U-123 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	14 October 1941	Lorient	22 November 1941	40

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
21 Oct 41	04.28	50°51'N, 18°55'W	HMS AURANIA (damaged)	13,984	British	SL-89
			Total = 13,984
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 

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				Copy No.:
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "  U  1  2  3  "
				6th War Patrol.
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.  H  a  r  d  e  g  e  n.
				Beginning:  24 August 1941
				Concluding:  22 November 1941
				Kptlt. and Kmdt. "U 123"
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M. SKL.U.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x 2.Adm. Uboot
				1 x 2.U.-Flottille
				Boat original.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		24.08.41	Lorient	Began shipyard period.  Torpedo and ammunition offload.
		25.08.41	"	Boat was the first on the newly constructed slip.
		26.08.41	"	Boat was shifted from the slip to a loading station.
		27.08. - 09.10.41	"	B.d.U. muster.
				Shipyard period Lorient.  Since the cylinder liners had strong pitting, they had to be renewed, so that the time spent is extended by 14 days.  The crew went on leave on two turns.  A part was in Karnac for training, a part working on boars.  Multiple times the sponsor battalion was visited in Le Pouldu and we rode there.  From 6 to 23 September dock period.
		10.10.41	"	Torpedo loading, thereafter test dive, boat was degaussed.
		11.10.41	"	Provisions and artillery ammunition loaded.
		12.10.41	"	Trim test, magnetic compass calibration.
		13.10.41	"	Fresh provisions loading, boat taken over.
		14.10.41
		13.30	"	Put to sea for 6th war patrol.  Herr Korv.Kpt. Budde embarked as Kommandant pupil.
		15.20		Released from convoy at Point II.
		15.50		, proceeded submerged until darkness.
		19.54		, departed on both diesels 2 x GF.
		15.10.41
		02.00		Course 270°, both GF.
		04.00	NWbyW 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm	BF 5815.
		08.00		BF 5716.
		08.15		, deep diving test, depth T = 50 meters. [actual depth 100 meters]
		08.53		.
		12.00	NWbyN 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm	BF 4935.                  Day's run:     232 nm
				Total      :    18.5 nm
		14.00	Bay of Biscay	Came to course 300°, both HF.
		15.56	BF 4925	, Crash dive for aircraft.
		16.15		.
		20.00	WbyS 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm	BF 4648.
		24.00		BF 4561.  Today by day and night several sailing vessels avoided.  Night some dimmed.  Sent passing report.
		16.10.41
		04.00	WNW 5, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm	BF 4513.
		08.00		BF 4192.
		12.00	WNW 3-4, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	BF 4143.                  Day's run:     202 nm
				Total      :    434.5 nm
				of that    :       19 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.41

	- 2 -
		continued
		16.10.41
		16.00		BE 6335.
		20.00	WNW 3, Sea 1/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	BE 3974.
		24.00		BE 3856.
		17.10.41
		04.00		BE 3814.
		08.00	WSW 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm	BE 3486.
		08.54		, Crash dive for training.
		09.20		, continued transit with one diesel HF, headed for ordered square AJ 55.
		12.00	WSW 6, 8/10, Sea 5, Vis. 8 nm	BF 4143.                  Day's run:     196 nm
				Total      :     630.5 nm
				of that    :       21 nm
		16.00		BE 2663.
		20.00	WbyS 6, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 5 nm	BE 2637.
		24.00		BE 2621.
		18.10.41
		04.00		BE 2377.
		08.00		BE 2292.
		12.00	WSW 6, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 7 nm	BE 2255.                  Day's run:     108 nm
				Total      :     738.5 nm
				of that    :       21 nm
		16.00		BE 2243.
		20.00		BE 2267.
		24.00		BE 2255.
		19.10.41
		04.00		BE 2242.
		08.00	SW 5-6, 3/10, Sea 5, Vis. 4 nm	BE 2136.
		09.55		, test dive.
		10.13		.
		12.00	SWbyS 6-7, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 6 nm	BE 2123.                  Day's run:     97 nm
				Total      :     835.5 nm
				of that    :       22 nm
		16.00		AL 9787.
		20.00	W 6, 5/10, Sea 5, Vis. 15 nm	AL 9781.
		24.00		AL 9748.
		20.10.41
		04.00		AL 8866.  Presented Radio Message:  We are assigned to Group "Schlagetot".  A patrol line is ordered in square AJ which we are to occupy in six days.
		08.00		AL 8829.
		12.00	WNW 3, 6/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	AL 8824.                  Day's run:     98 nm
				Total      :     933.5 nm
				of that    :       22 nm
		16.00		AL 8577.
		16.50		Presented Radio Message:  From U84, convoy square BE 1556, course northeast.
		17.00		Course 180°, both diesels GF.  Go!
		18.30		Presented Radio Message:  From Uphoff, Convoy 4 very

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		20.10.41
				fast vessels, square 1617, course northeast.  Came to course 150° at highest speed.
		20.00	WbyS 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	AL 8872.
		20.30		Presented Radio Message:  From Uphoff, convoy square 1624, course northeast, speed 14 knots.
		20.38		New course 100°.  By my plotting he must make 60° and over 15 knots.  Combined both possibilities.  On this course I must have him in sight at 02.00 or 04.00 hours.
		24.00	WbyS, 2/10, Sea 1-2. Vis. 4 nm	BE 2112.
		21.10.41
		03.46		4 large shadows to starboard.  We have him.  Gave Radio Signal concerning enemy sighting.  At 04.45 hours and 05.15 hours bearing signals were sent.  Because at the moment we are positioned in the midst of the convoy, could give no distance and bearing.  For this case an extra Radio Signal should be created.
				Ran at AK.  Attacked.  2 large steamers of 12000-15000 GRT, 2 of 10000-12000 GRT.  Escorted by 3 destroyers.  It was a valuable target.  Because the convoy was steaming very fast, I must get close at high speed without regard to being seen so that the target has no chance to avoid.  3-fan set up on the third and largest target.  Because to starboard a destroyer zoomed up at high speed, the fan must be shot at range = 1500 meters.  Small fan angle, to get 2 hits if possible.  Target speed = 15 knots, target angle 80°.  After 81 seconds 2 detonations, steamer sheers out to port.  Shifted to the starboard side of the convoy at AK.  Because I was forced off by destroyers it was not possible to shoot at the second steamer with the stern tubes as intended.  Observations at the target:  Strong smoke development, weak fiery glow, lists to port, settled forward up to the bow.  2 x showed red lights to the destroyer.  The rest of the convoy with 2 destroyers proceeds on course 100°, so that I am again positioned favorably and ran alongside reloading.
		04.28	BE 2214
			SSE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		05.18		Astern strong fiery glow and heavy detonation in the direction of our steamer.  Suspect, that Uphoff gave him a coup de grâce.  As it turned out later, it was an internal explosion after which he sank.  Despite AK did not get ahead.
		06.00		Turned in for an attack on the last steamer which is positioned favorably.  At the same moment the convoy zigzags to port so that I am positioned astern.  Attempted to get ahead to port, convoy zigzagged to starboard.  One can clearly see the destroyers and steamers Morseing.  Because I am at AK I must be easy to see.  Each of my movements

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		21.10.41		was immediately countered by him.  Convoy runs at over 15 knots so that I have no speed advantage.  When at 06.14 hours a destroyer turns towards me I must turn away briefly.  In so doing I am so far astern that an attack was hopeless.  Additionally contact keeping on the fast convoy has little prospect of success.  Sent Radio Message concerning position, course and speed of the rest of the convoy and went back to the shooting location.  There a large oil slick.  Some debris and one lifeboat in a sinking condition sighted.  In it one man.
		10.09		Took the shipwrecked aboard.  From his statement the auxiliary cruiser "AURANIA", 13984 GRT, received a hit in the forecastle and turbine room.  Of the 250 man crew part were rescued by a destroyer.  After 3/4 hours a heavy explosion was observed on the steamer which had settled low in the water.  Afterwards the steamer was not seen again.  See enclosure for further statements. Came to old course 280° and sent Radio Message concerning the sinking of "AURANIA".  Thereupon from B.d.U. to U-123 "Bravo!".  This was my most beautiful steamer up to now, because I had long wavered, whether it would still make sense to operate at night on such a fast convoy, the last message at hand was from 20.00 hours and when we had him, the four steamers had 3 destroyers outside so the attack had to be carried forward recklessly to get at those in the center.
		12.00	SSE 2, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm, hazy	AL 2136.                  Day's run:    265.7 nm
				Total      :     1199 nm
				of that    :       22 nm
		13.25		, Crash dive!  Flying boat, took the opportunity work on the rest of the torpedoes.
		14.50		.
		15.29		, Crash dive!  The same flying boat.  Because I had just pumped out, I ran off for 1/2 hour at GF.
		16.05	BE 2123	, After an all around sweep with the hazy horizon and Sea it seems clear.  Now a scene was offered me that until now was only seen in the film "U-Boote westwärts". After all, the film was indeed shot also on board with us. At first I believed it was an hallucination.  Before me at just under 3 nm drove a fat convoy.  I counted with the naked eye 22 large steamers and 3 destroyers.  All with the entire hull out.  In the periscope I had not seen in the hazy visibility and Sea State.  No sound bearings.  10 minutes later and I would have surfaced in the middle of the columns.  Because I absolutely must have been seen, my only initial thought was to remain on the surface and report.  Therefore
			SE 4, 10/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 4 nm
			[hand written note:  With an operable G.H.G. impossible!!]

Sun and Moon Data 21.10.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		21.10.41
				blew and moved off at AK.  I would go again into the cellar as I must receive the depth charges, however the other boats were unknowingly proceeding further to the west.  Sent a Radio Signal concerning the convoy position and course.  As the next Radio Message concerning the size of the convoy, escort, course and speed a destroyer came towards me at target angle 0°.  He came up only slowly and I hoped to escape on the surface, because the destroyer must go back to the convoy again.  Then this aircraft appeared again. That was all we needed.  It approached, but the Radio Message was still not out yet.  I must get it out as there are many U-boats in the area for which the report is important.
		17.07		Radio Message sent.  , Crash dive!  Aircraft at about 3000 meters.
		17.08	[oscillated = moved 3° bow and stern down two times, to ensure that the residual air can escape from the ballast tanks]	While descending at about 25 meters two bombs, one over the bridge, the second over the foreship.  Heavy concussion, all is tight.  Oscillated, went to depth T = 80 meters.  [actual depth 160 meters] Destroyer overran us 2 times, no depth charges.  Because there is continuous Asdic and damage has still not been corrected or surveyed, initially remained submerged.  With several attempts to surface where Asdic was always determined.  Therefore waited until twilight.
		20.47		, pursued.  BE 2132.
		22.10		Directly ahead 2 torpedo detonations heard and seen, searchlights, artillery fire and star shells shot.  This was U-82.  Therefore engagement with the destroyers and aircraft had been worthwhile.  Turned towards and ran at highest speed.
				At 23.15 the last star shells.
		24.00	SE 4, 10/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 3-4 nm	AL 9846.
		22.10.41		Because I must be there by plotting and by observation of the fireworks I suspect that after the attacks by U-82 and U-203 that the convoy has made a radical zig zag
		00.11		, to listen.  Nothing heard.
		00.20		, up to 03.00 searched on various courses.  Then pursued in the direction of the North Channel.  It was bitter to get a convoy so directly in front of out sights and then watch others sink something and lose it themselves. One consolation was that due to the Radio Messages the other boats could attack.
		04.00		AL 9587.
		08.00	AL 9562	AL 9562.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		22.10.41
		12.00	SE 5, 10/10. Sea 4, Vis. 8 nm	AL 9374.                  Day's run:    188 nm
				Course 50°               Total      :    1387 nm
				of that    :        38 nm
		14.00		The convoy was not found, I suspect that it has zigzagged to the east and therefore is to be found to the SE of us.  Came to course 110° at highest speed.
		14.10		, Crash dive!  Aircraft.  Square AL 9381.
		14.33		.
		15.50	SE 5, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 10 nm	AL 9394. a U-boat in sight ahead.  Recognition signals exchanged.
		16.50		Caught up with the boat, U-82, navigation comparison was correct.  By aircraft bearings from U-82 the convoy must be exactly in 180°T from us.  We received no bearings on either frequency.  Both pursued in 150°T.  At highest speed against heavy Seas was no fun, however we must get to him again.  But it turns out just the opposite, he nearly got us.
		19.15		U-82 out of sight astern.
		20.00		AM 7449.
		24.00	SE 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm	AM 7761.
		23.10.41		On the basis of aircraft bearings and new report from U-203 at about 02.00 hours I should have the convoy.  We seem to have an oil trace, because with driving against the sea there is a strong smell of oil on the bridge and the overcoming seas taste of oil.  Probably a forward fuel bunker leaks from the aircraft bombs.
		01.19		Ahead to starboard a red light, about 30 seconds over the horizon.  It must be the convoy, perhaps indicating a course change to port.  Maneuvered ahead and turned towards on course 170°.  With heavy counter sea the bridge is continually under water so that visibility is greatly hindered.
		01.43		A shadow astern to starboard.  At only 1500 meters distance a warship passes in our wake.  It is too big for a destroyer.  2 smokestacks clearly recognized, behind them a high anti-aircraft stand, almost as high as the smokestacks, behind it a smokestack,  Probably a small cruiser "DELHI" or "CARDIFF" class.  Turned to parallel course 80°, all tubes ready.  He appears not to have seen us.  Suddenly he turns towards us, target angle 0°.  That is all we need.  Ran off at AK.  He is already incredibly close.  A final farewell to the convoy!
		02.04	AM 7769	Crash dive!  At depth T = 40 [actual depth 80 meters] the first depth charge series of 7 charges, however badly placed.
				Went to depth T = 85 meters.  [actual depth 170 meters] The propeller sounds

	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		23.10.41
	[hand written comment] These sibilants can only be heard with locating		when overrunning were deep and slow, not bright and fast like a destroyer, therefore suppose a small cruiser is likely.  His locating gear was conspicuous, not the normal tone of Asdic instead:  sch - sch - sch, a hissing sound like - sch - at the beginning of a word.  Same interval as Asdic.  Suspect that the cruiser had located us by radar, because it was impossible for him to have seen me when turned towards.  Four runs each with 7 charges, one blind approach, where we probably managed to obscure his locating.  The depth charges were positioned very well.  Strong concussion, the torpedo hatches breathed, strong working of the frames and the pressure hull, which was expressed by "banging".  Situation was nasty, because I was sure that U-boat hunting groups would be on your neck here by day with the possibility of starving me to exhaustion. Also had about 10 tons of water in the boat. Pumping possibilities were exhausted (the shutoff valve of the pumping bunker blew out, pressure blew off into the boat).  The boat can be held only at high speed settings.  Settled through after the failure of the E-motors after a series to depth = ?, with the stern down attitude the stern was about 10 meters deeper.  The thought of my oil trace was also not encouraging.  I must come up in order to run off in darkness.  Our prisoner seemed unsure about the situation:  "No good, no good!".
		04.30	Last depth charge series, thereafter no further S-gear.
		05.22	SSE 6, 3/10, Sea 6, Vis. 4 nm	, moved off 1/2 hour with E-motor, then both diesels AK.  Course 270°.  We had a heavy oil trace, so further pursuit was not prudent.  Sent Radio Message via Norddeich Radio was not acknowledged or confirmed.
		08.00		AM 7748.
		12.00	SSE 7, 4/10, Sea 6, Vis. 10 nm	AL 8824.                  Day's run:    259 nm
				Total      :   1647 nm
				of that  :        50 nm
				In the heavy Sea State could not determine where the oil came from.  Because it appeared to be forward, from 10.00 hours I continued at both diesels GF, to have main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 empty, and additionally with the heavy oil trace to get us out of the air danger area sooner.
		16.00		AL 9811.
		18.00	Both diesels HF.
		20.00	SE 6, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 7 nm	AL 9713, one diesel HF.
		21.42		Short Signal concerning fuel inventory sent, not confirmed.
		24.00		AL 8833.
		24.10.41
		04.00	SE 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm	AL 8822.
		08.00	AL 8812	AL 8812
		09.08		Short Signal sent again, confirmed.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.41

	- 8 -
		continued
		24.10.41
		09.52		, to convert and flush main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
		10.28		.
		10.42		.
		10.44		.
		10.54		.
		10.56		.
		12.00	SE 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm	AL 8732.                  Day's run:    178 nm
				Oil trace continues.    Total      :   1828 nm
				of that  :        55 nm
		16.00		AL 8722, boat lay abeam the sea, determined that oil was coming from forward, main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 6 was pumped out to main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
		20.00		AL 8712.
		24.00	SEbyE 3, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm	AL 7831.
		25.10.41
		04.00		AL 7812.
		08.00		AL 7731.
		10.04		, flushed out main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 6.
		10.30		.  Oil trace persists.  Because there is an oil trace with both 6 empty, as with 7 empty, suspect a tear in the welds between 6 and 7 from the aircraft bombs.  To have certainty as soon as possible I go to both diesels GF, to express the 11 cbm fuel oil in 7 quickly.  I consume so that no oil is forced to sea and at the same time to get closer to my operations area.  A tactical operation was not possible before eliminating the oil trace.
		12.00	SEbyE 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm	AL 7712.                  Day's run:    146 nm
				Total      :   1970 nm
				of that  :        57 nm
		16.00		AK 9912.
		20.00	SE 4-5, 9/10, Sea 4, Vis. 6 nm	AK 9812.
		24.00		AK 9712, main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 is empty, came to one diesel HF.
		26.10.41
		04.00	SE 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 2 nm	AK 8931.
		08.00		AK 8913.
		10.14		, to convert and flush out main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks 6 and 7.
		10.38		.
		10.44		.
		10.47		, after we have emptied all forward oil tanks the oil trace is eliminated.  Relieved, we continue.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks 6 and 7 are also both leaking.
		12.00	SSE 3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm	AK 8832.                  Day's run:    237 nm
				Total      :   2207 nm
				of that  :        61 nm
				Temporarily hold course 270°, to possibly still detect the expected outbound convoy.
		16.00		AK 8821.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		26.10.41
		20.00	SE 3-4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm	AK 8733.
		24.00		AK 8222.
		27.10.41
		04.00	SE 4-5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 2 nm	AK 8711.
		08.00		AK 7931.
		12.00	SEbyS 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm	AK 7913.                  Day's run:    144 nm
				Total      :   2351 nm
				of that  :        61 nm
				The convoy is still not detected, headed for place in the patrol line on course 290°.
		16.00		AK 7595
		20.00	SE 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm	AK 7582, convoy detected by U-74.  Came to course 270°, so as not to be too far north approaching Group "Schlagetot". I am already too far west for an independent operations on him.
		24.00		AK 7572.
		28.10.41
		04.00	SbyE 1-2. 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm	AK 7492.
		08.00	SSE 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis, 4 nm	AK 7481.
		12.00	ENE 3, 7/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 10 nm	AK 9533.                  Day's run:    129 nm
				Total      :   2479 nm
				of that  :        61 nm
				Because no approach followed for us (the convoy went to the south) headed for patrol line on course 310°.  Because there had been no navigation fix for 3 days due to the sea from astern, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix was 60 nm in direction 300°T.
				This only helped us along. [because the fix was in the right direction]
		16.00	NbyE 3, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm	AJ 9297.
		20.00		AJ 9257.
		24.00	NNW 2, 10/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm	AJ 9241.
		29.10.41
		04.00	SbyE 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm	AJ 9131.
		08.00		AJ 6784.
		11.25		, test dive.
		11.43		.
		12.00	S 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm, snow showers	AK 6744.                  Day's run:    134 nm
				Total      :   2613 nm
				of that  :        63 nm
		16.00	SE 5-6, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 1 nm	AJ 5937.
		20.00	SbyE 4-5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm	AJ 5921.
		24.00	SbyW 4, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm	AJ 5672
		30.10.41
		04.00	N 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 1 nm	AJ 5565.
		08.00		AJ 5528.
		12.00	NW 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm	AJ 5512.                  Day's run:    126 nm
				Total      :   2739 nm
				of that  :        63 nm
				Have reached our position in patrol line.  Came to course 90°.  At 14.00 hours I am positioned at my center point, but we

	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		30.10.41		didn't need to steam back and forth.
		12.40		Presented Radio Message:  "U-123 as attack area occupy area square AH 9820, depth 60 nm."
				We have the opportunity to advance deep into the Belle Isle Strait.  This was a task to my liking.  I intend to thrust from the east between Belle Isle and Newfoundland.  First at the fox's den, no one should escape us unseen.
		14.00		New course 235°.
		16.00	WNW 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm	AJ 5518.
		20.00		AJ 5437.
		24.00	WNW 4, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm	AJ 5454.
		31.10.41
		04.00		AJ 5471
		08.00		AJ 4697
		12.00	W 3-4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm	AJ 4924.                  Day's run:    128 nm
				Total      :   2867 nm
				of that  :        63 nm
		16.00		AJ 4941.
		20.00	WSW 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	AJ 4867.
		24.00		AJ 4884.
		01.11.41
		04.00	WSW 1, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm	AJ 7211.
		08.00		AJ 7161.
		12.00	W 1-2, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm	AJ 7155.                  Day's run:    136 nm
				Total      :   3003 nm
				of that  :        63 nm
		13.10		, test dive.
		13.30		.
		16.00		AJ 7175.
		16.10		Presented Radio Message:  "Enemy convoy square AJ 4172, course 50.    U-374."
		16.15		Came to course 180°, both HF.  Given my task, I wanted to operate on the convoy according to B.d.U. instructions, but in no case give away my presence in the area unnecessary
		17.30		Presented Radio Message:  ". . . . operate on U-374 convoy."
		17.35		Course 140°, both diesels GF. At him with a roar!  Goodbye old lighthouse keeper on Belle Isle.  "Rasch" also reports the convoy and runs exactly towards us. Everything seems to come together here. Today alone 5 different convoys are detected. You can tell that the gray wolves have multiplied.
		20.00	W-S 1, 7/10, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm	AJ 7455.
		24.00		AJ 7818.  Around morning at 12.00 hours I will be on the ordered 11 knot arc, came to course 105°, on diesel HF.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41

	- 11 -
		02.11.41
		04.00	ESE 0-1, 10/10, Sea 0, Vis. 4 nm	AJ 7853.
		08.00		AJ 7944, both diesels GF.
		11.26		A U-boat abeam to port in the morning gray.
		12.00	ENE 1, 4/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 10 nm	BC 1312.                  Day's run:    233 nm
				Total      :   3227 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
				The convoy should initially be searched for in sector 20-70°, then 0-70°, then 350-65°.  In each case I had the western sector.  Ran on course 235° until 16.00 hours, then came to course 270° to run in the opposite sector.  I felt this position was not very promising, because I suspect convoy is in the southeast, where the other 8 boats searched,
		16.00	NbyW 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm	BC 1257, course 270°.
		17.10		Convoy in sight ahead to port.  "Cooperation"  Thou hast conquered!
			We succeeded in holding contact for 15 hours, reporting hourly and have brought up 5 other boats.  The convoy steered courses between 330° and 350°, 7-8 knots.  The escorts are positioned far forward and astern, as well as abeam, closed up significantly at night.  19.30 hours U-38 came in sight, it was by my observations that he maneuvered ahead.  I remained abeam for now because that is the most favorable position to hold contact. Especially in the evening when the convoy was positioned against the setting sun and with the great visibility and the bright full moon contact was not broken.  As soon as the other boats have contact we are free to attack. In the twilight U-569, U-82 and U-202 came in sight of the convoy.  Am still missing 4 boats of Group "Raubritter", that also must make contact.  Therefore I continued to hold contact the first night and for the time being abandon my own attack with regard to "Cooperation".  When all boats are positioned submerged and none remain on the surface, he can be lost easily after the attack.  In accordance with Paragraph 317 b and 383 of the Kommandant's Handbook the bright full moon night is the same as day.
		20.00	NbyW 1, 0/10, Sea 0, Vis. 20 nm	BC 1139.
		24.00	NbyW 1, 3/10, Sea 0, Vis. 8 nm	AJ 7885.
		03.11.41
		01.03		One torpedo hit heard.  The first was on it.
		01.51	Alongside U-38.  He was just about to dive to attack. I passed over that I wanted to keep further contact until all were on it, so that the boats that attacked could close in again after resurfacing.  02.06 and 02.17 hours one each torpedo detonations heard.  From this point contact keeping was more difficult because the screen was completely pulled forward to push away the boats, which let themselves settle back.  Everywhere one saw own boats prowling which in the good visibility came in sight already on the horizon, so that we often passed by one another.  Then the destroyer made thrusts to the side and tried to push the boats away. At times I only held contact on the far remote

	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		02.11.41	forward escort, but later got the main convoy in sight.  Once U-203 was also at the convoy, I decide at 04.00 to maneuver ahead and attack submerged.  From 04.57 - 05.37 hours 8 torpedo detonations were heard.  In between depth charges.  Additionally in the convoy star shells and rockets were shot.
			Now I was far enough ahead to dive for attack however the weather intervened, is has clouded up, the moon disappeared in the mist and it was too dark for a submerged attack while on the surface it is too bright.  Therefore I remained ahead and continued to report, and waited for the hours between moonset and sunrise.  U-203 ran close to me and  hopes for the same.  Suddenly at 07.45 hours the fog set in, the horizon disappeared and it was somewhat darker.  The convoy was lost from sight last course 20°.  This was the opportunity.  Ran to meet for attack.
			At 08.06 hours I crashed directly into the convoy.  I may have been between the columns.  I see several shadows which disappeared immediately in the fog.  I turned to attack.  Suddenly at 08.13 hours there was a torpedo detonation in my immediate vicinity, very strong concussion in the boat.  Nothing could be seen.  It must have been U-203.  Suddenly again a shadow, however bow right.  Either it was another column or the enemy had zigzagged to the west after the attack.  Three large steamers were seen indistinctly. A destroyer and corvette speed wildly through the area.  I decided to shoot at the two largest steamers each 7000 GRT (one probably a tanker).  Single shots taken because they were in a very favorable shooting position. Then perhaps an opportunity for shot at destroyer.  Suddenly he shows a broad target angle again.  Therefore I shot at range = 1500 meters, target angle 90°, target speed 7.5 knots.  2 misses.  Square AJ 7578.  At the same time as the shot the steamers passed out of sight again in the fog.  The corvette seems to have noticed us and is at a sharp target angle.  At that moment a shooting opportunity was no longer possible.  I pulled away a bit and pursued again, The steamers must have reduced speed greatly in the thick fog so that the torpedoes passed ahead.  Otherwise the misses are not explained, because target speed of exactly 7-8 knots was plotted for 15 hours and the target angle was also correct.  It seemed to me as if the convoy had become completely confused in the fog and continually stood in ramming position.
		08.26
		08.27
		AJ 7578
			08.49 and 08.53 hours 2 torpedo detonations heard.
			09.32 hours the convoy came in sight again.
			A destroyer runs directly towards us and I must move off again.  Because it is getting bright again, it is hardly possible to reach shooting position on the surface.  I set off somewhat to the east to not be forced to submerge at dawn.  Was again of the impression that the convoy goes to England and the 330° was only a deceptive course, because for the Belle Isle Strait he would have to have gone further to the west.  So pursued on course 20°.  It turned out later that the convoy steered for the Belle Isle Strait from the NE in a large arc.  The contact was gone and I had no success.  That was unfortunate.  Of course those that went first had the best chance.  However, our main task was the vital necessity of contact keeping, with the success that the other boats could attack. That contact was lost in the fog, was again unlucky, precisely so that I could no longer attack under water itself because of suddenly changed their weather conditions.  That contact was lost in the fog

Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		03.11.41	was unfortunate, just as I was not able to attack submerged due to the changing weather conditions.  The over water - fog attack was very demanding, especially since the full moon still stood above the fog and it was therefore relatively bright.  Moreover, the situation could not be studied. You had to shoot at the shadows immediately, as they quickly disappeared.  It was my mistake not to shoot a fan. It was surprising that we heard more perfect torpedo detonations than were reported as successes from the boats.  Suspect that with the 300 meter depth and rocky bottom the torpedoes may have detonated on the bottom, or the escorts to deter or mislead threw individual depth charges with a high explosive charge because the detonations differed significantly from the other depth charges.  For example the three detonations during my attack were unexplained because I was the only one shooting on the surface, U-203 had been forced to submerge earlier.  I can hardly believe that my torpedoes detonated on the bottom 23 minutes after the shot.
		04.00	E 1, 1/10, Sea 0, Vis. 6 nm	AJ 7842.
		08.00	E 1, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm fog	AJ 7578.
		12.00	E 1-2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm, very hazy	AJ 7583.                  Day's run:    267 nm
				Total      :   3494 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
				Searched sector 20-340° without results.  Vis. moderate.
		16.00	EbyS 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm	AJ 7535.
		16.20		Presented Radio Message from U-203 concerning convoy in square 7429, course 310°.  Therefore he steers a large arc to Belle Isle.
		16.30		New course 285°, both diesels GF.  From 18.00 - 23.00 hours continuous depth charges heard ahead.  The last quite close.  This was U-203.  Therefore the convoy must have been struck here.
		20.00	"               "	AJ 7199.
		24.00	EbyS 3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 500 meters fog	AH 9393.
		04.11.41
		00.08		By plotting I must be at the convoy.  to listen, no bearings.
		00.35		.  Continued search in square AH 93 and 69
		02.50		Presented Radio Message, that all boats should operate on Kentrat convoy.
		03.00		New course 80°, both diesels GF, so we are still taken in by the deceptive course of the convoy, as we always believed until the end that it went to England.
		04.00	NE 3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 1000 meters, fog	AH 9339.
		08.00	"               "	AJ 7211.
		12.00	"               "	AJ 4977.                  Day's run:    296 nm
				Total      :   3790 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
		16.00	ENE 1, 10/10, Sea 1, Via. 1000 meters, fog
		20.00		AJ 5772.
		20.50		AJ 5845.
				Presented Radio Message concerning patrol line for "Raubritter".   We have the northeast-most position at Cape Farewell.  Hopefully we will have good luck,

	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		04.11.41
				and one will pass by there.
		21.00		Course 20°, both diesels HF.
		24.00	SE 2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm, high Swell, fog	AJ 5589.
		05.11.41
		04.00		AJ 5538.
		08.00		AJ 5347.
		12.00	SSE 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm, fog	AJ 5321.                  Day's run:    265 nm
				Total      :   4055 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
		16.00	ENE 4, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm	AJ 2853.
		20.00	ENE 5, 10/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 1-2 nm	AJ 2595.
		24.00	ENE 7, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 1-2 nm	AJ 2566
		06.11.41
		04.00	EbyN 6, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 1-2 nm, fog	AJ 2314.
		08.00		AJ 2375.
		12.00	ENE 5, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 3 nm	AJ 2346.                  Day's run:    148 nm
				Total      :   4203 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
		16.00		AD 9588.
		20.00	ENE 7, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 1 nm, fog	AD 9559.
		20.57		Large, two-piece iceberg sighted.
		22.00		Iceberg abeam to port.
		24.00	ENE 6, 10/10, Sea 5, Vis. 2 nm	AD 9552.  By sounding crossed the 200-meter line.  On course 140°.
		07.11.41
		04.00		AD 9567.
		06.00	ENE 7, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 1 nm	New course 320°.
		08.00		AD 9558.
		12.00	ENE 6-7, 10/10, Sea 6, Vis. 2 nm, rain	AD 9552.                  Day's run:    146 nm
				Total      :   4348 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
				The coast is faintly in sight in fog, positioned on the 200-meter line.  Suspect strong offset to the west.  1. by the continuous strong easterly wind and Sea State, 2. by current out of the Denmark Strait.  Steer an easterly course, as much as allowed by the Sea State.  On course 140°.
		16.00	EbyN 10/10, Sea 7, Vis. 8 nm	AD 9567, new course 20°.
		20.00	ENE 7, 10/10, Sea 5-6, Vis. 10 nm	AD 9561
		22.00		Coast comes out a bit better.  Believe by visual observation and soundings a west offset of 50 nm.  It has been 5-1/2 days since the last navigation fix due to fog.  New course 140°.
		24.00	ENE 3, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm	ÄA 0362.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41

	- 15 -
		08.11.41
		04.00	ENE 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm	AD 9549.
		06.00		New course 30°.
		08.00	N 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm	AD 9557.
		12.00	N 1-2, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm	After 6 days the first navigation fix.  Am still positioned 32 nm to the west.  It seems that there is a very strong current here directly under the coast..
				ÄA 0365.                  Day's run:    114 nm
				Course 140°.             Total      :   4462 nm
				of that  :        66 nm
		12.50		, test dive.
		13.03		.
		14.15		New course 50°.
		20.00	NbyW 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm	AD 9543, new course 105°.
				Incoming Radio Message to "Raubritter", that we ought to be steaming back and forth in the direction of the patrol line.  Exact position by cross bearings.
		24.00	NbyW 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm	AD 9561.
		09.11.41
		01.00		Course 310°  AD 9565.
		05.00	NbyW 2, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm	Course 129°  AD 9528.
		09.00		Course 310°  AD 9565.
		12.00	WNW 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm Vis. by day over 20 nm	AD 9519, after cross bearings determined that there is a 1.5 knots SW-current.  Held appropriately before and moved back and forth between square AD 9565 and square AD 9528
				Day's run:    139 nm
				Total      :   4601 nm
				of that  :        68 nm
		10.11.41
		12.00	NW 2, 1/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 10 nm, Vis. by day over 20 nm, it freshens	AD 9528.                   Day's run:    130 nm
				Total      :   4731 nm
				of that  :        68 nm
				Back and forth in position as ordered.
		11.11.41	Orders for "Raubritter" from 02.00 hours general course, 130° with day's run 100 nm.  With 39 cbm I cannot maintain a day's run of 100 nm, instead I must pass through with 1 diesel LF (day's run about 120-130 nm).  Because I am the most northerly boat I remain in line a longer time.  Reported return transit appropriately. Will proceed to square AL 77 on general course 130°.  Due to Sea State deviated up to 10° to each side.
		02.00		AD 9561 (position), course 130°.
		08.00		AD 9679.
		12.00	WNW 7, 5/10, Sea 6-7, Vis. 8 nm	Day's run:   131 nm
				Total      :   4862 nm
				of that  :        68 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		11.11.41
		16.00		AJ 3168.
		20.00		AJ 3274.
		24.00		AJ 3516.
		12.11.41
		04.00		AJ 3552.
		08.00		AJ 3583.
		12.00	WNW 5, 9/10, Sea 5, Vis. 10 nm	AJ 3833.                  Day's run:    120 nm
				Total      :   4982 nm
				of that  :        68 nm
		16.00		AJ 3977.
		20.00		AK 4214.
		24.00		AK 4252.
		13.11.41
		04.00		AK 4263.
		08.00		AK 4372.
		12.00	WbyS 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	AK 3833.                  Day's run:    128 nm
				Total      :   5110 nm
				of that  :        68 nm
		14.53		, test dive.
		15.32		.
		16.00		AK 4336.
		20.00	S 2, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm	AK 5467, both diesels HF.
		24.00		AK 5587.
		14.11.41
		04.00		AK 5917.
		08.00		AK 5967.
		12.00	SSE 3, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm	AK 6779.                  Day's run:    197 nm
				one diesel LF             Total      :   5307 nm
				of that  :        70 nm
		16.00		AK 9125.
		20.00		AK 9138.
		24.00		AK 9245.
		15.11.41
		04.00		AK 9282.
		08.00		AK 9295.
		12.00	W 5, 5/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm	AK 9611.                  Day's run:    116 nm
				Total      :   5423 nm
				of that  :        70 nm
		16.00		AK 9628.
		20.00		AK 9662.
		24.00		AL 7448.
		16.11.41
		04.00		AL 7485.
		08.00		AL 7732.
		12.00	WbyN 6, 7/10, Sea 5, Vis. 8 nm	AL 7819.                  Day's run:    132 nm
				Total      :   5555 nm
				of that  :        70 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		16.11.41
		12.00		Course 150°.  I am positioned just north of the patrol line of Group "Störtebecker".  Because I still have 2 cbm reserve fuel, I decide to run along the line and in the evening in accordance with orders for Group "Störtebecker" to proceed on course 180°.  Because today there is air reconnaissance in the area, each bearing boat is of value and also it never hurts when one more boat looks  for the convoy.
		16.00		AL 7858.
		20.00		AL 7897.
		24.00		BE 1138, no aircraft bearings today.  It seems that the convoy was not detected by the aircraft.  Despite this:  course 180°.
		17.11.41
		04.00		BE 1192.
		08.00		BE 1435.
		12.00	NNW 3-4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	BE 1465.                  Day's run:    132 nm
				Total      :   5687 nm
				of that  :        70 nm
				Also again today air reconnaissance in the area.
		16.00		BE 1736, new course 100°.
		20.00		BE 1827, also today no aircraft bearings.
		20.48		, residual fuel taken out of the external fuel oil tanks through the vents.  Gained 1.5 nm.
		22.38		.
		24.00		BE 1861
		18.11.41
		04.00		BE 1942.
		08.00		BE 1955.
		12.00	NbyE 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm	BE 1986.                  Day's run:    138 nm
				Total      :   5825 nm
				of that  :        78 nm
				Today again air reconnaissance is scheduled in the area.  I delay in the area of Group "Störtebecker".
		16.00		BE 4329.
		20.00		BE 4383, no aircraft bearings.  Again came to course 100°, continued return transit.
		24.00		BE 5184.
		19.11.41
		04.00		BE 5277.
		08.00		BE 5535.
		12.00	SbyE 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	BE 5628.                  Day's run:    228 nm
				Total      :   6053 nm
				of that  :        78 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41

	- 18 -
		continued
		19.11.41
		16.00		BE 6442.
		20.00		BE 6466.
		24.00		BE 6583.
		20.11.41
		04.00		BE 6676, course 90°.
		08.00		BE 6696.
		12.00	SSW 3, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	BF 4494.                  Day's run:    264 nm
				Total      :   6317 nm
				of that  :        78 nm
		12.05		Aircraft to port.
		16.00		BF 4584.
		20.00		BF 4674.
		24.00		BF 4695.
		21.11.41
		04.00		BF 5485.
		08.00		BF 5575.
		09.35		, went under a row of 7 fishing trawlers.
		11.07		, fishing trawlers astern.
		12.00	SSW 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm	BF 5594.                  Day's run:   254 nm
				Course 100°             Total      :   6571 nm
				of that  :        83 nm
				Entered on Route "Tannenadel", "Cedernland".
		13.27		Flying boat abeam to port, easterly course.
		13.43		Flying boat abeam to starboard, southwesterly course.
		21.30		. Put the boat on the bottom at Point Luzie II.
		22.11.41
		07.30		.
		08.00		Taken in convoy.
		10.00		Made fast Lorient.
				Day's run:   95 nm
				In 40 sea days covered a total of 6666 nm, of these 83 nm .
				No special knowledge and experience over previous patrols.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

	Enclosures to U-123's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
ChartA	Track chart covering the period 15-16 October and 20-21 November 1941 (Bay of Biscay)
ChartB	Track chart covering the period 16-25 October and 15-19 November 1941 (Convoy Operation)
ChartC	Track chart covering the period 30 October - 4 November 1941 (Convoy Operation)
ChartD	Track chart covering the period 25-30 October and 4-15 November 1941
Report	Report

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
to the K.T.B. of "U-123" from 24.8. - 22.11.1941
1.) The sinking of the fast auxiliary cruiser from convoy is a very delightful success. 2.) In the convoy operation on 2/3 November it would have been better to attack immediately as soon as the other boats were on it. 3.) Otherwise a well considered and executed patrol.
	signed in draft:  Dönitz
	For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	The Chief of the Operations Department

---

 

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