U-118 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Robert Derencin and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Brest
25 January 1943
Bordeaux
27 February 1943
34

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date
Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
7 Feb 43
23.59
35°57'N, 5°56'W
BALTONIA
2,013
British
MKS-7
7 Feb 43
23.59
35°57'N, 5°56'W
MARY SELSSOR
5,027
British
MKS-7
7 Feb 43
23.59
35°57'N, 5°56'W
EMPIRE MORDRED
7,024
British
MKS-7
10 Feb 43
?
35°59'N, 5°58'W
DUERO (damaged)
2,008
Spanish
22 Feb 43
?
36°01'N, 05°54'W
THORSHOLM (damaged)
9,937
Norwegian
GUS-4
22 Feb 43
11.56
35°48'N, 06°00'W
HMCS WEYBURN (K 173)
925
Canadian
MKS-8
 
 
 Total = 26,934
   
Note:  All ships struck mines laid by U-118 during the night of 1/2 Feb between 23.10 - 04.21.
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.


 
- 1 -
 
           
            "U-118"  
   
====== 
 
   
Kommandant:  Korv.Kapt. Czygan
 
   
3rd War Patrol from:  25 January to:  26 February 1943
 
         
    13.12.42 Lorient Entered Lorient after the 2nd war patrol.  
    17.12.42      " Shipyard period and dry docking.  Administrative leave.  
    03.01.43.      " Un-docked.  
    08.01.43      " Shipyard sea trials.  
    11.01.43      " Shipyard period finished.  
    16.01.43      " Trim test.  
    17.03.43      "    
    16.30   Departed Lorient.  In convoy with 3 new M-boats.  
    18.01,43 Brest    
    09.30      " Entered Brest.  
    19.01.43      " Shipyard period and dry docking begin.  (diving planes, fuel oil trace, main clutches).  
    21.01.43      " Left dry dock.  
    23.01.43      " Shipyard period completed.  
    10.00   Begin mine loading.  Loading facilities for XB boats in the bunker are inadequate. The electric crane failed continuously.  Loading at the floating dock with a floating crane from the mine barge would shorten the loading time considerably, as long as no better loading facilities exist in Brest.  
    24.01.43      "    
    03.00   Mine loading completed.  
    25.01.43      "    
    Morning   Calibration of radio direction finder, trim test, sea trials.  
                                                 
    25.01.43 Brest    
    16.30   Departed on 3rd war patrol.  In convoy with Sperrbrecher to B.1, Vorpostenboote to Point 346.  
    20.00 WNW 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 11°, Vis. 5 nm, high SW-swell Route Kernbeißer.  
                                                 
           
    26.01.43 Route Kernbeißer    
    00.00 WNW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, 11°, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 BF 5571    
                                                                 
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.01.43      
    08.00 BF 5742    
    08.50 BF 5741 Dived to proceed submerged.  Deep dive to A +40 meters.  
    12.00 BF 4961 Day's run:                 194.0 nm  
      φ =  46°08'N                                   13.0 nm       
      λ =   23.5'W                                 207.0 nm.  
        On course 232° to initial approach point BF 74.  Intend to ecexute the mining task (B.d.U. Secret 11 Chefs. A 2 of 11.01.43):   Remain unnoticed, proceeding submerged by day from BF 74 to CG 84.  Surface on 1 February at dusk 36 nm from the starting point for discharging the load.  Mine laying on the surface from west to east according to established laying plan in 18 groups.  
    16.00 BF 4956    
    19.15 BF 4958 Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 7325    
                                                 
    27.01.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 SE 3, 8/10 (overcast), Sea 2, 13°, Vis. 13 nm    
    03.06 BF 7291 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  After a long time 4 distant aircraft bombs.  
    05.45 BF 7291 Surfaced.  
    05.55 BF 7291 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.   
    06.55 BF 7286 Surfaced.  
    07.10 BF 7285 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  Proceeding submerged.  
        When crash diving the boat becomes very heavy passing the through 8-meter line.  The upper mine anchors of the bow shafts are probably still leaking despite retightening the packings after complaining in Brest.  Otherwise, up to now the mine load has submerged the bow 20 cm deeper in a heavy swell without danger of undercutting, showing no disadvantages on the surface or submerged.  
    08.00 BF 7285    
    12.00 BF 7513 Day's run:                 103.0 nm  
      φ =  44°42'N                                   42.0 nm       
      λ =   59'W                                 145.0 nm         352.0 nm.  
    16.00 BF 7514    
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.01.43      
    19.05 BF 7438 Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 7431    
                                                 
    28.01.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 BF 7725    
      SSW 4, 6/10 (passing showers), Sea 3, 14°, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 CG 2125    
    08.00 CG 2425 Position reported by Short Signal.  
    08.35 CG 2425 Dived to proceed submerged.  On course 180° for CG 84.  
    12.00 CG 2451 Day's run:                 172.0 nm  
      φ =  41°38'N                                   35.0 nm       
      λ = 11°00'W                                 207.0 nm         559.0 nm.  
    16.00 CG 2454    
    19.10 CG 2481 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 2484    
                                                 
    29.01.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CG 2754    
      S 5, overcast (passing showers), Sea 4, 15°, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.00 CG 5127    
    08.00 CG 5421    
    08.35 CG 5424 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 CG 5452 Day's run:                 135.0 nm  
      φ =  38°58'N                                   23.5 nm       
      λ = 11°04'W                                 158.5 nm         717.5 nm.  
    16.00 CG 5454    
    19.30 CG 5457 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 5481    
    20.20   Ordered to make for DH 21 after execution of special task.  
                                                 
    30.01.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CG 5727    
      SW 6, overcast (squalls, passing showers), Sea 4, 15°, Vis. 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.01.43      
    04.00 CG 5787    
    08.00 CG 8157 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 CG 8181 Day's run:                 101.0 nm  
      φ =  36°52'N                                   24.0 nm       
      λ = 11°00'W                                 125.0 nm         842.5 nm.  
    16.00 CG 8186    
    19.35 CG 8187 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 8188    
                                                 
    31.01.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 SW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, 16°, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.00 CG 8567    
    08.00 CG 8649    
    08.15 CG 8673 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 CG 8673 Day's run:                 116.0 nm  
      φ =  35°59.5'N                                   18.0 nm       
      λ =   48.0'W                                 134.0 nm            976.5 nm.  
    16.00 CG 8672    
    19.30 CG 8672 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 8569    
                                                 
    01.02.43 Atlantic Strait of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 8657    
      SSW 4, blue sky, Sea 3, 17°, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 CG 9447    
    08.00 CG 9467 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 CG 9467 Day's run:                 130.5 nm  
      φ =  36°01'N                                   15.0 nm       
      λ =   6°56'W                                 145.5 nm            1122.0 nm.  
    16.00 CG 9468    
    19.43 CG 9493 Surfaced.  Proceeding at GF for the mining operation in the Strait of Gibraltar.  Clear night, excellent visibility.  
    20.00 CG 9571    
      SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.25 CG 9572 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontal polarization.  
        Surfaced.  Beacons on Trafalgar and Cape Spartel are lit.  Ahead to starboard one, ahead to port two brightly-illuminated medium-sized trawlers with 3 masts and trawling sails about 3 nm distant; apparently fishing with  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.02.43   fishing gear, even so, we are making quite a high speed.  At irregular distances a strong floodlight barrier from Gibraltar to the south, to the west only a little searching.  
    21.32 CG 9573 Dived.  Enemy radar detection on 136 cm horizontally polarized, steady tone growing louder.  Weak propeller sounds bearing 342°.  Do not yet know whether detection comes from one of the steam trawlers or a guard as yet unseen.   However I believe instead a land station.  
    22.14   Surfaced.  
    22.22 CG 9581 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  A steady tone quickly growing louder.  
    23.00   Surfaced.  Due to the strong (about 4 knot) eastward setting current I am positioned earlier than intended at the starting point for mine laying.  The beacons at Paloma, Trafalgar and Malabata are lit.  
    23.10   The first mine is laid while blowing.  Mine lines I and II are laid first on NE-course with 4 mines, because to the north a steam trawler lies about 2.5 distant exactly ahead of the bow and I do not want to go any closer in the good visibility night.  
    23.29 CG 9585 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  Steady tone quickly growing louder.  
    23.47   2 mines laid on N-course (mine line III).  
    23.57   Surfaced.  
                                                 
    02.02.43 Strait of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 9585    
      SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 4 nm    
    00.05   Continued mine laying (mine lines IX - X) even while blowing according to the mine laying plan.  During the whole mining operation searching detection on 136 cm horizontally polarized which is weaker in the eastern part of the minefield.  
    01.12 CG 9583 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection quickly growing louder on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  
    01.33   Mine line XI with 4 mines laid submerged.  
    01.54   Surfaced.  
    02.06   Continued the operation (mine lines XII - XIV).   
        I must give up the intended execution of the mining operation east of 5°50'W, because a fisherman is in the southern part, in the northern part two patrol vessels are positioned and I want to remain unnoticed.  
    02.58      
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.02.43      
    02.58   Lay mine lines XV and XVI with 4 mines to the northeast and  
    04.06   Mine lines XVII and XVIII west of Cape Spartel.  
    04.21   Laid the last mine.  The horizontally polarized detections on 136 cm have become stronger as we moved to the west again.  Suppose that detection stations are positioned on the coast 1 and 2 nm south and at the same height as Cape Spartel, because there occasionally electric lights are turned on.  
    04.47 CG 9588 Near the previous horizontally polarized detection on 136 cm a second with another pitch on 132 cm.  Continuous tone growing louder.  Dived  To starboard weak propeller sounds with low RPM moving to the east.  Apparently a guard, because the position corresponded with the first detection at 21.32 hours and a fishing vessel was not seen.  
    05.43 CG 9587 Surfaced.  Visibility is decreased in a rainstorm which is favorable for making off.  The execution of the mining operation was favoured by the weather, even if in the beginning the night was too clear.  The advance submerged by day, was used for depth-keeping exercises, which contributed greatly to the surprise and, except for enemy radar detections, undetected mining operation.  Execution completely submerged would be considerably more difficult in the present circumstances and would have become impossible further to the east.  The laying arrangement worked perfectly.  For navigational reasons and from my experience from mine laying exercises off Hel and in the Skagerrak I had to exceed several times the maximum laying speed of 8 knots.  Higher than current laying speeds are absolutely possible and in strong currents are a pressing requirement and with advancement of the sliding rails inwards rounded at the upper end are absolutely possible.  
      S 3, overcast (rain), Sea 2,  16°, Vis. 3 nm, wind shifting clockwise  
    07.55 CG 9498 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 CG 9489 Day's run:                   63.5 nm  
      φ =  35°47'N                                   30.5 nm       
      λ =   7°05'W [Does not add up]        93.5 nm            1215.0 nm.  
    16.00 CG 9488    
    19.35 CG 9479 Surfaced.  On course 265° for DH 21.  
                                                 
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CG 8687    
      NW 1, blue sky, Sea 1, 15°, Vis. 4 nm    
    00.14   Sent Short Signal:  Mining operation completed as ordered.  
    01.45   Received confirmation.  
    04.00 CG 8832 Fishing vessel, brightly lit as in the Strait of Gibraltar, avoided.  
    07.15 CG 8822 Dived.  Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized.  Proceeding submerged.  
    08.00 CG 8821    
    12.00 CG 8813 Day's run:                 110.0 nm  
      φ =  35°39'N                                   35.0 nm       
      λ = 10°01'W                                 145.0 nm            1360.0 nm.  
    16.00 CG 8811    
    19.41 CG 8735 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 8784    
    20.17   Radio Message - Ordered to supply "Dierksen", "Bruns" and "Reeder" in DH.  All boats announce arrival by short signal.  
    20.36   "Dierksen" meet on 7 February at dawn for supply.  
    21.15   Incoming Radio Message:  Well done.  
    23.21   Issued Radio Message on 36 meters:  
        Meeting point 7 February in the morning with 200 nm day's run.   
        Task 2 February probably unnoticed.  365 cbm.  
                                                 
    04.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CG 7963 "Reeder" reports he expects to be at meeting point on 13 February.  
      WSW 2, 6/10, Sea 2, 15°, Vis. 3 nm  
    04.00 CG 7973    
    05.45   "Bruns" position DT 97 with day's run 95 nm.  
    08.00 CG 7898    
    12.00 DH 3316 Day's run:                 166.0 nm  
      φ =  34°38'N                                   22.0 nm       
      λ = 13°33'W                                 188.0 nm            1548.0 nm.  
    16.00 DH 3344    
    20.00 DH 3282    
    20.12   Test dive.  
    20.37   Surfaced.  On course 245° for DH 4755 via DH 2915.  
                                                 
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 3511    
      N 3, 8/10, Sea 2, 16°, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.00 DH 3429    
    08.00 DH 3445    
    12.00 DH 2683 Day's run:                 181.0 nm  
      φ =  33°15.5'N                                     1.5 nm       
      λ = 16°46.0'W                                 182.5 nm            1730.5 nm.  
      NEbyE 2, 8/10, Sea 2, 16°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 DH 2833    
    18.05 DH 2837 Test dive.  
    19.01 DH 2829 Surfaced.  On course 234° for DH 4755  
    20.00 DH 2852    
                                                 
    06.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 2871    
    04.00 DH 5125    
    08.00 DH 5147    
    12.00 DH 4388 Day's run:                 222.0 nm  
      φ =  31°26'N                                     3.0 nm       
      λ = 20°28'W                                 225.0 nm            1955.5 nm.  
      NEbyN 2, 10/10, Sea 1, 17°, Vis. 14 nm    
    16.00 DH 4563    
    18.02 DH 4567 Test dive.  
    18.35   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DH 4582    
                                                 
    07.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4812    
    04.00 DH 4737    
    08.00 DH 4755 "Dierksen" not in sight.  No navigation fix for three days.  
    12.00 DH 4758 Day's run:                 152.0 nm  
      φ =  29°46'N                                     1.5 nm       
      λ = 22°55'W                                 153.5 nm            2109.0 nm.  
      ENE 3, overcast, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 14 nm    
    16.00 DH 4756    
    16.45   Returning Italian U-boat in sight.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.02.43   Recognition signal exchange and short greeting.  "Dierksen" not yet found in spite of searching .  My plotted position was correct after a navigation fix.  
    20.00 DH 4781 Remain stopped at night.  
                                                 
    08.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4781    
    04.00 DH 4773    
    08.00 DH 4773 "Bruns" expects to be at the meeitng point 11 February at 08.00 hours.  
    10.00 DH 4757 "Dierksen" in sight.  
    11.00   Begin fuel delivery in port formation E-motors KF into the sea with 120 meter long oil hose with 10 cm Manila reinforcement; 4 air bladders are fastened to the half lying with the receiving boat, so that the hose does not sag down when flushing.  Provisions and equipment delivery by shuttle with the 6 meter rubber boat.  
    11.03   Radio Message:  To "Dierksen":  
        1.)  If still at "Czygan", take over from two Metox sets and a cable and report with short signal "Yes".  In the other case "No".  
        2.)  "Czygan" immediately switch to America II Circuit.  
    12.00 DH 4757 Day's run:                 28.0 nm              2137.0 nm.  
      φ =  29°47.5'N    
      λ = 23°06.0'W    
      NEbyE 2, overcast, Sea 2, 19.5°, Vis. 14 nm.    
    13.30   To "Dierksen" transferred 15 cbm fuel oil, 1 week's provisions, 2 Metox sets and 1 cable.  
    16.00 DH 4754    
    18.03 DH 4755 Test dive.  
    18.42   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DH 4725 "Dierksen" reported taking over Metox with "Yes".  
        Stopped for the night.  
                                                 
    09.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4725 "Reeder" is one day early, also at the meeting place on 12 February in the morning at 10.00 hours.  
    04.00 DH 4728    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.43      
    08.00 DH 4728    
    11.55   "Luis" reported for supply.  
    12.00 DH 4722 Day's run:                   31.0 nm  
      φ =  30°29'N                                     2.5 nm       
      λ = 22°57'W                                   33.5 nm            2170.5 nm.  
      NEbyN 3, 5/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 DH 4488    
    20.00 DH 4454    
    20.58   Received:  Up to now one success "medium steamer" is credited.  
                                                 
    10.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4449 Stopped for the night.  
    08.00 DH 4449    
    09.55 DH 4473 Test dive.  
    10.55   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DH 4476 Day's run:                   54.0 nm  
      φ =  30°26'N                                     2.0 nm       
      λ = 23°12'W                                   56.0 nm            2226.5 nm.  
      ENE 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 14 nm    
    16.00 DH 4716    
    20.00 DH 4752 5 boats of Group "Rochen" reported for supply.  
                                                 
    11.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4756 Stopped for the night.  
    04.00 DH 4755    
    08.00 DH 4755 "Bruns" in sight.  
    09.45 ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 10 nm. Begin transfer of 30 cbm fuel oil, also one week's provisions and engine spares.  
    11.40   Supply ended.  
    12.00 DH 4755 Day's run:                 45.0 nm              2271.5 nm.  
      φ =  29°54'N    
      λ = 22°51'W    
      ENE 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 20°, Vis. 14 nm    
    16.00 DH 4755    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.02.43      
    20.00 DH 4755 From Group "Rochen" "Looks", "Koch",   "Krech", "Poser" and "Berger" should get 30 cbm of fuel oil each and "Luis" should take over the rest of my fuel.  Afterwards I should start return transit and report the fuel situation and order of the supplied boats.  
                                                 
    12.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4755 Stopped for the night.  
    04.00 DH 4755    
    08.00 DH 4754    
      ENE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 14 nm    
    10.00   "Reeder" in sight.  
    11.00   Begin fuel oil transfer.  Doctor's assistance.  
    12.00 DH 4755 Day's run:                 7.5 nm              2279.0 nm.  
      φ =  29°49'N    
      λ = 22°51'W    
    12.15   "Reeder" received 20 cbm fuel oil, 1 week's fresh provisions, engine spares and 1 Fu.M.B. cable.  
        Took over the patient Masch.Mt. Eggers from him.  
    16.00 DH 4755    
    17.50   Test dive.  
    19.04   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DH 4755 "Looks" expectes to be at the meeting point on 14 February.  
                                                 
    13.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4755 Stopped for the night.  
    04.00 DH 4755    
    08.00 DH 4755 "Krech" and "Koch" in sight.  
      ENE 2, 2/10, Sea 1, 18°, Vis. 10 nm Begin fuel transfer to "Krech" and provisions with the 6-meter rubber boat.  Doctor's assistance.  
    11.40   "Krech" received 30 cbm fuel oil, 14 day's provisions, engine spares, 1 Fu.M.B. cable.  
        Took over the patient Matr.Ob.Gefr. Teuber.  
    12.00 DH 4752 Day's run:                   19.5 nm  
      φ =  29°58'N                                     2.5 nm       
      λ = 22°52'W                                   22.0 nm            2301.0 nm.  
    13.40   Begin supply of "Koch".  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.02.43   Could have started 1 hour earlier.  However, a section of oil hose had to be renewed, which was worn out in spite of benign conditions.  "Poser" in sight.  
    15.35   "Koch" received 30 cbm fuel oil, 14 day's provisions, engine spares, 1 Fu.M.B. cable.  Began supply of "Poser", Doctor's assistance.  
    17.00 DH 4752    
      ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 19°, Vis. 14 nm    
    19.00   "Poser" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 14 day's provisions.  Tomorrow he intends to transfer his patient II Watch Officer to me.  
    20.00 DH 4752    
                                                 
    14.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4755 Stopped for the night.  
    04.00 DH 4755    
    07.00   "Berger" in sight.  
    08.00 DH 4754 "Looks" in sight.  
      ENE 3-4, 4/10, Sea 3, 19°, Vis. 12 nm    
    09.37   Begin supply of "Berger".  Provisions in canisters.  
    11.37   "Berger" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 1 week's provisions.  
        Patient II Watch Officer Leutnant z.S. Schultze is taken over from "Poser".  
    12.00 DH 4755 Day's run:                 14.0 nm              2315.0 nm.  
    12.37   Begin supply of "Looks".  
    14.45   "Looks" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 14 day's provisions.  
    15.56   "Luis" in sight.  
        As requested, reported how much "Rochen boats" are supplied up to now, by short signal:   "Have completely finished supply task".  
    16.00 DH 4755 Begin supply of "Luis".  Provisions by 6-meter rubber boat.  Doctor's assistance.  
    20.00 DH 4752 Have delivered to "Luis" 71 cbm fuel oil, 3 weeks' provisions.  Afterwards delivered 2 cbm lubricating oil after flushing the oil hose.  
    21.00   Total supply task completed.  Start return transit.  On course 32° for CG 12.  
                                                 
    15.02.43 Atlantic    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    15.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4728    
    04.00 DH 4723    
    07.53 DH 4495 Reported accomplishment of supply:  
        Fuel situation and order of accomplishment of supply:  On 13 February "Krech" 57, "Koch" 69, "Poser" 61, on 14 February "Berger" 61, "Looks" 78, "Luis" 92.  To "Koch", "Krech" Fu.M.B. cable.  To all average 14 day's provisions.  Naval square DH 4495, 48 cbm."  
    09.09 DH 4459 Test dive.  
    10.00   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DH 4446 Day's run:                   58.0 nm  
      φ =  30°45'N                                     2.5 nm       
      λ = 22°38'W                                   60.5 nm            2375.5 nm.  
      NE 4, 7/10, Sea 3, 17°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 DH 4435    
    20.00 DH 4277 Report taking over the patients as a supplement to the supply accomplishment message, in spite of some hesitation, because I regard the transfers as important to the flotillas:  From "Reeder" Masch.Mt. Eggers, "Krech" Ob.Matr.Gefr. Teuber, "Poser" Leutnant z.S. Schultze.  Naval square DH 4272, ENE 5, shifting clockwise, Sea 4, long swells, 8/10, 35 mb.  
                                                 
    16.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 4272    
      ENE 5, 9/10, Sea 4-5, 17°, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 DH 4246    
    08.00 DH 4251    
    12.00 DH 4225 Day's run:                 82.0 nm              2457.5 nm.  
      φ =  31°53'N    
      λ = 21°49'W    
      NE 6, 8/10, Sea 5, 17.5°, Vis. 9 nm    
    16.00 DH 1889    
    20.00 DH 1834    
                                                 
    17.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 1832    
      ENE 7, 4/10, Sea 5, 16.5°, Vis. 3 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.43      
    04.00 DH 1596    
    08.00 DH 1648    
    12.00 DH 1645 Day's run:                 109.0 nm              2566.5 nm.  
      φ =  33°30'N    
      λ = 20°52'W    
      ENE 6, overcast (passing showers), Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 DH 1619    
    20.00 DH 1378    
                                                 
    18.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 DH 1373    
      ENE 5, overcast (passing showers), Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 DH 1354    
    08.00 DH 1352    
    09.04 DH 1329 Test dive.  
    09.54   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DH 1326 Day's run:                   80.0 nm  
      φ =  34°40'N                                     2.0 nm       
      λ = 20°20'W                                   82.0 nm            2648.5 nm.  
      NEbyN 5, 8/10, Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 CF 8897    
    20.00 CF 8868    
                                                 
    19.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 8863    
    04.00 CF 8917    
    08.00 CF 8912    
    12.00 CF 8684 Day's run:                 84.0 nm              2730.5 nm.  
      NE 5, 8/10, Sea 4-5, 15°, Vis. 10 nm                                                   [typo 2732.5 nm]  
    16.00 CF 8651    
    20.00 CF 8626    
    21.31   "Return port is Brest"  
                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 8394    
    04.00 CF 8366    
    08.00 CF 8331 Switched to Coastal Circuit.  
    09.14 CF 9114 Test dive.  
    09.57   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CF 9112 Day's run:                  104.0 nm  
      φ =  37°28'N                                      2.0 nm       
      λ = 18°31'W                                  106.0 nm            2836.5 nm.  
      ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 15°, Vis. 14 nm    
    16.00 CF 6773    
    17.57   "Return port is not Brest, but rather Bordeaux".  
    20.00 CF 6727    
                                                 
    21.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 6722    
    04.00 CF 6491    
    08.00 CF 6465    
    12.00 CF 6514 Day's run:                 121.0 nm              2957.5 nm.  
      φ =  39°10'N    
      λ = 17°26'W    
      NE 3, 9/10, Sea 2, 14°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 CF 6257    
    18.55   Report as requested western border of the executed mine area:  "Western border 1.5 nm east of CG 9585.  
    20.00 CF 6229    
                                                 
    22.02.43 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 3898    
    04.00 CF 3944    
    08.00 CF 3924    
    09.00 CF 3659 Test dive.  
    09.55   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CF 3662 Day's run:                  175.0 nm  
      φ =  41°42'N                                      2.0 nm       
      λ = 15°19'W                                  177.0 nm            3134.5 nm.  
      NE 2, 9/10, Sea 2, 14°, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 CG 1178    
    20.00 CG 1155                                          
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.02.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 CG 1216    
    04.00 BE 9973    
    08.00 BE 9938    
    11.00   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 7488 Day's run:                  213.0 nm  
      φ =  43°52'N                                      6.0 nm       
      λ = 10°58'W                                  219.0 nm            3353.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 7486    
    19.47   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 7494    
                                                 
    24.02.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7552    
      ENE 1, blue sky, Sea 1, 12°, Vis. 5 nm    
    04.00 BF 7624    
    06.50   Sent Short Signal:  Position 48 hours from meeting point with escort.  
    08.00 BF 8413 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 8421 Day's run:                  147.0 nm  
                                           18.0 nm       
                                         165.0 nm            3518.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 8422    
    19.35   Surfaced.  
                                                 
    25.02.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 8287    
      NNE 2, blue sky, Sea 1, 12°, Vis. 1 nm    
    04.00 BF 8375    
    08.00 BF 8396 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 9174 Day's run:                  117.0 nm  
      φ =  44°52'N                                    18.0 nm       
      λ =   4°17'W                                  135.0 nm            3653.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 9175    
    19.25   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 9176    
    23.00   Requested Radio Beacon Group III.  
                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.02.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 9271    
    03.15 BF 9259 Enemy radar detection quickly growing louder horizontally polarized 140 cm.  Dived.  
    04.35   Surfaced.  
    07.00 Point Gabel Sperrbrecher is not in position.  By radio bearings and depth sounding my position is accurate.  Proceding back and forth, waiting for bearing signals in accordance with B.d.U. Standing Order.  
    09.15   Sperrbrecher does not send bearing signals, sent Short Signal:  Position off ordered meeting point.  Request bearing signals.  
    10.45   Radio Message from 12th U.Flottille:  Sperrbrecher will be positioned at convoy intake point about 12.00 hours.  
    12.00   Positioned at Point Gabel.  Sperrbrecher escort will not be at intake point until 14.00 hours.  
    17.00   Escort dismissed at Le Verdon.  
    20.00   Made fast for the night at Pauillac.  
                                                 
    27.02.43 Gironde    
    07.00   Departed Pauillac.  
    09.00   Made fast at Bordeaux.  
           
           
           
           
                                                
                                            Korv.Kapt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

 

  Enclosures to U-118's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Radio Excerpt of radio log (Funkkladde).

 

 
 
     
 

Commentary of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
 
to the K.T.B. of "U-118" from 25.01.43 to 26.02.43
 
 

 

 
  The mine mission was performed satisfactorily and has resulted in a string of successes perfectly documented by Intercept Sercice and press releases.  
  The following supply of 9 boats extended their sea endurance for important operations!  
  Otherwise nothing to note!  
     
   

For the Commander in Chief U-boats

 
   
- The Chief of Operations -
 
 
                        
     
 


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