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

1 - 15 December 1944

PG30360

     
     
 
1.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JA 90
U 510
-
 KB 14
U 871
-
 Op(KQ 10)
U 1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
195
-
 KK 61
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
877
-
 AF 76
1209
-
 AF 75
 
196
-
 KB 13
650
-
 AF 77
978
-
 BE 31
1223
-
 AK 43
 
219
-
 KK 64
680
-
 BE 32
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1226
-
 AK 91
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
772
-
 AM 27
991
-
 AM 97
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
297
-
 AF 79
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
1003
-
 AM 53
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
300
-
 AN 23
862
-
 Op(JG 34)
1009
-
 AF 76
1229
-
 AN 34
 
322
-
 AM 29
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1020
-
 AF 75
1230
-
 Op(CA 30)
 
396
-
 AL 28
869
-
 AO 16
1053
-
 Op(AL 37)
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 AM 26
870
-
 AL 26
1062
-
 AN 34
1232
-
 AL 26
 
482
-
 Op(AM 53)
806
-
 BC 66
1200
-
 BF 17
1233
-
 AO 16
 
485
-
 AF 79                  
 
986
-
 AF 75                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 300 - 396 - 510 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1009 - 1062 - 1200 - 1223 - 1229.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 325 - 905 - 1055 - Kiel;  (U 170 - 1221 - Kristiansand to Flensburg).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - c) None.
  d)  Special intercept message:  Commander of the American 10th Fleet is canceling at once the zig-zag restrictions west of the line BC 9590 - DF 5210 - DR 5210 - DR8550 - FT 1270.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 978 reports position AM 8140.  Situation in Channel:
      Movements:  Single ships or up to 4 steamers and 2 patrol boats with noise buoys from the North via BF 3539 along the coast to Cherbourg.  Returning convoys via 3537, 300.  No movement seen from 3147 to 3552.
      Defence:  Search groups with depth charges, search gear, and chain clatterings.
      Sinkings:  3 steamers total 22,000 tons.
    2) Short report from U 170 states that she has seen no enemy activity off Freetown for 17 days, but has seen 3 neutral ships.
       
- 753 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Defences:  Three aircraft sightings during the day, search group picked up on hydrophones.  No counter-measures by night.  Lights burning, Monrovia lighted at night.  Boat presumes that shipping is following neutral shipping routes.
      Success:  On 28 October a zig-zagging destroyer in BE 4655 was fired at using a hook shot.  According to B.d.U. she was sunk.  On 31 October in BE 1355 a large heavily protracted convoy did not come into range.  Hook shot fired at a large destroyer in position 0.  After 12 minutes and 40 seconds there was a heavy detonation over the boat, causing a great deal of damage.  After surfacing a fragment of unusually strong steel was found on the top deck.  Opinion of B.d.U. is that the ship was sunk.
  c) Since no report has been received from U 195, U 181 will be requested to report in case Djakarta is not reached so that another boat can be sent to the rescue.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
   
U 978 3 ships
22,000 tons
  sunk
U 170 1 destroyer
sunk
  
  1 destroyer
presumed
   sunk.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
2.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 47
U 485
-
 AF 76
U 869
-
 AO 16
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 39)
 
195
-
 KK 38
486
-
 AF 75
870
-
 AL 28
1055
-
 AO 74
 
196
-
 KA 63
510
-
 KB 13
871
-
 Op(KQ 10)
1200
-
 BE 36
 
219
-
 KK 63
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
877
-
 AF 73
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
650
-
 AN 11
905
-
 AO 74
1209
-
 AF 74
 
297
-
 AF 78
680
-
 BE 33
978
-
 AM 81
1223
-
 AK 18
 
300
-
 AN 31
772
-
 AM 27
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
322
-
 AM 43
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 89
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 74
806
-
 BC 65
1009
-
 AF 87
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
396
-
 AL 26
862
-
 Op(JG 39)
1003
-
 AM 02
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 AM 27
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1020
-
 AF 77
1232
-
 AL 25
 
482
-
 Op(AM 53)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 300 - 396 - 510 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1009 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  U 300 - Stavanger.
  Sailed:  U 275 - Bergen.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 754 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)- b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
     
19th Group:
2210
 Presumed U-boat preparing to attack.  Position unspecified.
 
2221
 Took up aircraft search again.
 
2020
 Presumed U-boat preparing to attack.   Position unspecified.
 
2055
 Cancelled.
     Colombo is disseminating SSS reports from American steamers.  1713 suspicious ship signaling in MR 4181.
     Enemy units were picked up by radar in AM 5540 - 1151 - 2420 - 5610 - 3390 - 4250 - 8860 - 9480 - BE 1836 - 3690 - BF 1430 - BC 2970 - BD 2190 - CE 4790.
  d)  1707 a presumed submarine chaser unit reported to Chief of Observations at Portsmouth:  Attacked U-boat 8 miles off Portland Bill, request instructions.  Chief of Operations Portsmouth to destroyers at 1847:  In case U-boat not detected, take up night patrol.  1707, destroyers to Portsmouth. . . . . detected.  Not enemy craft, following your orders.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 1223 reported weather as ordered, and reports operation so far without success.  Starboard diesel in fairly good order.
    2) On the basis of success and favorable situation report in the Channel from U 978 (see War Diary of 1 December), the previous course of U 680 (coastal area N.E. of Land's End) was changed.  Boat ordered to operate off Cherbourg if condition of boat and her crew permitted.  Otherwise she was to carry out operations in area as ordered.
    3) U 510 (returning from East Asia) had to put back to Djakarta because of diesel breakdown.
  c)  None.
  d)  Losses in November:
    1) U 1006:  See War Diary of 17 November.
    2) U 1229:  Boat left Trondheim on 26 July for special operation in Gulf of Maine (dropping a
       
- 755 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      spy).  Passage report sent on 8 August from AK 38.  Since then no report has been received.
      Boat has possibly carried out special operation and then operated in area off Halifax as ordered, since foreign press reports (see War Diary of 21 October IV d) of 20 October report a number of allied ships having been attacked all along the Canadian coast.
      Further press reports speak of a 4-day U-boat attack on a convoy off the Canadian coast, resulting in the sinking of one ship.
      All boats which could have carried out this operation have reported in the meantime and were not involved.
      The boat would have been forced to return in the meantime because of lack of provisions.  She failed to send situation report in spite of many requests.  There was a garbled signal on 16 October, unsigned, that may possibly have come from U 1229.  There are no clues regarding date of her loss, cause or position.
    3) Moreover, we must consider U 1062 as being lost.  The boat was returning from Penang with an important cargo (left on 15 July).  She should have been supplied by U 219 on 28 September in EH 7586.  After completion no special report.  Since no report was made, it was assumed that supplying had been carried out.  No results on requesting weather report in approximately AK/AL.  No information about her loss because U 219 has not reported as yet, so it is not established whether supplying activities were carried out.
    4) Moreover, U 1226 has been lost in the Mid-Atlantic.  The boat was destined to operate off the coast of Canada and reported passing AL 24 on 23 October - Schnorchel failure and starboard double 2 cm. gun not working.  Boat then was ordered to remain in southern half of AK and act as a weather boat.  This order was not received.  She is believed to have been sunk by aircraft in AL 10/20 while repairing her Schnorchel.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 1229 1 ship 5,000 GRT sunk.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
- 756 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
3.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 43
U 485
-
 AF 75
U 869
-
 AN 33
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 61)
 
195
-
 KL 15
486
-
 AF 77
870
-
 AL 29
1055
-
 AO 72
 
196
-
 KA 61
510
-
 LR 87
871
-
 Op(KE 60)
1200
-
 BE 36
 
219
-
 KL 18
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
877
-
 AF 72
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
275
-
 AF 87
650
-
 AN 11
905
-
 AO 72
1209
-
 AF 77
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
680
-
 BF 11
978
-
 AM 57
1223
-
 AK 36
 
297
-
 AF 77
772
-
 AM 01
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
322
-
 AM 46
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 BF 12
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 72
806
-
 BC 67
1003
-
 AM 28
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
396
-
 AL 33
862
-
 Op(JG 39)
1009
-
 AN 24
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 AM 29
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1020
-
 AF 77
1232
-
 AL 15
 
482
-
 Op(AM 53)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 510 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1009 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  U 650 - 1009 - Bergen;  U 510 - Djakarta.
  Sailed:  U 248 - Trondheim;  (U 869 - Horten to Kristiansand).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  None.
     Enemy units located in:  AL 9394 - 9580 - 9380 - AM 8710 - BE 3520 - BF 1230 - 5840.
  d)  Special intercept report:  Admiral Commanding Colombo on 19 November ordered that ships traveling between 100 and 1200 on E. course must carry nets.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  For the purpose of attacking aircraft carriers off the Norwegian coast, U 297 is to take position S. of island of "Hoy" (Orkneys), U 1020 to take position S.E. of island of Ronaldsay.  Boats are to make for Hoxa-Sound as soon as sufficient information is obtained regarding current conditions.  Patrol of Hoy Sound will be carried out by U 297.  Running reports will be radioed, attacks to be directed primarily against carriers, then warships and troop transports.  When observed, freedom to attack all targets.
    It is proposed, moreover, to send the two Schnorchel boats in Narvik (U 737 and U 312) and other Schnorchel boats from the Arctic area to operate off Scapa Flow.
       
- 757 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b)  Estimation of enemy plans in the west requires accurate knowledge of the weather situation, therefore current weather reports are of great importance.
    Following boats occupying these areas as attack and weather sectors:
     U 1232 - AK 1279;  U 1053 - AL 4469;  U 870 - BE 5454;  U 806 - BD 4654.  Depth of area 200 miles and weather reports must be reported by short signal three times each 24 hours.
    Reports from U 1053 - 870 - 806 received according to plan.  U 806 already in BC 78.  Naval High Command ordered the boat to take up operational area as ordered (Halifax).  S.W. weather report position remains unoccupied.
  c)  None.
  d)  Experience report 193:  Radio to all boats:  Text is last paragraph of summary from log of U 1199 (Boat has operated 30 days in area AN 01).
     "Shallow water is best protection against search gear.  Boat was not intercepted and we felt absolutely safe on the bottom.  Schnorchel completely tested, 50 days submerged without surfacing.  I have a feeling of complete superiority with the Schnorchel.  Unfortunately the possibilities for hydrophone listening along the coast are poor, which results in unfavorable tactical positions to the enemy if picked up by hydrophones.
     Morale of the crew good and conviction that the U-boat arm again has superiority over the enemy."
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 43
U 400
-
 AM 43
U 869
-
 AN 33
U 1055
-
 AO 44
 
195
-
 KL 13
482
-
 Op(AM 53)
870
-
 AL 58
1200
-
 AM 79
 
196
-
 KA 58
485
-
 AF 77
871
-
 Op(KE 55)
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
219
-
 KL 24
486
-
 AE 99
877
-
 AF 48
1209
-
 AM 32
 
248
-
 AF 59
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
905
-
 AO 44
1223
-
 AK 15
 
275
-
 AF 79
680
-
 BF 15
978
-
 AM 55
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
772
-
 AM 43
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
297
-
 AM 11
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 87
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
322
-
 AM 49
806
-
 BC 78
1003
-
 AM 27
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 44
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1020
-
 AF 77
1232
-
 AK
 
396
-
 AL 32
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1053
-
 Op(AL 02)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
       
- 758 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  (U 869 - Kristiansand);  (U 325 - 905 - 1055 - Horten).
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
    U-boat attack position located by aircraft of 18th Group at 1709, position not given.  1718 cancelled.
    U-boat in firing position located at 2013 by aircraft from Iceland.  Position unspecified.
    Enemy units located at:  AL 9210 - 2980 - AM 2460 - 7310 - 8840 - 8170 - BF 1280.
    Annapolis reported on 3 December at 1205:  Yellow striped Liberty ship used as target off anchorage in CA 2897 is missing.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) Due to breakdown of S.W. weather report position, S.E. weather position will be transferred 250 miles to W. (BD 6646).
    2) U 400 has operational area N.E. of Land's End.
      U 322 and U 772 are moving into the Channel with focal point off Cherbourg.  In case operations are impossible there because of condition of the boat or crew, operations will be authorized off Milford or in the area of U 400.
  c) None.
  d)  U 219 reported will enter Djakarta on 11 December.  Since no special report was made by U 1062, she must have refueled.  She should be off point "Krista", if she made an estimated 70 miles per day through the Straits of Denmark.  We must therefore consider this boat lost.  She was evidently lost in mid-Atlantic, that is to say, in the Azores area, since no report of passing BD was received.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
- 759 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
5.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 28
U 400
-
 AM 46
U 869
-
 AN 36
U 1055
-
 AO 16
 
195
-
 KL 89
482
-
 Op(AM 53)
870
-
 AL 82
1200
-
 AM 76
 
196
-
 KA 72
485
-
 AM 32
871
-
 Op(LK 50)
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
219
-
 KL 23
486
-
 AM 32
877
-
 AF 47
1209
-
 AM 31
 
248
-
 AF 82
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
905
-
 AO 16
1223
-
 AL 14
 
275
-
 AF 78
680
-
 BF 18
978
-
 AM 52
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
772
-
 AM 46
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
297
-
 AN 13
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 79
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
322
-
 AM 73
806
-
 BC 87
1003
-
 AM 26
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 16
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1020
-
 AN 14
1232
-
 AK 32
 
396
-
 AE 87
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1053
-
 Op(AL 58)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  (U 170 - 1221 - Flensburg).
  Sailed:  U 864 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) At 1800 aircraft (MMK 23) sent emergency signal from CG 7969 to Port Lyauthey (U 1227?)
     Enemy units located:  AM 7540 - 5467 - BD 6411.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 1003 reports position AM 2494, has been on return cruise since 300 November from operational area in the North Channel.  Boat encountered only nightly ship movements in AM 6140-70 and 3560-90, and varying patrols by day.  Frequent radar fixes on her Schnorchel and aircraft bombs.  Boat has been in her operational area for over a month and has not fired a single shot.  More detailed report must be awaited because her radio message was corrupt.
      After this report, the possibility arises that chances for attack are not good enough in AM 53 - 56 - 61 to 6410.  Therefore U 482, who was in the area, received orders to push S.E. into the Irish Sea after a survey of the North Channel situation.
    2) In spite of repeated requests, the weather report from U 1232 has still not been
       
- 760 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      received.  Possibly it is due to radio breakdown aboard the boat.
      If possible, it is planned to send U 1232 and U 870 to the original operational areas (Gibraltar and Halifax).  Boats have therefore been ordered to spare fuel in weather report areas according to their own discretion.
  c)  None.
  d) Since there is no definite knowledge regarding positions of U 863 - 871 and 181 and their receiving conditions cannot therefore be assessed.  Messages will be transmitted on both Africa Bands I and III.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 34
U 400
-
 AM 49
U 864
-
 AO 74
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 52)
 
195
-
 LZ 94
482
-
 Op(AM 53)
869
-
 AN 36
1055
-
 AO 16
 
196
-
 LZ 99
485
-
 AM 31
870
-
 BE 12
1200
-
 AM 72
 
219
-
 LZ 97
486
-
 AM 33
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
248
-
 AF 81
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
877
-
 AE 69
1209
-
 AM 33
 
275
-
 AF 77
680
-
 BF 16
905
-
 AO 16
1223
-
 AL 22
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
772
-
 AM 49
978
-
 AM 52
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
297
-
 AN 13
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
322
-
 AM 76
806
-
 BC 78
991
-
 AM 75
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 16
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1003
-
 AM 24
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
396
-
 AE 88
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1020
-
 AN 14
1232
-
 AK 26
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 312 - 737 - Narvik.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None
  c) U-boat sightings:
     
18th Group:
2100
 possible U-boat location, position not given.
 
2140
 possible U-boat location, in attack position, position unspecified.
     Toothpick to Branch from Branch 22:  (Branch W 22 possibly anti-submarine aircraft from Group
       
- 761 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     730 or 348 in North Channel):  "1648 Schnorchel (?) located 6 miles E. of you; am going to attack".
     According to radio intercept, English unit "Joe" transmitted urgent report to "Aultbea" for S.O. Orkneys/Shetlands and Western Approaches.  "Joe" was picked up by cross bearing in AN 43.
     Enemy units located in:  AL 9660 - 4410 - AM 840 - BC 2929 - BF 1140.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 485 - 486 and U 1209 ordered to steer for AM 70 until further situation reports on Bristol Channel and English Channel come in.
    2) U 737 and 312 sailed from Narvik.  Boats went via Trondheim to attack carriers off Scapa Flow.  Next course AN 14, radio band "Anton".
      When area limit of Captain U-boats West is reached, further course will be directed by Captains U-boats West.  "Diana" radio band for 010 W.  These two boats as well as U 1020 and 297 (off Orkneys) will be advised on this bad regarding English coastal waters and the general situation (see War Diary of 3 December).
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
7.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 JB 33
U 400
-
 AM 49
U 864
-
 AO 72
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 48)
 
195
-
 LZ 69
482
-
 Op(AM 53)
869
-
 AN 36
1055
-
 AO 16
 
196
-
 KL 23
485
-
 AM 24
870
-
 Op(BE 43)
1200
-
 AM 48
 
219
-
 LZ 93
486
-
 AM 24
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
248
-
 AF 73
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
877
-
 AE 68
1209
-
 AM 24
 
275
-
 AF 77
680
-
 BF 24
915
-
 AO 16
1225
-
 AL 22
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
737
-
 AF 38
978
-
 AM 02
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
772
-
 AM 73
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
312
-
 AF 38
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 72
1230
-
 Op(CB 10)
 
322
-
 AM 79
806
-
 BC 77
1003
-
 AM 31
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 16
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1020
-
 Op(AN 16)
1232
-
 AK 20
 
396
-
 AE 86
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
       
- 762 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 722 - 733 - St. Nazaire;  U 1018 - 1172 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
     At 1410 aircraft "Branch W 23" was informed of a 3 mile long oil slick by Group "Branch".  (See 6 December III c).
     Enemy units located in:  BE 1626 - EF 4460 - CF 3886.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 722 - 773 (transport boats) left St. Nazaire on 7 December for return cruise to Germany.  Each boat had 3.2 tons of cargo and 4 dockyard specialists on board.
  c)  There is anxiety for U 195.  She should have met U 181 but so far has not done so.  It is believed that U 181 is trying to make Djakarta without help, since there has been no report.
  d) Radio to all boats:  Current Order No. 45.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 763 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Staff H.Q. Koralle, 6 December 1944.
       
Secret
       
To:  All disseminating agencies of Current Orders.
       
Current Order No. 45
- December 1944 -
       
        In the assignment of operational areas, headquarters does not always have complete information regarding focal points, routes and times of shipping so that sometimes only general guidance can be transmitted to the boats.
       
        Therefore it sometimes happens that in spite of long waiting off the enemy coast, enemy traffic is not encountered.  Hence in case of sparse traffic or movements by night, there is no opportunity for a shot.
       
           In such cases captains are to strike out and leave areas without promise, trusting to a sixth sense and hunting instincts to bring them success.  Change of area, such as moving closer to the coast or going further into bays, is also necessary.  It is not necessary to report such movements to headquarters.
       
           All action along these lines which lead to better chances for wiping out the enemy will be approved in every case by headquarters.
       
Addendum
       
           Current Order No. 26 is to be removed and destroyed.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 764 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
8.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 KS 57
U 482
-
 Op(AM 64)
U 864
-
 AO 44
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 48)
 
195
-
 KA 42
485
-
 AM 26
869
-
 AN 36
1055
-
 AO 16
 
196
-
 KL 24
486
-
 AM 26
870
-
 Op(BE 43)
1172
-
 AO 72
 
219
-
 KA 48
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1200
-
 AM 42
 
248
-
 AF 75
680
-
 Op(BF 25)
877
-
 AE 67
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
275
-
 AM 32
722
-
 BF 64
905
-
 AO 16
1209
-
 AM 25
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
737
-
 AF 61
978
-
 AM 26
1223
-
 AE 79
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
772
-
 AM 76
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
312
-
 AF 64
773
-
 BF 64
991
-
 AM 48
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
322
-
 BE 33
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
1003
-
 AM 32
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AO 16
806
-
 BD 99
1018
-
 AO 77
1232
-
 AK 26
 
396
-
 BE 83
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1020
-
 Op(AN 16)
1230
-
 Op(CB 14)
 
400
-
 AM 73
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  (U 312 - Trondheim).
  Sailed:  (U 869 - Kristiansand).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) Colombo broadcasts on 7 December at 0800:  Craft, possibly U-boat, sighted on the surface by an English merchantman in 900, 168 miles from P.
    Enemy units located in:  AM 6590 and CD 6470.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  Penang relayed position report of U 195 from 7 December in JC 7276.  Average daily mileage 100 miles in Azores area.  After fuel losses the boat can just make Djakarta by sailing at very low speed.  She was ordered to meet U 181 in case she still needed fuel.  U 181 ordered to report if she could not reach Djakarta so that a boat could be sent out from Djakarta to transfer lubricating oil.
     Meeting point in KT 90 for 12 December ordered by Penang was therefore cancelled.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
- 765 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
9.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 KS 57
U 482
-
 Op(AM 64)
U 864
-
 AO 16
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 48)
 
195
-
 KA 51
485
-
 AM 27
869
-
 AN 34
1055
-
 AO 16
 
196
-
 KL 41
486
-
 AM 27
870
-
 Op(BE 17)
1172
-
 AO 72
 
219
-
 KA 52
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1200
-
 AM 42
 
248
-
 AF 74
680
-
 Op(BF 26)
877
-
 AE 83
1202
-
 Op(AM 98)
 
275
-
 AM 31
722
-
 BF 55
905
-
 AO 16
1209
-
 AM 27
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
737
-
 AF 91
978
-
 AM 33
1223
-
 AE 84
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
772
-
 AM 79
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
312
-
 AF 91
773
-
 BF 55
991
-
 AM 45
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
322
-
 BF 11
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
1003
-
 AF 77
1230
-
 Op(CB 14)
 
325
-
 AO 16
806
-
 BB 98
1018
-
 AO 72
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
396
-
 AE 91
862
-
 Op(JA 50)
1020
-
 Op(AN 17)
1232
-
 AK 26
 
400
-
 AM 56
863
-
 Op(MQ 40)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 722 - 773 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  U 864 - Horten.
  Sailed:  U 325 - 905 - 1055 - Horten;  U 650 - Bergen.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) Unknown American steamer reported U-boat attack in BB 9561 at 0210.  At 0336 message was cancelled.
    2) Colombo relayed U-boat sighting report of unknown American steamer:  Torpedo track passed by the bow in MP 5678.  (This can only be U 863 or U 871, which are both in the area.  No Japanese U-boats in the area).
    3) Allied units located in:  AL 4718, BE 2410, 1645.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 1232 sent passage report and 1st short weather report from AK 5226.  The boat evidently has not picked up all the foregoing radio messages regarding weather reports and reporting areas.  She received orders to occupy AK 1279 to a depth of 200 miles and to report weather three times daily from this area.  In case it is impossible to send message from this area, she is to move 300 miles S.W.
       
- 766 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 998 and 1200, both returning from English Channel or Bristol Channel will be again directed to report position as soon as they are near enough to the coast.  In case of emergency short signal is to be used.  This is important for operations of new boats in the same area.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
10.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 KS 85
U 482
-
 Op(AM 64)
U 863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 48)
 
195
-
 JC 52
485
-
 AM 29
864
-
 AO 16
1020
-
 Op(AN 16)
 
196
-
 KK 68
486
-
 AM 29
869
-
 AN 31
1055
-
 AN 36
 
219
-
 KA 36
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
870
-
 Op(BE 41)
1172
-
 AO 44
 
248
-
 AF 77
650
-
 AF 87
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1200
-
 AM 01
 
275
-
 AM 32
680
-
 Op(BF 35)
877
-
 AE 82
1202
-
 AM 97
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
722
-
 BF 54
905
-
 AN 33
1209
-
 AM 29
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
737
-
 AF 91
978
-
 AM 33
1223
-
 AE 85
 
312
-
 AF 91
772
-
 BE 33
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
322
-
 BF 14
773
-
 BF 54
991
-
 AM 42
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AN 33
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
1003
-
 AF 77
1230
-
 Op(CA 36)
 
396
-
 AE 92
806
-
 BE 97
1018
-
 AO 44
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 AM 72
862
-
 Op(JH 50)      
1232
-
 AK 29
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 396 - 722 - 773 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1202 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  (U 325 - 905 - 1055 - Kristiansand);  (U 312 - Trondheim).
  Sailed:  U 843 - Djakarta.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
     
18th Group:
0100
 reported presumed U-boat located in attack position.  Position unidentified.
 
0117
 cancelled.
19th Group:
2124
 U-boat located in attack positions.  Positions unspecified.  Also at 0206.
     Enemy units located in:  AM 7970 - BE 2790 - 1990.
       
- 767 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  Single ships are no longer required to zig-zag in S. and mid-Atlantic.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 275 reported breaking off operation and putting into Bergen due to damage to both blower couplings.
    2) Action against carriers:  6 Arctic boats considered for relief of the 2 Atlantic boats already at Scapa Flow (U 297 - 1020).  Boats in Trondheim will be ready as follows:  U739 on 11 December, U 278 on 12 December, or with U 312 on 13 December.  U 737 entered Trondheim today.  U 313 and 315 are leaving Narvik today for refit and supply in Trondheim.  All boats will be made ready for special operation as soon as possible.  U 737 will be ready to leave about 15 December.  For operations see War Diary of 6 December 1944.
  c)  None.
  d) 1) Loss of U 1229 is now confirmed (see War Diary of 2 December).  Taken prisoner were:  1 officer (Engineer) and 39 men.  17 men, among whom were both Watch Officers and the Captain, perished.  Total 57 men.  Since list of ship's company gave 58, including secret agent, it is highly possible that he had already been landed.
    2) Reliable agent reports as follows on 26 October from London:
      Commander Sir Guy Domville of the Admiralty asserted that a rejuvenated German U-boat arm will have to be reckoned with soon.  The U-boat fleet, through new design and rebuilding, is now armed against English defences after their recent withdrawal.  According to reports the new U-boats are capable of 15 knots submerged.  It is possible then for these boats to follow and attack Allied convoys even by day.  English submarine chasers have new Asdic, however, which can find U-boats' positions even under water.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
11.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 KS 94
U 485
-
 AM 63
U 863
-
 Op(MQ 40)
U 1053
-
 Op(AL 47)
 
195
-
 JC 34
486
-
 AM 43
864
-
 AO 16
1055
-
 AN 36
 
196
-
 KK 86
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
869
-
 AN 28
1172
-
 AO 16
 
219
-
 LB 87
650
-
 AF 87
870
-
 Op(BE 41)
1200
-
 AM 18
 
       
- 768 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
248
-
 AM 32
680
-
 Op(BF 35)
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1202
-
 AM 89
 
275
-
 AF 79
722
-
 BF 46
877
-
 AE 85
1209
-
 AM 43
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
737
-
 AF 63
905
-
 AN 36
1223
-
 AE 82
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
772
-
 BF 14
978
-
 AM 32
1227
-
 Op(CG 94)
 
322
-
 BF 15
773
-
 BF 46
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AN 36
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 01
1230
-
 Op(CA 32)
 
396
-
 AE 92
806
-
 BB 94
1003
-
 AF 78
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 BF 11
843
-
 KB 13
1018
-
 AO 16
1232
-
 Op(AK 51)
 
482
-
 Op(AM 64)
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1020
-
 Op(AN 16)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 181 - 275 - 396 - 722 - 773 - 978 - 991 - 1003 - 1200 - 1202 - 1223.
  Entered Port:  U 737 - Trondheim;  (U 1018 - 1172 - Horten);  U 219 - Djakarta.
  Sailed:  U 1233 - Horten;  U 325 - 905 - 1055 - Kristiansand;  U 1009 - Bergen.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
     
19th Group:
0743
 presumed U-boat located in attack position.  Position unspecified, possibly western Channel (see also War Diary of 10 December III c).
Iceland:
1930
 U-boat located in 600 20' N., longitude unspecified.  
 
2030
 U-boat located by aircraft in attack position.  In both cases aircraft received orders to continue the search.
 
0228
 U-boat located by aircraft "WD" from squadron "133" in attack position in 520 23' N., West longitude unspecified.
     American steamer (WH 2 MT) reports:  At 0015 torpedo track in MP 4764 (attack by U 863 or U 871 possible, since no Japanese U-boats in the area).
  d)  Special radio intercept:  Radio from Portsmouth at 1914 on 6 December reports U-boat (presumed to be English) on E. course.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 1053 reports requested return date as 28 December.
  c)  None.
       
- 769 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) 1) To paragraph III c:  Intercept evidently in Bay of Biscay or West Channel.  After evaluation W.N.W. course at 2122 in BF 5423, 0206 in BF 5187, 0743 in BF 5178.  Believed to be U 722 or 773.  (Transport boats from St. Nazaire approaching along 200 meter line).  Boat is requested to report details when possible.
    2) U 1230 received orders to change landing point of spy, since loss of U 1229 is known.
    3) According to dead reckoning U 1227 will have to leave area (Gibraltar Straits) today on her way home.  The boat is causing anxiety, since she has been in her area since 21 October, and there have been no intercept reports concerning U-boat attacks.
      Agent's report of 27 October from Gibraltar states that the last boat to attempt passage of the Straits of Gibraltar was sunk by an English patrol boat.  It must be U 1227.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
     
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
12.December 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 181
-
 KS 95
U 486
-
 AM 46
U 869
-
 AN 23
U 1055
-
 AN 31
 
195
-
 JC 32
537
-
 Op(JH 10)
870
-
 Op(BD 66)
1172
-
 AO 16
 
196
-
 KT 33
650
-
 AF 76
871
-
 Op(MQ 40)
1200
-
 AM 25
 
248
-
 AM 32
680
-
 Op(BF 35)
877
-
 AE 87
1202
-
 BF 12
 
275
-
 AM 24
722
-
 BF 42
905
-
 AN 35
1209
-
 AM 49
 
296
-
 Op(AM 36)
772
-
 BF 15
978
-
 AF 77
1223
-
 AE 83
 
297
-
 Op(AN 15)
773
-
 BF 42
979
-
 Op(AE 47)
1227
-
 CG 94
 
322
-
 BF 16
775
-
 Op(AM 36)
991
-
 AM 18
1228
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
325
-
 AN 35
806
-
 BB 89
1003
-
 AF 79
1230
-
 Op(CA 32)
 
396
-
 AE 93
843
-
 KB 39
1009
-
 AF 87
1231
-
 Op(BB 10)
 
400
-
 BF 12
862
-
 Op(JH 50)
1018
-