN 35   181 - FD 18 448 - BF 47 672 - Op(AL 68) 962 - BF 58   188 - FD 18 488 - Op(DR 82) 731 - BF 76 970 - BF 68   190 - Op(EU 86) 505 - Op(ET 69) 736 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BF 54   196 - FL 24 515 - DR 82 741 - BE 14 993 - BF 61               765 - Op(AK 92) 1222 - AE 68
	- 244 -

 

	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 546 - 552 - 741 - 802 - 962 - 970 - 986 - 993.   Entered Port:  U 970 - La Pallice;  U 993 - Lorient;  U 552 - Bergen;  U 853 - Kristiansand.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) 3 ASV locations by Gibraltar aircraft in unspecified positions, all locations cancelled.     2) 2 locations by aircraft of 19 Group, one of which was cancelled.     3) Radio control ship "157" in AM 71 (presumably SC 157 which could be in this area according to dead reckoning).     4) Enemy units located in:  BF 1324 - BD 3954 - AL 7717 - 9644 - 9285 - AK 9990 - 9620 - 7990 - AM 5490.   d)  According to intercept report ON 231 and single ship to proceed via CA 3922 and 3379.  On 22.4. convoy lay in CB 43, speed about 9 knots.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b) U 672 on return passage laid remaining Thetis buoys, roughly between AL 97 and BE 52, and U 267 between BD 61 and 69.   c)  U 488 to proceed from present meeting point on evening of 24th to refuel U 66 on 26.4.  Other boats not able to reach old meeting point by evening of 23.4. to make for meeting point of 26th at once.  U 488 to send executive signal as soon as all refuelings completed.   d) All boats on return passage to send short signals or radio messages between lines of longitude BE 41 and 61 to counterfeit the "passing" report of outward-bound boats.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         - 245 -

 

	23.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 19 U 196 - FL 54 U 505 - Op(EU) U 741 - BE 18   68 - DR 84 198 - BF 85 515 - DR 85 765 - Op(AK 95)   92 - Op(BD 73) 214 - BF 85 518 - BD 93 802 - BE 83   123 - BF 55 218 - BD 83 537 - EH 79 843 - GF 99   129 - ER 28 262 - BF 58 541 - Op(DB) 851 - FS 34   154 - CG 43 267 - Op(BD 61) 543 - DR 84 852 - Op(GR)   155 - Op(EV 85) 302 - Op(BD 30) 546 - BF 61 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - DD 27 311 - Op(AL 90) 548 - BC 38 859 - AK 53   178 - DG 69 342 - Op(AK 30) 550 - Op(CB) 860 - AE 85   181 - FD 46 385 - Op(AL 30) 667 - Op(BD) 861 - AN 28   188 - FD 11 448 - BF 47 672 - AL 97 962 - BF 58   190 - Op(EU 95) 488 - Op(DR 84) 731 - BF 74 986 - BF 54               736 - Op(AL 60) 1222 - AE 83
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 123 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 546 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 962 - 986.   Entered Port:  U 546 - Lorient.   Sailed:  U 193 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) At 0108 U 672 attacked by aircraft in BE 2211.  (See paragraph III c) 1)).     2) U 993 reported on return that it shot down twin-engined aircraft at 0351/17/4 in BE 6935.   b)  None.   c) 1) Escorting aircraft of convoy sighted periscope in unspecified position, course 1400, speed (?) knots (U 672?).     2) Guardship "120" located in BE 77, and guardship "BNN" in BD 11.     3) Enemy units located in AL 7270 - 6854 - AM 4260 - 9136 - 4830 - 4970 - 7250 - BE 8130.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c) U 129 proposes ER 9137 as meeting point for handing over Naxos and Borkum (Translator's note:  radar detecting apparatus) to U 188 at 2100/26/4.   d)  None.         - 246 -

 

	V. Reports of Success:     U 993                1 aircraft.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         24.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 14 U 193 - BF 55 U 448 - Op(DR 84) U 736 - Op(AL 60)   68 - DR 84 196 - FL 82 505 - Op(EU) 741 - BE 58   92 - BD 48 198 - BF 76 515 - DR 84 765 - Op(AK 98)   123 - BF 61 214 - BF 88 518 - BE 72 802 - BE 92   129 - ER 56 218 - BD 92 537 - ER 24 843 - GP 35   154 - CG 27 262 - BF 58 541 - Op(DB) 851 - FS 63   155 - Op(EV 94) 267 - Op(BD 65) 543 - DR 84 852 - Op(GR)   170 - DD 23 302 - Op(BD 30) 548 - BC 61 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - DH 41 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 57   181 - FD 81 342 - Op(AK 60) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AE 87   188 - ER 95 385 - Op(AM 18) 672 - BE 22 861 - AF 79   190 - Op(EV) 448 - BF 47 731 - BE 99 986 - BF 54                     1222 - AE 83
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 123 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  U 123 - Lorient.   Sailed:  U 473 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) At 1342 U 672 was attacked by aircraft in BE 2281.  As boat was possibly proceeding on the surface in order to lay Thetis buoys U 672 and U 267 received orders to lay Thetis buoys at night.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sighting by aircraft of 19 Group in BE 2219; at 1348 same aircraft reported depth charge attack on this boat and at 1352 sent urgent message addressed Liverpool (U 672).     2) ASV locations in BF 2719 (Thetis buoy?) and one location in unspecified position.  Both reports finally cancelled.     3) Enemy units located in:  BE 5335 - 1810 - 7960 - AK 9982 - AM 4930 - 0840.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.         - 247 -

 

	b) 1) U 548 received square BB and western third of BC as operations area, with focal point off St. Johns and BC 69.       In case of ice situation still being unfavorable in this area, boat to occupy area off Halifax.     2) U 385 detailed to AM 40 for new moon period as requested.     3) U 852 reported position from LT.  Boat therefore implies that it has left operations area off Capetown occupied up to date, and is proceeding along East African coast during favorable moon period, to operate in MQ during full moon, and then to operate in Gulf of Aden at following new moon until fighting ability expended.   c)  None.   d)  U 962 must be presumed lost.  Boat on return passage in North Atlantic last reported position as BE 49 on 8.4.  According to this, and also on account of fuel shortage, boat should already have entered port.  Cause of loss unknown.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         25.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EG 35 U 196 - FL 97 U 488 - Op(DR 89) U 736 - Op(AL 60)   68 - DR 74 198 - BF 78 505 - Op(ET 60) 741 - BE 67   92 - BD 48 214 - BF 88 515 - DR 89 765 - Op(AK 92)   129 - ER 59 218 - BE 71 518 - BE 73 802 - BF 47   154 - BF 57 262 - BF 58 537 - ER 52 843 - GQ 41   155 - Op(EV 90) 267 - Op(BD 65) 541 - Op(DB) 851 - FT 48   170 - CB 96 302 - Op(BD 30) 543 - DR 74 852 - Op(LT)   178 - DH 15 311 - Op(AL 90) 548 - BC 59 856 - Op(CB 20)   181 - FD 88 342 - Op(AK 30) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 73   188 - ER 95 385 - Op(AM 40) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AL 31   190 - Op(EV 50) 448 - BF 47 672 - BE 22 861 - AF 79   193 - BF 57 473 - BF 55 731 - BE 98 986 - BF 54                     1222 - AE 85
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 997 - 995 - 476 - Kiel for Group "Mitte";  U 853 Kristiansand to Bergen.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 248 -

 

	III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) Aircraft of 19 Group sighted submerging submarine at 1205 in BF 2174 (?).  Position improbable, course 2500, 7 knots.  2 further submarine sightings in unspecified positions, boat which had surfaced once, on course 2250, 12 knots and 2 submarines on course 2300, speed 8 knots.     2) ASV locations in BF 5774, 2 locations in unspecified positions.     3) English steamer reported being hunted by submarine in BE 2393 at 0251, and at 0333, still being hunted in N.E. direction, with submarine gaining on her.     4) Allied steamer sighted submarine in LD 43 and radioed for 5 minutes saying it was an English one.     5) Enemy units located in:  AK 7310 - AM 5250 - 5280 - BE 6810 - 5680 - CF 1620 - CG 5450 - DM 5779.         IV Current Operations:   a) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         26.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EG 31 U 196 - FS 35 U 488 - Op(EG 31) U 741 - BE 65   68 - DQ 85 198 - BF 77 505 - Op(ET 60) 765 - Op(AK 67)   92 - BD 54 214 - BF 88 515 - EG 31 802 - BF 48   129 - ER 99 218 - BE 72 518 - BE 82 843 - GQ 45   154 - BF 55 262 - BF 58 537 - ER 59 851 - FT 84   155 - Op(EW 70) 267 - Op(BD 60) 541 - Op(DB) 852 - Op(LT 56)   170 - CC 72 302 - Op(BD 30) 543 - DQ 95 853 - AN 29   178 - DH 13 311 - Op(AL 90) 548 - BC 57 856 - Op(CB 20)   181 - FL 16 342 - Op(AK 30) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 78   188 - ER 91 385 - Op(AM 40) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AL 21   190 - Op(EV 50) 448 - BF 47 672 - BE 53 861 - AF 76   193 - BF 81 473 - BF 57 731 - CG 11 986 - BF 54               736 - Op(AL 60) 1222 - AE 87
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.         - 249 -

 

	Entered Port:  U 853 - Bergen.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) At 0700 U 859 sighted single freighter in AK 6721, course 700, speed 10 knots.  Contact lost.  At 2046 sank 4,000 ton single freighter in AK 6722.  Boat continued southward passage.     2) See paragraph IV c).   b)  None.   c) 1) Aircraft of 19 Group sighted 5 submarines at 0352 in BF 5827 (?).     2) ASV locations by aircraft of 19 Group:  BF 55/58, BF 5524 and one location in unspecified position.     3) Enemy units located in:  AM 7661 - 4276 - 5520 - 4873 - AL 3255 - 8890 - 9740 - 6540 - BE 9427 - 3860 - 9427 - BD 3150 - BF 1380.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c)  On evening of 25.4. carrier-borne aircraft flew over U 66 as she lay at meeting point; she was then located and at 0100 next morning anti-submarine units appeared.  Just before dawn a flare was seen 3 miles off, boat submerged and heard sticks of bombs and sinking noises.  Carrier formation patrolled up and down on N.W. course.  As it was feared U 488 had been damaged boat was requested to give position report.  No reply up to date.      U 66 urgently requires supplies, as boat has only a few days provisions left and very little fuel.  If U 488 does not report U 66 must be supplied from U 515 for return passage.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:     U 859                1 ship                4,000 GRT.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         - 250 -

 

	27.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EG 31 U 196 - FT 44 U 505 - Op(EU) U 741 - BE 69   68 - DQ 85 198 - CG 13 515 - EG 31 765 - Op(AK 62)   92 - BD 65 214 - BF 88 518 - BE 83 802 - BF 49   129 - ER 95 218 - BF 81 537 - ER 94 843 - GQ 58   154 - BF 55 262 - BF 58 541 - Op(DB) 851 - GE 33   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - Op(BD 60) 543 - DQ 85 852 - Op(LT 34)   170 - CC 57 302 - Op(BD 30) 548 - Op(BC 40) 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - CF 89 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 67   181 - FL 54 385 - Op(AM 40) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AL 16   188 - ER 64 448 - BF 47 672 - BE 64 861 - AF 72   190 - Op(EV 50) 473 - BF 48 731 - CF 36 986 - BF 54   193 - BF 72 488 - Op(EG 31) 736 - Op(AL 60) 1222 - AL 23
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 960 - La Pallice;  U 534 - Kiel;  U 344 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) Aircraft attacks in the Bay of Biscay:     1) 0251 U 473 in BF 4785.  Up to date no further report.     2) 0326 U 741 in BE 6961.  At 0328 boat reported aircraft shadowing; and at 0333 reported position as sign that attack was over.   b)  None.   c) Submarine sightings by aircraft of 19 Group:     1) 0420 surfaced boat BF 4876, speed 10 knots.       0427       "            "    BE 6660, course 240, 15 knots.       0439       "            "    BE 6960 and at 0333 in BF 4751.     2) ASV locations in: BF 7111 - BF 2879 - 4799 - 4558 - 4846 - 4496 (cancelled) - 4748 - 4470 - 4840 - 5210 - 4870 - and 4 locations in unspecified positions.     3) Enemy units located in:  BE 6450 - AM 5437 - 4633 - 7540 - AL 8240 - 2990.     4) 0739 radio control ship "BIZ" D/F'd in AM 77.   d)  None.         - 251 -

 

	IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c) As U 488 has made no position report rendezvous ordered for U 515 in EH 1285 on evening of 29.4. for supplying of U 66 with provisions and fuel for return passage.   d)  U 342 must be presumed lost.  Boat left Kiel on 3.4. and sent passing report from North Atlantic on 13.4.  From 16.4. onwards boat should have sent 2 weather reports daily from AK 30.  Last report was received on night of 17.4.  Requests on 20, 21, 22 and 23.4. were not answered.  Cause of loss unknown.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         28.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - DR 33 U 196 - FT 73 U 515 - EH 11 U 741 - BE 69   68 - DQ 80 198 - CG 15 518 - BE 61 765 - Op(AK 66)   92 - BD 92 214 - BF 54 534 - AO 47 802 - BF 57   129 - FC 35 218 - BE 82 537 - FC 32 843 - GQ 94   154 - BF 61 262 - BF 91 541 - Op(DB) 851 - GF 18   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - Op(BD 60) 543 - DQ 76 852 - Op(LJ 86)   170 - CC 55 302 - Op(BD 30) 548 - Op(BB 60) 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - CF 92 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 88   181 - FL 85 385 - Op(AM 40) 667 - Op(BD 69) 860 - AK 03   188 - ER 37 448 - BF 47 672 - BE 66 861 - AF 47   190 - Op(EV 50) 473 - BF 47 731 - CF 62 960 - BF 91   193 - BF 74 505 - Op(EU 80) 736 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BF 54                     1222 - AL 23
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 154 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  U 154 - Lorient.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a)  Aircraft attacks in the Bay of Biscay:      0221  U 473 in BE 9366, aircraft shadowed until about 0300.  At 0406 boat reported being attacked without success.      0447  U 214 in BF 5218.   b)  None.         - 252 -

 

	c) 1) U-boat sighting at 1532 in unspecified position.     2) ASV locations in BF 4547 and BE 6986.  8 ASV locations by Gibraltar aircraft in unspecified positions, all of which were cancelled.  2 locations made by aircraft of 19 Group in unspecified positions.     3) Enemy units located in:  AN 4120 - 23 - 28 - CG 1415 - BD 3324 - BE 7890 - BE 8180 - BF 2180 - 4780 - 1540 - 1340 - AL 9490 - 6488 - 9742 - AM 5260 - 7244 - 4157 - 4710.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - c) None.   d) 1) U 488 must be presumed lost. Boat had refueled U 537 - 129 - 543 - 68 and presumably U 515 in mid-Atlantic and should have been in EG 3199 on 26.4. to refuel U 66 for return passage.  On 27.4 U 66 reported carrier-borne aircraft on evening of 25.4. and sighting of flare about 3 miles distant just before dawn on 26.4.  While submerging sticks of bombs were heard and sinking noises.  As it was presumed this might have concerned U 488 boat was requested to send position report.  No reply was received, and loss therefore confirmed.     2) After refueling in North Atlantic became impossible because of strong enemy patrol, only the mid-Atlantic (EG, EH) remained for refueling of boats in the more distant operations areas (Caribbean, Gold Coast and ships en route for Indian Ocean).       Now in this area U 488 has been lost.  Because of this refueling will only be carried out in urgent cases from fighting boats.       All boats have received instructions to commence return passage in good time so that they can reach port without refueling.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	- 253 -

 

	29.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 12 U 198 - CG 15 U 534 - AN 36 U 802 - BF 57   68 - DR 80 214 - BF 52 537 - FC 39 843 - GQ 99   92 - BE 47 218 - BF 91 541 - Op(DB) 851 - GF 56   129 - FC 62 262 - BF 67 543 - DQ 74 852 - Op(LJ 59)   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - Op(BD 61) 548 - Op(BB 60) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - CC 61 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 859 - AK 03   178 - CF 69 385 - Op(AM 40) 667 - Op(BD) 860 - AK 62   181 - FS 23 448 - BF 47 672 - BF 44 861 - AE 69   188 - EH 89 473 - BE 93 731 - CF 65 960 - BF 83   190 - Op(EV 50) 505 - Op(EU 80) 736 - Op(AL 60) 986 - BF 54   193 - BE 99 515 - EH 12 741 - BF 48 1222 - AL 15   196 - FT 68 518 - BE 69 765 - Op(AK 68)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 214 - 218 - 262 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  U 214 - Brest;  U 262 - La Pallice.   Sailed:  U 853 - Bergen;  U 846 - Lorient;  U 394 - 293 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) At 0630/27/4 U 385 sank destroyer of "J" class in AM 4377.  Explosion after 1 minute 47 seconds.  In operations area inside 200 meter line strong sea and air patrol by day and night.  "Fliege" invaluable.  Boat returning to previous attack area AL 10 - 30.     2) U 741 attacked by aircraft in BF 4926 at 0415.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sightings by aircraft of 19 Group:       0413 in BF 4892 (U 672?);  1447 in BE 6564 and 1431 in BF 4456.       1 ASV location in unspecified position.     2) Enemy units located in:  AK 9762 - 4850 - AL 6190 - 6625 - AM 4694 - 4425 - 4650 - 5710 - 4670 - 4370 - BE 8738 - 2930 - 3836 - 4740 - BF 1397 - 3525.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - c) None.   d)  Loss of U 302 must be reckoned with.  Boat left La Pallice on 9.3. and sent report re sinking of destroyer in small convoy on 24.3.  On 29.3. the         - 254 -

 

	last report (weather) was received.  Requests for report on 28, 29 and 30.4. were not answered.  Cause of loss unknown.         V. Reports of Success:     U 385                1 destroyer.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         30.April 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 12 U 198 - CF 39 U 541 - Op(DB) U 846 - BF 55   68 - DQ 80 218 - BE 68 543 - DP 94 851 - GF 91   92 - BE 49 267 - Op(BD 60) 548 - Op(BB 60) 852 - Op(LJ 38)   129 - FC 59 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 853 - AF 79   155 - Op(EW 80) 385 - Op(AM 19) 667 - Op(BD 66) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - CC 59 448 - BF 47 672 - BF 48 859 - BD 13   178 - CG 44 473 - BE 68 731 - CF 93 860 - AK 67   181 - FS 37 505 - Op(EU 80) 736 - Op(AL 60) 861 - AE 65   188 - EH 83 515 - EH 12 741 - BF 49 960 - BF 83   190 - Op(EV 58) 518 - BF 47 765 - Op(AK 69) 986 - BF 54   193 - CG 11 534 - AN 31 802 - BF 57 1222 - AK 38   196 - GF 14 537 - FD 44 843 - GZ 31
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 448 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802 - 986.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 547 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) U 198 reported with passing report that it was picked up on hydrophones by anti-submarine unit at 0100/26/4 in CG 2971, and shook off aircraft using ultra-red locating apparatus without submerging.  Afterwards Naxos locations every hour for 4 nights.     2) U 541 reported situation off Florida coast:       On 12.4. small convoy in DC 2884 on course 3500, speed 8 knots.  Along coastal route (200 meter line) no shipping from DC 1510 to DB 9240, although there was strong regular air activity with Naxos during first and last hours of the night.  Boat received freedom of movement according to own discretion.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sighting by aircraft of 19 Group at 1740 in BE 6698, course 1100, speed 6 knots.  One sighting cancelled by Gibraltar aircraft in unspecified position.         - 255 -

 

	2) 9 ASV locations in unspecified positions (6 by Gibraltar aircraft, 3 by 19 Group).     3) Enemy units located in: BE 6860 = BF 1314 - 2440 - 1647 - 2551 - AM 3650 - 4550 - 5530 - 5760 - AN 1830 - 1690.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b)  U 473 (picket boat) occupying AL 60 as attack area.   c) U 66 and U 515 failed to rendezvous.  Loss of U 515 on southward passage or during attack on 26.4. 0100 reported by U 66 must be reckoned with.  As U 66 has only very few provisions left and about 3 Cbm. fuel, U 68 and U 188 to go with all speed to meeting point with U 66, which was removed 70 miles to the south.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	- 256 -

 

	Operational Order "Casablanca" for "U 214" (auxiliary operation "Rabat")         I. Tasks:   Extensive mining of harbor, harbor entry and roads off Casablanca and Rabat.         II. Enemy Situation:   a) Casablanca:  Shipping in both directions between Casablanca and Gibraltar consisting of 6 - 7 small convoys a month.  Made up for the most part of French ships, they are escorted by French escort vessels (mostly corvettes, gunboats and minesweepers).  Sections of convoys, broken off from the main U.S.A. Mediterranean convoys put in to Casablanca about three times a month, or tack on to returning convoys.  These sections are heavily escorted.  Coastal traffic running between Casablanca and Dakar.   b) Rabat:  1 - 2 convoys consisting of 6 - 10 ships leave Gibraltar for Freetown via Rabat weekly, and vice versa.  From time to time about 2 ships leave or enter Rabat from convoy (6 - 8 ships entering and leaving per week).  Slight single ship traffic between West African ports.         III. Defence:   a) Casablanca:  Medium to strong sea patrol.  Medium sea and land based air activity day and night, equipped with radar.  Successful location not very promising on account of fishing vessels off coast.  According to unconfirmed reports there is a submarine listening station situated on an anchored raft off Casablanca.  Therefore surprise attacks from the air, destroyers and M.T.B.s to be reckoned with.  Directly in front of entrance and inside 50 meter line there is possibly a minefield.  (Not confirmed by U 455).      In March 1943 "U 455" (Scheibe) reported following: Beacons off, city darkened, harbor and streets illuminated.  Patrol (one destroyer) limited to 100 meter line, a number of fishing vessels.  Lively air activity during day, after 2200 nothing observed.  Ineffective land radar.  (U 455 laid its mines inside 25 meter line north of harbor entrance).     April 1943 "U 117" (Neumann) reported: Continuous location, undoubtedly from land station near Casablanca.  A number of loggers and trawlers, no patrol boats sighted, coast darkened.
	- 257 -

 

	b) Rabat:  Medium day and night air activity with radar, as well as slight sea patrol off harbor entrance to be reckoned with.  Strong air activity as soon as observed.  Otherwise no details concerning lights and approaches.  Presumably land radar, but judging by previous experience in Mediterranean, its effect is only slight.         IV. Mining Material:   1) 15 or 12 SMA with 400 meter mooring ropes, period of activity 80 days, safety device set for 3 hours, clockwork arming switch set for 36 hours, depth setting minus 15 meters, set to detonate at first contact.     Mines only to be laid in water of depths 50 - 350 meters.  Minimum range 400 meters.  Laying may only take place in sea strengths up to 6.   2) 4 MTA.  Requisite depths for laying:  at least 8 meters, at most 20 meters; firing depth 6 meters, length of run 7,000 meters; mines to be laid 200 meters apart, speed 18 knots.  Firing accuracy = +/- 400 meter longitudinal deviation, +/- 1.5% lateral deviation from set length of run.  Safety (unarmed) range 115 meters (lying within spread of firing accuracy).   3) 5 EMS, setting 6 days.         V. Execution:   1) Sailing of boat according to operational orders.   2) Sequence of operations:     a) Casablanca all SMA and 2 MTA.     b) Rabat 2 MTA.     c) EMS operation after leaving above areas (not off Casablanca) left to own judgment.  Make sure to allow for currents.    To a) An extensive mining (not a close barrage) to be carried out as near to Casablanca as possible taking into account 50 meter line.  Favorable moon phase to be made use of.  Before laying SMA, 2 MTA to be laid as far into harbor as possible or in roads, taking depths and running range into consideration (for currents and strength see sketch).    To b) Mines to be laid close to entrance as under a).   3)  Time of laying left to Commander.  Boat's own observations of shipping and routes used when leaving harbor of great importance for success of operation.
	- 258 -

 

	4) Attached sketches to be taken as aid to execution of operation.   5) Commander free to make deviations according to enemy situation as observed or detailed above.         VI. No limitations in respect of torpedo operations.         VII. Execution of operation Casablanca to be reported as soon as possible by short signal only, and at least 100 miles from scene of same.  Code as follows:       AFKP = Mining off Casablanca completed.   Completion of operation Rabat to be reported by short signal when given favorable opportunity using keyword.  Keyword "Ratcatcher" to stand for Rabat.         VIII. In the case of enemy situation not permitting execution of operation, move off and report by radio message so that instructions can be sent for mining of new area.         IX. After mine-laying further instructions will be sent by radio message.                                                                                       For Senior Officer of Submarines,                                                                         Chief of operations Division                                                                                (Signed):  Godt.
	- 259 -