U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - SM U-90 2nd War Patrol

U-90 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Borkum	15 November 1917	Wilhelmshaven	10 December 1917	26

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
20 Nov 17	10.12 - 11.15	47°21'N, 8°54'W	ROBERT MORRIS	146	British
21 Nov 17	09.41 - 10.15	47°39'N, 12°20'W	AROS CASTLE	4,460	British

			Total = 4,606
Note: The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website. The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

      G a n z G e h e i m !

   ======================

     K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

             S.M.U-Boot "U 90"

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant Remy.

   Beginning: 14 November 1917.

           Concluded: 10 December 1917.

© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

Page 1.

14.11.17 Borkum Roadstead

xx.xx PM Cast off. Put to sea for remote patrol under escort by 2 patrol-torpedo boats.

0x.00 PM NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good Convoy leader informs us, that gear cannot be deployed, he also advises againse the sortie due to navigation in the steep seas.

08.38 PM Came about. Ran in from the Westerems.

09.17 PM Borkum Roadstead Made fast to the mooring buoy.

                           signed in draft Remy

15.11.17 Borkum Roadstead

xx.15 AM to

xx.26 AM Test dive.

xx.05 PM WNW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium Put to sea with "U-98" for remote patrol under escort by 2 patrol-torpedo boats without gear.

07.40 PM Am out of the English restricted area.

08.48 PM Eierland Lighthouse bears 41°T, IJmuiden Lighthouse 175°T Escort came about. Headed for the Nordhinder Lightship.

                           signed in draft Remy

16.11.17

01.35 AM NW 5, Sea 4, overcast, light mist Entered the German restricted area.

08.30 AM Nordhinder Lightship In sight abeam to port about 3 nm away.

09.02 - 09.08 AM Test dive.

10.08 AM 155 beta VI [50.1, 0.7501 - this position is in error] Drifting Kugelmine about 500 meters away

10.27 AM

10.51 AM N 4, Sea 2, overcast, misty

Outer Gabbard H1.I.7 In sight about 1 nm away

11.15 AM Galloper E Abeam to starboard.

11.53 AM South Falls Head 7 Passed close, from there course 205°.

01.28 PM 2 fishing trawlers ahead. Quick dive.

Avoided to the west.

03.08 PM N 3, Sea 2, partial overcast Surfaced.

03.58 PM Passed nets on the surface about between 2a and 5a.

04.05 PM Avoided two vessels in the mist to the east.

04.10 PM Two trains of barges each 1 steamer and 9 barges, avoided to the east.

04.16 PM Quick dive before an assumed U-boat hunter, was probably a motor lighter.

04.35 PM Surfaced.

Between Gris Nez and Colbart Bank avoided two small steamers and one destroyer.

06.28 Cap d'Alprech bears 99.5°T Distance from land about 6 nm.

Colbart Bank Light bears 340.5°T Steered into the English Channel.

N 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 14.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 15.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 16.11.17

Page 2.

17.11.17

01.30 AM NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good Medium-size steamer with 2 smokestacks, course about 70°, escorted by 2 large U-boat hunters fore and aft. The aft one immediately turns towards the boat.

01.36 AM Quick dive. U-boat hunter is now about 300 meters away.

01.58 AM Surfaced.

0x.00 AM Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good Land in sight to both sides.

10.39 AM One aircraft in sight over Cherbourg.

11.25 AM At the longitude of Start Point an aircraft with course towards the boat. Quick dive, went to depth 50 meters.

11.34 AM Surfaced. Mirror flat sea,

12.37 PM Two aircraft each 50 meters above the water with course towards the boat about 6000 meters away. Quick dive, went to depth 30 meters.

01.17 PM and

01.25 PM Two weak detonations and propeller sounds, apparently a patrol vessel, not far from the boat. Went to depth 50 meters and steered various courses.

Up to 02.00 PM another 8 detonations rings around the boat. Apparently it was aircraft bombs, that went off on impact or not deeper than 20 meters. The propeller sounds also follow, despite the silent running.

02.00 PM Boat put on the bottom in depth 66 meters. Propeller sounds go over the boat and move away.

02.58 PM Again 2 aircraft bombs over the boat. Boat was raised from the bottom and steered various courses at depth 50 meters. Up to 04.51 PM further aircraft bombs around the boat, evidence that the boat was held accurately. In total 23 bombs on the boat by the aircraft, apparently lost at dusk.

and

03.00 PM

04.51 PM

06.30 PM Went to periscope depth.

07.00 PM
Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, sometimes Vis. bad
Surfaced. Nothing in sight. Continued transit to the west.

                           signed in draft Remy

18.11.17

07.30 AM SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. medium An oil trace from the forward fuel oil bunker was found, by which the aircraft probably held onto the boat. Therefore, after yesterday's experience, I intend to remain in the approaches to the Scillys and the Channel until the oil trace has been corrected or the weather is fine for the advance into the Irish Sea. The conditions for another part of the coast would be the same in the calm weather as for the Irish Sea.

Sun and Moon Data 17.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 18.11.17

Page 3.

continued

18.11.17 Course 230°.

11.30 AM SSE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good In the hope that the developing south-east wind will become stronger, I intend to go into the Irish Sea immediately.

Course 340°.

12.53 PM U-boat in sight. Called by Radio Message. UB "58" answered.

01.15 PM Exchanged messages by flag signal with UB "58".

03.05 PM Smoke cloud in sight. Closed.

03.34 PM A small vessel comes out on opposite course. Went to periscope depth.

04.10 PM Vessel out of sight again, apparently had come about. Surfaced and pursued.

04.35 PM Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, misty Fishing trawler (patrol vessel) in sight. Turned away. In the course of the afternoon the wind abates completely, the oil trace is clear and strong again. So I'm sticking to my past decision until the weather finally turns bad. Course 230°.

0x.15 PM Went to one diesel LF. The boat is surrounded by a white, brightly shining strip, that is visible 20 meters behind the stern.

10.02 PM Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. bad Due to the strong marine phosphorescence in full darkness went to depth 30 meters. At this depth the brightly illuminated boat is seen from the conning tower window to the bow.

                           signed in draft Remy

19.11.17

xx.37 AM S 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. medium Surfaced.

02.00 PM Starboard ship's compressor failed due to a leak in the high pressure cooling coil.

                           signed in draft Remy

20.11.17

10.12 AM N 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good A three-masted schooner in sight. Stopped with artillery and engaged with 24 rounds.

11.02 AM Smoke cloud in sight in the west.

11.15 AM W 2, Sea 1 English square rigged schooner

" R O B E R T M O R R I S "

Wreck location 146 GRT from Cardiff with 229 tons of coal for Lisbon sunk by demolition charge. According to a secret sailing instruction of 19 November which was found among the sailing vessels papers, a point on 48°N 11°W was to be headed for.

116 gamma VIII [47.35, -8.9]

217°T from Scilly Isles

203 nm away

Sun and Moon Data 18.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 19.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 20.11.17

Page 4.

continued

20.11.17

11.20 AM Smoke cloud comes out quickly. Apparently a destroyer. Dived.

12.00 PM

12.38 PM Identified as a small cruiser, proceeds on a sharply zigzagging course. Boat reaches shooting position for a bow shot well at 300 meters. Shortly before the shot the enemy turned to starboard and passes 100 meters behind the stern. French warship of 3000 tons, type not determined. One smokestack, oil fired, 2 equal masts, clipper bow, forward and aft each one 15 cm cannon, midship guns not distinguished. Speed 15-17 knots, painted gray, with large white dapples.

01.38 PM After taking over the crew of the "ROBERT MORRIS" the cruiser ran out of sight to the west.

xx.16 PM WSW 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, Vis. good Surfaced, pursued to the west, because the cruiser may be waiting for a convoy.

The boat has a strong oil trace. Leaks occur at the 4th bunker, in which bulges appear, whose cause is not explainable. Wth the patrols, the boat can only proceed in patrolled areas after emptying the 6th oil bunker (still about 6 cbm). Also the weather is not yet suitable for the Irish Sea.

0x.30 PM Lat.    47°27'N Observation.

Long.   9°02'W

04.35 PM A FOXGLOVE [minesweeping sloop] and one steamer in sight. Bearing steady, apparently an assembly place.

04.38 PM Dived to close. Steamer followed by FOXGLOVE, steers 10°. Because getting close is no longer possible, disengaged, surfaced and maneuvered ahead for a night attack.

0x.15 I am ahead of the steamer. Both in sight at about 200 meters.

0x.40 After open Morse message (French) boat came to an easterly course.

xx.00 Maneuvered ahead once again with E-motors and ran in to attack. At about 1500 meters, the FOXGLOVE, which followed the steamer at about 200 meters, saw the boat turned towards and closed. It is too late to shoot.

xx.10 Quick dive. FOXGLOVE still about 400 meters away.

xx.15 WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, misty Surfaced to attack once again. FOXGLOVE sends U-boat warning with the exact position of the boat. Attack given up as pointless, especially as it gets misty and too dark after the moon has set. Because I've been reported here I head for the point I found with the sailing vessel, 48°N, 11°W.

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 20.11.17

Page 5.

21.11.17

xx.01 AM WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, very dark, Vis. medium 5 white lights in sight ahead to port. Closed, apparently escort vessels of a convoy. It is too dark to attack.

xx.36 AM Maneuvered ahead to attack in the morning. Course 230°.

xx.45 AM N 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium Smoke cloud in sight astern. After brief Radio Message traffic the convoy comes to course 270°, so that a new maneuver ahead is necessary, that was greatly complicated by a zigzagging destroyer about 5 nm ahead of the convoy.

11.46 AM Dived to attack ahead of the leading destroyer.

01.30 PM The convoy consisted of 10 steamers, among them 3 large, with another 3 destroyers as escort comes in sight.

02.00 PM Convoy comes to course 300°. Boat can only attack the 3rd large steamer of at least 5000 GRT.

02.03 PM Shot from tube I G/7 A.V. Hit after xx seconds = 1200 meters. Went to depth 40 meters.

02.07 PM The first 4 depth charges to port and over the boat.  Went to depth 50 meters. Another 4 depth charges.

02.16 PM Another 6 depth charges, that apparently were thrown in series. The propeller sounds of the destroyers were heard easily.

03.02 PM In all 39 depth charges. In the vicinity of the wreck location steered various courses.

04.05 PM Surfaced about 7000 meters from the wreck location because at periscope depth nothing was in sight. A destroyer lay stopped at the wreck location. Convoy was out of sight. Therefore the steamer had sunk.

Wreck location:

136 delta VII [47.65, -12.3]

240°T from Scilly Isles

04..26 PM 290 nm away Boat was seen by the destroyer and approached, quick dive.

04.18 PM At periscope depth destroyer still in sight.

04.40 PM NW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good Surfaced, nothing in sight. It is pointless to follow the convoy, because just catching up would take 11 hours at AK and then the convoy would be 430 nm from the coast. Came about and again headed for the point 48°N, 11°W.

                           signed in draft Remy

22.11.17

01.00 PM NNW 4, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. good, Swell The weather seems to be veering back. The barometer falls slowly, after it had stood at 790 mm for 8 days. The 4th bunker will soon be empty however the oil trace is still there. I intend

Sun and Moon Data 21.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 22.11.17

Page 6.

continued

22.11.17

01.30 PM to go into the Iris Sea.

Course 36°.

                           signed in draft Remy

23.11.17

xx.x1 AM NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium 2 lights in sight ahead. On getting closer recognized as a hospital ship.

xx.03 AM Turned away. Outline not distinguished at 2000 meters due to the bright illumination.

xx.xx PM WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good All day very low visibility. Intermittent fog. During the night the wind freshens strongly.

                           signed in draft Remy

24.11.17

07.00 AM WSW 9, Sea 8. overcast, misty Avoided 2 patrol vessels.

xx.00 PM Entered the St. George's Channel

0x.00 PM Entered the Irish Sea.

0x.02 PM Lat.    52°07.5'N

Long.   5°50'W Observed.

0x.30 PM Headed for the Arklow Bank.

0x.45 PM Avoided a destroyer.

0x.56 PM N 10-11, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good During the night on the surface waiting station between Codling and North Arklow about 15 nm away.

Wiklow Head in 289°T Malfunction of the gyro-compass, daughters don't follow.

                           signed in draft Remy

25.11.17

xx.10 AM Codling Lightship About 1 nm away.

NW 10-11, Sea 9, partial overcast, Vis. good At Codling the seas are too high and steep for torpedo shooting, went to waiting area between South Arklow and Blackwater.

0x.40 - U-boat in sight.

0x.18 Agreed with "U-97" that during the night I will advance to the north, "U-97" remains in the south. Under land a steamer of 4000 tons is in sight.

0x.37

0x.47 Dived to attack. Target angle is already 5 Strich [56.25°]. Getting closer is unlikely.

0x.59 Closed to about 1500 meters at shooting angle of about 130°. Because the shot is uncertain, turned away.

0x.05 Short in the auxiliary switchboard in the control room. Insulation fire behind the switchboard and at the main fuse in the Kommandant room.  All auxiliary machinery fails. Boat is surfaced immediately with compressed air, since in the short sea it quickly tilts strongly because of the existing diving plane position, before the diving plane motors can be switched to hand operation. Distance from land about 8 nm.

Sun and Moon Data 22.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 23.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 24.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 25.11.17

Page 7.

continued

25.11.17

05.20 NNW 8-9, Sea 7, clear, Vis. good Boat is ready to dive again. Headed to the north, because the wind is favorable for South Rock.

                           signed in draft Remy

26.11.17 NNW 9-10, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good

xx.x4 AM Steep sea from ahead to port. To protect the boat went to depth 30 meters.

xx.x5 AM WbyN 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. goos Surfaced on the line Rockabill-Skerries.

xx.xx AM Avoided 3 patrol vessels.

09.xx AM Several smoke clouds astern at lightness at Holyhead and Codling.

xx.x5 AM Short in parallel resistor of the rudder motor. Continued transit to the north. Headed for St. John's Point.

xx.30 AM Calf of Man

bears 227°T 22 nm away.

xx.36 AM SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, misty A steamer comes in sight in the mist.

Target angle apparently 4 Strich [45°].

xx.56 AM Dived to attack. It is getting light quickly. Steamer is not found in the periscope.

xx.15 PM Rain, hail squalls, Vis. very bad Surfaced. Visibility about 1000 meters.

xx.30 PM SW 10, Sea 7-8 Hove to because low visibility persists and wind freshens to Strength 11 turned between the Isle of Man and St. John's Point.

03.54 PM Quick dive before patrol vessel in the west.

04.45 PM It clears up. 3 more in sight in the west.

04.50 PM WSW 8, Sea 7, rain, mist Surfaced. Because in this wind at South Rock the seas are too great, intend to go off the entrance to Dublin.

10.15 PM Rockabill bears 212°T 17 nm away.

11.00 PM Steamer with lights in sight. Course 110°.

11.37 PM Dived after maneuvering ahead for attack.

11.46 PM Torpedo shot from tube V (G/6 A.V.). Hit at forward smokestack after 65 seconds = 1100 meters.

12.00 Midnight Wreck location Surfaced. Steamer of about 4000 GRT sunk. 2 boats with lights in sight, however then disappeared.

136 alfa IV [53.75, -5.3]

83°T from Rockabill 23 nm away

                           signed in draft Remy

27.11.17 Dimmed steamer of about 6000 tons in sight. Main course 180°, Zigzag courses.

02.05 AM NbyW 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes Vis. low

02.30 AM After maneuvering ahead initiated surface attack with E-motors. Attack succeeds.

02.36 AM Torpedo shot from tube IV (G/7 A.V.) with the seas at about 700 meters with 80° impact angle. Miss. Torpedo failure in the steep seas easily possible.

02.40 AM I intend to be off the entrance to Dublin at lightness.

08.35 AM On the horizon a large steamer with 2 smokestacks.

Sun and Moon Data 25.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 26.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 27.11.17

Page 8.

continued

27.11.17 with SW-course about 10000 meters away.

08.50 AM Steamer fires with a stern cannon, probably at a U-boat.

09.05 AM WbyN 8, Sea 6, overcast, sometimes very misty Steamer in sight out of the fog in the north. Maneuvered ahead, course 270°.

09.34 AM Dived to attack.

10.25 AM Torpedo from tube III (S.A.V.) from about 400 meters. Impact angle 80°.

Hit heard after 32 seconds = 470 meters, because the periscoped undercut after the shot.

Armed steamer of about 3000 GRT turned away at the shot a bit and fired 2 shots in the vicinity of the boat. After the periscope came up the steamer lay stopped transverse to the wind.

10.30 AM Steamer with 2 smokestacks in sight.

No attack possibility.

11.14 AM Steamer in sight, Attacked.

11.3x AM First steamer still lies stopped at the same location with a strong port list to windward, and disappears in the mist.

11.37 AM Closed the second steamer to 500 meters, did not shoot, because it was at most 1500 GRT.

13.10 PM Wreck location: After reconnaissance the first steamer is gone. Sinking accepted with certainty.

034 delta IV [53.35, -5.7]

82°T from Kish Bank

7.5 nm away

12.55 PM Surfaced to charge the battery.

02.25 PM Steamer in sight on W-course.

02.50 PM Surfaced to attack. [presumably a typo for dived]

03.35 PM W 7, Sea 6, overcast, mostly misty Torpedo shot from tube III (S.A.V.) with the sea from about 500 meters. Surface runner, passed behind. Armed steamer of about 2500 GRT.

03.55 PM Surfaced, continued charging.

08.00 PM WSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty I intend, because it has abated somewhat to go to Holyhead.

08.27 PM Medium-size steamer on course 120° in sight. Maneuvered ahead. It is too bright for surface attack.

09.51 PM Forced to dive by another steamer. When the boat was balanced, the steamer was headed for the periscope 200 meters away. Went to depth 20 meters. Steamer went over the boat.

To rest the crew remained submerged.

                           signed in draft Remy

28.11.17

04.12 AM Surfaced and charged.

04.20 AM South Stack at Holyhead bears 82°T 10.5 nm away

WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good

08.40 AM 2 steamers in sight with southerly and northerly course.

09.03 AM Dived for attack on the first steamer.

09.49 AM Closed to 400 meters, did not shoot, because only about 1000 GRT.  Attacked the second steamer.

Sun and Moon Data 27.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 28.11.17

Page 9.

continued

28.11.17

10.00 AM Closed to 600 meters, did not shoot because only 1500 GRT. Remained submerged in waiting station between Skerries and Holyhead. Distance from land 3.5 to 6 nm. In total 9 small steamers in sight under 1000 GRT. Off Holyhead Bay 4 patrol vessels. The wind freshens again.

xx.15 PM WSW 8, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes misty Surfaced to charge. At Holyhead too much seas, therefore again to the Irish coast.

xx.15 PM Large steamer with 2 smokestacks and westerly course in sight.

xx.30 PM Dived to attack. Despite highest speed only closed to 4000 meters. Steamer ran about 18 knots. It was the daily Liverpool-Dublin passenger steamer.

08.06 PM WSW 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good Surfaced.

08.16 PM Target dimmed, large steamer in sight on westerly course.

08.19 PM Dived for bow attack. Steamer proceeds on zigzag course. At about 500 meters the steamer zigzags away 60° to starboard. Turned for a stern shot.

08.34 PM Torpedo shot from tube V (S.A.V.) hit after 15 seconds = 225 meters.

08.36 PM After 2 light, 1 heavy detonation astern to starboard in the stern room the lights go out. Apparently explosive cargo.

Went to depth 40 meters. Remained submerged in the vicinity.

09.08 PM Wreck location: Surfaced. Steamer is missing, at least 6000 GRT. Is sunk.

004 delta IV [53.55, -5.5] Because a U-boat Warning was given with the position of the boat, probably by the first steamer, that was about 2000 meters away, during the night I went to the north.

109°T from Rockabill

still 18 nm away

                           signed in draft Remy

29.11.17

xx.00 AM SSW 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. good At lightness head for the Skulmartin Lightship. Between the Mull of Galloway and Skulmartin nothing in sight except for patrol vessels.

0x.20 AM Dived to take up a waiting station at Skulmartin.

0x.10 PM Skulmartin Lighthouse 2.5 nm away. Distance from land 4 nm.

At times foggy Between Skulmartin and South Rock 8 patrol vessels, however no traffic whatsoever. Further patrol vessel and a steam yacht between South Rock and Mull of Galloway.

0x.16 PM Surfaced. I intend to be off Dublin in the morning again. Transit to the south. Remained submerged to protect the boat.

0x.00 PM SW 8, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes Vis. good

Chicken Rock Lighthouse bears 111°T About 9.5 nm away.

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 28.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 29.11.17

Page 10.

30.11.17

xx.33 PM SSW 7-8, Sea 7, partial overcast, and Vis. good Surfaced.

xx.xx PM A streamer in sight. Maneuvered ahead.

xx.15 PM Rockabill bears 254°T Gave up because it is too bright and the steamer came from a southern course to an easterly course (for Holyhead).

about 15 nm away

xx.30 PM Kisch Lightship about 15 nm away Went to a surface waiting station between Kisch and Holyhead. No traffic. According to the U-boat Warning, several U-boats are operating in the Irish Sea, the traffic of medium-sized steamers is significantly restricted.

xx.33 PM SSW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good
Dived to occupy the submerged waiting station at Kisch Lightship. A U-boat hunter runs in from the south. Several patrol vessels and a suspicious sailing vessel at the lightship

xx.00 PM Attacked an outbound steamer.

xx.35 PM Closed to 600 meters, did not shoot because the steamer was too short and too small (about 1500 GRT) for a certain shot.

xx.24 PM Surfaced to await the daily large passenger steamer from Liverpool to Dublin.

xx.23 PM Steamer with 2 smokestacks in sight.

xx.25 PM Dived to attack.

xx.43 PM After the target angle was 1 1/2 Strich [16.875°] at 4000 meters the steamer changed course to starboard. At AK closed to about 1500 meters, turned away because forward there was still only an S.A.V. available.

06.50 PM SSW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium Surfaced. During the night I remained between Holyhead and Dublin. Nothing in sight. U-boat Warning by Radio Message for the Irish Sea.

                           signed in draft Remy

01.12.17

xx.48 AM SSW 9-10, Sea 8, partial overcast, Vis. good Caernarfon Bay Lightship bears 91.5°T.

South Stack Lighthouse bears 36°T.

I went into Liverpool Bay, to have protection against the steep seas, weapons use is excluded.

xx.32 AM Dived and proceeded to the east submerged around the Skerries at a distance of about 6 nm.

xx.48 PM Skerries Lighthouse About 7.5 nm away.

bears 250°T Dove under a patrol vessel chain of 6 patrol vessels. Wind shifts quickly to NWbyN, so there are high steep seas in Liverpool Bay. Weapons use is excluded.

WbyN 9-10, overcast, misty

xx.36 PM Came about.

xx.50 PM NW 8-9, Sea 8, Vis. medium Surfaced. Holyhead in 106°T, 6.5 nm away.

Except for the patrol nothing in sight.

Headed for Arklow Bank.

xx.x1 PM Submerged because in some areas there is very low visibility or is very moonlit.

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 30.11.17

Sun and Moon Data 01.12.17

Page 11.

02.12.17

xx.13 AM NNW 8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good Surfaced, charges and headed for the North Arklow Lightship.

xx.45 AM Dived and went into waiting station from the North Arklow to Blackwater Lightships

Except for an American destroyer and a patrol vessel nothing in sight.

xx.30 PM

xx.00 PM Forward diving plane failed, the bolt at the forward-most joint in the bow room fell out such that all back-ups were disabled. Boat held at depth 30 to 40 meters because a patrol vessel is in the vicinity.

00.30 PM Surfaced.

Headed for Tusker Rock, to slide over from here to the connecting line to Holyhead.

03.33 PM Steamer in sight. Course 210°.

04.04 PM Dove to attack, because it is too moonlit on the surface.

04.33 PM NWbyW 6, Sea 5, clear, Vis. very good Torpedo shot from tube II (S.A.V.). Miss, not explained, because attack went from 500 meters. However, the steamer was empty and smaller (2000 to 3000 GRT), then thought before.

05.29 PM Surfaced. During the night still avoided 2 further small steamers and 2 destroyers.

                           signed in draft Remy

03.12.17

xx.xx AM NW 4, Sea 4, partial overcast, Vis. very good Headed for Holyhead. In the morning 6 small steamers under 1500 GRT, one destroyer and 3 patrol vessels in sight.

xx.00 PM NW 6, Sea 5, Vis. very good Over Holyhead an airship on a westerly course.

xx.45 PM Dived.

xx.57 PM Airship came towards the boat, went to depth 30 meters.

xx.00 PM -

xx.15 PM Line Kisch Lightship - Holyhead 15 small steamers none over 1000 GRT and 5 patrol vessels on east-west courses in sight.

xx.45 PM Liverpool-Dublin passenger steamer in sight. Attacked. Forward diving plane catches, so not more than "GF" is possible. Closed to 2000 meters.

xx.34 PM SW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. medium Surfaced. When the barometer rises the wind dies down. Because stronger air reconnaissance is expected, kept the boat deep by day, first I'll leave the Irish Sea through the George's Channel and decide there depending on the weather conditions. There are still 4 torpedoes.

xx.20 PM Avoided a destroyer.

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 02.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.17

Page 12.

04.12.17

04.01 AM Tuskar Rock Lighthouse

bears 335T 16 nm away.

12.00 Noon S 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good Back and forth in position off the Bristol Channel.

With the falling barometer the wind increases again.

05.00 PM SSE 8, Sea 7 I went back into the Irish Sea.

08.55 PM SbyE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. bad Submerged because the night is black and visibility is bad.

                           signed in draft Remy

05.12.17

01.00 AM SSE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. medium Surfaced.

02.00 AM Tried to send a Radio Message report, no communications due to overcoming seas.

08.00 AM S 9-10, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. good I went on the line Bardsey-Sachs [possibly South Stacks] because according to Radio Message ships stay on the east side. This is the only area in which weapons use is still possible. Except for a patrol vessel nothing in sight.

06.00 PM SbyW 7, Sea 7, Vis. medium Radio Message from Brügge that there should be traffic on the west side. I run along the lightships and intend to be on the line Holyhead-Dublin in the morning.

                           signed in draft Remy

06.12.17

07.30 AM SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, at times misty Quick dive before a destroyer with three smokestacks.

09.10 AM Surfaced.

09.30 AM Steamer in sight at Holyhead.

10.01 AM While maneuvering ahead a line abreast of 6 patrol vessels come in sight.

Avoided at periscope depth. A convoy of 5 small steamers (1000-1500 GRT) was behind the search line. A further 4 patrol vessels were around the steamers. Remained in submerged waiting station, nothing further in sight.

01.26 PM Surfaced.

03.13 PM U-boat in sight.

03.30 PM Signal flag message exchange with "UC-75".

After the 12-day stay in the Irish Sea, the officers and men need to relax. So I left my operations area despite still having 4 torpedoes. I'll try to bring these to bear on the return transit. With regard to the southerly wind I decide to proceed on the northern route. For a few days the forward ballast tanks have slowly run full so that tanks have to be blown out every 3-4 hours.

08.47 PM SbySW 6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium A dimmed ship at about 450 meters had to be avoided with hard rudder. Ramming position.

10.00 PM Entered the North Channel.

Sun and Moon Data 04.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 05.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 06.12.17

Page 13.

continued

06.12.17

10.02 PM Avoided several patrol vessels and destroyers off Beaufort's Dyke and off Belfast.

                           signed in draft Remy

07.12.17

02.36 AM Maidends /

04.53 AM Mull Kintyre / Abeam. Avoided individual patrol vessels and destroyers.

07.30 AM Rinns of Islay /

08.00 AM N 9, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good, rain and hail squalls Headed for Barra Head

xx.00 PM At Barra Head work is excluded in these seas. The boat floods forward quickly so that it must be blown hourly. Therefore I decide on return transit directly through the Minch.

07.23 PM Barra Head bears 304°T 11 nm away. Ran into the Minch. Passed mines at Neist Point at high speed on the surface at a distance of 3 nm from land.

11.53 PM

                           signed in draft Remy

08.12.17

02.00 AM N 7, Sea 5-6, partial overcast, Vis. good Passed between Sgeir Inhoe and Sgier Graidach.

At Glas Island under land a patrol vessel, apparently an old torpedo boat or P-Boat.

02.46 AM A small steamer north of the Shiant Islands.

02.50 AM Cape Wrath bears 110°T 17 nm away.

NWbyW 8, Sea 7

04.02 PM Noup Head To starboard 12 nm away.

07.32 PM Fair Island To port 7 nm away. No patrols.

                           signed in draft Remy

09.12.17

06.00 PM WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, sometimes Vis. low, rain Because no navigation fix, sounding series over the Dogger Bank and headed for the Dogger Bank Lightship.

11.02 PM Dogger Bank Lightship bears 68°T, 8 nm away

11.30 PM 102 gamma left the German restricted area.

                           signed in draft Remy

10.12.17

03.15 AM Entered the English restricted area.

03.45 Ran on the surface to 010 epsilon. [7E110 = 53.65, 6.75]

05.10 Exchanged recognition Signals with "Weddigen" Vorpostengruppe and exchanged Morse messages.

05.35 Test dive in 010 epsilon.

Sun and Moon Data 06.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 07.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 08.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 09.12.17

Sun and Moon Data 10.12.17

Page 14.

continued

10.12.17

06.00 AM E 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium With set sidelights and LF ran towards the Gold. Course 90°. Escort should see the boat at about 4 nm.

08.00 AM Radio Message report, that the escort was not met. Since I absolutely had precise ship's position, with 8 incoming Vorpostenbooten up to Point P, then headed at higher speed alone via W, Westerens, Norderney to the Jade.

01.40 PM Outer Jade Abeam.

06.39 PM Wilhelmshaven Made fast S.M. B. "PREUßEN".

Total distance covered:

                  Surfaced        4510 nm

                           Submerged     544 nm

                     Total:          5054 nm

                           signed in draft Remy

Sun and Moon Data 10.12.17

Experiences " U 90 "

=================

in the period from 15 November to 10 December 1917.

I. General:
	The operation in the Irish Sea did not bring the expected success. The traffic of larger steamers worthy of firing a torpedo was relatively light. Traffic was probably restricted due to the presence of several U-boats, also I think it unlikely that traffic within the Irish Sea is by valuable steamers. Apart from the 3 sunk and the daily Dublin-Liverpool passenger steamer only 6 steamers over 3000 GRT were sighted.
	The 12-day stay in the Irish Sea made high demands on the crew despite the relatively light patrols.
	The return transit had to begin early because of unexplained leaks of the forward ballast tanks which had to be blown hourly.
	The outbound transit was through the English Channel, the return transit through the North Channel and the Minch

II. The Irish Sea:
	With wind strengths over 8 the seas are steep and high, work is only possible in the respective coastal zone. Patrols on the Irish coast by patrolling destroyers and patrol boats. Stronger at Skerries and South Rock. Several gray trawlers of 1000 to 2000 GRT were suspicious (U-boat traps?).
	Traffic by day and night mainly small steamers under 1000 GRT between Liverpool and Dublin. Traffic of larger steamers relatively light on changing routes, mainly in the central Irish Sea. Dublin inbound Kisch- outbound Codling Lightship. Daily morning passenger steamer or ferry with 2 smokestacks 6000 GRT from Dublin to Liverpool, afternoons back.

III. Navigation:
	1. English Channel:
	The Dover Straits were passed on the outbound transit on 16 November after noon between 03.00 PM and 05.00 PM, the nets at 03.58 PM 2 1/2 after high water, so against the current. In this weather (1 1/2 to 3 nm visibility) the passage was possible, since the circumstances are similar and, in my opinion, more comfortable than at night. The prerequisite is: an exact departure point. Steered by via the North Hinder Lightship, and Outer Gabbard and South Falls Head buoys. From there course 205°. Patrols at the nets: 3 fishing trawlers, in the Dover Strait each one fishing trawler and 1 destroyer. Passing against the current has the advantage, in my opinion, that if one is forced to submerge before the nets, one can come about in calm at periscope depth and start again on the surface without having to deal with being driven into the net, until you can surface flooded down. Apart from the net, nothing was noticed despite the fact that one had to dive just past the net and had to proceed at periscope depth. The net buoys are round iron barrels with a diameter of approx. 5 meters and at about at the level of the water no about 100 meters apart from the water, no timber floats, about 100 meters apart from one another, between individual and spar light buoys. The buoy headed for at South Falls Head wasn't a pointed buoy but a flat one, like the net buoys. It had the marking "II D".

- 2 -

At Galloper lay the N- E- and S- buoys. The W-buoy could not be seen due to the misty weather. In my opinion, from Noordhinder Lightship, it is recommended to head for E- Galloper because even in a visibility of only 1 nm one should pick up one of the 4 buoys. The area east of South Falls is suspect. There are several different buoys there.

The passage through the English Channel was not pleasant in the mirror-flat water. After an aircraft was sighted over Cherbourg, later dived before another, the boat was detected by 2 aircraft at 12.30 PM on the line Start Point - Guernsey Island and bombed with 23 aircraft bombs as a result of a long oil trace, despite driving at depth 50-60 meters. With skillful work, it would certainly have been possible for the aircraft to lead a search group with depth charges to the boat.

2. North Channel and Minch:

Beacons burn as in peacetime and strength except for Trodday (The Minch) which burns weakly. Patrols in the North Channel off Belfast stronger to the south, to the north individual destroyers and patrol vessels (supposedly T-Boats). In the Minch at Glas Island patrol vessel and north of Shiant Island a small steamer, both in the main channel, (See U-boat Handbook), otherwise no vessels. Went through the second channel between Sgeir Inhoe and Sgier Graidach. With westerly winds, a trip through The Minch is recommended.

Return transit from the Irish Sea to intake square 3 days and 7 hours.

IV. Consumption:

	Fuel oil:	Lubricating oil	Drinking water:
	Liters	Liters	Liters

Taken:	122,455.68	12,447.53	5,870.0

Consumed:	106,830.00	3,290.00	4,320.0

R e m a i n i n g :	15,625.68	9,157.53	1,550.0

signed in draft Remy

	Enclosures to U-90's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart	Track chart of entire patrol

Torpedo	Torpedo List

Ship	Ship List

Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page














				G a n z G e h e i m !
				======================

				K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

				S.M.U-Boot "U 90"

				Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant Remy.




				Beginning: 14 November 1917.
				Concluded: 10 December 1917.















				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved




			Page 1.

	14.11.17	Borkum Roadstead
	xx.xx PM		Cast off. Put to sea for remote patrol under escort by 2 patrol-torpedo boats.
	0x.00 PM	NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good	Convoy leader informs us, that gear cannot be deployed, he also advises againse the sortie due to navigation in the steep seas.
	08.38 PM		Came about. Ran in from the Westerems.
	09.17 PM	Borkum Roadstead	Made fast to the mooring buoy.
			signed in draft Remy
	15.11.17	Borkum Roadstead
	xx.15 AM to
	xx.26 AM		Test dive.
	xx.05 PM	WNW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium	Put to sea with "U-98" for remote patrol under escort by 2 patrol-torpedo boats without gear.
	07.40 PM		Am out of the English restricted area.
	08.48 PM	Eierland Lighthouse bears 41°T, IJmuiden Lighthouse 175°T	Escort came about. Headed for the Nordhinder Lightship.
			signed in draft Remy
	16.11.17
	01.35 AM	NW 5, Sea 4, overcast, light mist	Entered the German restricted area.
	08.30 AM	Nordhinder Lightship	In sight abeam to port about 3 nm away.
09.02 - 09.08 AM			Test dive.
	10.08 AM	155 beta VI [50.1, 0.7501 - this position is in error]	Drifting Kugelmine about 500 meters away
	10.27 AM	155 beta VI [50.1, 0.7501 - this position is in error]	Drifting Kugelmine about 500 meters away
	10.51 AM	N 4, Sea 2, overcast, misty
		Outer Gabbard H1.I.7	In sight about 1 nm away
	11.15 AM	Galloper E	Abeam to starboard.
	11.53 AM	South Falls Head 7	Passed close, from there course 205°.
	01.28 PM		2 fishing trawlers ahead. Quick dive.
			Avoided to the west.
	03.08 PM	N 3, Sea 2, partial overcast	Surfaced.
	03.58 PM		Passed nets on the surface about between 2a and 5a.
	04.05 PM		Avoided two vessels in the mist to the east.
	04.10 PM		Two trains of barges each 1 steamer and 9 barges, avoided to the east.
	04.16 PM		Quick dive before an assumed U-boat hunter, was probably a motor lighter.
	04.35 PM		Surfaced.
			Between Gris Nez and Colbart Bank avoided two small steamers and one destroyer.
	06.28	Cap d'Alprech bears 99.5°T	Distance from land about 6 nm.
		Colbart Bank Light bears 340.5°T	Steered into the English Channel.
		N 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
			signed in draft Remy

	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.17




		Page 2.

17.11.17
01.30 AM	NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	Medium-size steamer with 2 smokestacks, course about 70°, escorted by 2 large U-boat hunters fore and aft. The aft one immediately turns towards the boat.
01.36 AM		Quick dive. U-boat hunter is now about 300 meters away.
01.58 AM		Surfaced.
0x.00 AM	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good	Land in sight to both sides.
10.39 AM	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good	One aircraft in sight over Cherbourg.
11.25 AM		At the longitude of Start Point an aircraft with course towards the boat. Quick dive, went to depth 50 meters.
11.34 AM		Surfaced. Mirror flat sea,
12.37 PM		Two aircraft each 50 meters above the water with course towards the boat about 6000 meters away. Quick dive, went to depth 30 meters.
01.17 PM and
01.25 PM		Two weak detonations and propeller sounds, apparently a patrol vessel, not far from the boat. Went to depth 50 meters and steered various courses.
		Up to 02.00 PM another 8 detonations rings around the boat. Apparently it was aircraft bombs, that went off on impact or not deeper than 20 meters. The propeller sounds also follow, despite the silent running.
02.00 PM		Boat put on the bottom in depth 66 meters. Propeller sounds go over the boat and move away.
02.58 PM		Again 2 aircraft bombs over the boat. Boat was raised from the bottom and steered various courses at depth 50 meters. Up to 04.51 PM further aircraft bombs around the boat, evidence that the boat was held accurately. In total 23 bombs on the boat by the aircraft, apparently lost at dusk.
and
03.00 PM
04.51 PM
06.30 PM		Went to periscope depth.
07.00 PM	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, sometimes Vis. bad	Surfaced. Nothing in sight. Continued transit to the west.
		signed in draft Remy
18.11.17
07.30 AM	SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. medium	An oil trace from the forward fuel oil bunker was found, by which the aircraft probably held onto the boat. Therefore, after yesterday's experience, I intend to remain in the approaches to the Scillys and the Channel until the oil trace has been corrected or the weather is fine for the advance into the Irish Sea. The conditions for another part of the coast would be the same in the calm weather as for the Irish Sea.




		Page 3.
continued
18.11.17		Course 230°.
11.30 AM	SSE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good	In the hope that the developing south-east wind will become stronger, I intend to go into the Irish Sea immediately.
		Course 340°.
12.53 PM		U-boat in sight. Called by Radio Message. UB "58" answered.
01.15 PM		Exchanged messages by flag signal with UB "58".
03.05 PM		Smoke cloud in sight. Closed.
03.34 PM		A small vessel comes out on opposite course. Went to periscope depth.
04.10 PM		Vessel out of sight again, apparently had come about. Surfaced and pursued.
04.35 PM	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, misty	Fishing trawler (patrol vessel) in sight. Turned away. In the course of the afternoon the wind abates completely, the oil trace is clear and strong again. So I'm sticking to my past decision until the weather finally turns bad. Course 230°.
0x.15 PM		Went to one diesel LF. The boat is surrounded by a white, brightly shining strip, that is visible 20 meters behind the stern.
10.02 PM	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. bad	Due to the strong marine phosphorescence in full darkness went to depth 30 meters. At this depth the brightly illuminated boat is seen from the conning tower window to the bow.
		signed in draft Remy
19.11.17
xx.37 AM	S 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. medium	Surfaced.
02.00 PM		Starboard ship's compressor failed due to a leak in the high pressure cooling coil.
		signed in draft Remy
20.11.17
10.12 AM	N 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good	A three-masted schooner in sight. Stopped with artillery and engaged with 24 rounds.
11.02 AM		Smoke cloud in sight in the west.
11.15 AM	W 2, Sea 1	English square rigged schooner
		" R O B E R T M O R R I S "
	Wreck location	146 GRT from Cardiff with 229 tons of coal for Lisbon sunk by demolition charge. According to a secret sailing instruction of 19 November which was found among the sailing vessels papers, a point on 48°N 11°W was to be headed for.
	116 gamma VIII [47.35, -8.9]
	217°T from Scilly Isles
	203 nm away

	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.17




		Page 4.
continued
20.11.17
11.20 AM		Smoke cloud comes out quickly. Apparently a destroyer. Dived.
12.00 PM
12.38 PM		Identified as a small cruiser, proceeds on a sharply zigzagging course. Boat reaches shooting position for a bow shot well at 300 meters. Shortly before the shot the enemy turned to starboard and passes 100 meters behind the stern. French warship of 3000 tons, type not determined. One smokestack, oil fired, 2 equal masts, clipper bow, forward and aft each one 15 cm cannon, midship guns not distinguished. Speed 15-17 knots, painted gray, with large white dapples.
01.38 PM		After taking over the crew of the "ROBERT MORRIS" the cruiser ran out of sight to the west.
xx.16 PM	WSW 2, Sea 1, partial overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced, pursued to the west, because the cruiser may be waiting for a convoy.
		The boat has a strong oil trace. Leaks occur at the 4th bunker, in which bulges appear, whose cause is not explainable. Wth the patrols, the boat can only proceed in patrolled areas after emptying the 6th oil bunker (still about 6 cbm). Also the weather is not yet suitable for the Irish Sea.
0x.30 PM	Lat. 47°27'N	Observation.
	Long. 9°02'W
04.35 PM		A FOXGLOVE [minesweeping sloop] and one steamer in sight. Bearing steady, apparently an assembly place.
04.38 PM		Dived to close. Steamer followed by FOXGLOVE, steers 10°. Because getting close is no longer possible, disengaged, surfaced and maneuvered ahead for a night attack.
0x.15		I am ahead of the steamer. Both in sight at about 200 meters.
0x.40		After open Morse message (French) boat came to an easterly course.
xx.00		Maneuvered ahead once again with E-motors and ran in to attack. At about 1500 meters, the FOXGLOVE, which followed the steamer at about 200 meters, saw the boat turned towards and closed. It is too late to shoot.
xx.10		Quick dive. FOXGLOVE still about 400 meters away.
xx.15	WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, misty	Surfaced to attack once again. FOXGLOVE sends U-boat warning with the exact position of the boat. Attack given up as pointless, especially as it gets misty and too dark after the moon has set. Because I've been reported here I head for the point I found with the sailing vessel, 48°N, 11°W.
		signed in draft Remy




		Page 5.

21.11.17
xx.01 AM	WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, very dark, Vis. medium	5 white lights in sight ahead to port. Closed, apparently escort vessels of a convoy. It is too dark to attack.
xx.36 AM		Maneuvered ahead to attack in the morning. Course 230°.
xx.45 AM	N 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium	Smoke cloud in sight astern. After brief Radio Message traffic the convoy comes to course 270°, so that a new maneuver ahead is necessary, that was greatly complicated by a zigzagging destroyer about 5 nm ahead of the convoy.
11.46 AM		Dived to attack ahead of the leading destroyer.
01.30 PM		The convoy consisted of 10 steamers, among them 3 large, with another 3 destroyers as escort comes in sight.
02.00 PM		Convoy comes to course 300°. Boat can only attack the 3rd large steamer of at least 5000 GRT.
02.03 PM		Shot from tube I G/7 A.V. Hit after xx seconds = 1200 meters. Went to depth 40 meters.
02.07 PM		The first 4 depth charges to port and over the boat. Went to depth 50 meters. Another 4 depth charges.
02.16 PM		Another 6 depth charges, that apparently were thrown in series. The propeller sounds of the destroyers were heard easily.
03.02 PM		In all 39 depth charges. In the vicinity of the wreck location steered various courses.
04.05 PM		Surfaced about 7000 meters from the wreck location because at periscope depth nothing was in sight. A destroyer lay stopped at the wreck location. Convoy was out of sight. Therefore the steamer had sunk.
	Wreck location:
	136 delta VII [47.65, -12.3]
	240°T from Scilly Isles
04..26 PM	290 nm away	Boat was seen by the destroyer and approached, quick dive.
04.18 PM		At periscope depth destroyer still in sight.
04.40 PM	NW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced, nothing in sight. It is pointless to follow the convoy, because just catching up would take 11 hours at AK and then the convoy would be 430 nm from the coast. Came about and again headed for the point 48°N, 11°W.
		signed in draft Remy
22.11.17
01.00 PM	NNW 4, Sea 3, partial overcast, Vis. good, Swell	The weather seems to be veering back. The barometer falls slowly, after it had stood at 790 mm for 8 days. The 4th bunker will soon be empty however the oil trace is still there. I intend




		Page 6.
continued
22.11.17
01.30 PM		to go into the Iris Sea.
		Course 36°.
		signed in draft Remy
23.11.17
xx.x1 AM	NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium	2 lights in sight ahead. On getting closer recognized as a hospital ship.
xx.03 AM		Turned away. Outline not distinguished at 2000 meters due to the bright illumination.
xx.xx PM	WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good	All day very low visibility. Intermittent fog. During the night the wind freshens strongly.
		signed in draft Remy
24.11.17
07.00 AM	WSW 9, Sea 8. overcast, misty	Avoided 2 patrol vessels.
xx.00 PM		Entered the St. George's Channel
0x.00 PM		Entered the Irish Sea.
0x.02 PM	Lat. 52°07.5'N
	Long. 5°50'W	Observed.
0x.30 PM		Headed for the Arklow Bank.
0x.45 PM		Avoided a destroyer.
0x.56 PM	N 10-11, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good	During the night on the surface waiting station between Codling and North Arklow about 15 nm away.
	Wiklow Head in 289°T	Malfunction of the gyro-compass, daughters don't follow.
		signed in draft Remy
25.11.17
xx.10 AM	Codling Lightship	About 1 nm away.
	NW 10-11, Sea 9, partial overcast, Vis. good	At Codling the seas are too high and steep for torpedo shooting, went to waiting area between South Arklow and Blackwater.
0x.40 -		U-boat in sight.
0x.18		Agreed with "U-97" that during the night I will advance to the north, "U-97" remains in the south. Under land a steamer of 4000 tons is in sight.
0x.37
0x.47		Dived to attack. Target angle is already 5 Strich [56.25°]. Getting closer is unlikely.
0x.59		Closed to about 1500 meters at shooting angle of about 130°. Because the shot is uncertain, turned away.
0x.05		Short in the auxiliary switchboard in the control room. Insulation fire behind the switchboard and at the main fuse in the Kommandant room. All auxiliary machinery fails. Boat is surfaced immediately with compressed air, since in the short sea it quickly tilts strongly because of the existing diving plane position, before the diving plane motors can be switched to hand operation. Distance from land about 8 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.17




		Page 7.
continued
25.11.17
05.20	NNW 8-9, Sea 7, clear, Vis. good	Boat is ready to dive again. Headed to the north, because the wind is favorable for South Rock.
		signed in draft Remy
26.11.17	NNW 9-10, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good
xx.x4 AM	NNW 9-10, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good	Steep sea from ahead to port. To protect the boat went to depth 30 meters.
xx.x5 AM	WbyN 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. goos	Surfaced on the line Rockabill-Skerries.
xx.xx AM		Avoided 3 patrol vessels.
09.xx AM		Several smoke clouds astern at lightness at Holyhead and Codling.
xx.x5 AM		Short in parallel resistor of the rudder motor. Continued transit to the north. Headed for St. John's Point.
xx.30 AM	Calf of Man
	bears 227°T	22 nm away.
xx.36 AM	SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, misty	A steamer comes in sight in the mist.
		Target angle apparently 4 Strich [45°].
xx.56 AM		Dived to attack. It is getting light quickly. Steamer is not found in the periscope.
xx.15 PM	Rain, hail squalls, Vis. very bad	Surfaced. Visibility about 1000 meters.
xx.30 PM	SW 10, Sea 7-8	Hove to because low visibility persists and wind freshens to Strength 11 turned between the Isle of Man and St. John's Point.
03.54 PM		Quick dive before patrol vessel in the west.
04.45 PM		It clears up. 3 more in sight in the west.
04.50 PM	WSW 8, Sea 7, rain, mist	Surfaced. Because in this wind at South Rock the seas are too great, intend to go off the entrance to Dublin.
10.15 PM	Rockabill bears 212°T	17 nm away.
11.00 PM		Steamer with lights in sight. Course 110°.
11.37 PM		Dived after maneuvering ahead for attack.
11.46 PM		Torpedo shot from tube V (G/6 A.V.). Hit at forward smokestack after 65 seconds = 1100 meters.
12.00 Midnight	Wreck location	Surfaced. Steamer of about 4000 GRT sunk. 2 boats with lights in sight, however then disappeared.
	136 alfa IV [53.75, -5.3]
	83°T from Rockabill 23 nm away
		signed in draft Remy
27.11.17		Dimmed steamer of about 6000 tons in sight. Main course 180°, Zigzag courses.
02.05 AM	NbyW 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes Vis. low
02.30 AM		After maneuvering ahead initiated surface attack with E-motors. Attack succeeds.
02.36 AM		Torpedo shot from tube IV (G/7 A.V.) with the seas at about 700 meters with 80° impact angle. Miss. Torpedo failure in the steep seas easily possible.
02.40 AM		I intend to be off the entrance to Dublin at lightness.
08.35 AM		On the horizon a large steamer with 2 smokestacks.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.17
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.17




		Page 8.
continued
27.11.17		with SW-course about 10000 meters away.
08.50 AM		Steamer fires with a stern cannon, probably at a U-boat.
09.05 AM	WbyN 8, Sea 6, overcast, sometimes very misty	Steamer in sight out of the fog in the north. Maneuvered ahead, course 270°.
09.34 AM		Dived to attack.
10.25 AM		Torpedo from tube III (S.A.V.) from about 400 meters. Impact angle 80°.
		Hit heard after 32 seconds = 470 meters, because the periscoped undercut after the shot.
		Armed steamer of about 3000 GRT turned away at the shot a bit and fired 2 shots in the vicinity of the boat. After the periscope came up the steamer lay stopped transverse to the wind.
10.30 AM		Steamer with 2 smokestacks in sight.
		No attack possibility.
11.14 AM		Steamer in sight, Attacked.
11.3x AM		First steamer still lies stopped at the same location with a strong port list to windward, and disappears in the mist.
11.37 AM		Closed the second steamer to 500 meters, did not shoot, because it was at most 1500 GRT.
13.10 PM	Wreck location:	After reconnaissance the first steamer is gone. Sinking accepted with certainty.
	034 delta IV [53.35, -5.7]
	82°T from Kish Bank
	7.5 nm away
12.55 PM		Surfaced to charge the battery.
02.25 PM		Steamer in sight on W-course.
02.50 PM		Surfaced to attack. [presumably a typo for dived]
03.35 PM	W 7, Sea 6, overcast, mostly misty	Torpedo shot from tube III (S.A.V.) with the sea from about 500 meters. Surface runner, passed behind. Armed steamer of about 2500 GRT.
03.55 PM		Surfaced, continued charging.
08.00 PM	WSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty	I intend, because it has abated somewhat to go to Holyhead.
08.27 PM		Medium-size steamer on course 120° in sight. Maneuvered ahead. It is too bright for surface attack.
09.51 PM		Forced to dive by another steamer. When the boat was balanced, the steamer was headed for the periscope 200 meters away. Went to depth 20 meters. Steamer went over the boat.
		To rest the crew remained submerged.
		signed in draft Remy
28.11.17
04.12 AM		Surfaced and charged.
04.20 AM	South Stack at Holyhead bears 82°T 10.5 nm away
	WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good
08.40 AM		2 steamers in sight with southerly and northerly course.
09.03 AM		Dived for attack on the first steamer.
09.49 AM		Closed to 400 meters, did not shoot, because only about 1000 GRT. Attacked the second steamer.




		Page 9.
continued
28.11.17
10.00 AM		Closed to 600 meters, did not shoot because only 1500 GRT. Remained submerged in waiting station between Skerries and Holyhead. Distance from land 3.5 to 6 nm. In total 9 small steamers in sight under 1000 GRT. Off Holyhead Bay 4 patrol vessels. The wind freshens again.
xx.15 PM	WSW 8, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes misty	Surfaced to charge. At Holyhead too much seas, therefore again to the Irish coast.
xx.15 PM		Large steamer with 2 smokestacks and westerly course in sight.
xx.30 PM		Dived to attack. Despite highest speed only closed to 4000 meters. Steamer ran about 18 knots. It was the daily Liverpool-Dublin passenger steamer.
08.06 PM	WSW 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced.
08.16 PM	WSW 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good	Target dimmed, large steamer in sight on westerly course.
08.19 PM		Dived for bow attack. Steamer proceeds on zigzag course. At about 500 meters the steamer zigzags away 60° to starboard. Turned for a stern shot.
08.34 PM		Torpedo shot from tube V (S.A.V.) hit after 15 seconds = 225 meters.
08.36 PM		After 2 light, 1 heavy detonation astern to starboard in the stern room the lights go out. Apparently explosive cargo.
		Went to depth 40 meters. Remained submerged in the vicinity.
09.08 PM	Wreck location:	Surfaced. Steamer is missing, at least 6000 GRT. Is sunk.
	004 delta IV [53.55, -5.5]	Because a U-boat Warning was given with the position of the boat, probably by the first steamer, that was about 2000 meters away, during the night I went to the north.
	109°T from Rockabill
	still 18 nm away
		signed in draft Remy
29.11.17
xx.00 AM	SSW 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. good	At lightness head for the Skulmartin Lightship. Between the Mull of Galloway and Skulmartin nothing in sight except for patrol vessels.
0x.20 AM		Dived to take up a waiting station at Skulmartin.
0x.10 PM	Skulmartin Lighthouse	2.5 nm away. Distance from land 4 nm.
	At times foggy	Between Skulmartin and South Rock 8 patrol vessels, however no traffic whatsoever. Further patrol vessel and a steam yacht between South Rock and Mull of Galloway.
0x.16 PM		Surfaced. I intend to be off Dublin in the morning again. Transit to the south. Remained submerged to protect the boat.
0x.00 PM	SW 8, Sea 7, overcast, sometimes Vis. good
	Chicken Rock Lighthouse bears 111°T	About 9.5 nm away.
		signed in draft Remy




		Page 10.

30.11.17
xx.33 PM	SSW 7-8, Sea 7, partial overcast, and Vis. good	Surfaced.
xx.xx PM		A streamer in sight. Maneuvered ahead.
xx.15 PM	Rockabill bears 254°T	Gave up because it is too bright and the steamer came from a southern course to an easterly course (for Holyhead).
	about 15 nm away
xx.30 PM	Kisch Lightship about 15 nm away	Went to a surface waiting station between Kisch and Holyhead. No traffic. According to the U-boat Warning, several U-boats are operating in the Irish Sea, the traffic of medium-sized steamers is significantly restricted.
xx.33 PM	SSW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good	Dived to occupy the submerged waiting station at Kisch Lightship. A U-boat hunter runs in from the south. Several patrol vessels and a suspicious sailing vessel at the lightship
xx.00 PM		Attacked an outbound steamer.
xx.35 PM		Closed to 600 meters, did not shoot because the steamer was too short and too small (about 1500 GRT) for a certain shot.
xx.24 PM		Surfaced to await the daily large passenger steamer from Liverpool to Dublin.
xx.23 PM		Steamer with 2 smokestacks in sight.
xx.25 PM		Dived to attack.
xx.43 PM		After the target angle was 1 1/2 Strich [16.875°] at 4000 meters the steamer changed course to starboard. At AK closed to about 1500 meters, turned away because forward there was still only an S.A.V. available.
06.50 PM	SSW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium	Surfaced. During the night I remained between Holyhead and Dublin. Nothing in sight. U-boat Warning by Radio Message for the Irish Sea.
		signed in draft Remy
01.12.17
xx.48 AM	SSW 9-10, Sea 8, partial overcast, Vis. good	Caernarfon Bay Lightship bears 91.5°T.
	SSW 9-10, Sea 8, partial overcast, Vis. good	South Stack Lighthouse bears 36°T.
		I went into Liverpool Bay, to have protection against the steep seas, weapons use is excluded.
xx.32 AM		Dived and proceeded to the east submerged around the Skerries at a distance of about 6 nm.
xx.48 PM	Skerries Lighthouse	About 7.5 nm away.
	bears 250°T	Dove under a patrol vessel chain of 6 patrol vessels. Wind shifts quickly to NWbyN, so there are high steep seas in Liverpool Bay. Weapons use is excluded.
	WbyN 9-10, overcast, misty
xx.36 PM		Came about.
xx.50 PM	NW 8-9, Sea 8, Vis. medium	Surfaced. Holyhead in 106°T, 6.5 nm away.
		Except for the patrol nothing in sight.
		Headed for Arklow Bank.
xx.x1 PM		Submerged because in some areas there is very low visibility or is very moonlit.
		signed in draft Remy




		Page 11.

02.12.17
xx.13 AM	NNW 8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced, charges and headed for the North Arklow Lightship.
xx.45 AM		Dived and went into waiting station from the North Arklow to Blackwater Lightships
		Except for an American destroyer and a patrol vessel nothing in sight.
xx.30 PM
xx.00 PM		Forward diving plane failed, the bolt at the forward-most joint in the bow room fell out such that all back-ups were disabled. Boat held at depth 30 to 40 meters because a patrol vessel is in the vicinity.
00.30 PM		Surfaced.
		Headed for Tusker Rock, to slide over from here to the connecting line to Holyhead.
03.33 PM		Steamer in sight. Course 210°.
04.04 PM		Dove to attack, because it is too moonlit on the surface.
04.33 PM	NWbyW 6, Sea 5, clear, Vis. very good	Torpedo shot from tube II (S.A.V.). Miss, not explained, because attack went from 500 meters. However, the steamer was empty and smaller (2000 to 3000 GRT), then thought before.
05.29 PM		Surfaced. During the night still avoided 2 further small steamers and 2 destroyers.
		signed in draft Remy
03.12.17
xx.xx AM	NW 4, Sea 4, partial overcast, Vis. very good	Headed for Holyhead. In the morning 6 small steamers under 1500 GRT, one destroyer and 3 patrol vessels in sight.
xx.00 PM	NW 6, Sea 5, Vis. very good	Over Holyhead an airship on a westerly course.
xx.45 PM		Dived.
xx.57 PM		Airship came towards the boat, went to depth 30 meters.
xx.00 PM -
xx.15 PM	Line Kisch Lightship - Holyhead	15 small steamers none over 1000 GRT and 5 patrol vessels on east-west courses in sight.
xx.45 PM		Liverpool-Dublin passenger steamer in sight. Attacked. Forward diving plane catches, so not more than "GF" is possible. Closed to 2000 meters.
xx.34 PM	SW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. medium	Surfaced. When the barometer rises the wind dies down. Because stronger air reconnaissance is expected, kept the boat deep by day, first I'll leave the Irish Sea through the George's Channel and decide there depending on the weather conditions. There are still 4 torpedoes.
xx.20 PM		Avoided a destroyer.
		signed in draft Remy




		Page 12.

04.12.17
04.01 AM	Tuskar Rock Lighthouse
	bears 335T	16 nm away.
12.00 Noon	S 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good	Back and forth in position off the Bristol Channel.
		With the falling barometer the wind increases again.
05.00 PM	SSE 8, Sea 7	I went back into the Irish Sea.
08.55 PM	SbyE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. bad	Submerged because the night is black and visibility is bad.
		signed in draft Remy
05.12.17
01.00 AM	SSE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. medium	Surfaced.
02.00 AM		Tried to send a Radio Message report, no communications due to overcoming seas.
08.00 AM	S 9-10, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. good	I went on the line Bardsey-Sachs [possibly South Stacks] because according to Radio Message ships stay on the east side. This is the only area in which weapons use is still possible. Except for a patrol vessel nothing in sight.
06.00 PM	SbyW 7, Sea 7, Vis. medium	Radio Message from Brügge that there should be traffic on the west side. I run along the lightships and intend to be on the line Holyhead-Dublin in the morning.
		signed in draft Remy
06.12.17
07.30 AM	SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, at times misty	Quick dive before a destroyer with three smokestacks.
09.10 AM		Surfaced.
09.30 AM		Steamer in sight at Holyhead.
10.01 AM		While maneuvering ahead a line abreast of 6 patrol vessels come in sight.
		Avoided at periscope depth. A convoy of 5 small steamers (1000-1500 GRT) was behind the search line. A further 4 patrol vessels were around the steamers. Remained in submerged waiting station, nothing further in sight.
01.26 PM		Surfaced.
03.13 PM		U-boat in sight.
03.30 PM		Signal flag message exchange with "UC-75".
		After the 12-day stay in the Irish Sea, the officers and men need to relax. So I left my operations area despite still having 4 torpedoes. I'll try to bring these to bear on the return transit. With regard to the southerly wind I decide to proceed on the northern route. For a few days the forward ballast tanks have slowly run full so that tanks have to be blown out every 3-4 hours.
08.47 PM	SbySW 6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium	A dimmed ship at about 450 meters had to be avoided with hard rudder. Ramming position.
10.00 PM		Entered the North Channel.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.17




		Page 13.
continued
06.12.17
10.02 PM		Avoided several patrol vessels and destroyers off Beaufort's Dyke and off Belfast.
		signed in draft Remy
07.12.17
02.36 AM	Maidends	/
04.53 AM	Mull Kintyre	/ Abeam. Avoided individual patrol vessels and destroyers.
07.30 AM	Rinns of Islay	/
08.00 AM	N 9, Sea 8, clear, Vis. good, rain and hail squalls	Headed for Barra Head
xx.00 PM		At Barra Head work is excluded in these seas. The boat floods forward quickly so that it must be blown hourly. Therefore I decide on return transit directly through the Minch.
07.23 PM	Barra Head bears 304°T	11 nm away. Ran into the Minch. Passed mines at Neist Point at high speed on the surface at a distance of 3 nm from land.
11.53 PM
		signed in draft Remy
08.12.17
02.00 AM	N 7, Sea 5-6, partial overcast, Vis. good	Passed between Sgeir Inhoe and Sgier Graidach.
	N 7, Sea 5-6, partial overcast, Vis. good	At Glas Island under land a patrol vessel, apparently an old torpedo boat or P-Boat.
02.46 AM		A small steamer north of the Shiant Islands.
02.50 AM	Cape Wrath bears 110°T	17 nm away.
	NWbyW 8, Sea 7
04.02 PM	Noup Head	To starboard 12 nm away.
07.32 PM	Fair Island	To port 7 nm away. No patrols.
		signed in draft Remy
09.12.17
06.00 PM	WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, sometimes Vis. low, rain	Because no navigation fix, sounding series over the Dogger Bank and headed for the Dogger Bank Lightship.
11.02 PM	Dogger Bank Lightship bears 68°T, 8 nm away
11.30 PM		102 gamma left the German restricted area.
		signed in draft Remy
10.12.17
03.15 AM		Entered the English restricted area.
03.45		Ran on the surface to 010 epsilon. [7E110 = 53.65, 6.75]
05.10		Exchanged recognition Signals with "Weddigen" Vorpostengruppe and exchanged Morse messages.
05.35		Test dive in 010 epsilon.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.17
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.17




		Page 14.
continued
10.12.17
06.00 AM	E 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium	With set sidelights and LF ran towards the Gold. Course 90°. Escort should see the boat at about 4 nm.
08.00 AM		Radio Message report, that the escort was not met. Since I absolutely had precise ship's position, with 8 incoming Vorpostenbooten up to Point P, then headed at higher speed alone via W, Westerens, Norderney to the Jade.
01.40 PM	Outer Jade	Abeam.
06.39 PM	Wilhelmshaven	Made fast S.M. B. "PREUßEN".


		Total distance covered:
	Surfaced 4510 nm
	Submerged 544 nm
	Total: 5054 nm


		signed in draft Remy