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

1 - 15 May 1943

PG30323

     
     
 
1.May 1943.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
-
 BF 40
U 195
-
 FU 44
U 403
-
 Op(BC 68)
U 569
-
 Op(BC 37)
 
68
-
 CF 36
196
-
 GQ 35
404
-
 BF 40
571
-
 BF 68
 
84
-
 BE 64
197
-
 DS 34
406
-
 Op(BE 94)
575
-
 BD 38
 
89
-
 Op(BE 94)
198
-
 GZ 42
410
-
 CG 45
584
-
 Op(AJ 76)
 
91
-
 BF 40
202
-
 BF 40
413
-
 Op(AJ 30)
598
-
 AK 89
 
92
-
 Op(AJ 88)
203
-
 AJ 96
415
-
 BE 65
600
-
 Op(BE 94)
 
103
-
 BE 42
209
-
 Op(AJ 30)
418
-
 AE 66
607
-
 Op(BE 85)
 
105
-
 FE 13
217
-
 BF 11
436
-
 Op(BE 86)
610
-
 AK 89
 
107
-
 BE 41
218
-
 AM 51
438
-
 Op(AJ 75)
613
-
 BE 66
 
108
-
 AK 74
223
-
 Op(BC 26)
439
-
 Op(BE 94)
614
-
 Op(BD 22)
 
109
-
 BF 40
226
-
 Op(BD 23)
447
-
 Op(BE 95)
616
-
 CG 90
 
117
-
 DG 85
227
-
 AE 66
448
-
 Op(BC 62)
618
-
 BE 55
 
119
-
 BE 59
230
-
 Op(BE 85)
454
-
 Op(BC 65)
621
-
 BD 25
 
123
-
 Op(ET)
231
-
 Op(AJ 30)
456
-
 Op(BE 85)
628
-
 Op(AJ 88)
 
125
-
 Op(BC 23)
257
-
 BE 64
459
-
 AK 98
630
-
 Op(AJ 75)
 
126
-
 Op(ES 97)
258
-
 Op(AJ 30)
460
-
 CF 54
631
-
 AK 89
 
128
-
 Op(FC 53)
260
-
 Op(AJ 87)
461
-
 BD 36
634
-
 Op(BC 26)
 
129
-
 Op(CA)
262
-
 Op(BB 40)
465
-
 BF 80
638
-
 AD 22
 
134
-
 BF 40
264
-
 Op(AJ 89)
466
-
 Op(BC 62)
645
-
 AE 66
 
154
-
 Op(FC 96)
266
-
 Op(BC 26)
468
-
 Op(BC 62)
648
-
 Op(AJ 30)
 
160
-
 DG 36
267
-
 AK 89
487
-
 BD 87
650
-
 Op(AJ 30)
 
161
-
 Op(CB 10)
270
-
 Op(AJ 87)
504
-
 BD 36
659
-
 Op(BE 86)
 
168
-
 Op(AJ 76)
304
-
 AF 87
506
-
 CF 35
662
-
 Op(AJ 75)
 
176
-
 DG 98
306
-
 AK 98
509
-
 DH 14
664
-
 BF 40
 
177
-
 FU 64
332
-
 Op(BE 94)
514
-
 Op(AJ 76)
706
-
 Op(AJ 30)
 
178
-
 GG 25
340
-
 AN 35
515
-
 Op(ET 53)
707
-
 Op(AJ 88)
 
180
-
 KQ 90
358
-
 Op(AJ 89)
516
-
 BE 98
709
-
 Op(BC 37)
 
181
-
 GZ 56
359
-
 OP(BC 65)
525
-
 Op(BD 38)
731
-
 AN 35
 
182
-
 FE 71
377
-
 Op(BC 34)
528
-
 AK 18
732
-
 Op(AJ 87)
 
183
-
 DG 84
378
-
 Op(AJ 30)
531
-
 Op(AJ 30)
752
-
 BE 44
 
185
-
 BE 96
381
-
 Op(AJ 30)
532
-
 Op(AJ 30)
760
-
 AN 36
 
186
-
 Op(BC 68)
383
-
 Op(BC 37)
533
-
 Op(AJ 30)
952
-
 AE 67
 
192
-
 Op(AJ 30)
386
-
 AK 24
552
-
 Op(AJ 30)
954
-
 Op(AJ 30)
 
188
-
 BF 40
402
-
 BD 34
 
 
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 84 - 108 - 134 - 160 - 182 - 183 - 185 - 188 - 203 - 257 - 306 - 404 - 415 - 387 - 506 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 598 - 610 - 613 - 618 - 631 - 706.
  Entered Port:  U 571 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 640 Kiel;  U 190 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  Reconnaissance of England - Gibraltar traffic north of the "Drossel" disposition.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 33 (see para. IVa).
    2) U 515 reported:  In Et 6128 a freighter (7,000 GRT) burning and sinking, 2 other freighters of 6,000 GRT probably sinking.  (Presumably vessels belonging to the convoy attacked on 30.4)
       
- 301 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) U 182 sank "Adelfotis" (5,838 GRT) in FD 6884, course 400.  According to radio, up to 25 planes from FF 31 to FM 27 each day, speed 300 kilometers.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  AJ 42, AJ 8990.  Three sightings, position unidentified.  Report of attack in AJ 32.  Report of torpedoing in South Atlantis (position unknown).
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 33:  Final Remarks:
      The continuing bad weather also prevented contact being reestablished on 1st May.  As there was little prospect of picking the convoy up again while weather remained hazy, the boats were ordered to break off the operation at dusk on 1st May.
      To sum up:
      The operations against the convoy with 16 boats in all suffered from first to last from very hazy weather and strong S.W. wind, against which the boats had to struggle during their pursuit of the enemy.  Lookout, finding and shadowing of the convoy were much hampered thereby.  In all, only 5 boats contacted the convoy.  After 29th April contact could not be reestablished.
      The only success was scored by U 258, who probably sank 2 ships and torpedoed a third.  Naval defences were not reported as very strong.  No reports were received about them.  There was some air activity on the first day, but only seaplanes.  During the last night a boat reported continuous air patrol, probably based on Greenland.  The same boat observed what was probably a new type of location gear.  The Commander repeatedly noticed planes approaching at great height and carrying a light like a planet that went on and off.  No location was heard at the time.
      Two boats had to give up the chase because of enemy counter-measures.  They were bombed and depth-charged and badly damaged.  No boats were lost while attacking the convoy.
      The whole operation was hampered by heavy atmospherics, so that Operational Control had no definite information on the course of the operation from midnight until noon the next day.  It can therefore be said that this attack failed only because of the bad weather, not because of the enemy's defences.
    2) Convoy No. 34:
      At 2100 on 1st May, U 628 reported several plumes of smoke in BC 2215.  As Operational
 
 
 
- 302 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Control assumed that it was the expected "SC 128", all boats belonging to Group "Specht" were detailed to attack.  They numbered 18 in all:  U 438, 662, 630, 584, 168, 514, 270, 260, 732, 92, 628, 707, 258, 264, 614, 226 and 125.  When it became obvious later that the convoy was definitely sailing N.E., boats belonging to Group "Star" which were stationed to the north, were also detailed to attack.  They were:  U 648, 533, 531, 954, 192, 381, 231, 419, 552, 378, 269, 258 and 650.  Thus a total of 31 boats were stalking the convoy.
      At 0109 U 628 reported the convoy in 8896 with course 0, speed 8 knots.  At 0444 U 260 reported star shell in AJ 8958.  Further reports on the convoy were not received.
      All reports were much delayed, as the boats could apparently not establish contact with Control because of radio interference in the convoy area. Boats were therefore again directed to use group frequency.  The operation is being continued.
  b) 1) Group "Amsel" and Group "Specht" have been ordered to steer an easterly course at 2400 with a speed of 7 knots and to man the position line reached at 0900 on 2nd May as a patrol strip.  This should ensure that the convoy which is expected from 1400 on shall not pass the patrol strip during the night.
    2) U 176 has been given a free hand in area DM, the eastern third of DL, and the western and central thirds of DN.  Focal points lie around DM 52 and DN 76.  Boat will be given situation summary by U 155, U 68 and U 183.
  c) U 487 has given her remaining fuel to U 461, has taken over Engineer Officer from U 504 and is continuing her homeward voyage.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 515 - 3 ships  19,000 GRT
  U 182 - 1 ship  5,838 GRT.
       
VI. General:
  The increase of the boats in Northern Waters to 22 which was ordered in March has not brought good results because there is little enemy shipping.  The last "P.Q." convoy was attacked at the beginning of March, since then no contact has been made with the enemy.
  The war against total (enemy) tonnage demands that the submarines should be detailed to attack in the area that has proved the most fruitful.  As chances are better at present in the North Atlantic than in Northern Waters, and as there is no information about recommencement of supplies to Arctic harbors, First Division of Naval War Staff has issued the following order:
 
 
 
- 303 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Group North is to keep 12 boats, so that there are always about 4 boats in the operational area.  If definite signs of a convoy or of an enemy landing are observed the group will be reinforced by boats from the Atlantic.  The danger of boats arriving too late has to be accepted.
  F.d.U. Norway has reported that the following boats are available for operations in the Atlantic:  U 269, 334, 355, 467, 636, 646, 657, 629, also U 304 is leaving Kiel.  The boats will be operationally ready by about 20.5.
    The boats reported as being available will remain with their former flotillas and are also to carry out their dockyard period there in order to make the most of the dockyard capacity available and also to relieve the yards in Western France.
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 304 -
 
 
     

 

 

     
     
 
Supreme Command of the Navy
       
Second Division NAval War Staff/B.d.U. Op.
Reference No. 200.                  
1st May 1943.
 
Submarine Situation at 1st May 1943 .
       
I.
In Commission on 1.4.1943 :  
423
 boats
Commissioned during April:  
18
 boats
   
441
  
Losses during April, on operations:  
14
  
                                    at home:  
0
  
Paid off (Collisions in home waters)  
2
  
In commission on 1.5.1943:  
425
  
        plus foreign boats  
9
  
       
  Losses in March :
 
In the Atlantic:
Type VIIc:
U 635, 632, 376, 710
= 4
 
Type IX:
U 169, 124, 167, 526, 175, 189, 191, 174
= 8
In the Mediterranean:
Type VIIc:
U 602
= 1
In Northern Waters
Type VIIc:
 U 644
= 1
 
 
14
  Details:
  In the Atlantic:  Type VIIc.
 
 
U 635
-
 First trip.  Last message on 5.4.  East of Greenland reporting convoy.  Probably sunk by convoy escort
  U 632
-
 Second trip.  Last message on 6.4. S.W. of Iceland reporting convoy.  Probably sunk by convoy escort.
  U 376
-
 Well proved boat.  No message.  Lost in Biscay.  
  U 710
-
 First trip, no message, no clues.
  Type IX
  U 124
-
 Well proved boat.  Last message reported contact with convoy on 1.4. in CF 3658 west of Portugal.
  U 167
-
 New boat, experienced Commander.  Sunk on 6.4 off Gran Canaria by plane.
  U 526
-
First trip.  Sunk on 14.4. off Lorient by a mine.
  U 169
-
 First trip.  No message.  No clue.
  U 191
-
 First trip.  Last message on 23.4 S.E. of England reporting convoy.  Probably sunk by escort.
  U 189
-
 First trip.  Last message on 23.4. reporting convoy S.E. of Greenland.  Probably sunk by convoy escort.
  U 174
-
 Old boat, new Commander.  Last message on 27.4 reporting convoy South of Newfoundland.  Probably sunk by escort.
 
 
 
- 305 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
U 175
-
 Well proved boat.  Last message on 17.4. reporting contact with a convoy in Western Bay of Biscay.  Probably sunk by escort.
 
In the Mediterranean:  Type VIIc:
 
U 602
-
 Well proved boat.  Last message on 24.4. from Western Mediterranean.  No clue.
In the North Atlantic:  Type VIIc:
 
U 644
-
 First trip.  Last message on 20.3 reporting that 670 N had been passed.  Probably sunk by enemy submarine.
       
II. Distribution:
 
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
VIId
IXb/c
IXD1
IXD2
XB
XIV
 Total
On operations:
3
-
166
3
50
2
7
3
6
240
On trials:
-
-
    89  
-
18
-
6
2
3
118
School boats :
33
4
     28**
-
2
-
-
-
-
67
 
  36*
4
283
3
70
2
13
5
9
425
* also 3 temporarily out of service in the Black Sea.      
** 12 of these temporarily transferred for training purposes.
     
       
III. During April :
 
Following have newly joined operational boats:    
22
  
Total increased by:   +
2
  
Operational boats increased by:   +
5
  
Boats on trial decreased by:   -
6
  
School boats increased by:   +
3
  
       
IV. Distribution of operational boats at 1.5.1943:
 
Atlantic
207
   (1.4.  194)
Mediterranean
18
   (1.4.  17)
Northern Waters
12
   (1.4.  21)
Black Sea
3
  
240
       
V. During April in the Atlantic:
 
Daily average at sea:
111
 boats.
Of these, in operational area:
35
 boats.
Cruising:
76
 boats.
Of these, homeward bound
29
 boats.
       
VI. During April following left port:
 
From home ports
22
 boats
From Western France
76
 boats (including 2 from Norway)
 
 
 
- 306 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
2.May 1943.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
-
 BE 69
U 192
-
 Op(AJ 60)
U 402
-
 BD 12
U 569
-
 Op(BC 62)
 
68
-
 BE 98
195
-
 FU 76
403
-
 Op(BC 92)
575
-
 BD 13
 
84
-
 BF 40
196
-
 GQ 63
404
-
 BF 40
584
-
 Op(AJ 89)
 
89
-
 Op(BE 94)
197
-
 DS 64
406
-
 Op(BE 86)
598
-
 AK 89
 
91
-
 BE 66
198
-
 GZ 57
410
-
 CB 79
600
-
 Op(BE 86)
 
92
-
 Op(AJ 89)
202
-
 BE 66
413
-
 Op(AJ 60)
607
-
 Op(BE 85)
 
103
-
 BD 39
203
-
 AK 79
415
-
 BF 40
610
-
 AK 89
 
105
-
 Op(ET 85)
209
-
 Op(AJ 60)
418
-
 AE 67
613
-
 BF 40
 
107
-
 BD 37
217
-
 BF 13
436
-
 Op(BC 86)
614
-
 Op(BC 26)
 
108
-
 AK 79
218
-
 AM 52
438
-
 Op(AJ 76)
616
-
 CG 90
 
109
-
 BE 65
223
-
 Op(BC 24)
439
-
 Op(BE 94)
618
-
 BE 64
 
117
-
 DG 85
226
-
 Op(BC 26)
447
-
 Op(BE 95)
621
-
 BD 12
 
119
-
 BE 57
227
-
 AE 67
448
-
 Op(BC 65)
628
-
 Op(BC 23)
 
123
-
 Op(ET)
230
-
 Op(BE 85)
454
-
 Op(BC 68)
630
-
 Op(AJ 76)
 
125
-
 Op(BC 26)
231
-
 Op(AJ 60)
456
-
 Op(BE 85)
631
-
 AK 89
 
126
-
 Op(ET 74)
257
-
 BE 66
459
-
 AK 98
634
-
 Op(BC 34)
 
128
-
 Op(FC 82)
258
-
 Op(AJ 60)
460
-
 CF 76
638
-
 AK 78
 
129
-
 Op(CA)
260
-
 Op(AJ 88)
461
-
 BD 36
640
-
 AO
 
134
-
 BF 68
262
-
 Op(BB 40)
465
-
 BF 71
645
-
 AE 67
 
154
-
 Op(FC 97)
264
-
 Op(BC 23)
466
-
 Op(BC 68)
648
-
 Op(AJ 56)
 
160
-
 CF 76
266
-
 Op(BC 37)
468
-
 Op(BC 65)
650
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
161
-
 Op(CB 10)
267
-
 AK 89
487
-
 BE 43
659
-
 Op(BE 86)
 
168
-
 Op(AJ 87)
270
-
 Op(AJ 88)
504
-
 BD 36
662
-
 Op(AJ 76)
 
176
-
 DC 89
304
-
 AF 73
506
-
 BE 97
664
-
 BE 69
 
177
-
 FU 92
306
-
 AK 98
509
-
 CF 82
706
-
 AK 88
 
178
-
 GG 61
332
-
 Op(BE 94)
514
-
 Op(AJ 87)
707
-
 Op(BC 28)
 
180
-
 Op(JA 29)
340
-
 AN 30
515
-
 Op(ET 53)
709
-
 Op(BC 62)
 
181
-
 GZ 63
358
-
 Op(BC 22)
516
-
 BF 74
731
-
 AN 30
 
182
-
 FD 63
359
-
 Op(BC 68)
525
-
 Op(BC 62)
732
-
 Op(AJ 88)
 
183
-
 DG 85
377
-
 Op(BC 37)
528
-
 AK 52
752
-
 BD 62
 
185
-
 BF 91
378
-
 Op(AJ 60)
531
-
 Op(AJ 60)
760
-
 AN 30
 
186
-
 Op(BC 92)
383
-
 Op(BC 83)
532
-
 Op(AJ 60)
952
-
 AE 82
 
188
-
 BF 40
386
-
 AK 39
533
-
 Op(AJ 60)
954
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
190
-
 BF 54
381
-
 Op(AJ 60)
552
-
 Op(AJ 64)
 
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 84 - 108 - 134 - 160 - 182 - 185 - 188 - 203 - 257 - 306 - 386 - 404 - 415 - 487 - 506 - 509 - 516 - 598 - 610 - 613 - 618 - 631 - 706.
  Entered Port:  U 134 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 405 - St. Nazaire;  U 636 - Drontheim.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  No reconnaissance because of weather.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 34 (see para. IVa).
    2) U 459 reported at 0215 that there was a destroyer in BD 3123, course 700, depth charges dropped.
  b)  None.
       
- 307 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sightings:  AJ 89, FL 28.  (no boat ?)  One sighting without position.  (Group "Star" ?)
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 33:
      U 532 made a later report stating that she had fired a fan of 4 and of 2 at 0514 on 29.4. in AK 7856 and heard two definite detonations.  She was then hunted with depth charges for 15 hours.  Because of loud noises in the submarine itself, she began her homeward journey.
      U 192 fired a spread of 3 at a freighter of 5-6,000 GRT at 0230 on 1.5. in AJ 3797.  Detonation was heard, but success could not be observed because of enemy defences and high seas.  A double miss from stern tube fired at a 4,000 tonner was probably set too deep.
    2) Convoy No. 34:
      During the morning of 2nd May weather was reported from the convoy area as wind south 5, visibility 6 miles.  Towards evening the wind freshened to south 9, stormy, visibility up to 3 miles.  One boat reported fog.
      The only news of the convoy came from U 628, who reported at 0956 from AJ 8695 a wide band, probably a convoy, on a true bearing of 3000.
      U 358 reported that she had searched on a northerly course without success.  U 260, who had sighted a star shell during the night of 1/2 May, searched from 30 to 400, also without success.  According to the report from U 628 the convoy has probably steered a course of 20-250 and speed of 7.7 knots by dead reckoning.  This information was radioed to the boats as a clue.  Boats were also informed that enemy courses of 10-500 and 6.8 knots might be reckoned on for further hunting of the convoy.
      U 92 had to move away as her Diesel coupling and thrust bearing were faulty, 2 cylinder heads had cracked.  The operation is being continued. with 29 boats.
  b) 1) Following attack areas have been allocated:  U 128 Freetown sector between 40 - 00, U 105 between 0 - 3100.  Move away at full moon if situation demands it.
      Approach points:  U 203 to go to BC 31 after replenishing.  U 202, 109, 91, 66, 664, 645 to collect in BD 33 to a depth of 80 miles, it is intended that they shall proceed from here in wide formation.
 
 
 
- 308 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) 1) U 183 has refueled from U 117 and is returning.
    2) As the Italian submarine did not keep her rendezvous for refueling, U 117 has turned back.
  d)  Order:  In future do not report when Iceland-Faroes have been passed.  Report by short signal when passing 610 North to the south.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 532 - 2 hits
    U 192 - 1 hit.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
3.May 1943.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
-
 BE 64
U 195
-
 GF 31
U 403
-
 Op(BC 99)
U 569
-
 Op(BC 63)
 
68
-
 BF 60
196
-
 GR 47
404
-
 BF 65
575
-
 BD 14
 
84
-
 BF 40
197
-
 DS 91
405
-
 BF 58
584
-
 Op(AJ 90)
 
89
-
 Op(BE 94)
198
-
 GZ 91
406
-
 Op(BE 86
598
-
 AK 89
 
91
-
 BE 65
202
-
 BE 53
410
-
 CG 80
600
-
 Op(BE 86)
 
92
-
 Op(AJ 97)
203
-
 AK 89
413
-
 Op(AJ 84)
607
-
 Op(BE 85)
 
103
-
 BD 34
209
-
 Op(AJ 60)
415
-
 BF 40
610
-
 AK 98
 
105
-
 Op(ET 92)
217
-
 BF 10
418
-
 AE 83
613
-
 BF 40
 
107
-
 BD 25
218
-
 AM 50
436
-
 Op(BE 86)
614
-
 Op(AJ 96)
 
108
-
 AK 98
223
-
 Op(BC 35)
438
-
 OP(AJ 90)
616
-
 CG 90
 
109
-
 BE 52
226
-
 Op(AJ 90)
439
-
 Op(BE 94)
618
-
 BE 66
 
117
-
 DG 59
227
-
 AE 59
447
-
 Op(BE 95)
621
-
 BC 32
 
119
-
 BE 42
230
-
 Op(BE 85)
448
-
 Op(BC 66)
628
-
 Op(AJ 90)
 
123
-
 Op(ET 10)
231
-
 Op(AJ 60)
454
-
 Op(BC 69)
630
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
125
-
 Op(AJ 90)
257
-
 BF 40
456
-
 Op(BE 85)
631
-
 AK 98
 
126
-
 Op(ET 73)
258
-
 Op(AJ 60)
459
-
 AK 99
634
-
 Op(BC 35)
 
128
-
 Op(FK 12)
260
-
 Op(AJ 90)
460
-
 DG 33
636
-
 AF 57
 
129
-
 Op(CA)
262
-
 OP(BB 40)
461
-
 AK 89
638
-
 BC 32
 
154
-
 Op(FC 80)
264
-
 Op(AJ 90)
465
-
 BE 68
640
-
 AN 30
 
160
-
 CF 58
266
-
 Op(BC 38)
466
-
 Op(BC 66)
645
-
 AE 83
 
161
-
 Op(CB 20)
267
-
 AK 89
468
-
 Op(BC 66)
648
-
 Op(AJ 37)
 
168
-
 Op(AJ 90)
270
-
 Op(AJ 90)
487
-
 BE 56
650
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
176
-
 Op(DM-DN)
304
-
 AF 48
504
-
 BD 14
659
-
 Op(BE 86)
 
177
-
 FV 77
306
-
 AK 98
506
-
 BF 74
662
-
 Op(AJ 90)
 
178
-
 GG 69
332
-
 Op(BE 94)
509
-
 CF 64
664
-
 BE 64
 
180
-
 JA 50
340
-
 AN 28
514
-
 Op(AJ 60)
706
-
 AK 99
 
181
-
 JJ 46
358
-
 Op(AJ 90)
515
-
 Op(ET 59)
707
-
 Op(AJ 90)
 
182
-
 FD 34
359
-
 Op(BC 69)
516
-
 BF 61
709
-
 Op(BC 63)
 
183
-
 DG 38
377
-
 Op(BC 38)
525
-
 Op(BC 63)
731
-
 AN 28
 
185
-
 BF 93
378
-
 Op(AJ 67)
528
-
 AK 86
732
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
186
-
 Op(BC 99)
381
-
 Op(AJ 60)
531
-
 Op(AJ 60)
752
-
 BD 29
 
188
-
 BF 55
383
-
 Op(BC 39)
532
-
 AK 61
760
-
 AN 28
 
190
-
 BF 40
386
-
 AK 60
533
-
 Op(AJ 60)
952
-
 AE 85
 
192
-
 Op(AJ 62)
402
-
 BC 35
552
-
 Op(AJ 60)
954
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 84 - 108 - 160 - 182 - 183 - 185 - 188 - 203 - 257 - 306 - 404 - 415 - 487 - 506 - 509 - 516 - 598 - 610 - 613 - 618 - 631 - 706.
       
- 309 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  U 516 - 188 - Lorient;  U 404 - St. Nazaire;  U 185 - Bordeaux.
  Sailed:  U 221 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  In search of south-bound convoy in area west of Portugal (Group "Drossel").
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoys Nos. 34 - 35 see para. IVa.
    2) U 177 sighted a tanker in DG 8298 on southerly course, speed 16 knots.  She was forced to submerge by escort, was depth-charged and later continued her rendezvous with U 460.
    3) U 415 was bombed 3 times by a plane in BF 74 while homeward bound.  Despite much damage she was still able to dive.  Boat has requested escort from outer point "KERN".
  b)  At 0844 convoy picked up in BE 9226.  Made up of 24 freight barges, 3 escorts, course 600.  Another machine reported 10 merchant ships and 6 escorts at 0830 in BE 6977, course 1800, moderate speed.
  c)  Submarine sighted by tanker in DG 8340 (U 117) two other reports by planes in unidentified position.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operation:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 34:
      At midday on 3rd weather was reported from the convoy area as wind S.W. 9, sea force 7, visibility 2-6 miles.  At nightfall visibility improved to 10 miles.
      No further reports came in about the convoy, so a reconnaissance line was detailed for 1800 with 29 boats from AJ 5333 via AJ 6348 to AK 4449 ahead of the supposed enemy course.  The reconnaissance line proceeded at 1800 on a course of 2050 over ground speed 4 knots, to meet the convoy, and at 000 was to remain stationary in the position line reached.
      U 614 had to move away to make repairs because of a cracked cylinder cover.
      If the convoy is not picked up by the patrol line, it is intended to break off the attack on the convoy, as most of the boats are short of fuel, and it is pointless for them to run about after the convoy.
    2) Convoy No. 35:
      "Drossel" air reconnaissance spotted a convoy
       
- 310 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      of 11 merchant vessels and 6 escorts in BE 6945 at 0830, southerly course, only 2 submarines heard the beacon signals sent by shadower.  The new patrol strip from BE 9812 to 9932 which was to be manned at maximum speed did not become effective as U 89 sighted the convoy in BE 9529 at 1425.  She was forced to retire temporarily during the afternoon, reestablished contact at 2145 and maintained it until the next morning.  At 1840 another "Kondor" again shadowed the convoy, 6 boats heard its beacon signals and were able to get a good fix.  The "Kondor" reported a second convoy of 27 transports up to 2,000 GRT and 3 escorts some 16 miles N.E. of the first convoy.  This convoy was recognized as the one expected, interpretation of photos on the plane's return showed that the convoy consisted of 27 landing craft of the LCT type.  (The same that had been sighted at 0844 in BE 9226 with course 600)
      U 89 and U 456 contacted only the landing craft convoy during the night.  U 89 fired 3 misses.  U 456 reported that the sea way prevented any chance of scoring hits.
      Contact was lost after dawn on 4.5.  The convoy of merchant ships was not found again, nor was it spotted by air reconnaissance during the day.  It probably sailed at more than 10 knots and was therefore not sighted again by the boats.  It is not intended to continue searching to the south, because of the strong enemy air patrols that must be expected from Gibraltar.  The operation is thus finished.
  b) 1) Group "Amsel" has been divided into several sub-groups and ordered to proceed to the new patrol strip at economical cruising speed.
      Following dispositions have been made:
              Sub-division 1 consisting of U 638, 621, 402, 575 and 504 to man strip from AJ 7933 to AJ 8837.
              Sub-division 2 consisting of U 634, 223, 266, 377 and 383 to man strip from AJ 9761 to BC 3274.
              Sub-division 3 consisting of U 709, 569, 525, 468 and 448 to man strip from BC 3765 to BC 6541.
              Sub-division 4 consisting of U 466, 454, 359, 186 and 403 to man strip from BC 6949 to BC 9646.
      This new type of disposition should avoid the drawbacks that arise when a patrol remains in one place for a long time so that it is D/F'd, sighted, located etc. by the enemy, who thus finds out its entire extent.  The outer boats have orders to create the impression of a complete patrol searching right around the Newfoundland Banks, but when the enemy uses his D/F or location gear he will find the gaps left by the
 
 
 
- 311 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      sub-divisions and will probably make for them.  It is also intended to combine the sub-divisions in a single line shortly before the convoys are expected to pass according to dead reckoning or high priority Radio Intercept Intelligence as it is not supposed that it will be possible to pick it up in such a short time.
    2) After the following boats have passed the approach points ordered on 16.4., they are to man the attack areas shown:  U 181 - KP 30, 50, 60 and KQ 10, 40.  Focal point Lourenzo Marques.  According to reliable reports there is brisk outward and inward traffic.
      U 198 and 196 - KP 80, 90 and KZ 10 to 30.  U 198 is to steer N.E. and U 196 S.W. of the line running from KP 8480 to KZ 3990.  Focal point off Durban.
      Italian submarine sank several ships in this area.
    3) ES 80 is new approach point for U 460.  It is intended that the boats off Freetown shall refuel here.
  c)  U 183 has refueled from U 460;  U 306 from U 459;  U 631, 610, 267, 706 and 108 from U 461.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.May 1943.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
-
 BE 52
U 196
-
 GR 78
U 402
-
 Op(BC 27)
U 569
-
 Op(BC 60)
 
68
-
 BF 70
197
-
 EH 31
403
-
 Op(BC 90)
575
-
 Op(BC 31)
 
84
-
 BF 51
198
-
 JJ 71
405
-
 BF 40
584
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
89
-
 Op(CG 10)
202
-
 BE 52
406
-
 Op(CG 10)
598
-
 AK 89
 
91
-
 BE 51
203
-
 AK 89
410
-
 CG 90
600
-
 Op(CG 10)
 
92
-
 Op(AJ 98)
209
-
 Op(AJ 60)
413
-
 Op(AJ 60)
607
-
 Op(CG 10)
 
103
-
 BD 24
217
-
 AM 90
415
-
 BF 46
610
-
 AK 98
 
105
-
 Op(ET 66)
218
-
 AM 50
418
-
 AE 85
613
-
 BF 40
 
107
-
 BD 13
221
-
 BF 58
436
-
 Op(BE 90)
614
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
108
-
 AK 89
223
-
 Op(AJ 97)
438
-
 Op(AJ 60)
616
-
 CG 90
 
109
-
 BE 19
226
-
 Op(AJ 60)
439
-
 Op(BE 90)
618
-
 BF 40
 
117
-
 DG 64
227
-
 AE 84
447
-
 Op(CG 10)
621
-
 Op(BC 23)
 
119
-
 BD 39
230
-
 Op(CG 10)
448
-
 Op(BC 60)
628
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
123
-
 Op(ET 16)
231
-
 Op(AJ 60)
454
-
 Op(BC 68)
630
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
125
-
 Op(AJ 60)
257
-
 BF 40
456
-
 Op(CG 10)
631
-
 AK 98
 
126
-
 Op(ET 67)
258
-
 Op(AJ 60)
459
-
 AK 98
634
-
 Op(AJ 97)
 
128
-
 Op(FK 41)
260
-
 Op(AJ 60)
460
-
 DG 85
636
-
 AF 48
 
129
-
 Op(CA)
262
-
 Op(BB 10)
461
-
 AK 89
638
-
 Op(BC 23)
 
154
-
 Op(FK 10)
264
-
 Op(AJ 60)
465
-
 BE 55
640
-
 AB 28
 
160
-
 CF 37
266
-
 Op(BC 31)
466
-
 Op(BC 68)
645
-
 AE 85
 
161
-
 Op(CB 20)
267
-
 AK 89
468
-
 Op(BC 60)
648
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
       
- 312 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
168
-
 Op(AJ 60)
270
-
 Op(AJ 60)
487
-
 BE 65
650
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
176
-
 Op(DM-DN)
304
-
 AE 65
504
-
 Op(BC 35)
659
-
 Op(CG 10)
 
177
-
 GG 28
306
-
 BE 46
506
-
 BF 70
662
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
178
-
 GH 78
332
-
 Op(BE 90)
509
-
 CF 39
664
-
 BE 51
 
180
-
 KZ 60
340
-
 AF 79
514
-
 Op(AJ 60)
706
-
 BD 31
 
181
-
 JJ 53
358
-
 Op(AJ 60)
515
-
 Op(ET 50)
707
-
 OP(AJ 60)
 
182
-
 ES 89
359
-
 Op(BC 68)
525
-
 Op(BC 60)
709
-
 Op(BC 60)
 
183
-
 DG 38
377
-
 Op(BC 31)
528
-
 AK 85
731
-
 AF 79
 
186
-
 Op(EC 90)
378
-
 Op(AJ 60)
531
-
 Op(AJ 60)
732
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
190
-
 BE 66
381
-
 Op(AJ 60)
532
-
 AK 59
752
-
 BD 16
 
192
-
 Op(AJ 60)
383
-
 OP(BC 31)
533
-
 Op(AJ 60)
760
-
 AF 79
 
195
-
 GF 62
386
-
 AK 75
552
-
 Op(AJ 60)
952
-
 AE 78
 
               
954
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 84 - 108 - 117 - 160 - 182 - 183 - 257 - 306 - 386 - 415 - 487 - 506 - 509 - 528 - 532 - 598 - 610 - 613 - 618 - 631 - 706.
  Entered Port:  U 84 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 657 - Drontheim;  U 214 - Brest;  U 228 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  In search of south-bound convoy in area manned by Group "Drossel".
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoys Nos. 35 and 36, also orders to Group "Star" and "Specht" see para IVa.
    2) U 447 contacted 4 escort boats on southerly course at 2120.  She was, however, soon forced to sheer off and took up her station in the patrol strip.  After checking information with own air reconnaissance reports it was obvious that the escorts belonged to the Gibraltar-bound convoy of 27 landing craft.
    3) U 161 reported situation:Remained stationary in CB 27 and 28 to repair Diesels, nothing seen.  Then encountered destroyer patrol on convoy route in CB 21.  Impossible to operate there because of too much naval patrolling.  Boat proceeded to CA 90.
    4) U 195 reported freighter on course of 2900 in FN 89, speed 18 knots.  No opportunity of firing.
  b) Apart from the 27 landing barges with 4 escorts the air reconnaissance reported nothing.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BE 4236, AJ 3771, also 10 other reports from unidentified position (probably North Atlantic).  
    U-boat attack in DC 12.
  d)  None.
       
- 313 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 35:
      As the convoy was not contacted again by the patrol strip, the operation was broken off.  The boats were then so far behind the convoy that it was pointless to follow.
      Since contact with the convoy was maintained for only a short time, no report could be made on the defences.
      The operation suffered from the hazy weather, which also caused the loss of contact with the convoy.  The convoy probably escaped by making a determined detour to N.W. or east.  It is not believed that it passed the patrol strip despite the hazy weather, as the boats were only 8 miles apart.
    2) Convoy No. 36:
      As the search for Convoy No. 35 was unsuccessful, Groups "Specht" and "Star" were instructed to man a patrol strip from AJ 2758 to AK 4944 by 1000 on 5.5 as a new Group "Fink".
      Order of station:  U 438, 630, 662, 584, 168, 514, 270, 260, 732, 628, 707, 358, 264, 226, 125, 378, 192, 648, 533, 531, 954, 413, 381, 231, 552, 209 and 650.
      But before this new order could be carried out U 628 sighted at 2020 in AJ 6271, S.W.-bound convoy ("ON 180") that was expected by dead reckoning.
      During the afternoon several single destroyers with varying courses were reported by the boats, but they suggested rather stationary patrol.
      At 2040 U 628 reported "ON 180" in AJ 6271 with course 200 and speed 7 knots.  All Group "Fink", Groups "Amsel 1" and "Amsel 2" were ordered to attack the convoy, in addition U 614 and 258 were given a free hand.  In all 41 boats were stalking the convoy, but owing to lack of fuel it had to be assumed that several boats would not be able to operate for long.
      Shadower reports came in regularly and after a new fix U 628 reported the enemy's position.  During the day 5 more boats contacted the convoy and another 6 during the night.  At 0700 the convoy was reported in AJ 6465.
      Weather during the night wa reported as S.S.W. 3, sea force 3, visibility good.
      Operation against the convoy was continued.  4 boats had to give up the pursuit, amongst them, U 270 because of heavy damage from depth charges.  This left 37 boats to hunt the convoy.  During the night the following successes were scored:
 
 
 
- 314 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
       
Assumed
  
Boat
Time
Report
Sunk
 Torpedoed
U 125   AJ 6298 Single freighter 4,000 GRT sunk.   
1/4,000
U 264 0320/5 AJ 6514 1 6,000 tonner & 1 5,000 tonner twice torpedoed, 1 4,500 tonner torpedoed.
2/11,000
 1/4,500
U 358 0424 - 0428/5 AJ 6517 1 8,000 tonner and 1 6,000 tonner sunk.
2/14,000
  
U 732 0251/5 AJ 6432 1 5-6,000 tonner hit with MZ torpedo.  Presumed sunk.
1/5,000
  
U 264 0659/5 AJ 6465 2 hits on 5,000 GRT ship, sunk.
1/5,000
  
U 707 night/5 AJ following convoy 1 7,500 GRT freighter (passenger) sunk
1/7,500
  
     
        Total:        8/46,500
1/4,500
     
              sunk        
torpedoed.
  b) 1) After the operation against Convoy No. 35 had been broken off, Group "Drossel" took up a new patrol strip from CF 6235 to CG 1861 at 0800 in 5.5. in previous order.  Two northbound convoys were expected from the morning.  Reconnaissance south of the patrol strip by 7 Kondor planes was arranged with the GAF Commander for the Atlantic Area.  From 0800 the boats kept D/F receiving watch.
    2) Sub-divisions "Amsel 2-4" cruised at economic speed in the new patrol strip.  "Amsel 2" manned the strip from AJ 9535 to AK 7758, "Amsel 3" from BC 3927 to BC 6637 and "Amsel 4" from BC 9275 to BC 9872.
      U 267, 107, 752 and 103 joined the corresponding groups and , in the order, lengthened the "Amsel 1" strip by one position to the east, "Amsel 2" to the S.E., "Amsel 3" to the north, and "Amsel 4" to the north.  ("Amsel 1 and 2" were directed to attack convoy No. 36 towards evening.)
    3) U 258 began her cruise to AK 8255 as supply boat.  She is to report if further operation is not possible after carrying out replenishment.
  c) - d) None.
 
 
 
- 315 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 125 1 ship
4,000 GRT
 
U 264 3 ships
16,000 GRT
   1 ship torpedoed
U 358 2 ships
14,000 GRT
 
U 732 1 ship
5,000 GRT
 
U 707 1 ship
7,500 GRT
 
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
5.May 1943.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
-
 BE 19
U 198
-
 JJ 83
U 403
-
 Op(BC 98)
U 584
-
 Op(AJ 28)
 
68
-
 BF 40
202
-
 BE 19
405
-
 BF 44
598
-
 AK 89
 
89
-
 Op(CG 18)
203
-
 AK 89
406
-
 Op(CG 17)
600
-
 Op(CG 17)
 
91
-
 BE 16
209
-
 Op(AK 48)
410
-
 CG 90
607
-
 Op(CF 62)
 
92
-
 AJ 98
214
-
 BF 58
413
-
 Op(AK 44)
610
-
 BE 14
 
103
-
 BD 18
217
-
 Op(BF 20)
415
-
 BF 52
613
-
 BF 40
 
105
-
 Op(ET 60)
218
-
 Op(AM 50)
418
-
 AL 21
614
-
 Op(AJ 69)
 
107
-
 Op(AK 77)
221
-
 BF 49
436
-
 Op(CG 17)
616
-
 CG 90
 
108
-
 BE 11
223
-
 Op(AJ 96)
438
-
 Op(AJ 64)
618
-
 BF 40
 
109
-
 BE 14
226
-
 Op(AJ 65)
439
-
 Op(CG 18)
621
-
 Op(AJ 94)
 
117
-
 DG 64
227
-
 AE 76
447
-
 Op(CG 18)
628
-
 Op(AJ 56)
 
119
-
 BD 31
228
-
 BF 58
448
-
 Op(BC 66)
630
-
 Op(AJ 27)
 
123
-
 Op(ET 10)
230
-
 Op(CF 63)
454
-
 Op(BC 95)
631
-
 BE 18
 
125
-
 Op(AJ 64)
231
-
 Op(AK 48)
456
-
 Op(CF 63)
634
-
 Op(AJ 95)
 
126
-
 Op(ET 64)
257
-
 BF 40
459
-
 AK 82
636
-
 AF 44
 
128
-
 OP(FK 40)
258
-
 AK 45
460
-
 DG 64
638
-
 Op(AJ 79)
 
129
-
 Op(CA 90)
260
-
 Op(AJ 64)
461
-
 AK 89
640
-
 AN 23
 
154
-
 Op(FK 10)
262
-
 Op(BB 10)
465
-
 BE 27
642
-
 BF 58
 
160
-
 CF 32
264
-
 Op(AJ 64)
466
-
 Op(BC 92)
645
-
 AE 79
 
161
-
 Op(CB 24)
266
-
 Op(BC 96)
468
-
 Op(BC 65)
648
-
 Op(AJ 27)
 
168
-
 Op(AJ 65)
267
-
 AK 77
487
-
 BF 44
650
-
 Op(AK 49)
 
176
-
 Op(DM-DN)
270
-
 Op(AJ 64)
504
-
 Op(AJ 88)
657
-
 AF 58
 
177
-
 GG 67
304
-
 AE 67
506
-
 BF 40
659
-
 Op(CF 39)
 
178
-
 GQ 26
306
-
 BE 56
509
-
 CG 17
662
-
 Op(AJ 27)
 
180
-
 KZ 30
332
-
 Op(CG 18)
514
-
 Op(AJ 64)
664
-
 BE 19
 
181
-
 JK 26
340
-
 AF 73
515
-
 Op(ET 20)
706
-
 BD 36
 
182
-
 Op(ET 40)
358
-
 Op(AJ 64)
525
-
 Op(BC 63)
707
-
 Op(AJ 64)
 
183
-
 CF 79
359
-
 Op(BC 95)
528
-
 AK 82
709
-
 Op(BC 39)
 
186
-
 Op(BC 98)
377
-
 OP(AK 77)
531
-
 Op(AK 44)
731
-
 AF 73
 
190
-
 BE 64
378
-
 Op(AJ 66)
532
-
 AK 93
732
-
 Op(AJ 64)
 
192
-
 Op(AJ 66)
381
-
 Op(AK 48)
533
-
 Op(AJ 66)
752
-
 Op(BD 14)
 
195
-
 FU 23
383
-
 Op(AK 77)
552
-
 Op(AK 48)
760
-
 AF 73
 
196
-
 GZ 33
386
-
 BE 13
569
-
 Op(BC 39)
952
-
 AL 21
 
197
-
 EH 62
402
-
 Op(AJ 94)
575
-
 Op(AJ 88)
954
-
 Op(AK 44)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 108 - 117 - 160 - 182 - 183 - 257 - 306 - 386 - 415 - 487 - 506 - 509 - 528 - 532 - 598 - 610 - 613 - 618 - 631 - 706.
  Entered Port:  U 415 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 603 - 663 - Brest;  U 521 - Lorient;  U 753 - La Pallice.
       
- 316 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  In search of north-bound convoys in area patrolled by Group "Drossel" (West of Portugal)
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 36 see para. IVa.
    2) U 456, belonging to Group "Drossel" sighted a cruiser of the Fiji class with 2 destroyers, course 1300, high speed, at 1402 in CF 3988.
      Same formation was reported 2 hours later by U 230.  Neither boat scored any success.
      U 447 had an unsuccessful gunnery duel with a landing boat, during which she shot down a barrage balloon.
      U 160, who is on her homeward trip, encountered a destroyer at 1200 in CF 3858.  The forces reported were probably serving as escorts for the south-bound convoy of landing craft.  No attack took place, as the slight draught of these craft made torpedoes useless and shelling was impossible because of the escort.
    3) U 129 sank a tanker (5,000 GRT) in DC 12.
  b)  Unsuccessful air reconnaissance.  It is intended to make another sweep in the same area on 6.5. as the convoy is expected to be delayed.
  c) U-boat sightings:  DC 14 and 2 others in unidentified position.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 36:
     On 5th at midday the weather in the convoy area was reported as southwest 2, visibility 15 miles.  About 2-3 hours before dark visibility decreased to 1-2 miles.  At 0400 on 6th a boat reported thick fog.
     At 0800 on 5th the convoy was reported in AJ 6485, course 2000.  Contact was reported all day long by several boats.  Towards evening several smaller formations were reported, such as part of a convoy or once 4 destroyers, etc.  It was therefore assumed that after making a leg during the night of 4th-5th May, the convoy had split up and was sailing in several groups.  About 2300 U 650 reported that the convoy definitely consisted of 20 vessels.  She was ordered to send beacon signals until dark.
     According to reports from 2 boats an extra formation of 4 destroyers appeared to have joined the convoy during the 5th May.  Above all, the spell of hazy weather put the boats at great disadvantage
       
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     with the convoy's naval escort, as sudden encounters kept cropping up in the fog.  No air patrolling was reported on the 5th.
    6 submarines reported considerable damage from depth charges, 4 of them had to break off the chase and turn back.  U 125 reported that she had been rammed, was moving away to the east on a course of 900 and requested assistance from other boats.  4 boats were ordered to help her - U 381, 260, 413 and 552.  25 boats are still operating against the convoy.  The others have had to turn back because of lack of fuel or damage from depth charges.
    The convoy was reported for the last time at 0425 in AJ 8562
    Successes:
     
       
Assumed
  
Boat
Time
Report
Sunk
 Torpedoed
U 628 0244/5 AJ 6436 1 large freighter sunk, 1 medium sized freighter probably sunk, 1 freighter left burning, 1 hit heard  
3/17,000
  1 hit
      1 corvette sunk
 
      1 vessel that had probably ben previously damaged by U 628 was sunk "Harburg" (5,081)
1/5,081
  
U 584 1634/5 AJ 5965 1 7,000 tonner and 1 5,00 tonner sunk
2/12,000
  
U 266 2150/5 AJ 8395 1 5,000 tonner sunk, 1 5,000 tonner probably sunk, 2 other hits.
2/10,000
   2 hits
       
 
     
        Total:        8/44,081
  3 hits
     The operation is being continued.  It is intended to break off during 6th May, as the fog is causing more and more dangerous situations and even after the operation boats may be lost in this way.
  b) 1) The north-bound convoy is still expected, as its position has only been worked out on dead reckoning.  Group "Drossel" has been ordered to man the patrol strip from CF 3577 to CG 1428 from 0800 on 6th May, so that the group should definitely be ahead of the convoy on the morning of 6.5.  Boats are in the following sequence:  U 607, 456, 230, 436, 89, 332 and 439.  They are not to leave their present patrol strip until dark, if possible, to avoid the new patrol being compromised beforehand if there should be any enemy air reconnaissance.  See paras c) and d) for orders issued to U 600 and 406, U 659 and 447.
 
 
 
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    2) The outward bound boats from home waters, U 418, 952, 645 and 227 are manning squares AK 35, AK 34, AK 31 and AD 88 as temporary attack areas, in the sequence noted.  These boats are to be combined with the boats coming from Western France that are shown under para 2 a).  They will be set up as one patrol between Iceland and Greenland to stalk "ON" or "ONS" convoys.
      For this reason U 109, 91, 202, 664, 66, 465 and 190 are proceeding at economical cruising speed to take up a patrol strip from BD 3238 to BE 1843.  It is intended that they shall proceed from here to the north in close order.  The boats are being temporarily gathered into a patrol strip because there are many fast independents in this area, also in order to have several boats in the vicinity of a convoy should one be picked up.
  c) 1) U 598 and 532 refueled from U 461 for their return journey.  After further refueling, the tanker proceeded to K 8769 to a depth of 100 miles.
    2) Orders were given for the first lot of fuel to be given to U 119 in AK 8871.  Further transfer to be made in BD 1255.
    3) U 460 took over remaining fuel from U 117.  She will reach the proposed supply square (ES 80) about 17.5.  U 117 returning home.
    4) U 600 and 406 - belonging to Group "Drossel" collided about 1100 somewhere about CG 18 and had to turn back because of major damage.
  d)  The serious situation in the Mediterranean has forced further withdrawal of boats from other areas.  As ordered by Ob.d.M., U 447 and 659 have been instructed to try to break through during the present new moon period, without considering the amount of fuel consumed.  They are to go to Toulon.  Boats have been given all information available on conditions in the Straits of Gibraltar.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 447 1 barrage balloon
   
U 129 1 ship
5,000 GRT
    
U 628 4 ships
22,081 GRT
 - 1 corvette
U 564 2 ships
12,000 GRT
    
U 266 2 ships
10,000 GRT
- 2 hits.
       
VI. General:
  The order issued on 6th April that all type IXb and IXc boats were to be equipped within a reasonable length of time for use in the North Atlantic has been lifted with immediate
 
 
 
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    effect; boats of this type leaving port this month will be equipped for use in the south.  The reasons for this new order are as follows:
  a) The gaps caused by a rapid succession of convoy attacks in the North Atlantic during March had to be closed rapidly, as a large number of boats were needed to intercept the then widely scattered convoys.  The IXc boats putting out in March and the steady stream of VIIc boats leaving port in April were able to make good this deficiency.
  b)  Attacks on convoys during the past two months have definitely shown that Type IX boats are very vulnerable to bombing or depth charge attacks by reason of their more complicated structure.  Comparative losses in the Atlantic give the following picture:
     
Losses:
Type IX Type VIIc
March: 5 7
  2 of these during attack on convoy 4 of these during attack on convoy
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April: 7 and 1 boat that struck a mine 4
  5 of these during attack on convoy 2 of these during attack on convoy
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