U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-454 1st War Patrol

U-454 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	1 December 1941	Kirkenes	12 December 1941	12
Kirkenes	25 December 1941	Kirkenes	20 January 1942	27

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
17 Jan 42	06.31	68°33'N, 38°52.5'E	RT-68 ENISEJ	557	Soviet
17 Jan 42	18.46	69°33'N, 36°30'E	HARMATRIS (damaged)	5,395	British	PQ-8
17 Jan 42	22.20	69°27'N, 35°30'E	HMS MATABELE (G 26)	1,870	British	PQ-8

			Total = 7,822
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.


			G e h e i m .


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


			Unterseeboot " 454 "


			Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant Hackländer.




			Beginning:	24 July 1941
			Concluding:	12 December 1941
			Patrol :	1 December 1941 Departing Kiel
				12 December 1941 Arriving Kirkenes

















				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

- 1 -




	24.07.41
	10.00	Kiel, Tirpitz Mole	"U-454" Commissioned in the presence of the Chefof the 5. U-Flottille.

	25-27.07.41	Kiel Harbor and Kiel Bay	Independent training.

	27.07.-11.08.41	- " -	U.A.K. testing.

	12.-20.08.41	Wesermünde and Mecklenburger Bay	T.E.K. testing and independent training on shooting free days.

	21.-22.08.41	Kiel, Tirpitz Harbor	Overcharging of the batteries.

	23.08.-05.09.41	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	Final adjustments and overhaul, crew sailing cruise as leave.

	06.-07.09.41	Kiel, Tirpitz Harbor	Outfitting for training period in Danzig.

	08.-12.09.41		Transit to Rönne (Bornholm) and sound trials there, then further transit to Danzig.

	13.09.41	Danzig, Danziger Werft	Dry-docked to repair the flood valve of the starboard negative buoyancy tank.

	28.-29.09.41	- " -	Over charging of the batteries.

	30.09.41	- " -	Artillery shooting.

	01.10.-12.10.41	- " -	Torpedo shooting, depth charge training, independent training with the 25. U-Flottille.

	13.-23.10.41	Central and eastern Baltic	Tactical training with the 27. U-Flottille.

	24.-25.10.41		Return transit to Kiel.

	27.10.-20.11.41	Kiel, Deutsches Werk A.G.	Shipyard period, overhaul and making the boat ready for the Front.

	22.-24.11.44		Sound trials in Rönne (Bornholm).

	25.11.41	Kiel	Torpedo loading.

	26.11.41	- " -	Degaussing, radio direction finder calibration.

	27.11.41	- " -	Provisions loading, balancing the boat, final trim test.

	28.11.41	- " -	Fresh provisions loading.
	11.05	D.W.K. Dock IX	Dry-docked to repair the flood valve 3 port forward.
	14.10		Undocked.

- 2 -




		Departure shifted to Monday 1 December 06.00 hours on orders of Chef 5. U-Flottille.

	30.-31.11.41	Kiel	Completion of outfitting.
		Alongside "LECH"
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	01.12.41
	06.00	SEbyE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium	After farewell by the Chef 5. U-Flottille departed on 1st patrol.
	10.00	Point "Rot 15"	Taken in convoy by "U-130" and "U-134". Transit on Route "Rot" and "Schwarz" to the north.
	12.00		Distance covered 57 nm.
	19.30	E 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium	Passed Seelandsrev Barrier. Taken in convoy by 2 patrol boats.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	02.12.41
	05.00	WSW 2, Sea 1	Passed Skagen.
	12.00	WSW 4, Sea 3	Day's run: 270 nm
	13.43		Ran into Kristiansand South, made fast alongside "U-134".
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	03.12.41
	04.45	Northern North Sea	Ready for sea.
	05.00	SW 2, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. good (moon)	Departed Kristiansand in convoy with patrol boats "M 1107" and "MK 06" transit to Skudesnes.
	12.00	Wind 0, SW-Swell 3, overcast, Vis. 6 nm	Day's run: 86 nm
	15.37	AN 3161	Released from convoy, continued transit independently.
		Fog, Vis. 200 meters
	17.10 - 18.27	AN 3125	balanced the boat, continued transit.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

- 3 -




	04.12.41
	00.00	Wind 0, Swell 3, overcast, scattered fog, moon, Vis. greatly changing
	04.00	AN 2334
		NWbyW 4, Sea 3, increasing, clear, Vis. very good
	07.50	AF 8743	Crash dive for training. Balanced the boat. Depth control training of the Watch Officers, deep dive (depth = 60 meters), damage control exercises.
	12.00	AF 8478	Day's run: 225 nm ( 210 nm, 15 nm)
	13.37	WbyN 3, cloudless, Vis. 20 nm	continued transit.
	17.51	AF 8412	Outgoing Radio Message: Passed 62°N. Hackländer
	20.00	AF 8476
		WSW 4, Swell 5, clear, full moon, Vis. 5 nm
	22.29		Incoming Radio Message: Kals, Schendel, Hackländer proceed in accordance with War Order, on 5 December 06.30 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.
			Order does not agree with Outbound Orders, in which Circuit "Karl Otto" is ordered until reaching Kirkenes. Since subordination to a Commander other than B.d.U. is not stated in the Outbound Order, switched circuit as ordered.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	05.12.41	North Atlantic
	00.00	AF 8152
		SbyW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. changing
	04.00	AF 5789
	08.00	AF 5765	Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. orders to Schendel and Hackländer to switch to Greenland Circuit rescinded. Both proceed under Gruppe Nord orders.
		SbyW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
			Switched to Circuit "Karl Otto".
	08.58		, Crash dive for training. Balanced the boat. Depth control training.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41

- 4 -



	continued
	05.12.41
	11.11	SbyW, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium	continued transit.
	12.00	AF 5739	Day's run: 164 nm ( 159 nm, 5 nm)
	14.12	AF 5811	Crash dive, aircraft bearing 230°T.
	14.34		.
	16.00	AF 5575
		SbyW 2-3, Swell 5, overcast, Vis. 12 nm
	20.00	AF 5551
		WSW 3, Swell 4, overcast, Vis. medium, few rain squalls
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	06.12.41
	00.00	AF 5286
	04.00	AF 5263
		WSW 3-4, Swell 4-5, clear, Vis. good, moon
	08.00	AF 2978
	10.36		Crash dive for training. Balanced the boat.
	11.05		.
	12.00	AF 2954	Day's run: 166 nm ( 164 nm, 2 nm)
		SSW 4, Sea 4, squally, occasional rain, Vis. good
	16.00	AF 2923
	20.00	AF 2666
		SSE 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
	22.30	AF 3411	Drifting mine.
	23.50		Outgoing Radio Message from "U-454" to Gruppe Nord: 23.30 hours passed 68°N.
			Since leaving the convoy there has been no opportunity for a stellar navigation fix. Plotted ships position in the weather conditions is very inexact. Expect significant offset to the north.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41

- 5 -




	07.12.41
	00.00	AF 3412
		SSE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
	04.00	AF 3157
		EbyS 6-7, Sea 5, clear, moonshine, Vis. good
	08.00	AF 3123
	10.33		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	10.55		.
	12.00	AF 3135	Ship's position by navigation fix, however rejected because the observation was uncertain. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 195°T, 19 nm, seems unlikely given the weather and current conditions up to now.
			Day's run: 142 nm ( 141 nm, 1 nm)
	16.00	AB 9781	Port diesel out of service (cylinder 3 leaks). Because repairs in the prevailing Sea State must be completed for the most part submerged and will last about 48 hours, I decide to continue to Kirkenes at the previous transit speed (1 diesel LF).
	20.00	AB 9761
		EbyS Sea 4, clear
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	08.12.41	Norwegian Sea
	00.00	AB 9877
		ESE 3, Swell 4, clear, Vis. good, moonshine
	04.00	AB 9549
	08.00	AB 9528
	10.04		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	10.32		.
	12.00	AB 9321	Ship's position after an observation. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 39°T, 56 nm. Therefore yesterday's ship's position was incorrect.
		ESE 7, Sea 5-6, clear, Vis. good
			Day's run: 167 nm ( 165 nm, 2 nm)
	16.00	AB 6994

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41

- 6 -



	continued
	08.12.41
	20.00	AC 4772
		ESE 5, Sea 5, clear, moonshine, Vis. good
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	09.12.41
	00.00	AC 4791
		E 3, Swell 4, clear, moonshine, at times snow squalls
	04.00	AC 4775
	08.00	AC 4886
		EbyN 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
	12.00	AC 4974	Day's run: 163 nm
	16.00	AC 4978
	20.00	ESE 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. changing 200-300 meters	Because entering Kirkenes is only possible during twilight (11.00-14.00 hours), I intend on 11 December at 12.00 hours to be off Bökfjord and up to then on changing courses make a detour to the east, to possibly get a shooting opportunity.
	21.00		Outgoing Radio Message: Gruppe Nord from "U-454". Position 11 December 12.00 hours off Bökfjord.
	21.50	AC 5779	Incoming Radio Message. Stand by for bearing signals. "U-134".
			Monitored from 22.15 hours up to 22.30 hours - nothing received. "U-134" must be in the vicinity. Because no bearing signals and no contact keeping reports come, continued on changing courses to the east. Situation was clarified by Radio Message received 00.24 hours. Own convoy. B.d.K. to "U-134".
	23.11	AC 5721	Incoming (Officer-Only) Radio Message to "U-134" from Gruppe Nord. Enter Kirkenes through Bökfjord via point 69° 55'N 30° 8.9°E with arrival course 188° to Kjelmöy Lighthouse. At barrier square AC 8464 right half upper center between Hornöy Lighthouse and 200-meter line is pointed out
			The Radio Message confirms the expected entrance possibilities
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	10.12.41
	00.00	AC 5722
		SEbyE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. changing
	04.00	AC 5732
		EbyN 5-7, Sea 5-6, snow squalls

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41

- 7 -



	continued
	10.12.41
	08.00	AC 8212
	09.27		Crash dive for training. Balanced the boat.
			Continued transit submerged to carry out preparatory work on the starboard diesel.
	12.00	AC 8224	Day's run: 167 nm ( 148 nm, 8 nm)
	12.10	E 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. changing	.
	16.00	AC 8224	Incoming Radio Message Gruppe Nord to "U-134" and "U-454". From now both boats switch to U-boat Coastal Circuit to enter Kirkenes.
		EbyS 3, Sea 4, changing cloudiness and Vis.
	17.12		Incoming Radio Message: From Gruppe Nord. Until entering Kirkenes Radio Messages for Schendel and Hackländer will be sent on Greenland and Coastal U-boat Circuits.
			Both Radio Messages were not understood because since 5 December at 11.00 hours had switched to U-boat Coastal Circuit and from 9 December 21.00 hours messages to Gruppe Nord were repeated correctly by Control Station.
	18.35		Incoming Radio Message: 1) Adm Nordmeer to "U-134". M-Boats and Pilot Boats not possible due to fog. Wait on arrival of escort.
			2.) Officer-Only Adm. Nordmeer to "U-454".
			1) Report position.
			2) 5 destroyers with "TANGA" 10 December 09.00 hours transit Tromsö - Kirkenes, 30 nm distance.
	19.15		Starboard diesel cylinder 2 shows slight leakage. Repair intended in Kirkenes because the diesel is operable.
			On Coastal Circuit.
			The signature "Adm. Nordmeer" comes up for the first time. This name was not preciously a known command, also the signature B.d.K. in Radio Message of 10 December 00.24 hours was not understood completely.
	21.24		Outgoing Radio Message: Admiral Nordmeer from "U-454". Square AC 8512.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	11.12.41
	00.00	AC 8543	Back and forth in position square 8510.
		ENE 5, Sea 4-5, changing cloudiness and Vis.
	04.00	SE 3, Sea 3
	08.00	AC 8467
		NEbyE 2, Sea 3, hazy horizon, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.41

- 8 -



	continued
	11.12.41
	09.00	SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, thick fog, Vis. 300-100 meters, snow and hail showers	Bridge with periscopes, 2 cm anti-aircraft guns, cannon, antennas is heavily iced. Lookout is very difficult due to hail squalls with hailstones larger than peas.
	10.30		For a few seconds to port a mountain ridge towers high over the boat. The boat must be close under land. Because according to the Sailing Directions a current runs towards the coast came about and moved off slowly to await visibility improvement.
	11.52	AC 8487	Surfacing U-boat bearing 340°T, 400 meters away. I believe it is "U-134" and send a Recognition Signal which was not answered. Dove away. While diving I recognize the boat had a strange appearance. No 2 cm anti-aircraft gun on the bridge, periscope was a bit more aft, net deflector carried over the periscope sheers. Exact observation not possible because the boat could only be seen momentarily in the increasing fog.
		Vis. 50-400 meters
	11.54		Crash dive. Gave up running off on the surface due to the poor awareness of the location of the enemy and exposure to attack. Went to silent running.
	12.00	AC 8488	Day's run: 185 nm
	12.15		Sound bearing 350°T. Went to periscope depth. Both periscopes iced, cannot be extended. To depth = 10 meters.
	12.24		S-gear sounds (rhythmic chirping, like the German close sonar). I now assume with a high degree of probility the boat is that "U-134", which is equipped with S-gear. As noted in "WEYER" the boat looked similar to the Finish type VETEHINEN, the presence of Finish boats in the Arctic is unknown. To clarify the situation at 12.30 hours gave several Recognition Signals by Underwater Telegraphy. No answer. Again to periscope depth. Visibility 300 meters. Several sound bearings between 350° and 35°, a second sonar was distinguished.
	13.20	Vis. 100-500 meters	and ran in the direction of the last sound bearing.
	13.55		3 shadows bearing 320°T, were recognized as German destroyers. Recognition Signals exchanged with "Z 26" (Leader of the 8. Z-Flottille). Report to Flottillenchef: Sighted unknown U-boat 2 hours previously, probably "U-134".
			Outgoing Radio Message: Gruppe Nord from "U-454". Unknown U-boat square AC 8480.
	14.00	AC 8480	Waited on escort back and forth in position with Z-Flottille and "TANGA". Visibility improved.

- 9 -



	continued
	11.12.41
	16.00	NE 3, Sea 3, changing cloudiness, Vis. 100-300 meters	Escort seems unlikely for today and furthermore not possible in darkness. Intend to move off further, in order to avoid an uncertain situation with the destroyers and "U-134".
	17.26		Outgoing Radio Message: Admiral Nordmeer from "U-454". On 12 December 11.00 hours will be off Bökfjord.
			Decided to start repairs of the starboard diesel in the coming night and for this to dive for 8-9 hours.
	18.30		Incoming Radio Message: Kr Kr Gruppe Nord for "U-134" and "U-454" from Admiral Nordmeer. Mine escort did not depart due to fog. Go to Vadsö or Vardö. Await escort, report.
			I still want to carry out diesel repairs because otherwise the starboard diesel is unreliable. Also, I think at night in poor visibility and uncertain navigation entering narrow unlit port off the English minefields is risky.
	19.54		Outgoing Radio Message: Admiral Nordmeer from "U-454". Dived from 21.00 to 06.00 for repair of the port diesel in square 8540.
	20.00	AC 8547
		E 2, Sea 2-3, clear, hazy horizon, Vis. 2000 meters
	21.00		to repair the port diesel (removal of cylinder head 2).
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	12.12.41
	06.00	AC 8547	ran in the direction of the coast to determine visibility in Varangerfjord. Intend with sufficient visibility (meaning when departure of the mine escort can be expected) to go to the reported waiting position off Bökfjord, in poor visibility entering Vardö.
		EbyN 3-4, freshening Sea 3, clear, Vis. good, isolated show squalls
	09.20	AC 8484	Smoke cloud bearing 40°T. Suspect the "SÜDMEER" convoy with 2 M-Boats announced by Radio Message. Recognition Signals exchanged with "M 15" (Chef 3.MS.Flottille). Joined convoy, to enter with.
	11.45		Recognition Signal exchange with "U-134", which joins the convoy.
	12.00		Day's run: 122 nm ( 90 nm, 32 nm)
	13.00	Thick ground fog, Vis. at times 5-10 meters	Detached from "SÜDMEER" convoy and went to Kirkenes under escort by "M 18".
	14.02	Kirkenes	Made fast alongside "U-134", reported to Admiral Nordmeer.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.41

- 10 -



	continued
	12.12.41
		From the debrief with the Kommandant of "U-134" it turned out that this boat saw a U-boat on 12 December about 04.00 hours which was believed to be "U-454" and did not answer a recognition signal. The boat had a German silhouette. At this time "U-454" was in square 8540.
		Signed in draft Hackländer

Comments of the Admiral Nordmeer on the K.T.B. of "U-454" for the period

from 24.7. to 12.12.41

1)	To 4 December - 22.29 hours:
	The Transit Orders of the boat for the shift from the homeland to Kirkenes should have included a reference to the subsequent placing of the boat under the Admiral Nordmeer, formerly B.d.K. Thus, the uncertainty incurred by the boat from the signature of the Radio Messages might have been avoided.

2)	To 11 December - 11.52 hours:
	As later noted, it could only have been an enemy submarine here, the co-location of 2 own U-boats should have been avoided by implementing measures, but I was not able to do this because I was not aware of the transit instructions of the boats, nor was my Command Center in operation and therefore lacked the necessary means of communications. On the ordered radio communications links for boats there were arrival delays up to 6 hours here or at the boats; therefore the boats could neither inform me of their location, nor or was I able to control the boats quickly.
	Incidentally, "U-134" also saw an enemy U-boat (on 12 December) that was taken as "U-454".
	It is unfortunate that good attack opportunities against enemy U-boats could not be exploited due to the presence of 2 own boats in the same sea area which were not mutually informed about their locations.

	signed in draft Schmundt.






				Copy No.


			G e h e i m .


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


			Unterseeboot " U 454 "


			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant Hackländer








			Beginning:	13 December 1941
			Concluding:	20 January 1942
			Patrol:	25 December 1941 departed Kirkenes,
				20 January 1942 arrived Kirkenes,

- 1 -




	13.12.41	Kirkenes alongside steamer "WESTSEE".
		Condition of the boat: Port diesel out of service. Repairs could not be completed 11-12 December because the spare cylinder head did not fit (guide ring 2 mm too high). Making it fit was not possible by on board means. Starboard cylinder II leaks, clear for limited operation.
		After reported to Admiral Nordmeer and determining repair possibilities on "SÜDMEER" Admiral Nordmeer orders: Go alongside "SÜDMEER". Make the spare cylinder head fit and install, weld the leaking cylinder head and install it or retain it as spare head on board. If welding is not possible, report to Admiral Nordmeer who will get one from the homeland. When "U-584" arrives check to see whether the reserve cylinder head fits and if it can be installed. Admiral Nordmeer made a provisional report concerning the interrupted War Order, final War Order report to follow when the duration of the repair is known.

	14.12.41	Kirkenes alongside steamer "WESTSEE"
	10.45		Cast off from steamer "WESTSEE", transit to Neidenfjord.
	12.47	Neidenfjord	Made fast alongside supply ship "SÜDMEER". Began repairs.
			A part of the crew overnighted for the duration of the stay on the nearby lying hospital ship "BERLIN".
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	15.12.41	Neidenfjord alongside "SÜDMEER"	Took over lubricating oil.

	16.12.41	- " -	Welding the crack in the cylinder head port 3 and starboard 2 is not possible.
			Outgoing Radio Message: OKM, Adm.Norwegen, B.d.U., ADM NORDMEER, 7. U-Flottille from "U-454". Subject: War Order.
			To a) Tear in cylinder port 3 and starboard 2.
			To b) Yes.
			To c) After arrival of spare parts from Germany.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	17.12.41
	10.20 - 11.37	- " -	Cast off because "SÜDMEER" shifted to another anchorage.

	18.12.41
	14.15	- " -	"U-134" made fast alongside.

	19.12.41	- " -	1 torpedo taken from the forward over deck container and given to "U-134".

- 2 -




	20.12.41	Neidenfjord alongside "SÜDMEER"
	14.00		"U-584" made fast alongside "SÜDMEER".
	18.45		Outgoing Radio Message: Very Urgent 2. A.d.U., copy Admiral Nordmeer, from "U-454". Request immediate permission to install the spare cylinder heads from "U-584" on "U-454".
	22.34	- " -	Incoming Radio Message: "U-454" from Admiral Nordmeer. To Radio Message 1813/67. Execute the work.

	22.12.41	- " -
	02.16		Outgoing Radio Message: OKM. Adm. Norwegen, B.d.U., Adm. Nordmeer, 7. U-Flottille from "U-454". Concerning War Order.
			To c) 23.12.41.
	09.00		Both diesels in operation.
	12.30		Cast off from "SÜDMEER". Transit to Kirkenes for provisions supply.
	14.00	Kirkenes alongside steamer SANDNES"	Made fast, a part of the crew overnight on steamer "SANDNES".
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	23.12.41	Kirkenes, ore pier	Provisions loading.

	24.12.41
	10.00	- " -	Cast off, transit to Neidenfjord.
	11.50	Neidenfjord alongside "SÜDMEER".	Made fast alongside "U-584".
	18.30 - 21.30		Christmas party of the crew.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	25.12.41	- " -
	09.30		Cast off from "SÜDMEER".
	09.52		Trim test.
	10.48		Transit to Kirkenes.
	12.30	Kirkenes	Made fast alongside "M 1505" in a group with "U-134" and "U-584".
	13.30		Muster of the crew with Admiral Nordmeer.
	15.30		Ready for sea, departed on 2nd patrol.
	16.00		Taken in convoy (3 M-Boote).
	16.53	AC 8487	Released from convoy, continued transit alone.
		NbyW 7, Sea 5, clear, individual snow squalls, Vis. good
	20.00	AC 8492
		N 7, Sea 6
			Signed in draft Hackländer

- 3 -




	26.12.41
	00.00	AC 8557	Boat is on course athwart the sea and "Both diesels HF plus 2 x 10" about 9.5 knots. Therefore the Position Line 1 will not be reached at 12.30 hours. Higher speed is not possible. Radio message concerning late arrival omitted to not break radio silence and because the speed of advance of the other boats will be similar.
		N 7, Sea 6, Vis. changing
	04.00	AC 8593
	08.00	AC 8683
	08.10		Fuel oil boost pump of the port diesel out of service. (drive chain torn) port diesel stopped.
	08.45		Malfunction repaired.
	12.00	AC 9448	Covered: 186 nm
		N 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. changing
	15.24	[Heimisch = Dolphin]	Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message: Keying material General Home Waters in enemy hands. Until new instructions use Officer-Only.
	15.50		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat, deiced.
	16.00	AC 9464 center-right edge
		N 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. changing
	17.00		.
	19.15		Dogs on the conning tower hatch latch are cracked, because (in contrast to all the other hatches), they were only held by 3 bolts. For the duration of the repairs the boat is not clear to crash dive.
	19.32		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. From B-Diesnt report at the moment Convoy "Q 6" is underway on the northern route.
			Visibility conditions are strongly worsened by the continually overcoming sea, the use of binoculars is excluded.
	22.50		Went to "Both diesels KF plus 10". Bridge continually overrun by green seas. Bridge crew secured.
	22.30		Damage to the conning tower hatch repaired.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	27.12.41
	00.00	AC 9164 right edge
		NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41

- 4 -



	continued
	27.12.41
	04.00	AC 9134
		NW 7-8, Sea 7
	08.00	AC 6791
		NW 7, Sea 7, overcast, fog, Vis. poor
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat, deiced.
	10.12		.
	10.15		. The continually overcoming seas make a lookout impossible. Listening gear is more reliable. Continued submerged. Opportunity to clean ship and dry the completely drenched rain gear.
	12.00	AC 6764	Day's run: 147 nm ( 135 nm, 12 nm)
	16.00	AC 6734	. Despite the unfavorable visibility conditions continued on the surface to charge the battery.
		NbyW 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, fog, Vis. 200 meters
	17.26		Incoming Radio Message Gruppe Nord. Keyword "Perseus" again in effect from 28 December 00.00 hours for key area Homeland Waters.
	18.00	NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 2000 meters	With lasting visibility improvement continued on the surface.
	20.00	AC 6721
		NNW 4-5, Sea 4-5, at times clear, Vis. good
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	28.12.41
	00.00	AC 5693
		N 4, Sea 4, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. medium
	04.00	AC 5618
		NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	AC 5287
	10.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	10.30		.
	12.00	AC 5194	Day's run: 198 nm ( 185 nm, 13 nm)
	16.00	AC 5174
		SE 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. good
	20.00	AC 4388
		SE 4-5, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. changing
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41

- 5 -




	29.12.41
	00.00	AC 4297
	04.00	AC 4277 lower-left corner
		ESE 4, freshening, clear, individual snow squalls, Vis. good
	08.00	AC 4179 lower-right corner
		ENE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat. Intake and exhaust valve port 1 replaced.
	11.00		.
	12.00	NE 5, Sea 4-5, clearing, Vis. good	Day's run: 195 nm ( 189 nm, 6 nm)
	13.00	AC 4417	Ship's position by stellar navigation fix, the first worked out since departing.
	16.00	AB 6634
		NEbyE 4, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. good
	17.00		Leak in cylinder head port 1. Because there is no spare cylinder head on board and the leak is only slight, kept the engine running with continuous separation of the lubricating oil.
	from 18.00		In accordance with Operations Order D and E back and forth in position in patrol line from square AB 6397 lower-center edge to square 6367 upper-edge center.
	20.00	AB 6391
		NE 3, Sea 3, misty, Vis. medium
	20.45 - 21.15	AB 6367	Light young pack ice.
		SE 2, Sea 0, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	30.12.41
	00.00	AB 6394
		S 2, Sea 0-1
	04.00	AB 9591
		SE 3, Sea 3, misty, Vis. medium
	08.00	AB 9397
		WSW 3
	09.15		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	09.45		.
	12.00	AB 6364	Day's run: 179 nm ( 177 nm, 2 nm)
		WSW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41

- 6 -



	continued
	30.12.41
	16.00	AB 6397	Ship's position after navigation fix.
		S 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	AB 6394
		SSW 2, Sea 2
	21.30	AB 6364	Shadow directly ahead, was initially thought to be a smoke cloud, turned out to be land (Bäreninsel 539 meters high). Dark high shadow, steeply falling, above bright glow of polar ice on the horizon. Distance from land by plotting and radio bearing 27 nm.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	31.12.41
	00.00	AB 6394
		SbyE 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. good
	02.00		Port diesel clear for "HF".
	04.00	AB 6391	Lookout very degraded by overcoming sea.
		S 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	AB 6367	Use of binoculars not possible.
		SSE 6, Sea 5
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
			. Because a reliable lookout cannot be maintained came to a course athwart the sea (270° or 90°)
	12.00	AB 6391	Day's run: 147 nm ( 145 nm, 2 nm)
		SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm
	16.00	AB 6391
		SSE 5-6, Sea 5
	20.00	SW 4, abating, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium
	21.50		Came to N-S course.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	01.01.42
	00.00	AB 6367
		SSW 3, Sea 3
	04.00	AB 6397
		SSW 2, Swell 0-1, overcast, rain, Vis. 1-2 nm
	08.00	AB 6367
		SW 2, Swell 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 600 meters
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	10.15		.
	12.00	AB 6364	Day's run: 179 nm ( 177 nm, 2 nm)
		WSW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42

- 7 -



	continued
	01.01.42
	13.04		Incoming Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer to Group Schendel. Patrol Line II on 2 January 22.00 hours.
	16.00	AB 6394
		WSW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
	20.00	AB 6367
		SW 3, Swell 3, drizzle, Vis. 2 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	02.01.42
	00.00	AB 6394
		SW 4-5, Sea 3
	04.00	AB 6367
		SW 4, Sea 4
	08.00	AB 6367
		W 6, Sea 5, overcast, fog, Vis. 1 nm
	09.00	Vis. 100 meters	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	10.00	W 7, Sea 5	.
	12.00	AB 6367	Day's run: 152 nm ( 149 nm, 3 nm)
		WSW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 5 nm
	12.52		Incoming Radio Message (Short Signal): Have so far sunk an easterly steamer. U-134
			The meaning of the Radio Message is not entirely clear. Does it mean easterly course or sea area?
	16.00	AB 6394
		W 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 6 nm
	17.46		Incoming Radio Message: Admiral Nordmeer from Schendel: Square AB 6337 independent on easterly course sunk.
	20.00	AB 6399
		SSW 5-6, Sea 5, clear, Vis. 7-8 nm, full moon Northern Lights
	22.00		Began transit to Patrol Line II.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	03.01.42
	00.00	AC 4422
		W 4, Sea 5-6
	04.00	SSW 5, Sea 5-6
	08.00	AC 4523
		SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	09.45		.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42

- 8 -



	continued
	03.01.42
	12.00	AC 4611	Day's run: 162 nm ( 160 nm, 2 nm)
		SE 5-6, Sea 6, clear, Vis. 10 nm
	15.12		Incoming Radio Message (Officer-Only): Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. From B-Dienst report convoy "P Q 7 departed 24 December from Iceland for North Russia. Convoy "P Q 6" probably already arrived Russia.
	16.00	AC 4223	The Operations Order speed of 7.5 knots cannot be held, despite "Both diesels LF". Accept loss of time to conserve the port diesel.
	20.00	AC 5411
		SE 6, Sea 6, clear, isolated snow squalls, Vis. changing 200 meters to 5 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	04.01.42
	00.00	AC 5423
		SbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
	04.00	AC 5511
		E 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
	08.00	AC 5523
		ENE 5-6, Sea 5
	09.00		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	09.45		.
	12.00	ESE 5, Sea 5	Day's run: 150 nm ( 148 nm, 2 nm)
			Incoming Radio Message: To all U-boats under Adm. Nordmeer. Very low frequency Kootwyk will not transmit 5 and 6 January from 09.30 to 13.00 hours
	14.51		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer 4 January 12.00 hours unknown unit bearing 27 from Vardoe. Report is not specific enough to warrant interrupting the ordered transit to Patrol Line II.
	16.00	AC 5651
		ENE 5, Sea 5, Vis. 3 nm
	20.00	AC 5668
		NNE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	05.01.42
	00.00	AC 6476	Boat heavily iced.
		N 4-6m Sea 4
	02.38		Radio Message feeds to the net deflectors forward and aft torn by icing.
			to melt the ice.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42

- 9 -



	continued
	05.01.42
	04.00	AC 6723	.
		NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. 2 nm
	08.00	AC 6764
		NNW 4, Sea 3
	11.15		Radio Message feed forward net deflector in service again.
	12.00	AC 9131	Day's run: 163 nm ( 159 nm, 4 nm)
		NNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, isolated show squalls, Vis. 2-3 nm
	13.30		Incoming Radio Message: Kr Kr Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. At the latest from 19.00 hours be in patrol line from square AW 2130, square 2210, square 2220.
			Came to highest speed about 15 knots. Boat can not be in ordered position before 02.00 hours. No report to Adm. Nordmeer to preserve radio silence.
	13.40		Incoming Radio Message: Very Urgent Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. By bearings convoy for Swjatoi-Noss 19.00 hours square AC 9770 and patrol vessel line Kanin-Noss to Ostrowow suspected.
	15.00		Attack periscope unusable due to condensation. Cannot be repaired by on board means, after drying the contamination remains behind.
	18.30		Starboard diesel cooling water line leaks. Operation can be maintained.
	20.00	AC 9481
		NW 2, Sea 2, (Swell), cloudy, moon, Northern Lights, Vis. changing 2-6 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	06.01.42
	00.00	AC 9781	Still no enemy reports from the other two boats.
		SSW 3, Sea 2
	01.40	AW 2215	Advance at LF to the SW edge of the ordered square and there back and forth on EW courses in the center of the square.
	04.00	AW 2215
		NNW 2, Sea 2, clear, moon, Vis. 6 nm
	08.00	AW 2214	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	09.00	SSW 2, Sea 1-2	.
	11.17	AW 2216	Crash dive, aircraft bearing 15°T.
	11.56		.
	12.00	AW 2213	Day's run: 272 nm ( 267 nm, 5 nm)
		Wind circling, 0-1, Swell 1, cloudy, Vis. 10-15 nm	Lookout was degraded by the lack of binoculars, Of 15 pairs (including the Kommadant's pair) 10 are unusable due to condensation.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42

	- 10 -



		continued
		06.01.42
		16.00	AW 2237
			NNE 2, Swell 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm
		16.24		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. U-boat hunt barrier between 67° 30'N and 72°N from 26°E to 44°E.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
		18.41	[this section is an insert which covers the text below]	Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. From 7 January 08.00 hours patrol line U-134 square 9790, U-454 square 9780, U-584 square 9770.
		20.00	ENE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, occasional snow squalls, Vis. 3-4 nm
		21.28		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. Air reconnaissance set against convoy 5 January broke off due to weather conditions. 6 January sea area Swjatoi-Noss to entrance of the White Sea no results.
				Signed in draft Hackländer
______________________________________________________________________________________________
			overcast, individual snow squalls, Vis. 2-3 nm
		08.45		. Back and forth in position in square 9780 on changing courses.
		12.00	AC 9786	Day's run: 181 nm ( 179 nm, 2 nm)
			NE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm
		16.00	AC 9785
			NE 5, Sea 4
		20.00	AC 9782
			NE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. 1-2 nm, in squalls 50-100 meters
				Signed in draft Hackländer

		08.01.42
		00.00	AC 9789
			NbyE 6, Sea 5,
		04.00	AC 9785
			NNE 7, Sea 6, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. 100 meters - 1 nm
		08.00	AC 9785
			NbyE 6-7, Sea 6

	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42

- 11 -



	continued
	08.01.42
	09.40	NbyE 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, snow squalls, fog, Vis. 100-800 meters	continued transit submerged.
	12.00	AC 9783	Day's run: 147 nm ( 140 nm, 7 nm)
	15.00	Overcast, Vis. 1000 meters	.
	16.00	AC 9785
		NbyE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm
	20.00	AC 9785
		NbyE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	09.01.42
	00.00	AC 9786
		NE 4, Sea 4
	00.12		Incoming Radio Message with return transit orders for "U-584".
	04.00	AC 9789
		NE 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. 2-3 nm
	08.00	AC 9784	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		NNE 2, Swell 4, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm
	08.41		.
	12.00	AC 9785	Day's run: 143 nm ( 132 nm, 11 nm)
		NNE 5, squalls, Sea 5-6, cloudy, snow squalls, Vis. 2000-3000 meters
	16.00	AC 9785
		NE 3, Swell 4, cloudy, Vis. 1-4 nm
	17.17		Incoming Radio Message: U-134, U-454 from Adm. Nordmeer. From 9 January 18.00 hours patrol line U-454 square 2210, U-134 square 2200. Free to close the coast within the width of the square. Be in assigned square on 11 and 12 January due to destroyer operations.
			Ship's position is very uncertain because for three days there have been no stellar observations and due to weather and undetectable coastal current significant offset is likely.
	from 19.00		Back and forth in position in square 2210.
	20.00	NNE 3, Swell 3, cloudy, Vis. 2-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	10.01.42
	00.00	NNE 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, continual snow squalls with Vis. down to 50 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42

- 12 -




	10.01.42
	03.51		Took a bearing on the radio beacon on Cape Gorodetzki. From the experience reports of boats operating here previously the running of the beacon always means convoy traffic. Intend in the coming night to close the coast in accordance with Radio Message of 9 January 17.17 hours.
	04.00	AW 2211
		NNW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm
	08.00	AW 2216
		NNW 4, Sea 4	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	08.45		.
	12.00	AW 2213	Day's run: 148 nm ( 146 nm, 2 nm)
		NNW 3, Sea 3
	13.00	AW 2213	Drifting Russian mine, attempt to shoot not possible due to Sea State.
	14.09		Incoming Radio Message: "U-584" reports destruction of enemy U-boat off Varangerfjord.
	15.00		Radio Beacon Kanin -Noss, Swjatoi-Noss, Gorodetzki run.
	16.00	AC 9778	Ship's position after stellar navigation fix roughly agrees with radio beacon.
	17.25	AC 9787	White light bearing 110°T appearing out of a snow squall. To Action Stations, held onto the light, disappeared in a snow squall. On searching nothing in sight. Steered search course 245°. Believe that the light was a star shell of a convoy because initially it shined quite high above the horizon and then dropped. Beacons running the entire afternoon indicates traffic. Decision: Leave the square to close the coast on course 245° and run along the coast to the NE of Cape Tscherny, then with N course back to the square.
	20.00	AW 2126
		W 3-4, Sea 3, clear, cloudless, moonless, faint Northern Lights, Vis. 6 - 8 nm
	20.05		Light bearing 230°T. To Action Stations. Turned towards it. The light turned out to be a star distorted by a mirage.
	21.40		Incoming Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer to Group Schendel. Destroyer operation postponed. U-134 and U-454 free to maneuver up to the coast within the assigned square width.
			Came to course 132° to run along the coast. Coast clearly distinguished. At times a light mist over land.
	23.13		Flashing beacon 40°T (1 flash) beacon on Nokujew.
	23.35		Flashing beacon 20°T (flash group 2) beacon on Swjatoi-Noss.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

- 13 -




	11.01.42
	00.00	AW 2248
		W 3, Sea 2, Vis. 6-8 nm
	04.00	AW 2215
		W 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 6 nm
	08.00	AW 2216	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		WSW 5, Sea 4
	08.30		.
	11.18	AW 2212	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 160°T.
	11.55		.
	12.00	AW 2214	Day's run: 169 nm ( 166 nm, 3 nm)
		WSW 6, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 20 nm
	16.00	AW 2215
		WSW 6, Sea 4-5, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm
	20.00	AW 2255	Ship's position by radio bearings Vardö, Swjatoi-Noss, Gorodezki.
		WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	12.01.42
	00.00	AW 2219
		WbyN 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
	04.00	AW 2215
		WNW 3-4, Sea 4
	08.00	AW 2213	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		NNW 3-4, Sea 3, (Swell), overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm
	08.55		.
	10.59		Incoming Radio Message: U-134, U-454 from Adm. Nordmeer. 11 January at 11.30 hours own air reconnaissance (He 111) sighted a U-boat that dove in square 2211 upper-right. Square 2265 a patrol boat (800-ton). Reported U-boat may have been U-454 by square given and time.
	12.00	AW 2217	Day's run: 149 nm ( 146 nm, 3 nm)
		WNW 2-3, Swell 4, overcast. fog, Vis. 1000-2000 meters
	15.17		Incoming Radio Message (Officer-Only): Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. 3 destroyers from north to roughly 41°E to lay mines 13 January about 22.00 hours at Cape Katschkowski, to go around Swjatoi-Noss. Return transit under Murmansk coast. From 13 January at darkness onward remain in ordered square.
			Intend for the coming night to close the coast if visibility improves.
	16.00	AW 2213
		NW 2-3, Swell 3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
	20.00	AW 2213
		W 2, Swell, overcast, at times fog, Vis. 1-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42

- 14 -




	13.01.42
	00.00	AW 2215	Intention to close the coast put off due to bad visibility.
		W 0-1, overcast, fog, drizzle, Vis. 200-1500 meters
	00.18		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. Intend return transit "U-134" on 17 January, "U-454" on 18 January.
	01.45	Vis. 200-600 meters	.
	02.45		.
	04.00	AW 2214
		WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm
	08.00	AW 2214
		WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm, rain showers
	11.27		Crash dive, aircraft bearing 50°T.
	11.58		.
	12.00	AW 2216	Day's run: 170 nm ( 166 nm, 4 nm)
		Clear to cloudy, Via. 8-10 nm
	16.00	AW 2216
		NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, at times fog
	20.00	AW 2215
		N 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 1-3 nm
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	14.01.42
	00.00	AW 2215
		NNE 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
	04.00	AW 2215
		NE 3, Swell 2, clear, Vis. 1-3 nm
	08.00	AW 2213	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		ENE 2, Swell, cloudy, Vis, 6 nm
	08.40		.
	11.15		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. Air reconnaissance noon 13 January: Jokanskije Roadstead 1 light cruiser and over 15 merchant ships. Square 2563 2 patrol boats, square 2168 1 patrol boat.
	12.00	AW 2215	Day's run: 177 nm ( 175 nm, 2 nm)
		E 2, Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 4-6 nm
	14.44	[U-454 area from U-134 KTB between 38°E and 39°40'E]	Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. From now new operations area for "U-454" between 38°40'E, for U-134 between 39°40'E and 41°20'E. North limit for both boats 69°30'N, southern limit coast. Not further south than Cape Gorodetzki.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42

- 15 -



	continued
	14.01.42
	16.00	AW 2224
		SW 2, Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm
	17.15		Incoming Radio Message from Adm. Nordmeer, including a mine fouling.
	20.00	AW 2134	Closed the coast.
		WNW 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm
	22.30	AW 2161	Ran on course 132° parallel to the coast, coast easily distinguished. Bright glow of polar ice over the snow covered land. Distance 5-6 nm. Beacons do not burn.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	15.01.42
	00.00	AW 2271	No traffic observed. The extinguished light and radio beacons also indicate the missing traffic.
		WNW 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. to land 6-7 nm, to sea 1-2 nm
	01.45		Moved away from the coast.
	04.00	AW 2251
		WNW 2, Swell, overcast, at times fog, Vis. 100-800 meters
	08.00	AW 2214	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		ESE 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm
	08.45		.
	11.53		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. Predominantly operate in coastal vicinity. Greatest success opportunity at Swjatoi-Noss and Cape Gorodetzki. Destroying small vessels is also important.
	12.00	AW 9744	Day's run: 197 nm ( 195 nm, 2 nm)
		ESE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, driving snow, Vis. 8-10 nm, in snow squalls 1000 meters	Ship's position uncertain because for 5 days no stellar observations and for 3 days no radio bearings. Current offset is very difficult to determine. Radio beacon off Vardoe is only of very limited use due to large minimum width and obvious strong interference by land. Coastal observation by day not possible due to failure of the attack periscope. By night no details distinguished due to the snow covered coast. Beacons are extinguished. Chart scale is too large for coastal navigation (1: 700000), coast descriptions in Sailing Directions inadequate and outdated. Coastal depiction is missing. Even long sounding series give only a vague indication due to the unreliable depth indications of the charts.
	15.17		Incoming Radio Message: U-134 from Adm. Nordmeer. Radio beacon Vardoe sends bearings from now at 19.30 and 08.00 hours.
			Signature of the Radio Message was not understood.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42

- 16 -



	continued
	15.01.42
	16.00	AC 9757
		ESE 3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, driving snow, Vis. 3 nm
	20.00	AW 2215
		ESE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm
	20.40		Shadow bearing 70°T, turns out to be land, by this the boat is positioned substantially to the south, assume square 2275. Ran along the coast close under land on general course 312°, distance 1 nm. Individual crags and reefs avoided. Beacons are extinguished. Despite favorable visibility conditions (over the sea mist and dark clouds, visibility one nautical mile, over land bright from the glow of polar ice over the snow). No certain ship's position is possible. Coastal depiction is missing in the Sailing Directions. From 22.00 hours an island to port. 23.30 hours a group of houses on a high ridge. By this the boat is positioned at Charlow Island. The housing group must be Charlow Light.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	16.01.42
	00.00	AW 2124	Moved off from the coast.
		SE 2, Swell 1-2, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm
	00.55		Incoming Radio Message: Very Urgent from Adm. Nordmeer. Intended S-boat patrol canceled.
	04.00	AC 8968
		SbyE 2, Swell, overcast, fog, Vis. 1-2 nm
	08.00	AC 9746	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	08.50		.
	10.55	AC 9785	Crash dive, aircraft bearing 170°T (biplane, therefore Russian).
	11.45		.
	12.00	AC 9785	Day's run: 200 nm ( 196 nm, 4 nm)
		Wind 0, Swell, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm
	12.04		Crash dive, aircraft bearing 200°T, the same aircraft.
	12.45		.
	16.00	AC 9785	Ship's position by stellar navigation fix.
		ENE 0-1, Swell, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm
	19.14 - 19.21		Incoming Radio Message from Adm. Nordmeer to U-454:
			1. Return transit U-454 from 17 January 14.00 hours north limit 70°30'N, west limit 30°E, between 32°20'E and 35°E remain north of 70°15'N. Strive to see the coast up to Teriberski.
			2. Arrival Kirkenes 19 January 10.00 hours. From point 69°53.5'N 30°08.3'E course 88°. No mine escort because checked previously. Make fast Sibirien Pier.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42

- 17 -



	continued
	16.01.42
	19.33		Incoming Radio Message: Group Schendel from Adm. Nordmeer. Vardoe burns 19 and 20 January 03.00-06.00 hours. Vardoe often enemy U-boats.
	20.00	AW 2253
		E 0-1, Swell, overcast, Vis. 1 nm changing
	21.35		Came to parallel course to the coast. Coast not in sight.
	20.00		Coast comes in sight ahead to port.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	17.01.42
	00.00	AW 2247
		WNW 2-3, Swell 2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm
	02.00	AW 2164	Set off 10 nm to the north, then came to opposite course.
	04.00	AW 2169
		NW 1, Swell 1, clear, at time snow squalls, Vis. 1-5 nm, in snow squalls 500 meters
	05.07	AW 2241	Shadow ahead to port. Patrol vessel (large fishing trawler). Initiated attack. Apparently the enemy hears the boat, continually shows the stern and runs in the direction of land. Therefore I cannot maneuver ahead.
	06.03	AW 2244	Enemy threatens to get out of sight in a snow squall. He must be sunk! Despite unfavorable shooting data two-fan from tubes I and IV, range 800 meters, target angle 130°, miss because at the shot the enemy turned away and disappeared in a snow squall. Pursued.
	06.31		Patrol vessel comes out of the snow squall in a favorable shooting position. Large fishing trawler with Meier bow, 800 GRT, shoot from tube II, target angle 100°, range 500 meters. Hit center. High gray-white explosion column. Trawler settles forward deeper and remains lying, however does not sink.
	06.43		Coup de grâce from tube III, target angle 115°, range 800 meters. Enemy speed 2 knots, miss. Enemy is no longer underway. Getting closer is not possible because the boat is fired upon by a cannon on the stern of the fishing trawler. Ran past ahead at 800 meters and see that a coup de grâce is no longer necessary. The fishing trawler is broken through, aftership lies deeper forward, foreship has a 50° list and sinks slowly. Believe sinking of the patrol vessel is certain. Moved off to the north, reloaded tubes I to IV.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42

- 18 -



	continued
	17.01.42
	08.00	AW 2139
		NW 2, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm, clear
	10.40	AC 9745	Smoke cloud bearing 0°T. Gradually 4 smoke clouds come out, between them 3 masts. Convoy, steers about 180°. Am positioned ahead of the convoy. Intention: Because attack in the flat swell and failure of the attack periscope is questionable, hold contact until the beginning of darkness, then attack.
	11.05		Outgoing Radio Message: Enemy convoy in sight, square 9742 upper-center. Stand-by for bearing signals. Radio Message was not repeated by Control.
	11.12	AC 9745	1 destroyer strikes out suddenly with the entire forecastle over the horizon. Crash dive. Despite known difficulties want to initiate attack.
			Boat can only be held at HF at 11 meters. Wake is seen as a long track on the water surface.
	11.41		Believe attack is hopeless. Attack abandoned. Moved off on course 90° at depth = 30 meters, to surface out of sight of the convoy and maneuver ahead. Believe the destination harbor is Swjatoi-Noss.
			As the convoy passed by there are two types of S-gear, a rhythmic chirping and moderately hard rapid beats as with explosive sounding.
	12.00	AC 9746	Day's run: 205 nm ( 203 nm, 2 nm)
	12.55	Sea 0, mirror flat sea	Went to periscope depth. Convoy in sight bearing 250°T, 10000 meters away. 6 steamers 2000-4000 GRT, in line abreast, escort 3 destroyers, English V and W class. 1 destroyer as sweeper ahead, one each to port and starboard. Boat broached two times from the Swell up to the bridge cladding. Again went to depth = 30 meters
	13.37	AC 9746	Sounds were weaker. . Convoy out of sight in snow squall. Pursued.
		Wind o, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. to the north 15 nm, to the south driving snow with Vis. 6-7 nm
	14.34		Outgoing Radio Message: kr kr Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. Enemy convoy square 9745 lower-center edge, southerly course speed 10 knots. Radio Message was not repeated.
	14.55		Outgoing Radio Message: I have lost contact, square 9776.
	15.00	AC 9773	Smoke cloud bearing 250°T, pursued, convoy steers in old formation on westerly course.
	15.42		Outgoing Radio Message: Enemy convoy in sight. Square 9771, enemy steers westerly course.
	16.00	AC 9747	Believe the destination harbor of the convoy is Murmansk. Maneuvered ahead.
		NW 2, Sea 1, clearing to the west Vis. 6-7 nm, to the east and N 2-3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42

- 19 -



	continued
	17.01.42
	16.23		Outgoing Radio Message: αα Stand by for bearing signals.
			Bearing signals sent 16.59, 17.20, 17.50, 18.20 hours So far Radio Messages were not repeated from Control. However from previous experience expect that the other two boats (U-134 and U-585) hear me, even if Control has no reception.
	18.37		Outgoing Radio Message: αα 3 destroyers, 5 steamers, convoy steers 270°. This Radio Message was the first repeated by Control.
	18.31	AC 8952	Attack initiated on the right wing of the convoy. Attack must proceed with the Northern Lights behind, shifting to the south would cost too much time. Additionally the boat would then come between the coast and the convoy and would be hindered in maneuvering. Convoy proceeds in an disorderly broad formation, one destroyer each ahead, starboard forward and port astern.
		Clear bright night, moonless, starry clear, Northern Lights, Vis. 6-7 nm
	18.46	AC 8952	Fan from tube II and IV on steamer at the far right in the convoy. Range = 4600 meters, target angle 90°. Fan from tube I and III on starboard flank destroyer, target angle 100°, range = 3000 meters. Turned away.
			Shot from tube V on the same destroyer, target angle 100°, range = 2000 meters.
			5 minutes 7 seconds after the first fan hit center on the steamer shot first. High gray-black explosion column, steamer begins to burn, remains lying. No further observations possible because another steamer came between.
			2 minutes 5 seconds after the stern shot hit on the destroyer, observed by the First Watch Officer, Obersteuermann and stern lookout, I just watched the other sweeper. Heavy detonation heard in the entire boat. Water column up to the masthead, fiery glow. However the destroyer does not list and shifts away slowly. The forward sweeper comes about and runs past ahead of the torpedoed destroyer and then comes at a sharp target angle towards us. Ran off at AK to the north. The aft sweeper does nothing. Overall, the defense makes a wretched impression: no star shells, only 3 depth charge detonations.
	19.20		The destroyer turns away, passes out of sight.
	19.30	AC 8952	Came to course 270°, to remain in the vicinity of the convoy. Tubes II, III, V reloaded.
	19.55		Outgoing Radio Message: αα Have attacked, have lost contact.
	20.00	AC 8952
		NW 3-4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 6 nm
	20.17		Incoming Radio Message: Kr Kr Hackländer from Adm. Nordmeer report last convoy position.
	20.35		Outgoing Radio Message: Last observed position of the enemy is square 8952, enemy steers westerly course, runs at 10 knots.

- 20 -



	continued
	17.01.42
			Advanced to the south to gain contact on the convoy. After a short time the coast comes faintly in sight, distance 12-15 nm. By this the boat is positioned further to the south than thought.
	21.41		Incoming Radio Message: Lohse from Adm. Nordmeer. Objective of the convoy is probably Murmansk.
	22.04	AC 8945	Ship's position by radio bearings Teriberski-Charlow.
			Vessel course 270°, it is the convoy. The boat is in a favorable position, 7-8 vessels in a disorderly broad formation. Details are difficult to make out against the dark horizon of the coast. Initiated attack.
	22.20	AC 8945	Fan from tube II and III on the starboard wing destroyer, approaching from directly astern, target angle 90°, range = 4000 meters.
	22.23		Shot from tube V on 2000-ton steamer to the left of the shot at destroyer, target angle 100°, range = 4000 meters.
	22.24		Hit in the aftership of the destroyer, high explosion and water column with strong fiery glow. Aftership rises vertically and sinks within 30 seconds. Foreship disappears in smoke.
	22.25		Hit by the stern shot on steamer. Tremendous detonation, flame column 200-300 meters high, apparently a gasoline explosion. Steamer flies in the air.
	22.26		Hit on a steamer positioned in the center of the convoy. Explosion column with bright fiery glow. Steamer remains lying in the smoke. Further effects could not bee not observed.
	22.30		Ran off at AK to the NNE. Defense substantially more active then on the first attack. Covering warships are apparently reinforced. Rocket and star signals from the leading vessel were repeated in 2 places in the convoy. 5 depth charges, 35-40 star shells, lying too short. Far to the west on land searchlight cones, star shells, rockets.
	22.28		Outgoing Radio Message: Kr Kr Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. Convoy position square 8945, course 270°.
	22.35	AC 8942	Destroyer comes up astern, changes target angle continuously, closes to 5000 meters. +)
	23.49	AC 8924	Outgoing Radio Message: Was forced off, have lost contact. Square 8940.
			I decide to move off and give up contact.
			1) Given the position the convoy can only go to the Kola Bay (Murmansk). Distance from there 36 nm, course 270-280°. He can not evade to the north because the attack came from there, in the south and east there is no harbor. In addition, he has made himself widely noticed by L.G.s and rockets.
			2) Under the coast and off Kola Bay mine barrier and stronger defense must be expected. Operation exceeds success possibilities.
			3) Boat is out of torpedoes.

		+) Destroyer turns away, at the same time throws 6 depth charges.

- 21 -




	00.38		Outgoing Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. Out of torpedoes, return transit according to orders.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	18.01.42
	00.00	AC 8921	At great distance always still individual detonations at great range, heard clearly in the boat. Rockets and star signals.
		W 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 6 nm
	04.00	AC 9471
		W 1, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm
	08.00	AC 9467
		NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm
	08.09		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
	08.52		Square 9460 back and forth in position.
	12.00	AC 9466	Day's run: 261 nm ( 253 nm, 8 nm)
		NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm
	11.23 - 12.29		Incoming Radio Message:
			1) From Adm. Nordmeer 00.00 hours 2 steamers, 2 M-boats (fishing trawlers) out of Kirkenes for square 8485 upper-left further on Route Rot to the north. For this 3 escorting destroyers will not be set off to the east of 31°40'E
			2) Adm. Nordmeer to 8. Z.-Flottille, 8. S-Flottille, U-454. U-454 proceeds 19 January east of Vardö for Kirkenes. U-boat hunt 19 January south of 70°30'N only 3 nm to each side of the compulsory route. U-454 move off accordingly.
	16.00	AC 9445
		NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 9 nm
	18.55		Outgoing Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. At convoy sank 1 destroyer, 1 steamer, torpedoed 1 destroyer, 2 steamer. square 9455.
	19.44		Incoming Radio Message: Hackländer from Adm. Nordmeer. Bravo.
	20.00	AC 8653
		NW 2, Sea 1, overcast fog in places, Vis. 500 meters - 1 nm
	21.44		Incoming Radio Message from Adm. Nordmeer, that air reconnaissance had observed square 8971 1 destroyer, 3 patrol vessels and 2 steamers. Possibly wounded ships from yesterday's convoy. This report is equivalent to assuming that convoy on Cape Teriberski and south of Kilden island has gone to Murmansk and the reduced speed of advance vessels were left behind at Teriberskaja Bay under protection of patrol vessels.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42

- 22 -




	19.01.42
	00.00	AC 8556
		NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog banks, Vis. 1000-3000 meters
	04.00	AC 8461
		SW 3, Sea 2
	04.16		Incoming Radio Message: Hackländer from Adm. Nordmeer. Destroyers are not departing.
	04.21	Thick fog, Vis. 50 meters
	04.33		Want to wait for visibility improvement, before approaching the coast to check ship's position at Vardö Lighthouse.
	05.25	Thick fog, Vis. 50 meters
	05.26		With these visibility conditions Vardö Lighthouse is not distinguished. Went further into Varangerfjord to determine visibility conditions there.
	08.00	SW 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 50 meters
	09.01		Outgoing Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer from U-454. Square 8486 thick fog, Vis. 50 meters.
	09.41		Outgoing Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. Request Vardoe radio beacon for 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 hours.
	12.00	No visibility improvement	Day's run: 230 nm ( 223 nm, 7 nm)
	12.05		.
	13.03	Waft of mist, sea smoke, Vis. greatly changing 50-1000 meters	.
	15.52	AC 8721 upper-center edge	At objective point. Visibility 10-30 meters. Back and forth in position square 8487 to 8484
	21.00	)	to check visibility conditions.
	24.00	)	to check visibility conditions.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	20.01.42
	04.00	S 4, Sea 2-3, starry clear, sea smoke, Vis. 20 meters
	08.30		Back and forth in the same squares to charge the battery.
	09.09	AC 8721	Occasional visibility improvement. Coast distinguished.
	10.02		Significant visibility improvement. Boat is located off Kjelmöy Sound. Ran in.
	10.35		Outgoing Radio Message: Adm. Nordmeer from Hackländer. Running in, anticipate 11.00 hours Sibirien Pier.
	11.00		At Russevikodden back and forth, because in Bökfjord visibility 10 meters.
	12.00	Vis. changing 10-150 meters.
	13.00	Kirkenes	Made fast alongside steamer "SANDNES". Muster of the crew and greeting by Adm. Nordmeer.
			Signed in draft Hackländer

	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42

- 23 -

S u m m a r y .

1.)	Traffic.
	Ship traffic in operations area at large irregular intervals (every 8-14 days). Small convoys with strong escort. Convoy route apparently goes from 73°N to 74°N up to the longitude of Cape Gorodetzki to Charlow Island, from there using the Gorodetzki radio beacon, Swjatoi-Noss and Charlow to the south, at the latitude of Cape Teriberski part diverts to Murmansk. Running in harbor and dispersal points Cape Teriberski and Swjatoi-Noss.
	Under the coast in 4 nights no traffic was observed.

2)	Defenses.
	The escorting warships of the convoy seemed to be more against attack from surface ships rather than against U-boats (only destroyers, no corvettes, behavior of the escorts after the attack on 17 January at 19.00 hours). No regular patrols or U-boat hunts at the coast. Patrol vessels only positioned at important points, if traffic was expected? Patrol vessels are large modern fishing trawlers, apparently equipped with good listening gear and alert.
	Surveillance of the sea area by aircraft seldom and ineffective.

3)	Navigation.
	During the dark period very difficult due to weather conditions, stellar observations are often precluded for days. Plotting is uncertain due to the sea rapidly changing in direction and strength and difficult to detect currents. Sounding only of limited use due to inadequate depth notations. Own radio beacon at Vardö is strongly deflected by land in the sea area off Bären Island and the Murmansk coast. Russian radio beacons at the Murmansk coast give good bearings, only work when traffic is expected, then however on the frequencies and identifiers set forth in the "Nautical Radio Service". Bearings were taken on: Kanin Noss, Cape Gorodetzki, Swjatoi-Noss, Som Ostrowo (Charlow Island), Cape Teriberski, Sosnowetz.

4)	Weather.
	Weather forecast by on board weather map Adm. Nordmeer generally good, wind direction sometimes opposite in direction then forecast.
	The rapid change in wind direction and strength, the sudden arises and abating of the Sea State is striking.
	Visibility conditions at darkness are often surprisingly good, especially with Northern Lights. On closing the coast initially on land a bright glow is distinguished. Visibility towards land was always greater than visibility to sea, and greater then the prevailing visibility conditions. With a general visibility of 6-7 nm, the coast was made out at a distance of 15 nm.

5)	Behavior of the crew.
	The crew proved themselves in the sometimes severe stress from temperature and Sea State. Falling ill occurred only as mild colds.
	The work of the diesel personnel is particularly emphasized, they took care of arising malfunctions with expertise and great commitment.

Signed in draft Hackländer

Enclosures to U-454's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

ChartA Track chart covering the period 1-12 December 1941

ChartB Track chart covering the period 25 December 1941 - 20 January 1942

Sketches Combat sketches

Maschine KTB Maschine

Comments of the Admiral Nordmeer on the K.T.B. of "U-454"

for the period from 13.12.41 to 20.01.42.

1) To 15 January - 15.17 hours:

The cited radiogram concerned new transmitting times of the beacon at Vardoe and was addressed to Group Schendel

2) To 17 January - 05.07 hours to 06.43 hours:

The aggressive approach to the patrol vessel and the tenacious holding on deserves recognition. Despite initially unfavorable position it was correct to use the torpedoes, since the boats were expressly informed of the importance of the destruction of even the smallest vessels and the boat already on the return transit had no reason to take account of torpedo consumption. The energetic use of weapons then led to a complete success. According to the circumstances destruction of the enemy can be assumed with certainty.

3) To 17 January - 11.05 hours:

The outgoing radio message sent at that time with the position report of the enemy convoy was not received. The first radio message, with information of the convoy, was received at 18.34 hours and did not contain information on the location of the enemy. The attack on the convoy was joined with foresight and determination.

Also the radio message of 14:34 hours with location, course and speed of the enemy convoy was not received, likewise also the next two radio messages of 14:55 and 15:42 hours. This fact was known to the boat, because the radio messages were not repeated by Control. Therefore it was necessary to specify the location of the convoy with every new message. The radio message of 18.37 hours concerning the convoy lacked a location report. The boat was not immediately prompted for a position report, not to unnecessarily tie up the frequency and because it was expected with certainty that the boat would report its own location. Also in the radio message at 18.55 hours, in which the breaking of the contact was reported, a position was not given. The position was eventually reported 20:36 hours by special request. With timely and ongoing reports of enemy position until repeated by Control, getting the other two boats to the convoy would probably have been possible.

The attack initiated at 18.31 hours against the convoy was very difficult due to the clear starry night with northern lights behind. It was carried out by the boat with tactical skill. Especially noteworthy is the shooting performance against targets up to 4600 meters away. The torpedoing of a destroyer and a steamer in the

- 2 -

first portion of the attack can be considered as certain. The attack initiated at 22:09 hours after regaining contact was again very difficult due to the poor visibility of the vessels under the dark horizon and the long range of 4000 meters. Again, the shooting achievements deserve special recognition.

The abandonment of the contact on the convoy at 23:49 hours was not correct, even though the boat had no more torpedoes available. The convoy had to run a long time before it was beyond the grasp of U-boats. With continuous contact holding there might well have been an opportunity for the other two boats at sea to be brought up, this had to be considered especially with slow running damaged vessels.

Overall, the good performance of the boat during its first remote patrol is worthy of special recognition.

                                                                          signed in draft Schmundt.

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

on the Kriegstagebuch "U-454" from 13.12.41 - 20.1.42.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

                The boat is not operationally subordinated to B.d.U.

               A very well executed patrol with a beautiful success. Good shooting.

               The incomplete contact keeping reports were incorrect, as was the unfounded breaking of contact. Stay in touch by all means to bring up other boats.

Signed in draft: D ö n i t z

For correctness:



Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page

	Enclosures to U-454's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

ChartA	Track chart covering the period 1-12 December 1941

ChartB	Track chart covering the period 25 December 1941 - 20 January 1942

Sketches	Combat sketches

Maschine	KTB Maschine



	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	on the Kriegstagebuch "U-454" from 13.12.41 - 20.1.42.
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

	The boat is not operationally subordinated to B.d.U.
	A very well executed patrol with a beautiful success. Good shooting.
	The incomplete contact keeping reports were incorrect, as was the unfounded breaking of contact. Stay in touch by all means to bring up other boats.


		Signed in draft: D ö n i t z
		For correctness:

		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant