U-130 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Rainer Kolbicz with the help of Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
27 December 1941
Lorient
25 February 1942
61

 

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
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
13 Jan 42
01.16 - 02.30
46°23'N, 58°33'W
FRISCO
1,582
Norwegian
13 Jan 42
09.48 - 10.42
45°41'N, 58°13'W
FRIAR ROCK
5,427
Panamanian
SC 64
21 Jan 42
22.21 - 23.15
40°59'N, 65°16'W
ALEXANDRIA HØEGH
8,248
Norwegian
25 Jan 42
10.02 - 10.24
39°11'N, 74°04'W
VARANGER
9,305
Norwegian
27 Jan 42
09.43
38°05'N, 74°44'W
FRANCIS E. POWELL
7,096
American
27 Jan 42
?
?
HALO (damaged)*
6,986
American
     
 Total = 36,644
   
*Rohwer credits U-130 with attacking HALO with gunfire on 27 Jan but this seems doubtful since there is no mention of the attack in the KTB and Kals made no such claim.
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.


 
                                                                     
 
           
           
           
           
           
         
           
           
       
        K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
 
       
        ======================
 
       
 
       
        of the Unterseebootes   "U  130"
 
       
         ======================
 
           
                             Beginning:      17.12.1941.  
                             Concluding:      25.2.1942.  
           
       
2nd Patrol.
 
       
 
         
           
                           Kommandant: Korvettenkapitän   K a l s.  
           
                                  
                        Distribution:: 2 x O.K.M.  
        1 x B.d.U.  
        1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.  
        1 x 2. U.-Flottille.  
        Handwritten original to the boat.  
    Boat made  5  x      
                            
       
       
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
     
    Kriegstagebuch   
 
     
"  U  130   "
 
     
from 17.12.41 - 25.2.42
 
    17.12.41      
         to
Lorient
Boat overhauled in dock "Dock I".  
    21.12.41
Lorient
   
    22.12.41
Lorient
Un-docked, loaded torpedoes and fuel.  
    23.12.41
Lorient
Loaded ammunition. Sea trials and trim test.  
    24.12.41
   
         to
Lorient
In "Dock I" to repair the forward diving plane.  
    25.12.41
   
    26.12.41
Lorient
Final trim test.  
                                                                
         
        2nd War Patrol " U 130 "  
    27.12.41      
    15.00
Lorient
Departure under escort.  
    17.05      
    20.00
Belle Ile
Released by escort at Lorient Point II.  
      BF 6455 center-left    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    24.00
Bay of Biscay
Day's run:  99 nm surfaced.  
      BF 5599 lower-right corner    
      Weather same as 20.00                                                         
         
    28.12.41    
    04.00
Bay of Biscay
   
      BF 5843 center    
      Weather same as 20.00    
    08.00 BF 5786 lower-left    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, occasional drizzle    
    09.30 BF 5788 lower-center Dived, proceded submerged at A -20 meters.  
    12.00 BF 5778 lower-center

Crash dive esercises.

 
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. good    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.12.41      
    16.00 BF 4999 lower-right corner    
    18.45 BF 4998 lower-left corner Surfaced, continued on the surface.  
    20.00 BF 4989 lower-left    
      Weather same as before    
    24.00 BF 4899 upper-left Day's run:  175.6 nm surfaced,  
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good                    31.1 nm submerged.  
                                                                
           
    29.12.41      
    04.00
Atlantic
   
      BF 4879 center-left    
      Weather same as above    
    08.00 BF 4788 center-left    
      Weather same as above    
    10.00 BF 4778 center-left In transit went to [illegible word] LF - diesel-electric (6-7 knots).  
    12.00 BE 6999 center    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, drizzle, Vis. good    
    14.07 BE 6997 center-left Dived.  Aircraft in [illegible number]°T.  
       to      
    14.45      
    16.00 BE 6989 center-left    
      Weather same as at 12.00    
    20.00 BE 6974 lower-left    
      Weather same as before    
    24.00 BE 6889 center-right Day's run:  185.3 nm surfaced,  
      N 2 shifting to the east, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, bright night                      2.3 nm submerged.  
                                                                
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.12.41
Atlantic
   
    04.00 BE 6879 lower-left corner    
      SE 2, 5, bright night, freshening    
    08.00 BE 9132 center    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. very good    
    12.00 BE 9121 lower-right corner    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. very good    
    16.00 BE 9114 center    
      S 3, Sea 3, 7/10    
    20.00 BE 8333 lower-left    
      SSE 3 Sea 3, 7/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 8343 upper-right Day's run:  144 nm surfaced.  
      Weather same as at 20.00                                                         
    31.12.41
Atlantic
 
    0400 BE 8266 upper-center edge    
      S 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium    
    08.00 BE 8255 center Test dive.  
      S 3, Sea 3, 9/10, light rain, Vis. moderate    
    12.00 BE 8245 center    
      S 3, Sea 3, 5/10, clearing up    
    16.00 BE 8164 center-left    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good    
    17.45 BE 8156 lower-left Sighted three-masted sailing vessel with auxiliary engine at 278° on course 100°.  Target angle 0°.  Dived.  
    20.30 BE 8186 lower-right corner Surfaced. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 135° at 7.6 nm.  
      W 2-3, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 8187 upper-right corner Day's run:  124 nm surfaced.  
      WSW 1-2, Sea 2, 2/10,                   10.7 nm submerged.  
      Vis. good                                                         
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.01.42
Atlantic
   
    01.22   Reported weather by Short Signal.  
    04.00 BE 7391 upper-left    
      Weather same as at 00.00    
    08.00 BE 7376 upper-center    
      WSW 1, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 7298 lower-center    
      Weather same as at 08.00, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 7297 upper-right    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 7287 lower-left corner    
      SSW 3, freshening, Sea 3, 8/10    
    24.00 BE 7433 upper-center Day's run:  140 nm surfaced.  
      Weather same as at 20.00                                                         
         
    02.01.42
Atlantic
 
    04.00 BE 7422 center    
      SSW 3, 9/10, rain showers, Vis. medium, Sea 4    
    08.00 BE 7411 lower-right corner Test dive.  
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 BD 9634 center-right    
      Weather same as before    
    16.00 BD 9627 center-right edge    
      SSW 3, Sea 4, 6/10, freshening, Vis. very good    
    20.00 BD 9617 lower-center    
      SW 3-4 shifting clockwise, Sea 4, 6/10    
    21.35  

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "Contrary to the supplemental instructions of your orders, Hardegen and Zapp continue alone to CB 60.  Bleichrodt, Kals, Lüth are first head for BC 5889."  I plan to continue on course 263° until reaching 44°N and then steer course 270°.

 
    24.00 BD 9539 center Day's run:  140 nm surfaced.  
      WSW 3-4, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, bright night                                                         
         
         
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.01.42
Atlantic
   
    04.00 BD 9552 center    
      W 3, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 9545 center    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 BD 9466 center-left    
      NW 2-3 subsiding, Sea 3, 8/10    
    16.00 BD 9455 center    
      NNW 2, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 BD 9447 lower-center    
      NE 1, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
    24.00 BD 8691 upper-center Day's run: 150 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 2, 7/10, bright night, Vis. good                                                         
         
    04.01.42
Atlantic
 
    04.00 BD 8673 upper-left corner    
      NE 2, Sea 2, 9/10, Rain, Vis. moderate    
    08.00 BD 8583 center Test dive.  
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 BD 8573 upper-right corner    
      Weather same as at 08.00, no rain    
    13.50   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "For instruction: Approximate positions… large boats: … Bleichrodt and Kals are in BD 70 and underway to BC 5889.  Folkers at first remains in BB 9671."  
    16.00 BD 8491 center-right    
      NE 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. very good    
    20.00 BD 8481 center    
      NE 2-3, Sea 3, building, Sky. 7/10    
    24.00 BD 7699 center-right edge Day's run:  156 nm surfaced.  
      NE 3, Sea 3, Vis. good                                                         
         
         
         
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.01.42
Atlantic
   
    04.00 BD 7683 center    
      NE 3-4, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 7673 center    
      NNE 3, Sea 3-4, 9/10    
    12.00 BD 7593 center-left    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
    16.00 BD 7582 lower-center    
      NNE 3, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 BD 7574 lower-center    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 4, 9/10    
    24.00 BD 7491 center    
      NE 3, Sea 4, 10/10 Day's run:  144 nm surfaced  
                                                                
    06.01.42
Atlantic
 
    04.00 BD 7439 center    
      NNE 4, Sea 4-5, rain showers, 10/10, Vis. moderate    
    08.00 BD 7471 lower-left    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 BC 9691 lower-left    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
    16.00 BC 9673 upper-center    
      NNO 4, Sea 5, 8/10, cloud deck breaking up, Vis. good    
    20.00 BC 9592 upper-center    
      N 4, strengthening shifting to the west, Sea 4, 10/10, misty    
    24.00 BC 9581 upper-right Day's run:  150 nm surfaced.  
      NW 4, Sea 4-5, 10/10, Vis. moderate                                                         
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.01.42
Atlantic
   
    04.00 BC 9574 center-left edge    
      NW 3, Sea 3 subsiding, 7/10, Vis. variable    
    08.00 BC 9494 center-left    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, Vis. moderate    
    12.00 BC 9476 center    
      SW 1, Sea 1-2, 10/10, rain showers occasional fog and poor visibility    
    13.58  

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U: "1.) . . . . . . . . . .

 
        2.) Bleichrodt head for BC 47 and 71.  
             Kals             "          BC 74   "   77.  
        Continuation of the journey will be ordered."  
        No course correction needed, the ordered grids already are in my line of advance.  
    16.00 BC 9474 upper-left    
      SW 2-3 increasing in strength, Sea 3, 10/10, variable visibility, patchy fog    
    20.00 BC 8695 center-right    
      W 4, Sea 5, 10/10    
    24.00 BC 8685 center Total 132 nm surfaced  
      W 4-5, Sea 5, rain showers                                                         
         
    08.01.42
Atlantic
 
    04.00 BC 8674 center    
      W 4, Sea 5, 8/10, clearing, isolated rain showers, quickly growing cold    
    08.00 BC 8596 center-right Test dive.  
      W 3, Sea 4, bright night, 3/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 BC 8586 center-right  W 2-3, Sea 3-4 subsiding, 4/10, Incoming Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "1.) Following patrol areas to be occupied: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
      Vis. very good, 45° W 1.) Kals patrol area VI in accordance with supplemental order!  
        2.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.01.42      
        3.) BleichrodtKals proceed so as to reach the new attack areas on 13 January.  
        4.) Boats form group Paukenschlag."  
        Intention: Provided I am not delayed by bad weather or other circumstances I can reach the patrol area at the most economical cruising speed.   My operational area is therefore: BB 51, 52, 54, 55, 57, 58.  
    16.00 BC 8546 center-left    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, occasional sunshine, Vis. good    
    20.00 BC 8466 center-right edge    
      SSE 3-4 strengthening, Sea 4, 7/10    
    24.00 BC 8466 center-left Day's run:  136 nm surfaced.  
      S 4, Sea 4-5, 9/10, wind strengthening                                                         
         
    09.01.42
Northwest Atlantic
   
    04.00 BC 8454 center-right edge    
      SSE 9, Sea 9, 10/10, rain and snow squalls, Vis. nil    
    08.00 BC 8445 center    
      S 9, Sea 10, wind shifting clockwise    
      Weather same as 04.00    
    12.00 BC 7666 center-right    
      W 4-5, Sea 4-5, 10/10, Vis. moderate    
    16.00 BC 7656 center-left    
      WNW 3, Sea 4, 7/10, cloud deck breaking up    
    20.00 BC 7646 center    
      W 2-3, Sea 3    
      Weather same as at 16.00    
    24.00 BC 7566 center-right edge Day’s run: 135 nm surfaced.  
      W 2, Sea 2, clear, 5/10, Vis. Good                                                         
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.01.42
Newfoundland Grand Banks
 
    04.00 BC 7555 upper-center edge    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 7555 lower-center    
      (new navigation fix)    
      SW 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, bright night    
    11.15  to  

Test dive.

 
    12.15   Owing to the bad weather my advance was slow, so I increased speed to HF to be in the patrol area for sure on 13 January.  
    12.00 BC 7546 lower-center Radio beacons on Newfoundland and Cape Cod are operational.  
      SSW 4 strengthening and shifting to the south, Sea 3-4,clear, sunny  
    16.00 BC 7439 lower center    
      S 4, Sea 4-5, scattered    
    20.00 BC 7418 lower edge    
      SSE 4-5, Sea 5, 10/10    
    24.00 BB 9628 lower-center Day's run:  213 nm  
      SSE 4, Sea 4, rain, Vis. poor                                                       
 
         
    11.01.42
Newfoundland Grand Banks
 
    04.00 BB 9537 lower-right    
      Weather same as at 00.00    
    08.00 BB 9514 center    
      Weather as before    
    12.00 BB 9183 upper-right    
      W 3 subsiding, Sea 4, rain showers    
    16.00 BB 9155 center    
      W 3, Sea 3-4, cloud layer breaking up, Vis. poor in rain showers    
    16.29 BB 9155 center-left Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Bleichrodt and Kals for information: Collision and call for help from several merchants, which probably each belong to a convoy in BB 7694."  
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.01.42      
    16.30  

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Bleichrodt and Kals: Reported collision happened at 04.30 hours on 11.01."

 
        Continued to patrol area, because radio message from B.d.U. does not imply an eastward convoy for sure.  
    20.00 BB 9151 center    
      W 2-3, Sea 3, 6/10, growing colder +-0°C, ice developing    
    24.00 BB 9118 lower-center Day's run:  159 nm surfaced.  
      W 2, Sea 2, calming, 5/10, Vis. good                                                         
         
         
    12.01.42
Newfoundland Grand Banks
 
    04.00 BB 8325 upper-right corner    
      W 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BB 5971 upper-left    
      Weather same as before, 4/10, Vis. good    
  12.00 BB 5853 upper-center

Test dive.

 
      W 3, Sea 3-4, variable, Vis. good Arrived in patrol area.  I planned to remain out of sight from the coast and to patrol across the route Sydney-Cape Race. BB 5812 to 5578.  I plan to shift my search 25 nm to the west at night.  
from
12.45   Back and forth in position on north-south courses.  
    16.00 BB 5812    
      W 2-3, Sea 3, clear, sunny, Vis. good    
    16.28 Same as before Crash-dive for aircraft from 60° at 6000 meters (twin-engined), very fast monoplane. Lookout did not pay attention.  
    16.29   Two fast successive bombs very close to the boat. Depth A -50 meters.  No damage.  
    17.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 S 1-2, Sea 1, clear, sunny, Vis. very good    
    20.15   Crash dive.  One aircraft each from 60° (twin-engined land based aircraft) and 80° (Sunderland). Distance about 8000 meters. Unseen.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.01.42      
        It’s pointless to stay here today. Steering a southeasterly course to operate on the route Halifax-Cape Race.  
    23.45 BB 5855 center Sighted steamer at 220° with effective course of 65°. Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer is doing 11 knots.  
    24.00 BB 5855 upper-right Day's run:  177.5 nm.  
      S 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. very good, bright night                                                         
         
    13.01.42   Because it is still too bright for me, I ran ahead of the steamer until clouds covered the sky and then attacked for the first beat of the drum.  
    01.16 BB 5826 lower-right

Bow shot from tube I:

 
      S 2, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis, very good, dark night        Target angle: green 91°  
             Enemy speed: 11 knots  
               Distance: 1500 meters  
       

After 72 seconds (1200 meters) hit ahead of the bridge.  Now I first recognize it is a tanker of about 6000 GRT, the heavily loaded forward part of the ship had not been visible against the dark horizon.

 
        The tanker shows no visible effect, but begins to use the radio.  Considering the proximity of the coast I don’t wait and fire the coup de grace from tube V.  
        After 28 seconds (430 meters) hit aft of the bridge.  Tanker begins to burn from the stern.  Crew abandons ship in two lifeboats.  The blaze spread to the oil tanks amidships eventually the whole ship is burning furiously.  
    02.30   Departed to the southeast.  The fiery glow of the burning tanker remains visible until 03.30 hours.  
    03.00   Sent radio message: "Strong air surveillance.  I was detected. BB 50.  U-130"  
    04.00 BB 5861 lower-right    
      S 2-3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good    
    04.22   Confirmation from the B.d.U. of the short signal of 03.00 hours.  
    08.00 BB 5893 center    
      S 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis, very good    
    08.28 BB 5893 center-right edge Sighted steamer in 200°T on general course 260°. Maneuvered ahead for attack.  
    09.48 BB 5898 lower-center edge

Bow shot from tube III:

 
               Target angle: green 80°  
               Enemy speed: 10 knots  
               Distance: 1000 meters  
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.01.42      
       

After 54 seconds (840 meters) hit under the foremost hatches.  I can now calmly determine it is a big steamer of about 7000 GRT.  Looks exactly like a British steamer of the Holt-Line (ADRASTUS and the like, Gröner 1940, page 275).

 
        Steamer heels over a bit to starboard, otherwise no visible effect.  
    10.32

 

Stern shot from tube VI:  
        Enemy speed: 0 knots.  Missed because the steamer suddenly proceeds again and turns to starboard.  
    10.42

 

Coup de grace from tube II:  
        After 24 seconds (370 meters) hit between bridge and funnel.  The stern of the steamer rises steeply and it quickly sinks by the bow.  A big layer of oil is spreading out on the surface.  
    10.45   A white light in sight in 200°T.  Headed towards it.  
    11.48 BB 8233 lower-left corner Vessels are fishing trawlers with bright net lights.  
        Because this part of my patrol area is rich in targets, I will give up my position on the route Sydney-Cape Race this very day, especially since my presence there became known and patrol in the southeast corner of my patrol area on the route Halifax-Cape Race.  
    12.00 BB 8233 lower-left corner Test dive.  
      SSW 3-4, freshening, Sea 4, 8/10, -7°C , boat covered in ice    
    16.00 BB 5899 upper-right Dived, due to decreasing visibility.  
      NW 3, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 5000 m.    
    18.40   Surfaced. Back and forth in position on course 350° and 170° across the route Halifax-Cape Race.  
    20.00 BB 5896 lower-left corner    
      Weather same as at 16.00    
    24.00 BB 8222 lower-right corner Day's run:  118.1 nm.  
      NW 4, Sea 4-5, 10/10, misty, Vis. 6000 m.                                                         
         
    14.01.42
Cabot Strait
 
    04.00 BB 5899 lower-left corner    
      NW 4, Sea 4-5, 10/10, Vis. 6000 m.    
    08.00 BB 5899, upper-right    
      NNW 4, Sea 5, 10/10, driving snow and reduced visibility, -6°C , boat covered in ice    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.01.42      
    12.00 BB 5867 lower-center

Test dive.

 
      NW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 4000 m. Went northwards to patrol the route Sydney-Newfoundland again because traffic on the route Halifax-Cape Race seems to be stopped.  
    16.00 BB 5864 lower-left

Dived, continued submerged due to bad visibility.

 
      NW 4-5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 6000 m. Surfaced, continued on the surface.  
    1840 BB 5871 upper-center        NW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, misty, Vis. 5000-6000 m. Destroyer in 80°T, target angle green 10°, distance 6000 meters.  
      Became visible when he came out of the mist.  Crash-dive. At periscope depth.  The destroyer (FRASER class) must have turned away in the meantime.  Target angle green 100°, distance 5000 meters.  Heads westward and is soon out of sight.  
    20.00 BB 5886 center-left edge Continued submerged.  
    2x15   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 5855 lower-center Day's run:    61 nm surfaced,  
                         32.6 nm submerged.  
      W 3, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 8000 m., very dark night                                                         
    15.01.42
Cape Breton Island
   
    04.00 BB 5842 upper-center Back and forth in position across the route Sydney-Cape Race.  
      WSW 2, Sea 3, 10/10, very dark night    
    08.00 BB 5574 upper-center    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, 10/10    
    10.28   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "Report fuel status when using radio for other reasons."  
    12.00 BB 5812 center-right    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. deteriorating    
    13.00 -   Test dive.  
    13.30      
    14.00 BB 5815 lower-right center Dived to use the hydrophone.  
      Fog, Vis. 800 m.    
    16.00 BB 5812 center

Surfaced.

 
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, thick ground fog, Vis. 2000 m. Dived.  
    18.00 Weather the same At periscope depth. Back and forth in position submerged.  
    20.00 BB 5827 lower-center Surfaced. Same conditions.  Dived again.  
      NW 3, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 3000 m. I can't risk the boat in the bad visibility to similar surprises as yesterday or inevitable air attacks.  
    23.15 BB 5574 lower-center Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.01.42      
    24.00 BB 5573 lower-center Day's run:  85.1 nm surfaced,  
      NW 3, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good                     32 nm submerged.  
                                                        
16.01.42
Cabot Strait
I intend to advance into the bay off Sydney.  
04.00 BE 5733 upper-right corner  
NW 2-3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good  
06.00

I am still 20 nm from the harbor entrance and 12 nm from the coast.  The city is brightly illuminated, on the coast from Flat Point to Flint lighthouse one light after another, every light beacon is on.

 
Suddenly several strong searchlights on the coast are lit up and illuminate the coastal channel.  In this light a steamer is sighted a bit west of Flint.  From the fact that vessels have to follow an illuminated channel close to the shore, I assume that the area north of it is blocked or mined.  
06.05 Green navigational light at 160° spotted; headed at maximum speed towards it.  A little later recognized as a fishing boat.  
  from 07.00   Back and forth in position 6 nm off Flint lighthouse on course 350° and 170°.  
08.00 BB 5739 upper-center Nothing seen.  
NW 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10, brief snow squalls  
11.30   At dawn departed from the coast.  
12.00 BB 5817 upper-center

Test dive.

 
NW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, -4°C , heavy icing Afterwards back and forth in position on north-south courses.  
16.00 BE 5811 center-right Dived.  
NW 3-4, Sea 3, broken low-hanging clouds, Vis. 8000, -2°C  
20.00 BB 5811 center-right Surfaced.  
NW 4, Sea 4, 5/10, -5°C

 
24.00 BB 5817 center-right The intense cold, for which our crew is poorly equipped, causes a great deal of difficulty.  
      NW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, -7°C  
  Day's run:  85.4 nm surfaced,  
                            15 nm submerged.  
                                                          
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.01.42
Cabot Straits
   
    00.30   Advanced towards the coast.  Again at position off the identified approaching point near Flint lighthouse.  Back and forth on course 350° and 170°, 5 nm offshore.  
    04.00 BB 5736 upper-center    
      NW 2, Sea 2, 10/10, growing colder, -15°C    
    08.00 BB 5766 center    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10, -12°C    
    11.30   Departed from the coast when day was dawning.  Nothing seen.  
    12.00 BB 5818 upper-left corner    
      NW 2-3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis.    
      moderate, -9°C    
    13.00 to   Test dive.  
    13.40   Afterwards back and forth in position on course north- south courses.  
    13.52 BB 5814 center-right Crash-dive for aircraft approaching from 250°, distance 7000 meters.  
    16.00 BB 5811 center-right Stayed under water in view of the moderate visibility.  
    19.00 BB 5817 center-right             W 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good Surfaced.  Advanced eastwards on the route Scatarie Island-Cape Race.  
    20.00 BB 5818 lower-center    
      Weather same as at 19.00    
    22.52 BB 5827 upper-center Sighted steamer in 50°T, distance = 13,000 meters.  Unfortunately I have the bright sunset behind me and have to operate against the sky in the northeast which gets darker fast.  At first I move off at maximum speed, then I overtake the steamer.  Steamer is steering course 260°, measured speed 12 knots.  Standing exactly ahead of him I believe that I can outdistance him at half speed, so I assume enemy speed is 10 knots  
    24.00 BB 5819 center Day's run:  129.4 nm surfaced,  
      NW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, -7°C                    18.5 nm submerged.  
                                                              
    18.01.42      
    00.22 BB 5814 lower-right corner

Tubes I and III 2-fan on a 5000-6000 GRT steamer,

 
                Target angle: green 70°  
                Enemy speed: 10 knots  
                Distance: 800 meters  
       

Missed. Completely underestimated the speed.  Enemy makes 14-15 knots; fast, modern motor merchant, 4 hatches.

 
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.42      
       

Maneuvered ahead again.  Enemy must have seen me when firing and went immediately to maximum speed, because running parallel to him I can only get ahead slowly even at utmost speed.

 
        Boat takes on much water running against the sea.  Upper deck is iced up thickly, hence I want to fire from a greater distance.  
    0119 BB 5739 upper-right corner   NW 2-3, Sea 3

Tubes II and IV: two aimed single shots (aim points: ahead 40 astern 40 meters)

 
                Target angle: green 80°  
                Enemy speed: 15 knots  
                Distance: 1500 meters  
       

Missed.  Steamer has seen me despite the relatively great distance and dark night due to the ice on our deck and slowed down, that’s why the torpedoes missed.

 
       

Just when I wanted to turn to starboard to possibly fire the stern tubes, a destroyer (American Craven class) is sighted to port abeam about 300 meters away.  He is heading towards me at high speed.  I turn the boat around with utmost speed ahead against utmost speed astern, which lets him pass about 10 meters behind my stern.

 
        Crash-dive.  While we are jumping through the hatch a second destroyer appears behind the stern of the steamer.  Due to icing of the diesel air intake valve about 8 tons of water enters the boat, causing it to touch the bottom (water depth A -32 meters).  At first I remain in this position, despite the boat skidding on the rocks unpleasantly and turned off everything.  The destroyers do nothing.  One can assume that the icing froze up their depth charge racks.  
    02.10   Boat released from the bottom.  Ran off submerged.  
    04.00 BB 5763 center-right    
    06.00 BB 5847 center-left Surfaced. Departed to southeast.  Planned to operate on the route Halifax-Cape Race again for a few days.  
    08.00 BB 5879 center    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. moderate, -1°C    
    11.53  

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:

 
        "1.) Hardegen, Bleichrodt, Schug report situation . . . . .  
        5.)  If attack conditions unfavorable; Kals shift patrol area between those of Hardegen and Zapp."  
       

According to this order I will shift my patrol area due to the following reasons:

 
        1.) Shipping is sparse  
        2.) Unfavorable weather, bad visibility and often fog  
        3.)  Good surveillance of the narrow area by fast land based aircraft (conditions like in the St. George Channel)  
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.42      
        4.) Obviously a strong convoy escort by destroyers  
    12.00 BB 8232 upper-center edge    
      SW 1-2, Sea 2, clear, ground fog, Vis. 5000 m.    
    12.30 BB 8232 upper-center In late twilight two destroyers sighted at 260°, target angle 0°, high speed.  Crash-dive.  Diving plane jams in hard up position, stern down angle: 30°.  Went to periscope depth when depth control was operable again; nothing in sight in the twilight, no sounds heard.  An examination of the aft diving plane plane shows that it makes hard scraping noises at the upper 20-30° position.  Apparently it was damaged while lying on the bottom.  Continued submerged.  
    16.00 BB 8262 upper-center Surfaced and continued on the surface.  
      SW 2, Sea 2-3, 10/10, misty, Vis. 6000 m.    
    16.40 BB 8262 center Crash-dive for aircraft in 290°T approaching from left side, distance 6000 meters.  I prefer to stay submerged due to the bad visibility.  
    20.00 BB 8265 right edge    
    23.30   Surfaced, continued on the surface.  
    24.00 BB 8269 upper-left corner Day's run:  79.1 nm surfaced,  
      SW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. medium                  44.3 nm submerged.  
                                                                
    19.01.42
Southwestern Nova Scotia
   
    04.00 BB 8538 lower-center    
      SW 2, Sea 2, 10/10, Vis. medium    
    05.05 BB 8568 upper-center Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Shift patrol area to grid CA 54 and 57.  145 cbm.  BB 83.  Kals"  
    08.00 BB 8599 lower-center    
      Weather same as 04.00    
    12.00 BB 8853 center    
      SW 2, Sea 2, scattered, Vis. moderate (6000 m.)    
    16.00 BB 8855 center    
      Weather same as at 12.00    
      Vis. improving    
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.01.42      
    20.00 BB 8872 lower-right    
      W 1-2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    24.00 BB 8798 lower-left corner Day's run:  168 nm surfaced.  
      W 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good                                                         
    20.01.42
Southwestern Nova Scotia
 
    01.00 -   Converted and flushed main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
    01.30   Test dive.  Afterawards proceeded on the surface.  
    04.00 CB 3115 center-right edge    
      W 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 CB 2355 lower-right    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
      Vis. moderate    
    12.00 CB 2373 left edge    
      SSW 2, Sea 2-3, 10/10, Vis. moderate (8000 m.)    
    16.00 CB 2299 lower-right corner    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 9/10    
    20.00 CB 2525 lower-right    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 10/10, foggy, heavy rain, Vis. 2000 m.    
    24.00 CB 2468 lower-center Day's run:  180 nm surfaced,  
      SW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. moderate                    0.8 nm submerged.  
    21.01.42
Southern Nova Scotia
                                                        
    04.00 CB 2475 center-right    
      Weather same as at 00.00    
    08.00 CB 1936 lower-center edge    
      W 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 CB 1951 lower-center edge    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, Sky, 2/10, scattered, Vis. very good    
    13.30 to   Test dive.  Afterawards proceeded on the surface.  
    14.00      
    16.00 CB 1947 lower-left    
      Weather same as at 12.00    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.01.42      
    18.18 CB 1947 lower-left Sighted mast tips in 215°T, 14,500 meters away.  It is a tanker on northerly course, zigzagging 40°.  Overtaking.  Tanker is heading on course 0°, speed 11-12 knots.  
    20.00 CB 1918 center-right    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good    
    20.58 CB 1915 center Dived for submerged attack.  Tanker is coming towards me with wide zigzag courses; running ahead of him I make the same movements.  
    22.21 CB 1915 upper-right

Bow shot torpedo from tube IV:

 
      W 2-3, Sea 2-3, large swells,         Target angle: red 95°  
      Vis. very good         Enemy speed: 12.5 knots  
                Distance: 1500 meters  
                Depth: 4 meters  
       

After 54 seconds (800 meters) hit in the forward part of the ship and it is ripped open for its full length.

 
        The crew is abandoning ship in two lifeboats.  The tanker, identified as ALEXANDRA HOEGH (8248 GRT), settled a bit by the bow, but is otherwise intact.  
    22.54   When one of the lifeboats gets alongside again after a half an hour, fired a coup de grace from tube V, aiming ahead of the superstructure aft.  After 24 seconds (400 meters) hit between bridge and stern.  Remarkable wide, white, medium high explosion plume.  Tanker breaks in two, both parts moving free from each other.  The stern is settling forward with the screws above the water.  The aft part of the forward half of the ship is submerged.  
    23.15   The inclination of the stern gets steeper.  Both halves of the broken ship are settling slow but steady.  No further action necessary.  Departed.  Continued towards the patrol area.  
    24.00 CB 1918 center-left Day's run:  174.2 nm surfaced,   
      W 2-3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. moderate                      9.1 nm submerged.  
                                                                
   
22.01.42
Southern Cape Sable
   
   
(Nova Scotia)
   
    04.00 CB 1889 lower-center    
      W 1, Sea 1, 9/10 cloudy, Vis. moderate, +9°C    
    08.00 CB 4217 lower-left corner    
      W 1, Sea 1, 8/10, temperature falling +6°C    
    09.45 CB 4161 center Changed course to 270°.  My intention: Want to operate along the coast from Barnegat, south of New York, to the south.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.01.42      
    12.00 CB 4143 center    
      WNW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, +5°C    
    13.35 CB 4141 center-left edge Dived, continued submerged for engine check.  
    16.00 CA 6363 upper-right corner    
    20.00 CA 6353 center-right edge    
      W 1, Sea 1, 1/10, somewhat misty    
    23.20 CA 6352 center Several depth charge detonations and screw noises heard at 160°.  Surfaced and headed towards 170°.  Nothing to see.  
    23.50   Dived.  Nothing to hear anymore.  
    24.00 CA 6355 center-right Day's run:  141 nm surfaced,  
      W 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. moderate                  33.1 nm submerged.  
                                                              
    23.01.42
Southern Long Island
   
    01.30 CA 6354 center-right Surfaced, continued on the surface.  
    04.00 CA 6269 lower-right    
      WNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10    
    05.10 to   Downloaded two torpedoes from the upper deck containers.
    07.35      
    08.00 CA 6257 center    
      WNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate    
    12.00 CA 6156 lower-right corner Test dive.  
      NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, somewhat misty    
    16.00 CA 6146 center    
      W 1-2, Sea 1-2, few, Vis. moderate    
    20.00 CA 6144 center-left edge    
      Weather same as at 16.00    
    24.00 CA 5365 center Day's run:  142.5 nm surfaced,  
      SW 2-3 freshening, Sea 3, 5/10                       3.0 nm submerged.  
                                                              
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.01.42
Southern Long Island
   
    04.00 CA 5354 upper right    
      SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 CA 5623 center-left    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 CA 5251 upper-center edge    
      SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, hazy    
    12.50 -   Test dive and laid the boat on the bottom. Depth A -30 meters.  
         
    25.01.42
South of New York
 
    01.00 CA 5227 lower-left corner During the whole day Asdic sounds were heard.  Went to periscope depth several times, nothing to see.  
       

Apparently the area is under strong surveillance.

 
        Day's run:  91.1 nm surfaced,  
                            1.0 nm submerged.  
    01.17 W 0-1, Sea 0, very bright night, clear, very hazy, no horizon, Vis. 3-4 nm

Surfaced, continued on the surface.  Running southwards on the 30-meter line.

 
    04.00 CA 5272 center    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, otherwise same as at 01.17    
    08.00 CA 5435 center    
      Weather same as before    
    09.33 CA 5434 lower edge             Moon set, hazy,               perfect lighting for attack Sighted vessel at 180°; recognized it as a big tanker on a northerly course.  Accelerated; remained parallel to measure speed and then overtook him.  Tanker is steering course 20°.  
        Speed 10-11 knots.  It is a larger than average tanker of about 9500 GRT.  Two masts in the middle of the tanks, a little bit sloped, short funnel, normal stern.  
    10.02 CA 5435 center

Bow shot torpedo from tube II (Ato):

 
                Target angle: red 80°  
                Enemy speed: 10 knots  
                Distance: 1000 meters  
                Depth: 5 meters  
     

 

After 36 seconds (740 m) hit just ahead of the bridge.  Medium high, white-gray explosion plume.  Crew immediately abandon the ship in two lifeboats.  Otherwise no visible effects on the ship.  
    10.07

 

Stern shot torpedo from tube VI (Eto):  
        Missed. From a distance of 600 meters and on an absolutely stopped ship, only possible cause is a torpedo malfunction.  Perhaps the depth setting (on a set depth of 5 meters) did not work.  
    10.13  

Coup de grace from tube III (Eto):

 
       

        Depth = 4 meters

 
       

After 53 seconds (820 meters) hit between bridge and superstructure aft.  Tanker is only settling a bit aft and remains in that position.

 
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued    
    25.01.42    
        Reluctantly I decide to fire another coup de grace considering the proximity of the coast and the possibility of quick assistance.  
    10.24  

Coup de grace from tube IV (G7a torpedo)

 
       

        Depth = 5 meters

 
       

After 36 seconds (740 meters) hit aft of the bridge.  A tremendous column of flames emerges from the ship and it breaks up.  The cargo of petrol exploded.  As the fumes clears away, only the bow of the ship is still visible, which protrudes out of the water about 15 meters at an oblique angle.

 
       

The tanker sunk is probably the VARANGER (9305 GRT), which had been sunk off the US East Coast as the USA reports on 26 January.

 
        Departed eastwards.  
    12.00 CA 5541 center-right    
      W 1, Sea 1, 4/10, hazy, Vis. poor    
    13.10 CA 5559 lower-left edge Dived.  In view of the unfavorable weather situation placed the boat on the bottom. Depth = A -30 meters.  
    18.00   Heard depth charges at 270°, far away.  
    19.05 NE 2, Sea 2, hazy, Vis. 7000 meters., warm Surfaced for a short time.  Boat ventilated thoroughly.  Dived.  
    24.00   Day's run:  127 nm surfaced,  
                           3.2 nm submerged.  
    26.01.42                                                           
    01.20   Surfaced and headed for the coast.  
    02.35   Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "From Kals: Area IV, Sparse traffic, medium surveillance, mostly bad visibility, severe cold.  All navigation lights are on.  Ships for Sydney are heading to Scatarie Island then along the coast.  Bay suspicious for mines.  Missing Radio Messages 270/14, 240/17, 223/24."  
    02.46  

Destroyed:

 
       

        13.01. Tanker in AK 8226 and freighter in 8898

 
       

        21.01. ALEXANDRA HOEGH in HA 4915

 
       

        25.01. Tanker in TI 8438

 
        Altogether 3 loaded tankers, 1 empty freighter 30,748 GRT. NE 3, 0/10, Vis. 4 nm, BI 8480, 120 cbm, reloaded, out of torpedoes except for one Eto.  
    04.00 CA 5581 center-left edge Headed along the 30-meter line to the south.  
      E 3, Sea 3, 6/10, clouding up, no visible horizon    
    08.00 CA 5723 upper-right corner    
      SE 2, subsiding, Sea 2, Sky, 10/10, thick fog, Vis. 500 m.    
    11.56  

Incoming Radio Message: "To Kals. Well done. B.d.U."

 
        Intense joy in boat.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.01.42      
    12.00 CA 5753 upper-center edge At dawn departed the coast.  Nothing sighted.  
      Weather the same as at 0800, Vis. 3000 m.    
    13.50 CA 5762 upper-left corner Dived, placed boat on the bottom.  
      S 2, Sea 2, 10/10, Vis. 3000 m.    
    20.00 NW 2-3, Sea 3, Vis. improving but still cloudy

Surfaced.  Boat aired thoroughly.  Dived.

 
        Day's run:  109.1 nm surfaced.  
                                                                
    27.01.42    
    00.30   Surfaced.  Headed for the coast to the 30-meter line, then course 200°.  
    04.00 CA 5779 upper-right corner Close to the coast several steamer lights are sighted.  Apparently the main sea routes run along the shore within the 20-meter line.  It is much too bright for a surface attack and too shallow for a submerged attack due to many shoals.  I have to wait until the moon sets at 10.00 hours.  
      N 2, Sea 2, 10/10 somewhat cloudy, Vis. 9000 m., very bright night  
    08.00 CA 5746 center-right edge    
      N 1-2, Sea 2, 9/10, bright as day, Vis. good    
    09.00 CA 5773, upper-right corner

Sighted darkened vessel at 180° on a northerly course.

 
        Shadowed and overtaken.  It is again a fine tanker with two masts over the middle of the tanks, medium sized bridge and a big, slightly tilted funnel starting at the leading edge of the superstructure aft.  Size about 7500 GRT. Course 20°, speed 10.5 knots.  
    09.24   Incoming Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "Request 20 cbm of fuel from Kals. "  
    09.43 CA 5743 upper-right

Bowshot from tube I:

 
      N 1-2, Sea 2, 9/10,         Target angle: red 80°  
      moon sets, dark night         Enemy speed: 11 knots  
                Distance: 800 meters  
                Depth: 4 meters  
       

After 51.3 seconds (800 meters) hit between bridge and superstructure aft.  Particularly loud detonation.  Medium high but wide white-grey smoke plume.  Intense smell of benzene.  Tanker broke in two, the bow rises steeply and the stern a bit with the middle part awash.

 
        I had just decided to use the artillery when two vessels came into view from the north.  Out of torpedoes.  Ran off to the east.  In the meantime the tanker caught fire amidships with a fiery red glow. I assume that he is lost.  
         
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.01.42      
    10.44   Outgoing Radio message to B.d.U.: "Torpedoed tanker of 7500 GRT with the last Eto.  TI 8743, broke in two, bow protrudes from the water, fire amidships.  Did not observe sinking due to approach of vessels.  NE 1, Vis. 6 nm, 1008 mb, 110 cbm of fuel, began return journey." - Kals -  
    11.25 CA 5753 lower-right center Very dark, NNW 1-2, Sea 2, 10/10 Sighted dim lights at 90 and 150°T.  Very close two slender vessels.  Crash-dive. To avoid them on the surface would have been more advisable.  Both vessels are searching with Asdic.  Grounded the boat at a depth of 52 meters.  Gyro-compass switched off.  The vessels and Asdic are heard to get louder sometimes and then weaker again until 17.30 hours.  
    18.15   Boat lifted from the bottom.  Continued submerged on course 90°.  
    24.00 CA 5799 upper-right corner

Surfaced.  Continued surfaced to the east.

 
      SW 2, Sea 2, 9/10

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Kals and Bleichrodt:

 
               1.)  Carry out transfer of fuel in CB 4845 at night on 29 January.  
                2.)  For this purpose be at the meeting point from 20.00 hours on 29 January.  
                3.)  Bleichrodt afterwards."  
        Day's run:  97.3 nm surfaced, 15.2 nm submerged.  
       

Analysis of the situation off the American coast between Sandy Hook and Chesapeake Bay

 
        1.)  Very active traffic at the 20-meter line along the coast.  One has to reckon with patrol vessels guarding this route.  Furthermore the ships proceed with set lights.  
        2.)  Some of the bigger vessels, especially tankers, are reluctant to get closer than the 30-meter line due to the attitude of the merchant mariners and so were met in medium traffic on the 30 - 35-meter lines, some of them darkened.  No escorts noticed.  
        3.)  Observed average surveillance by warships on the 80-meter line.  Several times in this area - always from several vessels working at the same time - we could hear working S-gear.  
        4.)  No mine barrages detected outside of the 30-meter line.  
                                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.01.42
North American Coast
   
    04.00 CA 5859 upper-center Headed for CB 4845 m. to transfer fuel to U-109.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, 10/10, +8°C , Vis. 7 nm.    
    08.00 CA 5954 center-right    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 10/10, heavy rain, Vis. 10 nm., + 9°C    
    12.00 CA 6748 upper-right    
      SE 3-4 increasing, Sea 3, +14°C    
    16.00 CA 6765 lower-center    
      SE 4, Sea 4, 1014 mb. falling, +18°C    
    20.00 CA 6854 center-right    
      SSE 5, Sea 5, 1001 mb falling, +20°C    
    24.00 CA 6945 center-left Day's run:  214 nm surfaced.  
      SSE 6, Sea 6-7, 10/10, rain, Vis. 3 nm.                                                         
         
    29.01.42
Western Atlantic
 
    04.00 CA 6955 upper-left corner    
      SW 3-4, Sea 4, broken cloud layer, very dark night, 990 mb steady, +17°C    
    04.45 CA 6955 upper-left corner Can not extend the D/F antenna.  Outgoing Radio message to B.d.U.: "D/F inoperable.  If necessary I will send bearing signals on the 852 meter wavelength for Bleichrodt at 21.00 hours on 29 January. Kals"  
    08.00 CA 6956 center-right edge    
      SW 3, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. good, bright moon, 989 mb.    
    08.55 CA 6956 center-right edge Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:  To Kals "You should have reported your position in radio message 0315/29/250."  
      New position after navigation fix  
    08.00 CB 4779 upper-right corner    
    12.00 CB 4798 upper-left corner    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
    16.00 CB 4764 center-left    
      NW 4, Sea 4, 996 mb. rising, +15°C    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.01.42      
    20.00 CB 4845 center Back and forth at the meeting point on changing courses.  
      NW 5, Sea 5-6, rain, 1001 mb., Vis. variable    
    20.12   Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals.  No bearing signals needed, wait until 30 January, NNW 11, Sea 9-10, 998 mb, had to heave to, BO 7840 inaccurate."  
    24.00 CB 4840 Day's run:  170.3 surfaced  
      NNW 6-7, 1003 mb, Vis. medium, Sea 6-7                                                         
         
    30.01.42
Western Atlantic
 
    04.00 CB 4840 Back and froth in position at the approximate meeting point.  
      NNW 8, Sea 8, overcast, 1005 mb., Vis. good    
    08.00 CB 4840    
      N 9, Sea 9, rain and hail showers, Vis. 200 m., 1006 mb., +12°C    
    12.00 CB 4840    
      NNW 9, Sea 9, rain, 1007 mb.    
    16.00 CB 4840, NNW 9-10, Sea 9, misty, 1010 mb., 10/10    
    20.00 CB 4840 The boat is mentioned favorably in a special announcement about new U-boat successes.  Great joy in the boat.  
      NNW 9, Sea 9, hail showers, 1016 mb.    
    20.13   Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "Please wait for weather improvements.  NW 10, Sea 9-10, 1018 mb, had to heave to, 78 cbm, CB 48."  
    24.00 CB 4840 Day’s run: 60 nm.  
      NNW 9, Sea 9, 6/10, breaking cloud layer, 1020 mb., +16°C                                                         
         
    31.01.42    
    00.44  

Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: “Regarding Forstner's torpedo malfunctions.  When checking 8 Etos we noticed short circuits between the plus and minus wires from the battery to the heating connector.  After removing the temperature control unit the short circuits were eliminated on 5 Etos.

 
       

On the 3 others the heating current poles also showed a short circuit.  The consequence would be a faster discharge and therefore a shorter running distance.  A wire underneath the heating connector casing was cut and isolated.

 
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
        All torpedoes ran flawless except one that passed underneath a target at a depth of 5 meters.  CB 48, N 9, Sea 8, 1020 mb, 105 cbm."  
    04.00 CB 4840 Patrolling.  
      N 6, Sea 7, 4/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 CB 4840    
      N 4, Sea 5, 1021 mb.    
    12.00 CB 4846 center    
      N 3, Sea 4, 2/10, 1023 mb., +16°C    
    15.03 CB 4816 lower-left center Sighted cloud of smoke at 200°.  Soon mast tips are visible.  
    15.55 CB 4816 upper-center          

Radio message: "Enemy in sight, CB 4842, course east, slow speed, shadowing. U-130".

 
      NW 2, Sea 2-3, clear, sunny, 1024 mb., +18°C My intent is to direct Bleichrodt, who has to be in the area, to him.  
    16.38   Radio Message: "Steamer is in CB 4827 center., speed 10 knots, course 50°. U-130".  
    17.00  

Sighted U-109 at 50°.  Is chasing the steamer now.

 
        According to our agreement I went to our rendezvous point for the transfer of fuel afterwards.  
    18.34   Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Bleichrodt has contact with steamer.  NW 2, Sea 2, 1023 mb, CB 4842. Kals".  
    20.00 CB 4845 center Waited at meeting point.  
      W 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1026 mb, +21°C    
    24.00 CB 4845 center

Beautiful weather for the transfer of fuel.

 
      SW 1, Sea 1, 1024 mb., Vis. very good Day’s run: 119.3 nm surfaced.  
                                                                
    01.02.42
Western Atlantic
 
    00.30 CB 4765 center Fix obtained. Correction to 260° - 20.8 nm  
    00.45  

Radio message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals: Still chasing steamer.  New rendezvous point in CB 4965 at 13.00 hours on 1 February."

 
        Went to new course at LF.  
    04.00 CB 4846 center    
      SSW 2-3, increasing, Sea 2, 9/10, 1015 mb. falling    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.02.42      
    06.19   Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals: Just sank TACOMA STAR.  Please meet me earlier in CB 4965 at 09.00 hours."  
    08.00 CB 4861 center    
      S 3-4, Sea 4, 1012 mb. falling, +17°C , Vis. good    
    09.25   Radio Message to Bleichrodt:  "Can't reach rendezvous point before 15.00 hours."  Did not increase speed in view of the unfavorable weather that does not allow transfer of oil.  
    12.00 CB 4945 center-right    
      S 4-5, Sea 4-5, 1008 mb. falling    
    16.00 CB 4955 center-left    
      S 5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. good, 1007 mb., +17°C    
    17.27 CB 4955 center-right Radio Message to Bleichrodt: "Approach position at most economical speed.  Wait there for weather improvement.  S 8, Sea 7, 1004 mb falling. 98 cbm, CB 4955."  
    20.00 CB 4965 Arrived at rendezvous point.  Waiting.  
      SSW 5, Sea 5, rain, Vis. moderate, 1008 mb., subsiding    
    24.00 CB 4965 Day's run:  135.4 nm surfaced  
      SW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, 1008 mb., +19°C                                                         
         
    02.02.42
Western Atlantic
 
    04.00 CB 4965 Waiting.  
      SSW 3, Sea 3-4, 1007 mb., rainy, +17°C    
    08.00 CB 4965    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 CB 4965    
      WNW 3, Sea 3, 8/10    
    16.00 CB 4965    
      NW 3, Sea 5, rain, +19°C , Vis. good    
    17.10   Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals: Start sending bearing signals at 18.00 hours."  
  from 1815   Sent bearing signals.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.02.42      
    20.00 CB 4965    
      N 2-3, Sea 3, rain squalls, changing clouds, 1008 mb.    
    22.25  

Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals, please head for me on course 140°."

 
        Altered course to 140° at HF.  
    24.00 CB 4999 lower-right corner Day's run:  123.8 nm surfaced.  
      N 2-3, Sea 3, rain squalls, changing clouds, 1008 mb.                                                         
         
    03.02.42
Western Atlantic
 
    01.30 New sighting: CB 8145 center  NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 7-10/10, rain showers, sometimes very dark, Vis. poor, thunderstorms Radio message to Bleichrodt: "At the moment a meeting is hopeless.  I wait and send bearing signals after 13.00 hours. Kals."  
    04.00 CB 8145 center Back and forth in position.  
      Weather same as at 01.30, St Elmo's fire    
    08.00 CB 8145 center    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, heavy rain, worsening, 1008 mb.    
    12.00 CB 8145    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
  from 13.15   Sent bearing signals.  
    16.00 CB 8145 center    
      NW 3, Sea 4, worsening, rain gusts    
    16.12  

Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals, I hear you at 170°."

 
        Altered course to 350°.  
    16.20  

U-109 in sight.

 
        According to a verbal agreement we both set out on course 145°. Bleichrodt expects shipping there. Weather does not allow transfer of fuel.  
    20.00 CB 8426 lower-right corner    
      NW 4, Sea 5, 10/10, rain, 1008 mb.    
    22.00 NW 5-6, Sea 5-6 We changed course to 115° due to the heavy seas from astern which are running over the boats unpleasantly.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.02.42      
    24.00 CB 8599 lower-center edge Day's run:  111.5 surfaced.  
      NW 6-7, Sea 6-7, rain gusts, 6-10/10, +16°C                                                         
    04.02.42
Western Atlantic
   
     
(North of Bermuda)
   
    04.00 Navigation fix:  CB 8911 center  
      NW 4, Sea 4-5, 8-10/10, rain, +14°C , 1012 mb., St. Elmo's fire    
    08.00 CB 8921 center    
      NW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 3 nm., 1014 mb.    
    12.00 CB 8931 center-right    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
    13.20 CB 8989 right Weather still allows no transfer of fuel. (I have now been waiting 8 days for it!) Together with U-109 changed course to 90°.  
    16.00 CB 9711 center-left    
      NW 4, Sea 4, changing clouds, rain squalls, Vis. very good, occasionally sunny, 1016 mb., +15°C    
    20.00 CB 9721 center-left    
      NW 4, Sea 4,    
      Weather same as at 16.00    
    21.25 CB 9722 upper-center

Sighted mast tips at 210°.

 
      U-109 is chasing the tanker (MONTROLITE).  Waited on position.  
    21.43   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "Kals … report weather between 01.00 and 05.00 hours on 05 February"  
    24.00 CB 9722 upper-center Day's run:  140 nm surfaced.  
      N 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, 1016 mb., +14°C                                                         
    05.02.42
Western Atlantic
   
    02.27 CB 9722 upper-center Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: Report of weather.  
    04.00 CB 9722 upper center Waiting.  
      Weather same as at 00.00    
    07.22   Radio Message from Bleichrodt to B.d.U.: "Patrolling off the coast is no longer possible due to fuel shortage.  Since 03 February on slow return journey with Kals towards CC 80.  Until now bad weather prevented the transfer of fuel … To Kals: Please send bearing signals after 11.00 hours."  
         
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.42      
    08.00 CB 9720    
      NW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, rain squalls    
  from 11.15   Sent bearing signals for Bleichrodt.  
    12.00 CB 9722 center    
      NW 3, Sea 3-4 subsiding, Vis. very good, 1021 mb., +17°C    
    12.15   U-109 sighted again.  Continued together on course 90°.  
    16.00 CB 9811 lower-left    
      NW 2, Sea 3, clear, 1024 mb., +18°C    
    20.00 CB 9822 lower-right corner    
      NNW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. very good    
    20.30   U-109 sighted a column of smoke at 290° and chased after it. I continued alone as arranged earlier.  
    24.00 CB 9911 center

Test dive.

 
      NNW 1, Sea 1, scattered, 1025 mb. rising, +19°C Day's run:  145 nm surfaced, 2.3 nm submerged.  
                                                                
    06.02.42      
    04.00 CB 9923 center-left edge    
      Weather same as at 00.00    
  from 05.00 CB 9933 center-left edge Back and forth in position.  
    08.00 CB 9933 lower-right corner    
      NW 0-1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1026 mb.    
    12.00 CB 9933 lower-left corner    
      Weather same as at 08.00    
    12.19   Radio Message from Bleichrodt: "To Kals: Please send bearing signals after 13.00 hours."  
  from 13.15   Sent bearing signals.  
    16.00 CB 9933 lower-left corner    
      Weather same as before    
    20.00 CB 9933 lower-left corner    
    21.50   U-109 in sight at 270°.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.02.42      
    22.50 N 1, Sea 1, light swell

Began to transfer fuel. Boats are steering at 50° to the wind with E-motors at K.F., close to each other with the receiving boat a bit behind.

 
       

U-130: 1 spiral hose = 5 meters

 
       

            2 hose pipes = 30 meters

 
       

U-109: 1 hose pipe = 15 meters

 
                    Total length = 50 meters  
        The hoses are held as straight as possible by veering or racking up. The transfer of fuel is proceeding without difficulties.  
    24.00 CC 7711 upper-left corner Total:  140.5 nm surfaced.  
      N 1-2, Sea 1, 5-8/10, 1025 mb., +19°C                                                         
         
    07.02.42
Western Atlantic
 
    01.00 CC 7711 center Transfer of 19 cbm of fuel is completed.  Duration 70 minutes.  Began return journey on course 63° at LF. (diesel-electric)  
    04.00 CC 7713 center-left    
      N 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1024 mb., Vis. very good    
    08.00 CC 7498 center    
      NE 1, Sea 1, scattered    
    12.00 CC 7469 center U-109 out of sight to the southeast.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, building, 1022 mb., +16°C    
    12.20   Test dive.  
    14.52   Incming Radio Message from Bleichrodt to B.d.U.: "Just finished transfer of fuel in CB 9937 . . . . "  
    16.00 CC 7533 upper-center    
      S 3, Sea 3, 7/10, 1022 mb.    
    20.00 CC 7532 upper-center edge    
      S 4, Sea 4, building, 7/10, Vis. good    
    24.00 CC 7378 upper-right Day's run:  142 nm surfaced,  
      S 4, Sea 4, 4-8/10, Vis. very good                    3.8 nm submerged.  
                                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.02.42
Western Atlantic
   
    04.00 CC 7359 center    
      Weather same as at 00.00    
    08.00 CC 8145 center-left    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10, 1023 mb., +16°C    
    11.45   Test dive.  Noticed that the port negative buoyancy quick diving tank is flooding by itself.  
    12.00 CC 8137 upper-right    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, subsiding, sunny, Vis. very good, changing clouds    
    16.00 CC 8212 upper-center    
      SSW 2 Sea 1-2, sunny, 1024 mb., +18°C    
    19.40 CC 5885 lower-center Crash-dive for aircraft.  Flyby at 0°; distance 8000 meters, very high, type not identified.  Probably "Clipper".  
    20.10 CC 5886 lower-right Dived.  
      SSW 1, Sea 1, few cumulus clouds, 1023 mb., +19°C    
    24.00 CC 5944 lower-center edge Day's run:  159 nm surfaced,  
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, growing cloudy, 1022 mb.                    0.9 nm submerged.  
                                                                
    09.02.42      
    00.00   At 22.00 hours radio message from Forster: "Convoy dispersed.  Single steamers are steering southwest courses.  Shadowing.  BC 5991 upper-left."  
        Came to course 0°.  I hope to catch the individual ships in the good weather and attack them with artillery.  I have enough fuel for this diversion.  
    00.29   Radio Message from Forster: "The reported 10 steamers … are traveling alone on widely separating south and south-southwest courses in BC 8510 . . . . "  
    04.00 CC 5912 upper center    
      SSW 1, Sea 1-2, 7-9/10, 1020 mb falling, +15°C    
    05.14   Radio Message from Forster: "Convoy is in BC 5894, 10 steamers, I am on the port side astern."  
    08.00 CC 5912 upper-center    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.42      
    12.00 CC 5612 center                      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, building, 1016 mb. falling, 10/10 Despite worsening weather I continue to operate on the reported steamers that are traveling alone.  
    16.00 CC 5348 lower-center    
      SSE 3 Sea 3    
    20.00 CC 5312 center    
      SE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, +15°C    
    24.00 CC 2972 center Day's run:  156 nm surfaced.  
      SE 4-6, Sea 4, 1013 mb. falling, Vis. moderate    
                                                                
    10.02.42
South of Newfoundland Bank
 
    03.00 CC 2915 Changed course to 90° to get across the assumed paths of the enemy ships faster.  
    04.00 CC 2916 center-right  
      SE 4, Sea 4, 10/10, low clouds, rain, lightening, St Elmo's fire, 1010 mb., +17°C    
    08.00 CC 2934 center-left edge    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    12.00 CC 3714 center    
      SE 3, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. improving    
    16.00 CC 3725 center    
      Weather same as at 12.00    
    20.00 CC 3735 upper-center    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, clouds breaking up, isolated rain showers, Vis. good    
    24.00 CC 3816 upper-center Day's run:  131 nm surfaced.  
      S 2, Sea 2-3, subsiding, 1001 mb.                                                         
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.02.42
South of Newfoundland Bank
   
    01.00 CC 3824 upper-center Changed course to 74°, continued across the assumed paths of the enemy.  At the same time started to sail on the great circle.  
    04.00 CC 3599 lower-right corner    
      W 2, Sea 2, 4-8/10, very drk night    
    08.00 CC 3683 upper left    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, freshing, thunderstorms, 1003 mb., +14°C    
    12.00 CC 3666 lower-right corner    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3-4, 8-10/10    
    16.00 CD 1451 center    
      Weather same as at 12.00, somewhat worsening    
    20.00 CD 1462 center    
      WNW 4, Sea 4-5, 10/10, 1004 mb.    
    24.00 CD 1519 upper-center Day's run:  165 nm surfaced.  
      W 4, Sea 4, 6-9/10, Vis. medium                                                         
    12.02.42
Western Atlantic
 
    04.00 CD 1523 lower-center    
      W 3-4, subsiding, Sea 4, 5/10, clouds breaking up, +14°C    
    08.00 CD 1533 upper-right corner    
      W 5, Sea 3-4, 2-5/10, 1007 mb., rising    
    12.00 CD 1384 lower-left Test dive.  
      Weather continues to break up    
    16.00 CD 1383 lower-left Did not meet the ships of the dispersed convoy.  Continued return journey.  
      W 2-3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1008 mb., Vis. good    
    20.00 CD 1339 center    
      W 2, Sea 2-3, 4/10, 1010 mb., +16°C    
    24.00 CD 2145 center Day's run:  110 nm surfaced.  
      Weather the same as at 20.00, very dark night, +15°C , Vis. moderate                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
    04.00 CD 2152 lower-center - Return transit -  
      S 2, rotating counter-clockwise, Sea 2-3, changing clouds, rain squalls, 1003 mb. falling    
    08.00 CD 2139 center    
      SSE 3 increasing, Sea 3, 10/10, rain, 998 mb., Vis. 2000-3000 m.    
    12.00 CD 2213 center    
      S 5, Sea 4-5, rain, 995 mb., +11°C    
    16.00 CD 2222 center-right edge    
      Weather same as at 12.00, 993 mb.    
    20.00 CD 2233 upper-center edge    
      SSW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, 993 mb.    
    24.00 BC 9899 center-right edge Day's run:  118 nm Surfaced.                                
      Weather same as at 20.00, 992 mb., +11°C , Vis. poor                                                         
    14.02.42
Central Atlantic
 
    04.00 BC 9975 upper-right - Return transit -  
      SSW 5, Sea 5, gusty, 8-10/10, Vis. poor, 994 mb. rising    
    08.00 BC 9982 upper-center edge    
      W 5, Sea 5, otherwise, the same as at 04.00    
    12.00 BC 9969 left-center edge    
      W 4, Sea 4 subsiding, 6-10/10, 995 mb., +14°C    
    16.00 BD 7745 center-left    
      W 3, Sea 3-4, few, sunny, 995 mb., +15°C, Vis. very good    
    20.00 BD 7752 upper-left    
      ESE 1, rotating counter-clockwise, Sea 2, 6-10/10, 997 mb. falling    
    24.00 BD lower-center edge Day's run:  122 nm surfaced.  
      ESE 3 freshening, Sea 3, rain, 996 mb., Vis. 500 m.                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
           
    15.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
     
Northwest of the Azores
   
    04.00 BD 7814 center-left edge - Return transit -  
      SSW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, low hanging clouds, steady rain, 995 mb. falling, +13°C    
    08.00 BD 7821 upper-center    
      SW 5-6, Sea 6-7, rain, 10/10, 994 mb.    
    12.00 BD 7599 lower-left corner    
      SW 6-7, Sea 6-7, rain, 10/10, 994 mb.    
    16.00 BD 7672 center    
      SSW 6, Sea 6, 8-10/10, 994 mb. rising    
    20.00 BD 7658    
      SE 5 Sea 5, 6-9/10, clouds breaking up, new moon    
    24.00 BD 8444 lower-left corner Day's run:  156 nm surfaced.  
      ESE 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 996 mb., +12°C , Vis. good                                                         
    16.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
     
North of the Azores
   
    04.00 BD 8455 center - Return transit -  
      SE 4, rotating clockwise, Sea 4-5, 4-7/10, Cumulus, 995 mb., +11°C    
    08.00 BD 8541 center    
      SSE 4, Sea 4, 2/10, 994 mb. falling, Vis. very good    
    12.00 BD 8528 lower-center edge    
      SSE 6, freshening, Sea 5, 6/10, 993 mb.    
    13.34   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To … Kals … at 16.00 hours on 16.02. change to "Ireland" Circuit."  
    16.00 BD 8533 lower-right corner Changed to "Ireland" Circuit.  
      SSE 8, Sea 8, 6-8/10, 992 mb. falling further, +13°C    
    20.00 BD 8621 upper-center    
      SSE 9, Sea 8-9, 10/10, rainsqualls, +13°C    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.02.42      
    24.00 BD 8399 lower-left corner Day's run:  174 nm surfaced.  
                                                                
    17.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
     
North of the Azores
   
    04.00 BD 9177 center - Return transit -  
      S 6, Sea 6, 8-10/10, 990 mb., +14°C , Vis. good    
    08.00 BD 9196 lower-center    
      SSE 5 Sea 5, rain, isolated thunderstorms, 993 mb. rising, Vis. very good    
    12.00 BD 9296 upper-right corner    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, clear, sunny, Vis. medium, 994 mg.    
    16.00 BD 9296 upper-right corner The outbound U-587 (Borchert) had picked up 5 crewmen from one of our own downed aircraft.  Transfer to the homebound U-751 (Bigalk) was not possible due to bad weather.  Both boats were ordered to continue.  
    17.20 BD 9373

Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Bigalk and Borchert: Continue operations as ordered.  A later transfer will be advised."  I assume I am on Borchert's route so I offer to take the fliers (see radio message at 00.14 hours on 18 February."

 
    20.00 BD 9372 upper-center    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, 6-10/10, rain, Vis. variable, 1000 mb.    
    24.00 BE 7147 lower-left corner Day's run:  207 nm surfaced.  
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 6-10/10, 1003 mb., Vis. variable                                                         
         
    18.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
     
North of the Azores
   
    00.14   Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Concerns transfer of fliers from Borchert. My position BE 7147, course 80°. D/F inoperable.  S 5, Sea 4, 1003 mb rising. Kals".  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
    continued    
    18.02.42    
    01.56   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Kals and U-587.  Agree with transfer. U-587 steer for Kals head-on on his course.  Both boats proceed at a cruising speed of 7 knots."  
    03.28 BE 7265 Radio Message to Borchert: "Will send bearing signals at the 381 Khz frequency every 30 minutes after 15.00 hours in BE 7265. Kals."  
    04.00 BE 7182 upper-left Underway to the rendezvous point.  
      SSW 3, Sea 3, clear, starry night, 1003 mb. rising, +10°C    
    08.00 BE 7169 center Test dive.  
      SSW 3-4, increasing, 3-6/10, 1008 mb., Vis. very good    
    1026 BE 7246 Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "Return harbor for … Kals … is Lorient."  
    12.00 BE 7255 left edge    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, clear and sunny, 1012 mb steady, +15°C    
    12.23 BE 7256 left edge Radio Message from Borchert: "To Kals: Please agree to rendezvous in BE 7223 at 15.00 hours. I will listen for bearing signals."  
    13.18 BE 7256 right edge

Radio Message to Borchert: "Will wait in BE 7223 at 15.00 hours. Kals."

 
        Steered toward the new rendezvous point.  
  from 15.00 BE 7223 center Sent bearing signals and waited.  
    16.00 BE 7223 center    
      SW 4, Sea 4, scattered, sunny, Vis. very good    
    17.30   U-587 in sight.  Connected with lines.  
    18.01 BE 7223 lower-left corner Transfer of five rescued fliers (towed through the water with lines and belt because launching the dinghy was not possible in the swell).  No difficulties.  Three of them are slightly injured (bruised ribs, splinter in thigh, bruises on the forearm).  
    19.35 SW 3-4, Sea 4, medium swells

Continued return journey.

 
       

The fliers told us that they were on a reconnaissance flight on the afternoon of 13 February and sighted a three-masted sailing vessel with auxiliary engine in about BE 67.  The commander decided not to use bombs and to attack with machine guns.  During the first approach they were hit by heavy fire.  The commander was killed immediately and they had to ditch.  The five survivors managed to board a dinghy and drifted for 2½ days.

 
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.02.42      
        At 01.00 hours on 16 February they were picked up by U-587.  
       

Concerning this I want to point out the KTB entry at 17.45 hours on 31.12.41, after which I sighted a three-masted sailing vessel in BE 8156.  In both cases it might be the same vessel, which is patrolling this area as well armed trap.

 
    20.00 BE 7223 right edge    
      SW 3, subsiding, Sea 3-4, 6-9/10, 1009 mb. falling, Vis. medium    
    22.02 BE 7311 Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Fliers transferred from Borchert. BE 7311, S 2, 1014 mb rising, 9/10. Kals."  
           
    24.00 BE 7311 right edge upper Day's run:  157 nm surfaced, 1 nm submerged.  
      SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1009 mb., +14°C                                                         
         
    19.02.42
Central Atlantic
 
     
North of the Azores
   
    04.00 BE 7325 upper-center    
      SE 1, Sea 2, 10/10, rain, 1008 mb., Vis. none, +12°C    
    08.00 BE 7333 upper-right corner    
      NE 2, Sea 2, 10/10, heavy rain, 1006 mb. falling    
    11.00   Dived and continued submerged.  
    12.00 BE 8121 upper-center    
    16.00 BE 8132 upper edge Surfaced for a short time.  
      SE 8, Sea 7-8, 10/10, rain showers, low clouds, Vis. 2 nm, 1004 mb    
  - 20.00 BE 5878 lower-right corner Surfaced.  Continued on the surface during the night.  
      SE 7, Sea 7, 10/10, low clouds, Vis. 3 nm in heavy rain, 1003 mb., +10°C    
    24.00 BE 5897 lower-center Day's run:  132.5 nm surfaced,  
      SE 6, Sea 6, 10/10, somewhat subsiding, Vis. 3000 m., 1004 mb.                     17.4 nm submerged.  
                                                              
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
 
- 41 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.02.42
Central Atlantic
   
    04.00 BE 5977 center    
      SE 5, Sea 6, 6/10, dark night, Vis. moderate    
    08.00 BE 5985 center    
      SE 6, Sea 6, 10/10, 1005 mb falling, +12°C    
    10.30 BE 5985 right edge Dived and continued submerged.  
    12.00 BE 5997    
    15.30 BE 6778 upper-left center Surfaced to air the boat thoroughly.  
      SE 4-5, Sea 5, 10/10, misty, Vis. 6000 m, 1004 mb falling    
    15.37   Crash-dive for aircraft in 90°T.  Distance 6000 meters, very low during approach and flyby.  Type not identified; possibly friendly aircraft.  
    16.00 BE 6778 upper-center    
    20.00 BE 6788 upper-center Surfaced.  Continued on the surface during the night.  
      ESE 5, Sea 5, 10/10, Weather same as at 15.30    
    22.30 BE 6791 center-right

Radio message to B.d.U. Short Signal: "Passed 13°W."

 
        Was unnecessary to send this signal.  
    22.52   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Kals.  Have passed 13°W according to short signal.  Pointing out the Standing War Order No. 481, paragraph E, number 1a." (concerns reporting arrival 36 hours before reaching the rendezvous point for escorts).  
    24.00 BE 6798 center-left

Day’s run: 90.8 nm, surfaced,

 
                         34.1 nm submerged.  
      ESE 5 shifting to the north, Sea 5-6, 10/10, 999 mb, rain showers, +12°C                                                         
    21.02.42
Atlantic
   
    04.00 BE 6887 center    
      E 4, Sea 5, 10/10, 998 mb    
    08.00 BE 6898 center    
      E 4, Sea 4, 10/10, misty, Vis. 4000 m    
    09.31   Dived to continue submerged during the day.  
    12.00 BE 6977 center-left edge    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.02.42      
    16.00 BE 6978 center-right edge    
      E 8, wind strengthening, fog, 995 mb falling, Vis. 1000 m    
    20.00 Weather same as at 16.00 Surfaced to continue on the surface during the night.  
    24.00 BE 6999 center-right edge Day's run:  100 nm surfaced,  
      E 7, Sea 7, 10/10, Vis. 3000 m, 995 mb, +9°C                    45 nm submerged.  
                                                              
    22.02.42
Western Bay of Biscay
   
    04.00 BF 4788 center    
      E 6, Sea 6, heavy rain, Vis. 500 m, 995 mb    
    08.00 BF 4878 center    
      E 5 subsiding, Sea 5, steady rain, 995 mb, +11°C    
    09.15   Dived to continue submerged during the day.  
    12.00 BF 4879 center-right    
    16.00 BF 4887 center    
      E 3, subsiding, Vis. 3000 m, 9/10, 996 mb, +10°C    
    20.00 BF 4888 right edge Surfaced to continue on the surface during the night.  
      E 2-3, Sea 3, 10/10, 997 mb, Vis. medium    
    24.00 BF 4987 center-left edge Day's run:  102 nm surfaced,  
      E 2, Sea 2, 9/10, very dark night, 997 mb                   47.2 nm submerged.  
                                                              
    23.02.42
Western Bay of Biscay
   
    04.00 BF 5777 center-left    
      E 2, Sea 2, 7-10/10, Rain showers, 998 mb, Vis. good    
    08.00 BF 5798 center    
      Weather same as at 04.00    
    08.45   Dived to continue submerged during the day.  
    12.00 BF 5879 center    
    16.00 BF 5887 center    
      E 2, Sea 2, 10/10, low cloud cover, gusty, misty, 996 mb    
    20.00 BF 5883 upper-center    
      NE 3, Sea 3, 993 mb falling, +8°C, somewhat misty    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42      
    20.15   Surfaced to continue on the surface during the night.  
    21.01   Radio Message to B.d.U. Short Signal: "I am 36 hours away from rendezvous point with escort. U-130."  
    21.07   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: “Kals arrives at rendezvous point at 09.00 hours on 25 February”  
    24.00 BF 5838 lower-right corner Day's run:  134.6 nm surfaced,  
      NE 3, Sea 3, 7-10/10, Vis. 2000 m., 990 mb., +5°C                     34.6 nm submerged.  
                                                              
    24.02.42
Bay of Biscay
   
    04.00 BF 6473 center-right edge    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 10/10, fog, dark night, Vis. 800 m., +5°C    
    08.00 BF 6422 upper-left center    
      NE 3, subsiding, driving snow, fog, Vis. 2000 m.    
    10.42   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.: "To Kals: Escort awaits you at "Point L.2" at 09.00 hours on 25 February"  
    10.45 -   Dived and continued submerged.  
    12.40      
    12.45 NE 2 Sea 2, clearing up, Vis. 5000 m., somewhat misty    
    13.30   Boat is off Ile de Croix.  
    14.00 BF 6173 upper-left corner Dived and placed boat on the bottom on "Point L.2".  
    19.00   Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Until 09.00 hours at "Point L.2" on the bottom. Kals."  
                                                                
    25.02.42
To Lorient
 
    08.30 BF 6173 upper-left corner

Surfaced and entered Lorient together with escort.

 
       

Special Remarks:

 
        1.)  It is recommended that boats going to America be equipped with all upper deck containers for torpedoes.  Reload is possible during all seasons.  
        2.)  It is further recommended to use the boats that are out of torpedoes, more than it is done now to transfer fuel to other boats.  Where required even to offer fuel by themselves to neighboring boats and to watch for or to shadow targets in their patrol areas until the fuel can be transferred.  
        3.)  I think it is necessary to equip all boats with a device to throw lines.  
        4.)  This temporary version of the close detection gear (A.E.G.) is only a surplus weight aboard. It has a fixed  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 44 -
 
           
           
           
           
        range of 50 meters. Therefore in November 1941 a radio operator was sent to the company with the defective gear, but he was sent away because "It is not the final version of the detection gear".  
        5.)  A portion of the canned bread stored in the diesel bilge was contaminated because the cans were crimped instead of brazed.  
       
_ . _ . _. _. _
 
       

The medical condition of the crew was good, despite the cold in the first patrol area (Cabot Strait) against which the crew was ill-equipped.  One man had to lie down for 45 days due to an injury to his tibia.

 
           
       

Distance travelled: 8520 nm

 
        Duration of the patrol: 61 days  
        Success: 4 loaded tankers, one of them possibly sunk and an empty freighter for a total of 38,248 grt.  
                                                                
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

  Enclosures to U-130's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol                 17 December 1941 to 25 February 1942

 
 
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
 
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.--.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 130" from 17.12.41 - 25.02.42
 
 
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.--.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
 
     
 
1.) A very good, thoughtfully executed and successful patrol.
2.) The recommendations of the Kommandanten were acted on or are still being examined.  The close S- gear will not be fitted anymore.  Existing gear will be improved.
3.) The Kommandant not only achieved good success, but also showed an unusual understanding of what might be helpful to other boats.
 
     
   

Signed in draft:   D ö  n  i  t  z

 
 
        For correctness:  
            
        Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant  
     
     
 


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