U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-333 4th War Patrol

U-333 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
La Pallice	1 September 1942	La Pallice	23 October 1942	53

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 Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
6 Oct 42	01.49 - 02.18	41°53'N, 63°48'W	HMS CROCUS (K 49) damaged	925	British

			Total = 925
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.

Copy No.

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

" U 333 "

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant C r e m e r

Beginning: 25.08.1942

Ending: 23.10.1942

Distribution:

OKM.	Copy No.	1 + 2
B.d.U.	"	3
2.A.d.U.-Boote	"	4
3. U.-Flottille	"	5
27. U.-Flottille	"	6
Agru.-Front	"	7

Attachments:

1 Track Chart with Copy No. 1, 3, 4, 5.

1 Firing Report with Copy No. 3, 5.

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

- 1 -




	From 25.08.42
	to 31.08.42		Shipyard period, Kriegsmarine Shipyard La Pallice.

	01.09.42
	18.40		Sailed from the bunker.
	19.05		Made fast in the lock.
	19.35		Cast off from the lock.
	19.45		Taken in Sperrbrecher convoy.
	20.00	SW 2-4, Sea 2, overcast
	21.30		Dismissed from Sperrbrecher convoy.
			Taken in patrol boat convoy.
	24.00	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, showers, Vis. medium

	02.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 120 nm Submerged 11 nm.
	00.40		Dismissed from patrol boat convoy.
	04.00	SW 2-4, Sea 1-2, 9/10, light swell
	06.40		Point Hand.
	06.42	BF 9281	Dived.
	21.46	BF 9182	Surfaced.
	24.00	BF 9143, W 2-3, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. medium, heavy marine phosphorescence

	03.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 75 nm Submerged 30 nm.
	04.00	BF 8382
		W 4-6, Sea 2, increasing to 6, overcast
	06.49	BF 8381	Dived.
			Proceed submerged.
	21.52	BF 8292	Surfaced.
	24.00	BF 8281
		WSW 2-4, Sea 4, Vis. medium, heavy marine phosphorescence

	04.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 30 nm Submerged 88 nm.
	04.00	BF 8191
		N 3-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
	07.06	BF 8171	Crash dive.
			Proceed submerged.
	21.59	BF 7382	Surfaced.
	24.00	BF 7281
		N 0-2, Sea 1, high swell, Vis. good, 1/10

	05.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 89 nm Submerged 30 nm.
	04.00	BF 7183
		WSW 2-4, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good, medium - light swell
	07.17	BF 7171	Crash dive. Proceed submerged.
	22.01	BE 9378	Surfaced.
	24.00	BE 9373
		NW 2-4, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, medium swell

	06.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 110 nm Submerged 22 nm.
	04.00	BE 9537
		NNW 2-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
	07.00		Dawn.
	08.00	BE 9573
		NNE 1-3, Sea 1, overcast (stratus), Vis. good, medium swell

	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42

- 2 -




	06.09.42
	12.00	BE 9739
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, medium swell
	11.51		Operated in reconnaissance sweep as ordered by radio message.
	13.55	BE 9765	Crash dive for land-based aircraft, course 220°.
			Water entry in diesel room. Thumb sized bolt for the cover of the cooling-water chamber of the inner exhaust gas valve cracked and flew out. Sealed tightly with wedges and caulking.
	16.10		Surfaced after temporary repairs.
	20.00	E 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. very good, medium swell
	24.00	BE 8965
		NE 2, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. good, light N-swell

	07.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 174 nm Submerged 8.5 nm.
	04.00	CF 3281
		E 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. medium
	08.00	CF 3281
		ENE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, light swell
	08.02		Dived.
	09.14		Surfaced.
	12.00	CF 3515
		SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	12.13	CF 3515	Aircraft abeam to port on crossing course, turned hard to starboard to 270°, out maneuvered on the surface.
	12.16		Out of sight.
	13.00		Operating on convoy reported by Senkel.
	16.00	CF 3729
		NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
	19.50	CF 3726	Intermittent clouds of smoke in sight to starboard, coming from 2 vessels. Suddenly to port, destroyer's mast on the horizon, evasion on the surface not possible as the mastheads came on quickly.
	19.57		Crash dived. Prepare for submerged attack on destroyer. Smooth sea and light swell, make it difficult to remain unseen. Intention: fan shot.
			Came in sight very quickly at bow right target angle 15°. At 30° recognized that it is a corvette with one stack. After a quick sweep a 2nd large vessel at target angle 0°. To position bow left target angle 30°. Initially thought to be a cruiser. Mast behind the bridge 2 tall angled stacks. Attack on cruiser, intend fan shot.
			Impossible to get at, course changes between 90° past 0° to 270°. Speed changes from stop to approximately 10 knots. While getting closer observe motor cutter behind the vessel, later the same to starboard. Suspect the superstructures are dummy, everything is very bulky.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42

- 3 -




	07.09.42
	21.05		Favorable opportunity, decoy at target angle 40° and speed entered, shot from tube V at 21.05 hours, shortly after shot the decoy stopped at target angle 90°. Slowly went deep, it was impossible I was seen..
	21.14		From vessel overhead. First depth charges at depth A -20 meters. Next depth charge series from 2 vessels at depth A +40 meters outmaneuvered vessels submerged and left them astern.
			Damage: primary hydraulic system inoperative, and starboard negative tank can no longer be vented. Surfaced at dusk, sent radio message, set off to join reconnaissance sweep.

	08.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 120 nm Submerged 20.5 nm.
	01.22		Surfaced.
	04.00	CF 3762
		NE 2-4, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium, light swell
	08.00	CF 6145
		NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium to poor
	08.25		Dived.
	10.09		Surfaced.
	12.00	CF 6174
		NNE 3-5, Sea 2-3, 5/10, overcast, Vis. good
	16.00	CF 5656
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 9/10, overcast, light swell
	20.00	CF 5913
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good
	24.00	CF 5947
		NE 3-4, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. medium, drizzle

	09.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 187 nm Submerged 5 nm.
	04.00	CF 8231
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, drizzle
	08.00	CF 8258
		NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. medium, drizzle
	08.14		Dived.
	10.14		Surfaced.
	12.00	CF 8279
		NE 4-6, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. very good
	16.00	CF 8542
		NE 4-6, Sea 5, partly cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	CF 8572
		ENE 4-5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. very good, high swell	To 180° in reconnaissance sweep.
	24.00	CF 8812
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, cloudy, medium swell, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42

- 4 -




	10.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 158 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	CF 8845
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
	08.00	DH 1312
		NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.25		Dived.
	09.00		Surfaced.
	12.00	DH 1345
		NE 2-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
	16.00	DH 1645
		NE 1-3, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good, light swell
	20.00	DH 1648
		NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, light swell
	24.00	DH 1915
		NE 0-2, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. poor
	11.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 158 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	DH 1948
		Wind calm, Sea 0, 2/10, Vis. medium
	08.00	DH 4312
		Wind calm, Sea 0, lightly cloudy, Vis. medium, marine phosphorescence
	08.31		Dived.
	09.24		Surfaced.
	12.00	DH 4343
		SSE 1-3, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
	16.00	DH 4613
		SSW 2-4, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. very good, light swell
	16.37	DH 4618	Smoke clouds in sight bearing 100°T. Closed, dived for submerged attack. To judge by the form of the stack and mast, it had the appearance of a small freighter. At range = 4000 meters determined: a patrol vessel. At range = 3000 meters: bearing constant.
			Target angle of the patrol vessel was bow on, had turned toward us, turned away for a stern shot. Patrol vessel turned away and was out of shooting position. Report sent by Radio Message.
	19.59		Surfaced. Continued in reconnaissance sweep.
	20.03	SW 1-3, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
	24.00	DH 4648
		SSW 2-4, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. medium
	12.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 178.5 nm Submerged 5.5 nm.
	04.00	DH 4918
		SW 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. medium
	08.00	DH 4976
		Wind calm, Sea 0, hazy, Vis. medium
	08.43		Dived.
	09.28		Surfaced.
	12.00	DH 7342
		SSW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42

- 5 -




	12.09.42
	16.00	DH 7612
		Wind calm, Sea 0, Vis. very good, trade wind weather
	20.00	DH 7561
		WNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	DH 7553	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
		NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good

	13.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 165 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	NE 1-3, Sea 1, partly cloudy, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	ENE 2-4, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good	" " " " "
	08.42		Dived.
	09.14		Surfaced.
	10.00		Continued in reconnaissance sweep.
			Course 180°, 7 knots.
	12.00	DH 7559
		NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	DH 7826
		NE 1-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	DH 7859
		NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good
	24.00	DH 7886	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
		NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. good

	14.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 151 nm Submerged 2 nm
	04.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. medium to good	Steering back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	ENE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium	" " " " "
	08.38		Dived.
	09.28		Surfaced.
	12.00	NE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good	" " " " "
	20.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good	" " " " "
	24.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good	" " " " "

	15.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 145 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	NE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good	" " " " "
	08.44		Dived.
	09.00		Proceeded in reconnaissance sweep. Course 180°, 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42

- 6 -




	15.09.42
	09.42		Surfaced.
	12.00	DH 7889
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good
	16.00	DT 3145
		ENE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 3418
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 3442	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
		NE 3-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good, moonshine
	16.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 152 nm Submerged 1.5 nm.
	04.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. medium to good	" " " " "
	08.46		Dived.
	09.00		Surfaced.
	12.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good	" " " " "
	20.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, Vis. very good	" " " " "
	24.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good	" " " " "

	17.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 154 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	DT 3472
		NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 3718
		NE 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
	08.44		Dived.
	09.36		Surfaced
	12.00	DT 3772
		NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
	16.00	DT 3117
		NE 3-5, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 6274
		NNE 3-5, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. medium, haze
	24.00	DT 6417
		NE 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good
	18.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 154 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	00.00		Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	04.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. poor	" " " " "
	08.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. poor	" " " " "

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42

- 7 -




	18.09.42
	08.33		Dived.
	09.43		Surfaced.
	12.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	ENE 2-4, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. medium	" " " " "
	20.00	NE 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. medium to good	" " " " "
	24.00	NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium	" " " " "

	19.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 132 nm Submerged 4.5 nm.
	04.00	ENE 3-5, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, showers	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	NE 2-4, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.58 - 1046		Test dive.
	12.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	NE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	" " " " "
	20.00	NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	" " " " "
	24.00	NE 3-5, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good	" " " " "

	20.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 138 nm Submerged 1.5 nm.
	04.00	NE 2-3, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. medium, light swell	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.54		Dived.
	09.34		Surfaced.
	12.00	NE 4-6, Sea 3-4, 9/10, Vis. good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. good
	20.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. good
	24.00	NE 3-4, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, light swell
	21.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 138 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, moonshine	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	08.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. medium
	08.55		Dived.
	09.42		Surfaced.
	12.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. very good	Steered back and forth in patrol line.
	16.00	NE 3-5, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	NE 2-4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

- 8 -




	21.09.42
	21.00	DT 6442	Continued in reconnaissance sweep, Course 0°, 7 knots.
	24.00	DT 6412
		NE 3-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
	22.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm.
	04.00	DT 6145
		NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, bright moonlit night
	08.00	DT 3775	Operating on message from Berger: 4 shadows course north.
		NE 2-4, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good	Operating on message from Berger: 4 shadows course north.
	12.00	DT 3714
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	DT 3711
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 3439
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium, rain squalls
	20.30	DT 7595	Course 10° to take position in the reconnaissance sweep.
	24.00	DT 3274
		NE 3-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, showers
	23.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 181 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	DT 3118
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium, rain squalls
	08.00	DH 7891
		NNE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good, moonshine
	08.56		Dived.
	09.00	DH 7595	Reconnaissance sweep course South 6 knots.
	09.30		Surfaced.
	12.00	DH 7835
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. very good
	16.00	DH 7865
		NNE 2-4, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 3221	After darkness falls proceed to the supply square.
		NNE 1-3, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 3243
		NE 2-3, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
	24.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 148 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	DT 3167
		NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 3175
		NE 0-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
	08.54		Dived.
	09.32		Surfaced.
	12.00	DT 2631
		NE 1-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. very good
	16.00	DT 2641
		NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42

- 9 -




	24.09.42
	20.00	DT 2559	Stern above deck torpedo transferred.
		NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 2575
		NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
	25.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 143 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	DT 2731
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 2725
		NE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
	09.35		Dived.
	10.00		Surfaced.
	12.00	DT 2728
		NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
	13.00		Provisions and fuel oil transferred from 18.30 hours.
	16.00	DT 2725
		NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 2754	Course 180° since 18.40 hours.
		NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 5113	Test dive from 20.10 to 20.24 hours.
		NE 0-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
	26.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 139 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	DT 5149
		NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 5416
		NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, moonshine
	12.00	DT 5473
		NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	16.00	DT 5743
		NE 2-4, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good
	20.00	DT 5776
		NE 1-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good
	24.00	DT 8143
		E 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
	27.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 172 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	DT 8179
		NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.00	DT 8446
		NE 1-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
	09.17		Dived.
	10.06		Surfaced.
	12.00	DT 8474
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	DT 7961
		NE 3-5, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. good
	20.00	DT 7988
		NE 3-5, Sea 2-3, Vis. good
	24.00	EJ 1342
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42

- 10 -




	28.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 176 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	EJ 1296
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good
	08.00	EJ 1553
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good
	09.32		Dived.
	10.06		Surfaced.
	12.00	EJ 1584
		NE 3-5, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
	16.00	EJ 1818
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. good
	20.00	EJ 1791
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good
	24.00	EJ 4121
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good
	29.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	EJ 4186
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
	08.00	EJ 4453
		ENE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good, moonshine
	09.45		Dived.
	10.45		Surfaced.
	12.00	EJ 4497
		ENE 2-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	16.00	EJ 4764
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	EJ 4767
		NE 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good
	24.00	EJ 7165
		SE 2-3, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. medium
	30.09.42		Day's run: Surfaced 161 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	EJ 7165
		E 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, moonshine
	08.00	EJ 7433
		NE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, moonshine
	12.00	EJ 7466
		E 2-3, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. very good
	16.00	EJ 7577
		E 2, Sea 2, light swell, Vis. very good
	20.00	EJ 7842
		ENE 2-4, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	ES 1212
		NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium
	01.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 161 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	ES 1249
		E 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
	08.00	ES 1521
		ENE 2-3, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42

- 11 -




	01.10.42
	12.00	ES 1552
		ENE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	ES 1644
		ENE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
	20.00	ES 1659
		NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	ES 2471
		NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good
	02.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	ES 2489
		ENE 2-4, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. medium, rain squalls
	08.00	ES 2811
		NE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium, rain squalls
	09.22		Dived,
	09.42		Surfaced.
	12.00	ES 2825
		ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, showers
	16.00	ES 2917
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	ES 2956
		NE 1-3, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	24.00	ES 3748
		NNE 2-3, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good, summer lightening from the N - E
	03.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 160 nm Submerged 3 nm.
	04.00	ES 3783
		SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. poor, rain
	08.00	ES 3775
		SSE 2-4, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. medium, showers
	12.00	ES 3887
		S 3-4, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good
	16.00	ES 6312
		S 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	ES 6334
		S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	24.00	ET 4118
		SE 2-3, Sea 1, Vis. medium, light swell from the S, rain
	04.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 181 nm Submerged 1.5 nm.
	04.00	ET 4161
		SSE 2-4, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. medium
	08.00	ET 4245
		S 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, moonshine

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42

- 12 -




	04.10.42
	12.00	ET 4259
		S 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	ET 4388
		S 1, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. good
	20.00	ET 5411
		ENE 2, Sea 0, light swell from the S, Vis. very good
	24.00	ET 5426
		ESE 1, Sea 0, 6/10, Vis. poor, hazy
	05.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 161 nm Submerged 1.5 nm.
	04.00	ET 5518
		NNW 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. medium to poor, very heavy summer lightening, the entire horizon is often illuminated bright as day
	08.00	ET 5553
		N 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good, summer lightening
	08.33		Dived.
	09.32		Surfaced.
	12.00	ET 5564
		NNW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
	16.00	ET 5611
		NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	ET 5334
		NNE 1, Sea 0, 6/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	ET 5362
		NE 1, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. medium to poor
	06.10.42
	04.00	ET 6112
		E 3-5, Sea 3, squalls, Vis. poor, rain, summer lightening
			Intention was to search the ordered sector near Freetown in shallow water. At approximately 05.26 hours passed the 200-meter line. Shortly before 06.00 hours I left the bridge to satisfy myself of the navigation and sounding. Minutes later came: "Kommandant to the bridge!" and I saw approximately 500 meters astern and to starboard a corvette target angle 0° closing at high speed. Visibility was approximately 2 nm, dark night, moon covered by clouds, rough Sea 2. Running away in this situation was impossible. The corvette would have rammed the boat while diving. At the same moment I came up on the bridge, the corvette opened fire with

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42

- 13 -




	06.10.42
		cannon and anti-aircraft machine guns! I turned hard to starboard and went to 3 x A.K. The entire bridge watch was wounded and fell immediately including the Kommandant. The I.W.O. and I got up immediately again. I had several bullet holes in the arm, the I.W.O. was shot in the neck. We were both thrown into the conning tower by the concussion of a shell, we both immediately returned to the bridge. After the I.W.O. was wounded again in the arm and leg, I ordered him to let me remain alone above. I then passed all wounded on the bridge into the conning tower with my unwounded arm. Later it turned out that Btsmt. Kurtze, on the port forward sector, was missing. His whereabouts are a puzzle to me. Perhaps he jumped overboard during the moment the I.W.O. and I were in the conning tower.
		Meanwhile the corvette fired continuously. One succeeded in preventing ramming only by hard rudder maneuvers. Then I gave the order: "Ready with life jackets and escape apparatus."
		Meanwhile, I was wounded in the head and was thrown into the conning tower again by the concussion of a shell. Again I went immediately to the bridge and received a fragment in the chest. The corvette constantly turned with me and again tried to ram.
		Because I was weakened by the loss of blood and my wounds, - the left eye was full of blood, I could see only with one eye, - I decided, as a last resort, to save the boat by diving. I came to an approximately parallel course with the corvette, drove ahead of her, and when the corvette turned to ram, I turned away hard to starboard, so that the corvette only managed to strike in the stern. Then I ran off across the corvette's course, and dove at estimated range = 100 meters. Because she could not turn as quickly as me she could not ram me while diving. She probably thought the boat was sinking, because the bridge was full of holes like a sieve, and because the whole bridge watch had fallen out. After the crash dive I gave the order to go to depth A +0 meters, because we had only A +20 meters water depth. Then I lost unconsciousness several times, but the boat was saved. I could give the necessary orders during clear moments. During the ramming tube V was damaged, resulting in water entry in the E-motor Room. Due to the flooding the boat touched the bottom.

- 14 -




	06.10.42
			The flooding could be countered by pumping and trimming, and the boat was raised from the bottom by blowing from main ballast tanks I and V. Meanwhile, the corvette threw depth charges. Because it was still dark and submerged pumping of the flooded water was impossible because of failure of the main bilge pump, and the boat was endangered by the ongoing depth charge prosecution, I decided to use the remaining 3/4 hours of darkness and run off on the surface. The corvette was after me and fired star shells.
			The damage incurred the bombardment could not be surveyed quickly, but the boat was clear for diving.
			In the meantime, because the I.W.O. and I (the remainder of the bridge watch had died of their wounds) had weakened by loss of blood and were not in full possession of our faculties, the II.W.O. sent a radio message requesting a doctor's boat.
			Damages: tube V, watertight stern, stern jumping wires torn, exhaust gas blowing manifold shot-up, ballast tank III venting, no pressurized water, diesel supply air trunk leaks. All of this cannot be repaired, but losses are not vital.
			The II.W.O. took command of the boat.
		[This entry is by the Second Watch Officer]	When the Kommandant occasionally became unconscious after the crash dive. After surfacing, I took command of the boat.
	07.30		Surfaced.
	08.30		Set off with both diesels at A.K. course 270° transmitted radio message concerning a doctor's boat. Dived in the twilight. Proceeded submerged on course 200°, 1/2 hourly hydrophone bearings. The death of Oblt.z.S. Bernhardt, Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Levermann and Thiel was confirmed. The Kommandant and I.W.O. were bandaged.
	22.02		Surfaced and set off with both diesels at H.F. course 260°. Course and speed per radio message concerning doctor.
	23.20		After another examination in the presence of the Engineering Officer the fallen were buried. (ET 2987 lower-left corner)
			Oblt.z.S. Bernhardt: shot in the head
			Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Levermann: shot in the head, leg and arm
			Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Theil: shot twice in the chest.

	07.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm Submerged 20 nm.
	04.00	ET 5224
		SSW 1-2, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. medium to poor
	04.15		Operating in accordance with radio message to rendezvous with Wilamowitz. Sent short situation report.
	08.00	ET 5159
		SW 2-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42

- 15 -




	07.10.42
	12.00	ET 4631
		SW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10, Vis. good
	16.00	ET 4644
		W 2, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. good
	20.00	ET 4579
		SW 2-4, Sea 2, Vis. good
	24.00	ET 4752
		SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. medium

	08.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 267 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	ES 6886
		SW 2-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium
	08.00	ES 9237
		SW 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium to poor
	09.32		At the exact location for the rendezvous, poor visibility. Test dive at twilight to search for Wilamowitz by sound bearings. Direction finder inoperative.
			Rain and bad visibility the entire day. Wilamowitz not found in spite of searches to the north and the south of the meeting point. From 21.30 hours back and forth.
	10.10		Surfaced.
	12.00	ES 9255
		SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, rain, Vis. poor
	16.00	ES 6849
		SW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium, rain
	20.00	ES 9255
		SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. medium to poor
	24.00	ES 9255	Steered back and forth.
		SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. poor

	09.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 183 nm.
	04.00	ES 9255	Steered back and forth
		SW 2-3, Sea 1,overcast, rain, Vis. medium to poor
	08.00	ES 9255	Steered back and forth.
		SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. poor
	09.00		Met Wilamowitz and Gelhaus in the twilight. Doctor taken on board. The following damage determined: tube V torn, attack periscope cannot be raised. Watertight stern dented by ramming, pressure water and exhaust gas blowing manifold repeatedly shot through. Main ballast and reserve fuel tank number 4 starboard leaking, stern jumping wires shot up, bridge and upper deck shot up. Repairs begun. From the tanker 20 cbm fuel, a seaman petty officer and a man taken on board.
	10.30		Kplt. Kasch comes aboard to take command of the boat.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42

- 16 -




	09.10.42
	12.00	ES 9255
		SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. very good
	15.00		Transfer ended, started return transit.
	16.00	ES 9251
		SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.00	ES 6769
		NW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good (rain)
	24.00	ES 6468
		N 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. medium	At 10.30 hours command of the boat transferred to Kplt. Kasch. From 15.00 hours transfer of 20 cbm oil, fresh bread and provisions for the wounded. Damage is made good throughout the day. The return transit will be made as fast as possible because of the condition of the wounded, both engines HF to save fuel for the Trade Winds.

	10.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 210 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	ES 6187
		NNE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. medium
	08.00	ES 6614
		NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. medium
	08.50		Dived.
	10.10		Surfaced.
	12.00	ES 2992
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Repair work in the morning.
	16.00	ES 2924
		NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. very good
	19.05	ES 2672	Smoke clouds in sight bearing 100°T. Because starboard engine is inoperative, the vessel comes rapidly from the horizon. I retreat by using the low sun to the NW. The type is not perfectly distinguishable, a very high, thin, raked mast, one stack; the size of both is too large for an escort. Opponent zig zags around 260°, speed 14 knots. Sent radio message with the location, course and speed of the enemy to B.d.U. Enemy passed out of sight in a rain squall at 20.30 hours.
	20.00	ES 2644
		NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	ES 2534
		NE 2. Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. medium to good

	11.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 234 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	ES 2243
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42

- 17 -




	11.10.42
	08.00	EJ 8786
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. very good
	08.45		Dived.
	09.26		Surfaced.
	12.00	EJ 8722
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. very good
	16.00	EJ 7639
		NNE 2-4, Sea 3, Vis. very good
	20.00	EJ 7356
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	EJ 4981
		NNE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good

	12.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 259 nm Submerged 2 nm.
	04.00	EJ 4678
		NNE 3-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.00	EJ 4536
		NE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good
	09.05		Dived.
	10.05		Surfaced.
	12.00	EJ 4265
		NNE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
	16.00	EJ 1858
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	EJ 1581
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good
	24.00	EJ 1289
		NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. good

	13.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 282 nm Submerged 0 nm.
	04.00	EJ 1236
		NNE 2-3, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 7943
		NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	12.00	DT 7659
		NNE 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	16.00	DT 7395
		N 2-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
	20.00	DT 8112
		N 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 5725
		N 2-3, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42

- 18 -




	14.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 265 nm Submerged 1 nm.
	04.00	DT 5462
		N 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
	08.00	DT 5248
		N 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
	12.00	DT 2887
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
	16.00	DT 2826
		NNE 2-4, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	DT 2563
		NNE 2-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. very good
	24.00	DT 2372
		NE 2-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good

	15.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 266 nm
	04.00	DH 7787
		NE 2-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. good
	08.00	DH 7726
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good, cloudless
	12.00	DH 7438
		NNE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. very good
	16.00	DH 7247
		NNE 2, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. very good
	20.00	DH 4873
		NNE 2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. very good
	24.00	DH 4588
		NE 2-3, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. good

	16.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 263 nm Submerged 3 nm.
	04.00	DH 4535
		NE 2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. good
	08.00	DH 4317
		NE 2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. good
	12.00	DH 1981
		NE 2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. good
	16.00	DH 1685
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. very good
	20.00	DH 1397
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. very good
	20.50	DH 1397	Vessel in sight bearing 60°T, came to GF and showed our stern. While coming up from the swell, the vessel is identified at 20.58 hours as a U-boat. Bow right, 30-60°, S-course, the tower is too long for a German U-boat, periscope shears cannot be distinguished in the growing darkness.
	21.00		The boat turns away, presents a narrow silhouette, the white exhaust smoke can be seen.
	21.09		Boat is lost from sight in the dark east horizon. Up to 23.09 hours steered chaning NE-courses.
	22.37		Radio message to B.d.U.: Unknown U-boat in naval square DH 1392.
	23.09		Report from the engine room: boat not clear for diving. Inboard diesel air intake hull valve does not close. The diesel air trunk was leaking in spite of welding of some shot holes and ran with head valve full of water.
			Proceeded with the sea. After opening up the air trunk,

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42

- 19 -




	16.10.42
			a conning tower hatch safety catch is removed from the inner hull valve.
	23.45		The valve is operable. Blockage removed (see K.T.B. Section Machinery).
	24.00	DH 1382
		NE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis, good, moonshine

	17.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 263 nm Submerged 1.5 nm.
	04.00	CF 8886
		NE 2-3, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
	08.00	CF 8833
		NE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
	12.00	CF 8613
		NE 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good
	16.00	CF 8352
		NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
	20.00	CF 5768
		NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, light NE-swell
	24.00	CF 6475
		Wind calm, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. good, very bright moonlit night

	18.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 289 nm.
	04.00	CF 6422
		Wind calm, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. medium
	08.00	CF 6138
		Wind calm, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. medium
	12.00	CF 3818
		Wind calm, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. medium
	16.00	CF 3552
		N 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	CF 3263
		W 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good, Cirrus to start with
	24.00	BE 8969
		W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Moonshine

	19.10.42
	04.00	BE 9485
		W 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium to good
	08.00	BE 9519
		W 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium to good
	08.25		Dived.
	14.30		Surfaced.
	16.00	BE 9535
		NW 2, Sea 1, cloudless, swell from the W
	20.00	BE 9634
		NW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, swell from the W
	20.02		Dived. Proceed submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42

- 20 -




	20.10.42		Proceeding submerged.
	13.16		Surfaced.
	16.00	BF 7436
		NNW 3-5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	17.00		Ahead to port 70°T aircraft in sight. Type cannot be determined. Very fast, apparently twin-engined. Flies past at an estimated range of 10000 meters ahead, course south, remained surfaced. Square BE 7534.
	19.45	BF 7535	Dived. Proceed submerged.
		NNW 4-5, Sea 4, 1/10, Vis. very good

	21.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 69 nm Submerged 23 nm.
	13.08	BF 7626	Surfaced.
	16.00	BF 8415
		NNE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good, swell from the W
	16.54		Aircraft in sight bearing 130°T. Type not determined, quite large, course NE. Dived.
	17.37	BF 8434	Surfaced.
	17.55		Torpedo track to starboard 180°T estimated range 1500 meters naval square BF 8434. Spray was seen first, apparently a surface runner. Turned hard to port at A.K. 4 tracks very close to one another. Easily seen. One lagged behind. Seemed as if they were shot without spread angle. Fan passed astern. 4 clear detonations at end-of-run distance. Sent radio message to B.d.U. Ran off on zigzag course.
	20.00	BF 8436
		NNE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, light swell, Vis. very good
	23.05	BF 8288	Dived.

	22.10.42		Day's run: Surfaced 84 nm Submerged 24 nm.
	09.07	BF 8299	Surfaced.
	11.07	BF 8386	Dived.
	12.17	BF 8386	Surfaced.
		NNE 1, Sea 0, cloudy, light swell
	12.40	BF 8384	2 smoke clouds in sight bearing 110°T. Evaded to the north.
	14.24	BF 8383	Aircraft in sight to starboard bearing 190°T; very far away. Course 270°. Showed our stern.
			Returned to course when out of sight.
	14.35	BF 8383	Ahead in 100°T first one, then several smoke clouds in sight. Avoided as above. I presume these are fishing trawlers and continued on.
	15.30		15 small Spanish fishing trawlers in sight circled around at 15 nm.
	17.32	BF 9271	Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42

- 21 -




	23.10.42
	09.00	Surfaced at Point Hand
	11.50	Escort in sight.
	12.02	Aircraft bearing 90°T, flies low on the horizon to 20°T, then turns and approaches the boat. Behind it 3 fighters appeared. Accepted a hunted enemy and dove to depth A - 50 meters. Water depth 75 meters. Type not determined.
	12.29	Surfaced.
	12.42	Joined convoy.
	15.15	Sperrbrecher 600 meters ahead, a mine detonated.
	15.22	Mine detonated.
	20.27	Made fast in the La Pallice lock.
	20.51	Made fast in the bunker.

	Enclosures to U-333's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Track Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol	01 September to 23 October 1942

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

to the KTB of " U-333 " from 25.8. - 23.10.1942

The Kommandant chose the proper action in every situation and also displayed the highest readiness for duty on this enterprise.

The measures taken on 6 October are meritorious and prevented the loss of the boat.

Along with their Kommandent the entire crew proved themselves at the moment of greatest danger.

Signed in draft: Dönitz

Validated:

Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant

On the KTB "U-333". (Undertaking from 01.09.42 to 03.10.42)

Above + 1./Sk1.

C./Sk1. submitted

Because of the unusual nature of this incident, B.d.U. issues a special statement and evaluation.

The corvette detected the boat in poor visibility with radar, maneuvered bow on and opened fire with the forward artillery immediately after visually sighting the U-boat. It was not possible for the U-boat to hear the corvette because of the diesel engines running on the surface or determine locating because of the missing Fu.M.B. With presence of the Fu.M.B. it would have been possible to detect the locating corvette and to avoid it in time by diving. The Kommandant intended to carry out an advance under land and at the moment of the imncident saw no reason to proceed submerged in the prevailing poor visibility. While stationary monitoring a sea area it is advantageous to submerge in poor visibility and detect opponents by the sound locator. No reason was given for not taking such special measures in this case. No fault is found with the Kommandant or those of the bridge watch.

Iu.

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