U-515 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
7 November 1942
Lorient
6 January 1943
61

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

Ships Attacked
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
12 Nov 42
00.15 - 06.50
35°33'N, 9°18'W
HMS HELCA (F 20)
10,850
British
Torch
12 Nov 42
02.01
35°33'N, 9°18'W
HMS MARNE (G 35) (damaged)
1,9208
British
Torch
6/7 Dec 42
23.59 - 01.00
40°51'N, 39°50'W
CERAMIC
18,713
British
ON-149
     
 Total = 31,483
   
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.


 
                                                                                    - 1 -                             
 
           
                                                                    
         
                                                            
           
                                  
           
   
K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
 
   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 
   
of
 
   
Unterseebootes  " U  5 1 5 " .
 
   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 
           
      Commander        : Kapitänleutnant  H  e  n  k  e  
           
      Beginning            : 15.  October 1942.  
           
      Ending                : 6.  January 1943.  
           
   
=-=-=-=-=-=
 
           
      Copies to            :  
     
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote     "      " 3
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4
10. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 5
27. U.-Fl.  for 2. U.L.D. and 25. U.-Fl.     "      " 6
Agru-Front, Kaptlt. Jebsen for 1. U.L.D.    
                                24. and 26. U. Flottille     "      " 7
 
           
      Enclosures           :    
     
1 Track chart
To
    "      " 1, 3, 4, 5.
1 Summary of the radio log
"
    "      " 3, 4, 5.
7 Torpedo firing reports
"
    "      " 3, 4, 5.
9 Barometer records
"
    "      " 3.
 
           
           
           
         
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    1942      
    15.10.42 -      
    28.10.42 Lorient Shipyard period in Keroman Bunker.  
    29.10.42 -      
    06.11.42 Lorient Remaining shipyard period and arming the boat for the second war patrol.  
    07.11.42 Lorient    
    16.30   Put to sea in convoy.  
    19.48   Released from convoy.  
                                                 
    08.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5550    
    03.13 BF 5540 Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 172 cm.  
    04.40   Surfaced.  
    05.15 BF 5490 Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 172 cm.  
    12.00 BF 5490 Day's run:  11.2 nm.      [typo probably just submerged]  
      Lat.   = 46° 33' N    
      Long. =  5° 58'W    
    19.16 BF 5720 Surfaced.  
    24.00                                            
    09.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4960    
    04.00 BF 7330 Radio message from B.d.U.:  "Americans have landed in Morocco and Algiers on a large scale.  Piening, Henke, Janssen, Wolfram, Spindlegger, Hirsacker, Schweichel, Kals at high speed, Neitzel, Schröter, Steinhoff, Maus, Eppen, Walkerling, Schug proceed to naval square DJ with day's run of 200 nm."  
    07.43 BF 7260    
    12.00 BF 7290 Day's run surfaced   :   165 nm.  
      Lat.   = 44° 53' N         "      submerged:     31 nm.  
      Long. =  9° 33' W    
    18.55 BF 7510    
    22.40 BF 7460 Crash dive for enemy aircraft radar detection, 170 cm.  
    23.44   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 7490                                          
    10.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7490    
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. medium, 1024 mb    
    04.00 BF 7750    
    08.00 CG 2140    
    12.00 CG 1660 Day's run surfaced   :   214 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 25' N         "      submerged:     21 nm.  
      Long. = 11° 50' W    
    16.00 CG 1980    
    20.00 CG 4380                                          
    11.11.42 Spanish Coast    
    00.00 CG 4680    
      N 4, Sea 3, medium swell, 6/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb    
    04.00 CG 7320    
    08.00 CG 7620    
    12.00 CG 7920 Day's run surfaced   :   336 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 20' N         "      submerged:      3 nm.  
      Long. = 12° 10' W    
    14.35 CG 7960 Crash dive for fast land-based aircraft, 5 well-placed aircraft bombs at A -5 meters, torpedo data computer temporarily inoperative.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.11.42      
    17.53 CG 8770 Surfaced.  
    19.15 CG 8780 Cruiser formation in sight, 2 cruisers type "BIRMINGHAM" and "FROBISHER" as well as three K-class destroyers.  Easterly course, cruising speed 15 knots.  Occasional enemy radar detections at 139 cm.  
                                                 
    12.11.42 West of the Spanish Coast    
        Maneuvered ahead at AK, was driven off several times by destroyers.  Approached the stern cruiser type "BIRMINGHAM".  
    00.15 CG 8830 Four fan from tubes I-IV:  depth 2 meters, enemy speed 15 knots, bow right, target angle 95°, estimated range 1500 meters, running time 70 seconds, 2 surface and 1 circular runner, 1 hit center engine room.  Ship lies stopped, 3 destroyers protecting, the 2nd cruiser runs off at high speed to the east.  
    01.28   Break through the protecting ships.  
        Coup de grâce from tube I:  depth 2 meters, estimated range 1500 meters, hit aft 40 meters, running time 2 minutes 25 seconds.  
    01.49   Coup de grâce from tube V:  depth 2 meters, estimated range 2000 meters, hit aft 40 meters, running time 2 minutes 4 seconds, cruiser lies with a heavy list to port.  
    02.01   Shot from tube VI:  on K-class destroyer going alongside, estimated range 1000 meters, depth 2 meters, hit aft 25 meters.  Violent detonation, high, wide explosive pillar, depth charge detonations at the stern of the destroyer.  
    02.06   Coup de grâce from tube IV:  on the cruiser, depth 2 meters, hit forward 30 meters, ship does not sink.  Detected by star shells from protecting destroyer and hunted.  Rudder failure, switchboard fire.  
    02.17   Crash dive, depth charges at A +40 meters, to A +80 meters.  
        Reloaded.  
    04.31   Surfaced.  Approached cruiser lying deeply in the water, the ship is slowly towed by a destroyer alongside at the stern. Suddenly artillery bombardment from the protecting destroyer and from the front turret of the cruiser.  
    05.38   Crash dive.  Numerous depth charges.  Asdic sounds.  
    06.13   Surfaced, approached the cruiser. Artillery fire from the destroyer.  
    06.50   Double shot from tubes II and IV:  with offset aim point in the targeting optics, speed 5 knots, after about 2 minutes hit heard, depth 3 meters.  
        Depth charges, listening pursuit, Bolde used with success.  
    12.00 CG 8890 Day's run surfaced   :   120 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 14' N         "      submerged:     30 nm.  
      Long. =   9° 34' W During the day hundreds of depth charges, at periscope depth aircraft and U-boat hunting group determined.  
    19.19 CG 8870 Surfaced.  
        Radio message to B.d.U.:  This morning naval square CG 8830 4 hits on cruiser type "BIRMINGHAM", a fifth one heard, sinking not observed, hit on destroyer K-class, sinking likely. 190 cbm, 5 plus 8 torpedoes.    from - Henke -"  
                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 DJ 2150    
    04.00 DJ 2430    
    07.33 DJ 2420 Crash dive for aircraft.  
        Remained under water during the day due to the presence of searching groups.  Hundreds of depth charges, distant 5-10 nm.  
    12.00 DJ 2180 Day's run surfaced   :   149 nm.  
      Lat.    = 33° 59' N         "      submerged:     24 nm.  
      Long. =   8° 30' W    
    19.20 DJ 2150                                          
    14.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 8970    
    04.00 CG 8950    
    06.15 CG 8930 Boat comes across a large area of fuel oil apparently coming from our cruiser.  
    06.30 CG 9710 Came upon a search group, enemy radar detection on 161 cm.  
    07.56   Crash dive for a locating destroyer, depth charges.  
    12.00 CG 9710 Day's run surfaced   :   163 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 34' N         "      submerged:     24 nm.  
      Long. =   7° 45' W    
    19.17 CG 9760    
                                                 
    15.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 9810    
    04.00 CG 9570    
    07.28 CG 9450 Dived.  
    12.00 CG 9450 Day's run surfaced   :   112 nm.  
      Lat.    = 36° 03' N         "      submerged:     33 nm.  
      Long. =   7° 40' W    
    19.07 CG 9470 Surfaced.  
    23.00   Several neutral ships, a destroyer locating on 148 cm passed between them.  
                                                 
    16.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 9480    
    04.00 CG 9480    
    04.45 CG 9480 Shadow in sight, determined to be a cruiser of the "DIDO" class, as well as several destroyers.  Enemy radar detection on 139 and 148 cm.  Heavy zig zag.  
    06.09   Approached cruiser.  
        Two fan from tubes I and III:  depth 3 meters, enemy speed 14 knots, steering angle 4°, estimated range 1500 meters, bow left, target angle 80°.  1 surface-circle runner.  
        Missed.  Initiated stern approach, location noted on 139 cm while turning.  Artillery bombardment and star shells from the cruiser which hunts me.  
    06.23   Crash dive, at A +40 meters, several series of well-placed depth charges, ran off across the pursuit course.  Used Bolde with success.  
    12.00 CG 9440 Day's run surfaced   :   100 nm.  
      Lat.    = 36° 15' N         "      submerged:     34 nm.  
      Long. =   7° 40' W During the day numerous depth charges near the boat, maneuvered at depth A +20 meters.  
    19.11 CG 8660 Surfaced.  
    19.23   Crash dive for approaching aircraft with red light.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.11.42      
    22.51   Surfaced, after a sound bearing.  
    22.53   Destroyer bows on, distance 1000 meters.  Crash dive!  Apparently he did not detect me.  
    23.42                                            
    17.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 8660    
    00.30   Contact on an eastward-bound convoy, approximately 12 small ships (size 1500-2000 GRT.) broad formation, heavily escorted, cruiser type "CAIRO" astern to starboard .  
        Contact keeper report sent.  Because an approach with stern tubes was too difficult with this formation and is not worthwhile, approached cruiser to within 4000 meters.  Enemy radar detected from cruiser on 156 cm, although I am positioned between him and convoy.  Cruiser hunts me bow on, changes course immediately after own change.  
    03.45 CG 9450 Crash dive, distance to cruiser 1200 meters, depth charges, Asdic.  
    12.00 CG 9449 Day's run surfaced   :   41 nm.  
      Lat.    = 36° 04' N         "      submerged:   46 nm.  
      Long. =   7° 42' W    
    19.08 CG 8669 Surfaced, set off to the west to reload to 8 Atos.  
                                                 
    18.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 8823    
    04.00 CG 8763    
    08.03 CG 8748 Dived.  
    12.00 CG 8771 Day's run surfaced   :   132 nm.  
                "      submerged:     30 nm.  
    12.08   U-boat, type VIIC passed course 90°, 1 hour later 3 aircraft bombs heard, apparently "Köppe".  
    16.00 CG 7993    
    19.16 CG 7992 Surfaced.  
    20.40 CG 7983 Tracers observed bearing 300°T.   
    21.11   Shadows in sight, determined to be a small cruiser, as well as after a while 2 destroyers, apparently searching for "Köppe".  Enemy radar detections on 139, 148 and 156 cm.  Broke off torpedo  transfer and am proceeding further to the west.  
                                                 
    19.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 7978    
    04.00 DH 3313    
    08.07 DH 3239 Dived.  
    12.00 DH 3238 Day's run surfaced   :   137 nm.  
      Lat.    = 34° 32' N         "      submerged:    23 nm.  
      Long. = 14° 05' W    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.11.42      
    13.17 DH 3237 Surfaced.  Met with "Remus".  
    13.56   Dived due to low ceiling.  
    18.54 DH 3228 Surfaced.  
    19.30   Begin torpedo transfer.  
                                                 
    20.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 DH 3273    
    01.50   Finished torpedo transfer, 8 G 7a in good condition taken below decks.  
    02.55 to      
    03.40 DH 3287 Trim test.  
    04.20 DH 3288 Crash dive for enemy aircraft and destroyer radar detection on 180 and 156 cm, the cables of the Fu.M.B. were damaged while diving, no reception.  
    06.02   Surfaced.  
    08.00 DH 3298 Dived.  
    12.00 DH 3299 Day's run surfaced   :   72 nm.  
      Lat.    = 33° 57' N         "      submerged:   25 nm.  
      Long. = 13° 55' W    
    16.00 DH 3377 60 depth charges apparently from a search group.  
    19.17 DH 3379 Surfaced.  
    24.00 DJ 1141 Proceeding to CG 8730.  
                                                 
    21.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    04.00 CG 7994    
    08.05 CG 8725    
    12.00 CG 8726 Day's run surfaced   :   116 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 36' N         "      submerged:   23 nm.  
      Long. = 10° 42' W    
    16.00 CG 8735    
    19.27 CG 8732 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    22.11.42 Atlantic, West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 7933    
    04.00 CG 7912    
    08.15 CG 7593 Dived.  
    12.00 CG 7569 Day's run surfaced   :   132 nm.  
      Lat.    = 36° 02' N         "      submerged:    25 nm.  
      Long. = 12° 43' W    
    13.00 CG 7569 Depth charges in the distance.  
    16.00 CG 7566    
    19.19 CG 7563 Surfaced.  
    20.42 CG 7535 Dived for enemy aircraft radar detection on 174 cm.  
    21.25   Surfaced.  
    21.40 CG 7532 Dived, enemy radar detection on 174 cm.  
    23.00   Surfaced.  
    23.55 CG 7296 Dived, enemy radar detection on 168 cm.  
                                                 
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.45 CG 7296 Surfaced.  
    04.00 CG 7521    
    08.19 CG 7283 Dived.  
    12.00 CG 7280 Day's run surfaced   :   82 nm.  
      Lat.    = 36° 49' N         "      submerged:   29 nm.  
      Long. = 13° 09' W    
    16.00 CG 7267 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    24.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CG 7248 Proceeding to CF 9115 to take over a new antenna from "Stiebler".  
    04.00 CG 7156    
    08.37 CG 7147 Dived.  
    12.00 CF 9368 Day's run surfaced   :  138 nm.  
                "      submerged:   23 nm.  
    16.00 CF 9367    
    18.57 CF 9355 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    25.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CF 9228    
    04.00 CF 9135    
    08.55 CF 9112 Dived.  
    11.58 CF 9115 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Lat.    = 37° 20' N Day's run surfaced   :  121 nm.  
      Long. = 18° 35' W         "      submerged:   21 nm.  
    15.25 to CF 9115 Met with "Stiebler", Fu.M.B. antenna transferred.  
    16.00      
    20.00 CF 8364 Advance on course 230°, because position for 27 November (ordered position in the patrol line is CF 6763) is still 2-days away.  
                                                 
    26.11.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 CF 8381    
      SE 5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. medium, isolated rain showers    
    04.00 CF 8611    
    08.00 CF 8561    
    12.00 CF 8579 Day's run surfaced:  188 nm.  
      Lat.    = 34° 43' N    
      Long. = 20° 41' W    
    16.00 CF 8738    
    20.00 CF 8575                                          
    27.11.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 8561    
      W 4, long westerly swell, 6/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CF 8375    
    04.55 -      
    05.56 CF 8373 Test dive.  
    08.00 CF 8353    
    12.00 CF 6779 Day's run surfaced   :  204 nm.  
      Lat.    = 37° 28' N         "      submerged:     2 nm.  
      Long. = 18° 38' W    
    13.30 CF 6775 Meeting with "Piening".  
    16.00 CF 6781    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.11.42      
    20.00 CF 6763 At ordered initial position.  
                                                 
    28.11.42 East of the Azores  
    00.00 CF 6713    
      NNW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CF 5695    
    08.00 CF 5649    
    12.00 CF 5562 Day's run surfaced:  207 nm.  
      Lat.    = 38° 52' N    
      Long. = 20° 05' W    
    16.00 CF 5513    
    20.00 CF 5271    
    22.14 -      
    22.44   Test dive.  
                                                 
    29.11.42 East of the Azores  
    00.00 CF 5188    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, long N-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CF 4369    
    08.00 CF 4362    
    12.00 CF 4324 Day's run surfaced   :  185 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 02' N         "      submerged:     2 nm.  
      Long. = 22° 55' W    
    16.00 CF 1899    
    20.00 CF 4222                                          
    30.11.42 East of the Azores  
    00.00 CE 3991    
      W 1-2, long W-swell, 9/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CE 3961    
    08.00 CE 3943    
    12.00 Lat.    = 41° 07' N Day's run surfaced:  154 nm.  
      Long. = 25° 45' W    
    16.00 CE 3585    
    20.00 CE 3571                                          
    01.12.42 Northeast of the Azores  
    00.00 CE 3497    
      ESE 5-6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CE 3476    
    08.00 CE 2695    
    11.00   My new position is CE 1699.  
    12.00 CE 2688 Day's run surfaced:  147 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 07' N    
      Long. = 28° 55' W    
    16.00 CE 2677    
    20.00 CE 2589    
    23.00 - 23.29   Test dive.  
                                                 
    02.12.42 North of the Azores  
    00.00 CE 2584    
      NNE 2-3, cross swells, 9/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CE 2584    
    08.00 CE 2811    
    12.00 CE 2485 Day's run surfaced   :  134 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 10' N         "      submerged:     2 nm.  
      Long. = 31° 20' W    
    16.00 CE 2475    
    20.00 CE 1699                                          
    03.12.42 North of the Azores  
    00.00 CE 1696    
      NW 1, Sea 1, long W-swell, 4/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 CE 1695    
    08.00 CE 1694    
    12.00 CE 1676 Day's run surfaced:  101 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 17' N    
      Long. = 32° 50' W    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.12.42 Northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 1499    
    04.00 CE 1485    
    08.00 CE 1875    
    12.00 CE 3699 Day's run surfaced:  136 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 22' N    
      Long. = 35° 40' W    
      SW 5, Sea 4, medium swell, 9/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CD 3685    
    20.00 CD 3677    
    22.50 -   Test dive.  
    23.23                                            
    05.12.42 Northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 3586    
    04.00 CD 3575    
    08.00 CD 3495    
    12.00 CD3476 Day's run surfaced   :  135 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 17' N         "      submerged:     2 nm.  
      Long. = 38° 45' W    
      SW 6, Sea 5, high SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CD 3475    
    20.00 CD 2698                                          
    06.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2684    
    04.00 CD 2598    
    08.00 CD 2576    
    12.00 CD 2576 Day's run surfaced:  121 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 17' N    
      Long. = 41° 13' W    
      W 6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CD 2572    
    18.38   2 Smoke feathers in sight, a 7000-ton freighter bearing 220°T,  a large 4-masted passenger vessel bearing 70°T.  Set off after the 4-master.  Ship makes steam at twilight and now runs at 17 knots.  We could only get ahead after hours at AK . (Bunkers 7 and 4 out of service).  Exhaust gas piping leaking, exhaust fumes, minor defects quickly eliminated, excellent attitude of technical personnel.  Report concerning 2nd steamer sent by radio message. (Later Piening sinks).  Both ships on course 110°.  
    23.59   Double shot from tubes I and IV, depth 5 meters, speed 15.5 knots, bow right, target angle 80°, estimated range 1200 meters, running time 30 seconds, hit in engine room.  2nd shot impact heard, apparently a Pi failure.  Steamer transmits, it is "CERAMIC" 18800 GRT.  
                                                 
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2927    
    00.18   Coup de grâce from tube V:  depth 3 meters, hit forward 20 meters, steamer is lit up and puts out boats, as I am nearby I can make out several boats occupied by soldiers.  
    00.38   Coup de grâce from tube VI:  depth 4 meters, hit forward 40 meters, steamer does not sink, numerous rafts and boats are deployed.  
    01.00   Coup de grâce from tube II:  depth 6 meters, hit forward 20 meters, ship breaks, sinks after 10 seconds, while I am near suddenly a very strong detonation, ran off, because I fear defence.  
    04.00 CD 2927    
    07.15 - 11.00 CD 2916 Test dive.  
    12.00 CD 2581 Day's run surfaced   :  189 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 17' N         "      submerged:     8 nm.  
      Long. = 41° 06' W Returning to the sinking location to take the Captain prisoner.  
      SSW 7, freshening, high W-swell, 10/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, rain and hail showers  
      On arriving many corpses of army and navy soldiers, approximately 60 rafts and numerous boats observed, aircraft parts.  
    16.00 CD 2913    
    16.20   Per survivor statements, 45 officers and approximately 1000 men were aboard, port of destination and cargo not determined.  I suppose cargo was exclusively ordnance.  
    17.35   Dived due to weather.  
    20.00 CD 2919                                          
    08.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2922    
    04.00 CD 2921    
    09.30 CD 2921 Surfaced.  
    12.00 CD 2856 Day's run surfaced   :  46 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 36' N         "      submerged:  35 nm.  
      Long. = 40° 45' W    
      WNW 9, Sea 7, high NW-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium, rain squalls    
    16.00 CD 2857    
    20.00 CD 2874                                          
    09.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2796    
    04.00 CD 2759    
    09.30 CD 2734 Dived due to weather.  
    12.00 CD 2734 Day's run surfaced   :  108 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 55' N         "      submerged:     7 nm.  
      Long. = 41° 50' W    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    From      
    09.12.42      
    17.28 CD 2577 Surfaced.  
    19.06   Dived due to weather.  
                                                 
    10.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2821    
    04.00 CD 2855    
    07.35 CD 2855 Surfaced.  
    12.00 CD 2888 Day's run surfaced   :  45 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 10' N         "      submerged:  39 nm.  
      Long. = 41° 00' W    
      WNW 5, Sea 3, high long NW-swell, 8/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CD 2879    
    20.00 CD 2878                                          
    11.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2799    
    04.00 CD 2797    
    07.25 CD 2789 Dived due to weather.  
      NE 10-11, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, rain squalls    
    12.00 CD 2788 Day's run surfaced   :  149 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 20' N         "      submerged:   10 nm.  
      Long. = 41° 48' W    
    17.50 CD 2787 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CD 2791 Radio message from B.d.U.:  
        Group Westwall course 90°.  
                                                 
    12.12.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 2786    
    04.00 CD 2855    
    08.00 CD 2917    
    12.00 CD 2926 Day's run surfaced   :  115 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 59' N         "      submerged:   12 nm.  
      Long. = 39° 35' W    
      WNW 5, high NW-swell, Sea 5, variable cloudiness, Vis. medium    
    16.00 CD 3714    
    20.00 CD 3726    
    13.12.42 Northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 CD 3814    
    04.00 CD 3815    
    08.00 CD 3816    
    08.20   Dived due to weather.  
    12.00 CD 3915 Day's run surfaced   :  100 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 57' N         "      submerged:     8 nm.  
      Long. = 39° 24' W    
      Wind shifting from NE-N, strong 7, Sea 6, cross swell, overcast, Vis. highly variable, rain squalls    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    From      
    13.12.42      
    12.38 CD 3916 Surfaced.  
    16.00 CD 3916    
    20.00 CE 1714                                          
    14.12.42 Northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 1725    
    04.00 CE 1736    
    08.00 CE 1822    
    12.00 CD 1836 Day's run surfaced   :  163 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 57' N         "      submerged:     1 nm.  
      Long. = 33° 17' W    
      Wind shifting from ENE-E, strong 3, Sea 1, long NW-swell, rain squalls, Vis. variable, overcast    
    16.00 CE 1921    
    20.00 CE 1929                                          
    15.12.42 North of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 1939    
    04.00 CE 2727    
    07.27 -      
    09.28 CE 2870 Test dive.  
    12.00 CE 2828 Day's run surfaced   :  108 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 57' N         "      submerged:     6 nm.  
      Long. = 30° 02' W    
      SW 9, Sea 7, high SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. moderate    
    14.55 CE 2829 Dived due to weather.  
    16.00 CE 2914    
    20.00 CE 2916                                          
    16.12.42 North of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 2916    
    04.00 CE 2921    
    08.26 CE 2923 Surfaced.  
    12.00 CE 3727 Day's run surfaced   :  53 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 50' N         "      submerged:  34 nm.  
      Long. = 27° 53' W    
      WSW 4, Sea 4, high W-swell, 4/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CE 3819    
    20.00 CE 3859                                          
    17.12.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 3895    
    04.00 CE 6325    
    08.00 CF 4215    
    12.00 CE 4311 Day's run surfaced:  240 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 10' N    
      Long. = 23° 30' W    
      NW 6, Sea 6, high W-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CF 1999    
    20.00 CF 2779                                          
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.12.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 2799    
    04.00 CF 5222    
    08.00 CF 5312    
    08.15 -      
    08.57   Crash dive practice.  
    12.00 CF 5331 Day's run surfaced   :  212 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 10' N         "      submerged:      2 nm.  
      Long. = 19° 05' W    
      NW 5, Sea 4, high NW-swell, 6/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CF 3787    
    20.00 CF 3871                                          
    19.12.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 3891    
    04.00 CF 3946    
    08.00 CF 3966    
    12.00 CF 3969 Day's run surfaced:  196 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 30' N    
      Long. = 15° 13' W    
      SW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, cross swell, Vis. medium    
    14.20 CF 3995 Dived due to weather  
    19.45 CF 3991 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    20.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 3951    
    04.00 CF 3911    
    08.00 CF 3688    
    11.45 CF 3933 Dived due to weather.  
    12.00 CF 3933 Day's run surfaced   :  129 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 02' N         "      submerged:      2 nm.  
      Long. = 15° 15' W    
      SbyW 4, Sea 4, SW-swell, 9/10, Vis. moderate    
    13.50 CG 1711 Surfaced.  
    16.00 CG 1728    
    20.00 CG 1781                                          
    21.21.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 3994    
    04.00 CF 3979    
    08.00 CF 3973    
    12.00 CF 3953 Day's run surfaced   :  165 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 49' N         "      submerged:      5 nm.  
      Long. = 15° 38' W    
      SSW 5, Sea 4, SW-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium    
    12.35 CF 3953 Dived for enemy aircraft radar detection on 169 cm, 2-engine land-based aircraft.  
    19.34 CF 3935 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    22.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 1725    
    04.00 CG 1736    
    08.00 CG 1726    
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    From      
    22.12.42 West of Portugal    
    12.00 CG 1721 Day's run surfaced   :  119 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 01' N         "      submerged:    15 nm.  
      Long. = 14° 35' W    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, long W-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    14.30 CG 1716 Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.  
    16.00 CG 1716    
    18.21 CG 1715 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 3931                                          
    23.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 3943    
    04.00 CF 3974    
    08.00 CF 3954    
    09.58 CF 3952 Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.  
    12.00 CF 3953 Day's run surfaced   :  123 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 48' N         "      submerged:    19 nm.  
      Long. = 15° 30' W    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, light NW-swell, Vis. medium    
    14.50 CF 3961 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 3924                                          
    24.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 3911    
    04.00 CF 3921    
    08.00 CF 3933    
    12.00 CG 1713 Day's run surfaced   :  140 nm.  
      Lat.    = 41° 02' N         "      submerged:      8 nm.  
      Long. = 14° 40' W    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, light SW-swell, Vis. medium    
    15.18 CG 1738 Dived for Christmas celebration.  
    20.15 CG 1739 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    25.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 1764    
    04.00 CG 1767    
    08.00 CG 1792    
    11.02 CG 1785 Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.  
    12.00 CG 1785 Day's run surfaced   :  73 nm.  
      Lat.    = 40° 20' N         "      submerged:    8 nm.  
      Long. = 14° 30' W    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, light NW-swell, 7/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CG 1787    
    18.12   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 1778    
    22.00 CF 3998 Free to maneuver in CG 85 to DH 34.    [typo DG 85]  
                                                 
    26.12.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 6337    
    04.00 CF 6382    
    08.00 CF 6615    
    11.55 CF 6593 Dived for flying boat type Sunderland.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    From      
    26.12.42 West of Portugal    
    12.00 CF 6593 Day's run surfaced   :  131 nm.  
      Lat.    = 38° 44' N         "      submerged:    15 nm.  
      Long. = 16° 26' W    
      NbyE 2, Sea 1, light NE-swell, 7/10, Vis. good    
    13.35 CF 6596 Surfaced.  
    15.29 CF 6832 Dived due to unfavorable ceiling.  
    18.00 CF 6835 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 6861                                          
    27.12.42 North of Madeira    
    00.00 CF 6897    
    04.00 CF 9377    
    08.00 CF 9672    
    11.40 CF 9918 Dived.  
    12.00 CF 9942 Day's run surfaced   :  166 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 22' N         "      submerged:    10 nm.  
      Long. = 16° 06' W    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, light N-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    15.49 CF 9947 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 9977                                          
    28.12.42 North of Madeira    
    00.00 DH 3144    
    04.00 DH 2639    
    08.00 DH 2696    
    12.00 DH 2685 Day's run surfaced   :  170 nm.  
      Lat.    = 33° 10' N         "      submerged:    9 nm.  
      Long. = 17° 01' W    
      N 3-4, Sea 3, light NE-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 DH 2619    
    20.00 DH 2376                                          
    29.12.42 North of Madeira    
    00.00 DH 2359    
    04.00 DH 3141    
    08.00 DH 3125    
    09.30 -      
    10.40 DH 3134 Test dive.  
    12.00 DH 3136 Day's run surfaced   :  159 nm.  
      Lat.    = 34° 39' N         "      submerged:    3 nm.  
      Long. = 15° 10' W    
      NE 4, Sea 3, light NE-swell, 8/10, Vis. medium    
    15.44 DH 3224 Dived.  
    18.22 DH 3222 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DH 3231                                          
    30.12.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 DH 3311    
    04.00 DH 3322    
    08.00 DH 3339    
    09.06 DH 3339 Dived.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    From      
    30.12.42 West of Gibraltar    
    12.00 DJ 1112 Day's run surfaced   :  121 nm.  
      Lat.    = 34° 42' N         "      submerged:    8 nm.  
      Long. = 12° 30' W    
      N 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 DJ 1113    
    18.28 DJ 1121 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DJ 1122                                          
    31.12.42 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 DJ 1212    
    04.00 DJ 1228    
    08.00 DJ 1239    
    09.02   Dived.  
    12.00 DJ 1236 Day's run surfaced   :   87 nm.  
      Lat.    = 34° 38' N         "      submerged:   22 nm.  
      Long. = 10° 24' W    
      NbyE 5, Sea 4, NNE-swell, 6/10, Vis. variable    
    16.00 DJ 1236    
    18.35 DJ 1233 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DJ 1311                                          
    01.01.43 West of Gibraltar    
    00.00 DJ 1324    
    04.00 DJ 1331    
    07.10 CG 8888 Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.  
    07.51   Surfaced.  
    08.08 CG 8867 Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.  
    12.00 CG 8867 Day's run surfaced   :   90 nm.  
      Lat.    = 35° 11' N         "      submerged:   25 nm.  
      Long. =   9° 16' W    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CG 8864    
    18.53 CG 8861 Surfaced.  
    19.10 CG 8837 Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.  
    21.02 CG 8834 Surfaced.  
                                                 
    02.01.43 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 8568    
    04.00 CG 8295    
    08.00 CG 8236    
    09.07 CG 8233 Dived.  
    12.00 CG 5899 Day's run surfaced   :  106 nm.  
      Lat.    = 37° 34' N         "      submerged:   23 nm.  
      Long. =   9° 07' W Began return transit.  
      NbyW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium    
    16.00 CG 5896    
    18.42 CG 5868 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CG 5865                                          
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.01.43 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 5589    
    04.00 CG 5555    
    08.00 CG 5288    
    10.35 CG 5285 Dived for aircraft.  
    12.00 CG 5255 Day's run surfaced   :  132 nm.  
      Lat.    = 39° 43' N         "      submerged:   20 nm.  
      Long. =   9° 36' W    
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, light N-swell, 9/10, Vis. medium    
    18.55 CG 5253 Surfaced.  
    23.25 CG 2867 Dived for enemy radar detection on 169 cm.  
                                                 
    04.01.43 West of Spanish Coast    
    00.17 CG 2864 Surfaced.  
    04.00 CG 2564    
    09.01 CG 2224 Dived.  
    12.00 BF 7889 Day's run surfaced   :  170 nm.  
      Lat.    = 42° 55' N         "      submerged:   25 nm.  
      Long. =   9° 32' W    
      NW 2, Sea 2, light NW-swell, 7/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 BF 7894    
    18.18 BF 7891 Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 7863                                          
    05.01.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7664    
    04.00 BF 8158    
    08.35 BF 5773 Dived.  
    12.00 BF 5754    
      Lat.    = 46° 02' N    
      Long. =   6 ° 22' W    
      W-NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, light NW-swell, 5/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 BF 5752    
    20.00 BF 5725                                          
    06.01.43 Bay of Biscay    
    08.53   Taken in convoy.  
    11.17   Made fast Lorient.  
                                                 
                                            Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43

  Enclosures to U-515's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Track Chart Track chart for the entire patrol - 7 November 1942 to 6 January 1943
   
Sketch Combat Sketch for 11-12 November 1942

 
 
     
 

Commentary of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
 
On the Kriegstagebuch of "U-515" from 15.10.42 - 06.01.43.
 
 

 

 
 
                The attack on the cruiser formation was executed with exemplary determination and judgment and equal energy and toughness versus the strong defence resulting in a proud success.  This attack earns the highest acknowledgment because of its very special boldness and bravery.
                The sinking of the "CERAMIC" took place after a hunt of almost 6 hours under merciless and hardest demand on the technical personnel, who exhibited the worthy hardness of their commander.
                It is only regrettable that the Kommandant, based on unjustified mistrust concerning the deep running of torpedoes, maintained the opposed depth of 2 meters for the finishing shots on the previously damaged cruiser and did not get the satisfaction of observing the sinking.  The sinking is recognized.
 
       
   

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of Operations -
 
 
                                       
                                                  
                                                                        
 


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