U-269 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Skjomenfjord
5 September 1943
Bergen
8 September 1943
4
Bergen
4 November 1943
St. Nazaire
15 December 1943
42

 

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
None
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.


 
 
           
           
           
           
                         3rd Patrol                                                                        Copy No.      1      
           
            
       
 
 
 
                Geheime-Kommandosache!
 
                K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "U  269".  
           
           
                          Beginning:   4.9.  1943.  
                          Ending    : 15.12.1943  
           
                          Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant    H  a  r  l  f  i  n  g  e  r.  
           
           
     
Distribution:    
O.K.M. Copy No. 1 - 2
B.d.U.     "      " 3
Komd.Adm.U.-Boote     "      " 4
F.d.U. West     "      " 5
F.d.U.-Ausbildung     "      " 6
27. U.-Flottille     "      " 7
6.   U.-Flottille     "      " 8
 
           
     
Enclosures:    
1 Track chart For Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
x Combat sketches   "       "       " 3 and 8
1 Excerpt of the Radio Log   "       "       " 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
K.T.B. Maschine   "       "       " 3
 
           
           
     
Supplemental for F.d.U. West: Barograph strips could not be enclosed because the same was out of service from the beginning of the patrol.
 
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    1943   Month of September 1943.  
           
    04.09.43 Vestfjord    
    20.30 Narvik Cast off.  
        Shifted to Skjomenfjord.  
    23.50 Skjomenfjord Made fast alongside "KÄRNTEN" for fuel loading.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    05.09.43 Skjomenfjord    
    19.00 Skjomenfjord Cast off "KÄRNTEN".  
        Transit to Bergen.  
    24.00 AF 3391    
      SSW 3, Sea 1-2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    06.09.43 AF 3582    
    08.00 AF 3582    
      SSW 3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb    
    12.00 AF 3489 Day's run:  Surfaced 177 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 1, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb    
    16.00 AF 3717    
      SW 2-4, Sea 2-3, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1022 mb    
    20.00 AF 2997    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb    
    24.00 AF 5349    
      SW 4, Sea 3, nearly cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    07.09.43 North Sea    
    04.00 AF 5539    
      WbyS 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.09.43      
    08.00 AF 5588    
      WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb    
    12.00 AF 5872 Day's run:  Surfaced 274 nm  
      WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. low, 1020 mb    
    16.00 AF 8162    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, nearly cloudy, Vis. low, 1019 mb    
    20.00 AF 8425    
      W 2-3, Sea 1-2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb    
    24.00 AF 8477    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, 1019 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    08.09.43 West of Norway    
    04.00 AF 8777    
      W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, 1018 mb    
    08.00 AN 2362    
      W 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1012 mb    
    10.15 Hellisøy Taken in convoy.  
    14.00 Bergen Marineholm Made fast.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    09.09.43 Bergen    
    08.00 Marineholm Cast off.  
    08.50 Askøy Torpedo offload.  
    15.15 Askøy Cast off.  
    16.00 Marineholm Made fast  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    11.09.43 Bergen    
    Danziger Werft Began shipyard period.  
    25.09.43       "           " Dry-docked.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.10.43 Danziger Werft Un-docked.  
    20.10.43       "           " Installation of weapons.  
    23.10.43 Bergen    
    09.00 Danziger Werft Cast off for shipyard sea trial.  
    17.30       "           " Made fast.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
        Final adjustments  
    28.10.43 Bergen    
    08.00 Danziger Werft Cast off for Askøy to load torpedoes.  
    15.00 Askøy Cast off.  
    16.05 Marineholm Made fast.  Ammunition loading and fuel loading.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    29.10.43 Bergen    
    Marineholm Provisions loading.  
    30.10.43   Final adjustments and training.  
    31.10.43 Byfjorden Degaussing and training.  
    01.11.43       "    
    02.11.43       " 2 cm weapons fired, training.  
      Dry-docked and un-docked to redistribute ballast.  
    03.11.43   Radio direction finder and magnetic compass calibration.  
      Training.  
    04.11.43 Bergen    
    08.00 Marineholm Departed to shoot (2 cm weapons and for magnetic compass calibration)  
    12.00          " Made fast.  
    14.30          " Cast off for final trim test.  
    16.30 Byfjorden Taken in convoy.  
    19.30 Hellesøy Released from convoy.  
        Departed for patrol in accordance with Operational Orders Gkdos Skl.B.d.U.-Op- 00212/Fn A2:  
        Outbound Orders "U-962" and "U-269".  
        1)  Depart Bergen on 3 November with escort.  
        2)  Outbound transit via square AE 60 and 80 and AK 91 in accordance with Outbound Orders No. 13.  
        3)  Objective: "U-962" green square Sophie Richard 11.  "U-269" square AK 57.  
        4)  Radio Silence except for tactically important and war emergency reports.  
        5)  Passing report first on request.  Operations Order 56 in effect.  
    20.00 Hellesøy Due to K.B. schedule delay departed on 4 instead of the anticipated 3 November 1943.  [K.B. - presumably Kriegsmarinewerft Bergen]  
      SEbyS 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, 1013 mb  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.11.43      
    24.00 AF 8779    
      SEbyS 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. bad, 1011 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    05.11.43 Northern North Sea    
    05.15 AF 4934    
      SEbyS 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, 1021 mb, +18°C    
    08.00 AF 7667 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    11.35 AF 7665 Surfaced.  
    12.00 AF 7658 Day's run:  Surfaced       122 nm  
      S 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1014 mb, +17°C                  Submerged     25 nm  
                       Total             147 nm  
    16.00 AF 7619 Proceeded on the surface to charge.  
    20.00 AF 7378    
      S 4, Sea 3-4, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1010 mb    
    22.03 AF 7238 Presented Radio Message 2049/5/69:  
        1)  From now Wanze (G 1) is not to be used.  Will be replaced by Wanze (G 2) or Borkum receiver.  
        2)   Outbound and inbound boats east of 18°W, boats departing from the homeland up to and including naval square AE radio reception only via very low frequency with dived boat.  Short-wave receiver on the surface in these areas only when equipped with receiver type "Main".  Do not use receiver "E 437S" in these areas.  
    23.07 AF 7238 Dived, proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    06.11.43 Northern of the North Sea    
    04.00 AF 7238    
    06.xx AF 7234 Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface to charge.  
    08.00 AF 7231    
    09.00 AF 4897 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AF 4886 Day's run:  Surfaced       40.7 nm  
                         Submerged    38.0 nm  
                         Total             79.7 nm  
    16.00 AF 4835    
      NW 4, Sea 2-3, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1008 mb    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.11.43      
    23.02 AF 4854 Surfaced to charge.  
      NW 5, Sea 3-4, cloudy, rain shower, 1010 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    07.11.43 Northern North Sea    
    01.40 AF 4763 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    08.55 AF 4737 Surfaced to charge.  
    11.29 AF 4726 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AF 4726 Day's run:  Surfaced       43.7 nm  
                         Submerged   44.6 nm  
                         Total             88.3 nm  
    17.37 AF 4724 Presented Radio Message 1651/7/129:  
        Harlfinger and Liesberg switch to Ireland Circuit on 8 November at 08.00 hours.  Both boats report their position passing the latitude of square AL 14.  
    18.31 AF 4724 Surfaced to charge.  
    21.38 AF 4711 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 17 meters for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    08.11.43 North Atlantic    
    05.53 AE 6698 Surfaced to charge.  
      S 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, 1005 mb    
    07.55 AE 6696 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AE 6685 Day's run:  Surfaced       33 nm  
                         Submerged   31 nm  
                         Total             64 nm  
    14.45 AE 6683 Surfaced to charge.  
    16.00 AE 6672    
      SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1001 mb, +4°C    
    17.41 AE 6569 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 15 meters for radio reception.  
    18.10 AE 6569 Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.34 AE 6559 Surfaced to charge.  
    04.00 AE 6573    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, light Swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1004 mb, +4°C    
    04.11 AE 6573 Dived due to aircraft with searchlight in 75°T, course 250°.  
        Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AE 6499 Day's run:  Surfaced       50.9 nm  
                         Submerged   50.8 nm  
                         Total           101.7 nm  
    12.54 AE 6499 Surfaced to charge.  
    15.59 AE 6728 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 15 meters for radio reception, then to depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    10.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.18 AE 6746 Surfaced to charge.  
    04.34 AE 5995 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
      WSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. low, rain, 998 mb    
    12.00 AE 5997 Day's run:  Surfaced       61.6 nm  
                         Submerged   29.8 nm  
                         Total             91.4 nm  
    13.20 AE 8323 Surfaced to charge.  
    16.06 AE 8327 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    11.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.02 AE 8345 Surfaced to charge.  
      W 5-6, Sea 4, moderately cloudy, Vis. low, 1010 mb    
    04.15 AE 8269 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AE 8294 Day's run:  Surfaced       44 nm  
                         Submerged   37 nm  
                         Total             83 nm  
    12.35 AE 8294 Surfaced to charge.  
      NNW 8, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. good, 1001 mb    
    15.57 AE 8535 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.27 AE 8519 Surfaced to charge.  
    04.00 AE 8545    
      NNW 7-8, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good, 1008 mb    
    05.46 AE 8466 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AE 8492 Day's run:  Surfaced       36 nm  
                         Submerged   30 nm  
                         Total             66 nm  
    13.26 AE 8492 Surfaced to charge.  
    15.08 AE 8491 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 250°T, (type not determined) course southerly.  Range 10000 meters.  Was not noticed.  
      NNW 7, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1006 mb  
      Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    22.40 AE 8722 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    13.11.43 North Atlantic    
    03.02 AE 8716 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AE 8744 Day's run:  Surfaced       26 nm  
                         Submerged   40 nm  
                         Total             66 nm  
    12.32 AE 8744 Surfaced to charge.  
      NbyE 7, Sea 5, moderately cloudy, Vis. low, 1017 mb    
    16.01 AE 7991 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    22.45 AE 7988 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.01 AE 7985 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    14.11.43 North Atlantic    
    03.51 AL 3113 Surfaced to charge.  
    07.40 AL 2256 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 2258 Day's run:  Surfaced       68 nm  
                         Submerged   33 nm  
                         Total           101 nm  
    15.55 AL 2257 Surfaced to charge.  
      N 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, 1035 mb    
    20.28 AL 2332 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    15.11.43 North Atlantic    
    02.27 AL 2373 Surfaced to charge.  
    04.00 AL 2513 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 34 nm in 196°T.  
      N 2, Sea 1, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1038 mb  
    05.31 AL 2515 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 1662 Day's run:  Surfaced       77 nm  
                         Submerged   35 nm  
                         Total           112 nm  
    14.23 AL 1667 Surfaced to charge.  
    16.57 AL 1673 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    16.11.43 North Atlantic    
    00.35 AL 1675 Surfaced to charge.  
    03.38 AL 1677 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    03.59 AL 1677 Presented Radio Message 2052/15/112:  
        1.  Gossler Short Signal weather report, Dültgen and Herwartz position and fuel.  
        2.  New objective for Liesberg, Petersen and Harlfinger is square AK 93.  
        3.  Witzendorf and Davidson switch to Coastal Circuit on 16 November .  
    03.27 AL 1677 Sent Short Signal 0327/16/117:  
        Have reached prescribed line to give check report.  
                                                                    "U-269"  
    12.00 AL 1736 Day's run:  Surfaced       55 nm  
      SW 3, Sea 2, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1035 mb                  Submerged   30 nm  
                       Total            85 nm  
    12.38 AL 1736 Surfaced to charge.  
    15.56 AL 1765 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    17.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.15 AL 1794 Surfaced to charge.  
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good, 1034 mb    
    04.21 AL 1989 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.11.43      
    12.00 AL 4126 Day's run:  Surfaced       61 nm  
                         Submerged   37 nm  
                         Total            98 nm  
    13.13 AL 4128 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    13.38 AL 4128 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    21.36 AL 4152 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    18.11.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AL 4473    
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1039 mb    
    04.15 AL 4473 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 4448 Day's run:  Surfaced       73 nm  
                         Submerged   31 nm  
                         Total           104 nm  
    13.18 AL 4473 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. low, 1040 mb    
    13.52 AL 4473 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    17.16 AL 4473 Presented Radio Message 2170/17/148:  
        1)  Bruns, Hellrigel and Mattke switch to Ireland Circuit on 18 November at 08.00 hours.  Boats report their position when passing the latitude of square AL 15.  
        2)  Harlfinger tonight send 2 Radio Messages one of which is a Short Signal weather report.  
    21.26 AL 4714 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.50 AL 4721 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    19.11.43 North Atlantic    
    02.08 AL 4744 Surfaced to charge.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, nearly cloudy, Vis. low, 1040 mb    
    02.52 AL 4744 Sent Short Signal weather report.  
    05.37 AK 6969 Sent Radio Message 0232/19/184:  
        Sent Radio Message and Short Signal weather report first tonight due to late reception.  Serial No. 148.  Naval square AL 4744, 99 cbm.  
    05.48 AK 6969 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.11.43      
    12.00 AK 9391 Day's run:  Surfaced       65 nm  
                         Submerged   29 nm  
                         Total            94 nm  
    13.22 AK 9391 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    13.45 AK 9394 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    21.02 AK 9367 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.42 AK 9625 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    20.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.27 AK 9628 Presented Radio Message 1314/19/197:  
        1)  As temporary attack areas occupy:  Liesberg square AL 71, 74 and 77.  Harlfinger square 72, 75 and 78 all square AL.  
    02.50 AK 9628 Surfaced to charge.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, moderately cloudy, Vis. medium    
    06.00 AL 7544 Reached ordered attack area.  Monitored the ordered area at economical transit speed on northerly and southerly legs.  
    06.28 AL 7418 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7545 Day's run:  Surfaced       57 nm  
                         Submerged   33 nm  
                         Total            90 nm  
    14.17 AL 7546 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    14.40 AL 7546 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.30 AL 7557 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.46 AL 7582 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    21.11.43 North Atlantic    
    03.07 AL 7585 Surfaced to charge.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, rain, Vis. moderate    
    09.01 AL 7858 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7885 Day's run:  Surfaced       91 nm  
                         Submerged   26 nm  
                         Total           117 nm  
    16.37 AL 7888 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    16.52 AL 7888 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.11.43      
    20.10 BE 1123 Surfaced to charge.  
    22.43 BE 1133 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    22.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.17 AL 7899 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.03 AL 7839 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7833 Day's run:  Surfaced       67 nm  
                         Submerged   27 nm  
                         Total             94 nm  
    15.07 AL 7596 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    15.28 AL 7596 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.39 AL 7569 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.29 AL 7536 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    23.11.43      
    01.51 AL 7291 Surfaced to charge.  
      NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad, 1002 mb    
    09.06 AL 7256 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7255 Day's run:  Surfaced       61 nm  
                         Submerged   32 nm  
                         Total             93 nm  
    16.16 AL 7251 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    16.30 AL 7251 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.56 AL 7237 Surfaced to charge.  
    21.15 AL 4873 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix in 35°T, 40 nm.  
    23.49 AL 4887 Naxos detection.  Dived.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    24.11.43 North Atlantic    
    01.30 AL 4887 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.28 AL 7254 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7267 Day's run:  Surfaced       100 nm  
                         Submerged    27 nm  
                         Total            127 nm  
    14.42 AL 7257 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    15.07 AL 7291 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.44 AL 7292 Surfaced to charge.  
      NNW 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1001 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.11.43 North Atlantic    
    07.44 AL 7568 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AK 7592 Day's run:  Surfaced       62 nm  
                         Submerged   21 nm  
                         Total             83 nm  
    16.05 AL 7595 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      NNW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, Vis. good, 1005 mb    
    16.21 AL 7595 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    20.10 AL 7585 Surfaced to charge.  
    22.26 AL 7585 Presented Radio Message 1842/25/175:  
        Due to intended convoy operation boats maintain radio silence between the latitudes of AL 19 and 77 except for tactically important reports.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    26.11.43 North Atlantic    
    02.47 AL 7813 Dived for radio reception.  
    08.08 AL 7828 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.47 AL 7823 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7832 Day's run:  Surfaced       45 nm  
                         Submerged   35 nm  
                         Total             80 nm  
    16.43 AL 7894 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    17.50 AL 7895 Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    20.35 AL 7893 Surfaced to charge.  
      WNW 4-5, Sea 4, moderately cloudy, Vis. good, 1006 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    27.11.43 North Atlantic    
    02.44 AL 7831 Dived for radio reception.  
    04.18 AL 7813 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.58 AL 7538 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7564 Day's run:  Surfaced       71 nm  
                         Submerged   23 nm  
                         Total             94 nm  
    17.08 AL 7337 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    17.35 AL 7537 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 40 meters.  
    20.17 AL 7298 Surfaced to charge.  
      NW 5, Sea 4-5, moderate overcast, Vis. good, 1007 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.11.43 North Atlantic    
    02.x3 AL 7283 Dived for radio reception.  
    04.41 AL 7258 Surfaced to charge.  
      NWbyW 5, Sea 4, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1010 mb    
    09.34 AL 7522 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7588 Day's run:  Surfaced       59 nm  
                         Submerged   27 nm  
                         Total             86 nm  
    16.07 AL 7288 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    16.38 AL 7258 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    20.15 AL 7228 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    29.11.43 North Atlantic    
    09.40 AL 7586 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7583 Day's run:  Surfaced       72 nm  
                         Submerged   22 nm  
                         Total             94 nm  
    15.30 AL 7552 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1011 mb    
    16.12 AL 7567 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.31 AL 7561 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    30.11.43 North Atlantic    
    09.57 AL 7534 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7231 Day's run:  Surfaced       82 nm  
                         Submerged   21 nm  
                         Total           103 nm  
    14.16 AL 7231 Presented Radio Message 1249/30/150:  
        To boats in square AL 10, 40 and 70:  
        In the named sea area at the moment one west- and 2 eastbound convoys are expected.  On sighting the same give report and use offered attack opportunities.  Boats positioned favorably, which can approach in the night, operate may operate on it.  
    19.42 AL 7264 Surfaced to charge.  
      WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1012 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
        Month of December 1943.  
           
    01.12.43 North Atlantic    
    09.40 AL 7531 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7531 Day's run:  Surfaced       56 nm  
                         Submerged   17 nm  
                         Total             73 nm  
    16.44 AL 7556 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      SbyW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, 1010 mb    
    17.08 AL 7556 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    20.05 AL 7559 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    02.12.43 North Atlantic    
    09.48 AL 7888 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 BD 1123 Day's run:  Surfaced       74 nm  
                         Submerged    22 nm  
                         Total             96 nm  
    16.00 AL 7888 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      NE 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb    
    16.29 AL 7888 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 40 meters.  
    20.03 AL 7885 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    03.12.43 North Atlantic    
    04.58   Presented Radio Message 1323/2/193:  
        1.  Bugs, Geider, Lawaetz, Mattke, Benker, Colbus, Blauert, Petersen, Harlfinger, Bruno, Schröteler, Neide form Group "Coronel".  
        2.  With named boats intend on 5 December 12.00 hours to establish a patrol line from about square [omited text - AL 1982 to] AL 7195 for night operation on a slow westbound convoy.  Proceed with course and speed such that arrival in position is unseen.  
        3.  On 4 and 5 December there will be reconnaissance of the area east of the line by own air.  More to follow.  
    10.04 AL 7553 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    12.00 AL 7526 Day's run:  Surfaced        83 nm  
                         Submerged    28 nm  
                         Total            111 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.12.43      
    16.20 AL 7523 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    16.45 AL 7523 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
    19.43 AL 7269 Surfaced to charge.  
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb    
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    04.12.43 North Atlantic    
    10.13 AL 4881 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix in 156°T, 16 nm.  
      AL 4884 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 50 meters.  
        Afterwards slowly went to depth 2A +10 meters, to check around the manhole cover for main ballast tank 3 which was repacked the previous day.  
    11.10   After checking the bilges and outboard closures 2 one after another strong knocking sounds, together with strong concussion of the boat.  Immediate "Blow!" and "Both motors ahead GF" ordered.  Despite this initially the boat settled to about depth 2A +40 meters.  Report from the diesel room:  "Water intake through the drain of the diesel air intake duct!".  
    11.26   Surfaced and began return transit because the following damage was determined:  Regulating and reserve fuel oil tank port and diesel air intake duct between the head and foot valve dented and torn.  
        Boat was not clear to dive for about 1/2 hour, because the drain valve and diesel air intake head valve could not be closed.  Assumed that the boat was not clear to dive because the possibility exists that the pressure hull is damaged.  Therefore when surfacing manned anti-aircraft weapons and the crew "Ready with life vests".  
    12.00 AL 4828 Day's run:  Surfaced       79 nm  
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1027 mb                  Submerged    19 nm  
                       Total             98 nm  
    14.37 AL 7225 Outgoing Radio Message 1549/4/123:  
        From Harlfinger:  
        Limited ability to dive.  Diesel air intake duct and regulating and reserve fuel oil tank port torn.  Have begun return transit.  AL 7225.  70 cbm.  
        By all available means pumped out the penetrated water and then carried out a careful trim test at periscope depth.  In so doing determined that the pressure hull was not damaged.  Report from the Chief Engineer: "Boat is divable to depth A -40 meters".  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
         
    23.30 AL 7588  
         
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.12.43 North Atlantic    
    01.05 AL 7822 Surfaced to charge.  
    03.49   Presented Radio Message 1705/4/126:  
        Group Coronal:  
        1.  Contrary to previous orders:  On 5 December, 18.00 hours with 15 boats without Harlfinger in new patrol line positioned from AK 6689 to AL 7781.  Surface at 18.30 hours.  
        2. On 5 December 08.00 hours switch to Diana Circuit.  
    09.32 BE 1188 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BE 1425 Day's run:  Surfaced      201 nm  
                         Submerged      8 nm  
                         Total            209 nm  
    15.23 BE 1428 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      N 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb    
    15.43 BE 1428 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    19.58 BE 1452 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    06.12.43 North Atlantic    
    09.31 BE 1921 2 smoke feathers bearing 8°T, range 28000 meters closing quickly in the morning twilight.  
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, horizon moderately clouded, otherwise Vis. good, 1024 mb  
    09.41 BE 1921 Dived to periscope depth.  
    10.30   Smoke feathers clearly distinguished in the periscope, still not possible to distinguish vessel type, took directly ahead.  
        "To Action Stations".  
    12.00 BE 1922 Day's run:  Surfaced      142 nm  
                         Submerged    18 nm  
                         Total            160 nm  
        New sound band reported bearing 70°T.  (Because sound band is relatively small (1-2°) suspect that I am positioned ahead of the convoy.)  
        Sound bearing taken directly ahead.  
        In the meantime the two initially sighted smoke feathers were recognized as destroyers and have turned away to starboard, bearing 270°T, range 7000 meters.  One corvette bearing 50°T, bow right, target angle 50°, range 8000 meters and a second on 100°T, range 6000 meters, coming a bit closer, zigzagging.  At intervals scare depth charges are heard.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.12.43      
    12.16   The horizon has grown clearer, the overlying cloud edge has lifted.  
        Convoy in sight bearing 65°, bow right target angle 90°, range 10000-12000 meters, took directly ahead.  Convoy proceeds in line ahead, in the outer column 16 steamers counted.  Other columns are not observed.  
    12.56   Convoy steamers pass out of sight.  
    13.30   The closest corvette has come closer.  Took astern, turned to 280°.  
    13.53   Last visual bearing of the convoy (screen) bearing 160°T, range 18000 meters.  (smoke feathers)  
        Sound bearing shortly before surfacing bearing 245°T, presumably a destroyer of the aft screen.  
        "Secured from Action Stations".  
    14.04 BE 1935 Surfaced.  Pursued on the last sound bearing.  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1024 mb    
    14.10 BE 1935) Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 0°T in 30 nm.  
      BE 1665)  
    14.14   Sent Short Signal 1414/6/147:  
        Convoy in BE 19.    "U-269"  
    14.20 BE 1665 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 350°T, range 10000 meters, altitude 700-800 meters, course westerly, type presumably Sunderland.  
    14.58 BE 1665 Surfaced.  
        Attempted to send a new Short Signal, did not succeed, because  
    15.04 BE 1665 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 160°T, range 8000 meters, altitude 600-700 meters, course westerly, type land-based aircraft.  
        Engine malfunction corrected.  (Re-tightened the clutch)  
    16.23 BE 1665 Surfaced.  
        Sent Short Signal 1626/6/150:  
        Convoy speed 5-7 knots, steered southerly course, convoy has air escort.  
    16.37   Smoke cloud in sight bearing 250°T, range 25000 meters.  
    16.42 BE 1664 Crash dive before aircraft bearing 180°T, range 10000 meters, altitude 200 meters, course easterly, type land-based aircraft.  
        (Main transmitter out of service, water through the air intake.)  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.12.43      
    18.00   Aircraft disappeared from sight in the periscope after large west and east legs.  Last bearing 230°T, range 6000-7000 meters.  
    18.39 BE 1659 Surfaced.  
    19.04   Smoke clouds were getting bigger.  Decreased with the speed.  Pursued again at highest speed.  Due to clutch damage highest speed was 2 x HF.  
    20.48   Attempted to send a Radio Message report with the 40-Watt transmitter concerning loss of contact.  Was not confirmed by Control.  
    21.06   Reduced speed, because the clutch ran hot.  
    21.53 BE 1637 Dived.  Naxos detection.  
        Clutch repaired.  
    22.49   Presented Radio Message 1706/6/151:  
        Harlfinger report immediately, what was sighted, important for approach of Weddigen, if a convoy with certainty and exact speed and course.  
    23.06   Presented Radio Message 1445/6/148:  
        Harlfinger immediately report the course of the convoy.  
    23.15 BE 1912 Surfaced.  
        With a large SE-leg and afterwards SSW-leg, searchrd the area where I presumed the convoy to be, if it did not encounter group "Weddigen".  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    07.12.43 North Atlantic    
    04.07   Sent Radio Message 0123/7/161:  
        Main transmitter out of service.  Last convoy position 19.35 hours naval square BE 1676, course south, 16 ships per column, strong day air.  Contact lost.  21.50 hours Naxos detection.  Position naval square BE 1924, NNE 3, Sea 2, medium-Swell, Vis. changing, 60 cbm.  
    09.49 BE 4269 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    11.12   Presented Radio Message 1103/7/92:  
        Return harbor for Harlfinger is "Nazaire".  
                                                         F.d.U. West.  
    12.00 BE 4269 Day's run:  Surfaced      183 nm  
                         Submerged    22 nm  
                         Total            205 nm  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.12.43      
    15.21 BE 4269 Surfaced to charge.  
    15.42 BE 4347 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
      NbyE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1023 mb    
    20.08 BE 4348 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.34   Sent Short Signal:  2334/7/98:  
        Have begun return transit.  BE 4389.  
                                                                    "U-269"  
    23.45 BE 5184 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    08.12.43 North Atlantic    
    01.40 BE 4395 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.28 BE 9511 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BE 5512 Day's run:  Surfaced      117 nm  
                         Submerged    25 nm  
                         Total            142 nm  
    16.27 BE 5513 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb    
    16.50 BE 5521 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    17.27   Presented Radio Message 0029/8/99:  
        Serial No. 98 settled.  Contents:  Have begun return transit from naval square BE 4389.  Signature not solved.  Assume was Henke.  
    20.00 BE 5523 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.49 BE 5618 Dived for radio reception.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    09.12.43 North Atlantic    
    01.24 BE 5619 Surfaced to charge.  
    09.06 BE 6464 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    08.49   Sent Radio Message 0825/9/15:  
        From Harlfinger.  Serial No. 98 is from me.  
    12.00 BE 6465 Day's run:  Surfaced      143.5 nm  
                         Submerged      25 nm  
                         Total            168.5 nm  
    14.00 BE 6465 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1021 mb    
    14.37 BE 6469 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    19.46 BE 6573 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.12.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.12.43 North Atlantic    
    01.52 BE 6679 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    06.12 BE 6688 Surfaced to charge.  
    08.03 BE 6931 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BE 6931 Day's run:  Surfaced        88 nm  
                         Submerged     24 nm  
                         Total            112 nm  
    14.23 BE 6932 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, light changing Swell, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1030 mb    
    14.54 BE 6933 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    19.53 BF 4711 Surfaced to charge.  
    23.09 BF 4731 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    11.12.43 North Atlantic    
    04.56 BF 4819 Surfaced to charge.  
    07.40 BF 4853 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BF 4864 Day's run:  Surfaced        62 nm  
                         Submerged     30 nm  
                         Total              92 nm  
    15.02 BF 4865 Surfaced to ventilate.  
    15.26 BF 4866 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 2, quite cloudy, Vis. good, 1030 mb    
    19.23 BF 4865 Surfaced to charge.  
    22.48 BF 4948 Aircraft bearing 180°T, range 500-600 meters, altitude 100 meters, flew directly over, without attacking, course 0°, type 4-engined.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    12.12.43 Western Bay of Biscay    
    01.01 BF 4957 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    03.37 BF 4958 Surfaced to charge.  
    07.37 BF 4996 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BF 5775 Day's run:  Surfaced         96 nm  
                         Submerged     24 nm  
                         Total             120 nm  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.12.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.12.43      
    15.22 BF 5776 Surfaced to charge.  
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, freshening, cloudy, Vis. moderate, 1027 mb    
    15.47 BF 5787 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    19.37 BF 5788 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    13.12.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.37 BF 8314 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    05.00 BF 8324 Surfaced to charge.  
    07.03   Sent Short Signal 0703/13/61:  
        Am 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  
                                                                    "U-269"  
    07.17 BF 8334 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BF 8336 Day's run:  Surfaced        72 nm  
                         Submerged     28 nm  
                         Total             100 nm  
    15.38 BF 9117 Surfaced to ventilate.  
      ENE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. bad, 1018 mb    
    15.57 BF 1917 [typo 9117] Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    22.55 BF 9124 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    14.12.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.55   Presented Radio Message 0901/13/62:  
        "U-269":  
        Escort positioned on 15 December 08.00 hours Herz 439.  
                                                                 6. U-Flottille.  
    03.55 BF 9134 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    05.55 BF 9132 Surfaced to charge.  
    06.59 BF 6788 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    12.00 BF 6782 Day's run:  Surfaced        57 nm  
                         Submerged     28 nm  
                         Total              85 nm  
    15.22 BF 6738 Surfaced to ventilate and take bearings.  
      ENE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. bad, 1019 mb Sighted 2 Spanish trawlers each to port and starboard, they steered southerly courses.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.12.43      
    16.58 BF 6757 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    23.49 BF 6734 Surfaced to charge.  
    ___________________________________________________________________________________  
    15.12.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.05 BF 6729 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 228°T, 13 nm.  
    01.49 BF 6731 Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters.  
    05.50 BF 6497 Surfaced.  
    07.55 BF 6493 Meeting point with escort.  
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. bad, fog, Vis. 0.5 nm, 1022 mb Escort not met due to fog.  
      Radio direction finder out of service.  
    12.00 BF 6468 Day's run:  Surfaced         86 nm  
                         Submerged     23 nm  
                         Total             109 nm  
    12.44   Presented Radio Message 1054/15/91:  
        To Harlfinger:  
        Report position immediately.  Inner escort waits again at Point 439, that is naval square 6493, upper-center edge.  
                                                                 F.d.U. West.  
    13.20 BF 5493 Taken in convoy.  
    18.30 St. Nazaire Made fast.  
           
        Total distance covered on the surface: 3514.4 nm  
        Total distance covered submerged:     1156.2 nm  
        Total distance covered:                       4670.6 nm  
        ==================================  
           
                        On board 15 December 1943.  
           
                                                   
                                               Kaptlt. and Kommandant  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.12.43

 

Enclosures to U-269's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio Excerpt of the radio log
   
Chart Track chart covering the entire patrol

 

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the K.T.B. of "U-269" (Harlfinger) from 4.9. - 15.12.1943.
 
 

 

 
          First Atlantic deployment of the Kommandanten previously assigned in the Norwegian Sea after a long operational pause due to illness.  
          Apparently due to pressure gauge failure, on 4 December the boat went too deep and suffered damage that limited the ability of the boat to operate and justified the intention of the Kommandant to return.  
          On 6 December positioned in Group "Coronel" the boat detected the awaited convoy.  Unfortunately, due to inexact reporting by the the Kommandant at 14.14 hours ad 16.23 hours a planned approach of the other boats was prevented.  The correction given in Radio Message 0123/7/161 on 7 December was not recognizable as such and was too late to evaluate for the operation.  Radio failure and clutch damage had a negative effect on the Kommandant in his decisions, as well as strong air on 6 December which made contact keeping during the day impossible.  
     
   

For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of the Operations Department -
 
 
                            
     
 


Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page