U-604 - 2nd War Patrol

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

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Brest
14 October 1942
Brest
5 November 1942
23

 

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
27 Oct 42
21.06 - 22.18
27°57'N, 18°38'W
ANGLO MAERSK
7,705
British
SL-125
30 Oct 42
21.29
35°09'N, 16°30'W
PRÈSIDENT DOUMER
11,898
British
SL-125
30 Oct 42
23.02
35°15'N, 16°30'W
BARON VERNON
3,642
British
SL-125
     
 Total = 23,245
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                                      
           
           
           
                               K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
           
           
                                                    "  U  604  "  .  
           
           
           
           
                   Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant Höltring  
           
           
           
           
                                    Beginning:   9.   9   1942.  
                                    Ending:       5.  11.  1942  
           
              
           
           
                     
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.09. - 13.10.42   Shipyard period in Brest.  
    14.10.42      
    17.50   Cast off from Brest U-boat base.   
    18.02   Taken in convoy.  According to instructions of the Kommandant headed to position [outer point] in convoy.  
    20.30   Escort change.  
    23.05   Released from convoy at position [outer point].  
    24.00 W 2-3, Sea 3, 1031 mb, 17°C, faint marine phosphorescence, overcast (rain)    
                                                        
    15.10.42      
    03.44   Course 270°, 2 x GF.  
    04.00 BF 5571    
      WbyS 2, Sea 2, 1031.5 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain), faint marine phosphorescence    
    07.09 BF 5472 Dived to proceed submerged (heavy marine phosphorescence).  Pressure test at depth A +25.  
    08.00 BF 5472    
    12.00 BF 5471 Day's run:  204.3 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4692    
    20.00 BF 4683    
    20.45 BF 4683 Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    21.00   Course 270°, HF.  
    24.00 BF 4671    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, 1035 mb, 16.5°C, overcast, medium marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    16.10.42      
    04.00 BF 4573    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, 1035.5 mb, 17.5°C, medium marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 BF 4483    
      SW 1-2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, 1035 mb, 17°C, faint marine phosphorescence    
    08.05 BF 4483 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 4482 Day's run:  177 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4481    
    20.00 BF 4472    
    21.55 BF 4471 Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface, course 270°, HF.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.10.42      
    24.00 BE 6691    
      SWbyW 2, cloudy, Sea 1-2, 1033 mb, 21°C, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    17.10.42      
    04.00 BE 6671    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1033 mb, 21°C, cloudy, faint marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 BE 6583    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1-2, 1031.5 mb, 20°C, overcast (fog)    
    12.00 BE 6571 Day's run:  144 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1030 mb, 17°C, overcast (fog), patchy wisps of fog, Vis. bad    
    12.26 BE 6571 Crash dive.  Torpedoes pulled.  
    13.30 BE 6571 Propeller sounds bearing 346°T.  
    13.39      " Propeller sounds bearing 352°T.  
    13.42      " Propeller sounds no longer heard, in their place strange beating sounds.  
        Possibly a corvette with new sound gear.  
    15.06 BE 6496 Surfaced.  
    15.08   Course 180°, LF.  
    16.00 BE 6499    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, 1028 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 6-15 nm, patchy ground fog.    
    17.00   Course 208°, LF.  Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 90°T, 15 nm.  
        Course 208°, speed 7.5 knots.  
    20.00 BE 6769    
      SEbyS 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 6-15 nm, ground fog    
    24.00 BE 9131    
      S 2, Sea 2, 1024 mb, 18°C, cloudy, Vis. 4-10 nm, ground fog, faint marine phosphorescence, bright moonshine    
                                                        
    18.10.42      
    04.00 BE 9155    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 1023 mb, 18°C, cloudy, Vis. 4-12, ground fog, faint marine phosphorescence    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.10.42      
    08.00 BE 9419 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 157°T, 10.8 nm.  
      SbyW 2, Sea 2, 1024 mb, 18.5°C, cloudy, Vis. 5-14 nm, patchy ground fog  
    12.00 BE 9472 Day's run:  171 nm.  
      SbyW 2, Sea 2, 1023 mb, 21°C, cloudy, Vis. 16 nm    
    16.00 BE 8933 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 7°T, 6.8 nm.  
      SbyW 1, Sea 1, 1023 mb, 21°C, fog  
    20.00 BE 8967    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1023 mb, 20°C    
    24.00 CF 3223    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1022 mb, 19°C, Vis. 10 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    19.10.42      
    04.00 CF 3257    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1023 mb, 19°C, Vis. 6-10 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 CF 3515    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 1024 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm    
    09.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 57°T, 10 nm.  
    10.00   Course 211°, transit speed.  
    12.00 CF 3466 Day's run:  168 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 1024 mb, 22°, Vis. 16 nm    
    14.54 CF 3495 Dived.  Boat balanced.  Torpedoes pulled.  
    16.00 CF 3497 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 244°T, 17.5 nm.  
      SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1024.5 mb, 23°C, Vis. 16 nm  
    18.59 CF 3727 Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface.  
    20.00 CF 3719    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 23°C, Vis. 16 nm    
    24.00 CF 3771    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1027 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm, overcast    
                                                        
    20.10.42      
    04.00 CF 5335    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1027 mb, 22°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy, moonshine    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.10.42      
    08.00 CF 5383    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, 1028 mb, 24°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy    
    10.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 83°T, 14.5 nm.  
    12.00 CF 5625 Day's run:  153 nm.  
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 1029 mb, 26°C, Vis. 16 nm, cloudy    
    16.00 CF 5672    
      NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, long swell, Vis. 16 nm, 28°C, 1031 mb, cloudy    
    17.45 CF 5677 Test dive.  
    18.08   Surfaced.  
    18.35 CF 5833 Test dive.  Pressure test to depth A +40 meters.  
    19.36   Surfaced.  Course 213°, transit speed.  
    20.00 CF 5836 Course 172°, transit speed according to Radio Message orders.  
      E 3, Sea 2, swells, Vis. 15 nm, 1031 mb, 24°C, cloudy  
    24.00 CF 5893    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°, moonshine, cloudy, Vis. very good    
                                                        
    21.10.42      
    00.25 CF 5971 A white flare was fired bearing 180°T, range = 15-20 nm.  
    04.00 CF 8317    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°C, overcast (rain)    
    08.00 CF 8375 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 195°T, 4.6 nm.  
      N 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1031 mb, 24°C, cloudy  
    12.00 CF 8645 Day's run:  199 nm.  
      NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, 1030.5 mb, 24°C, cloudy, Vis. good    
    15.28 CF 8913 Crash dive.  While balancing the boat 2 sound gear distinguishable.  Sounds put astern and ran off on course 60°, 3 knots.  
    16.00 CF 8913    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, 1030 mb, 25°C, overcast (rain)    
    16.10 CF 8913 Surfaced.  Course 60°, 8 knots.  
    17.10   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 299°T, 16 nm.  
    18.02 CF 8676 Dived.  Course 180°, KF.  
    19.20   Underwater locating.  
    19.33 CF 8676 Surfaced.  Course 180°, 8 knots.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.10.42      
    20.00 CF 8679    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    24.00 CF 8943    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 1030, 25°C, cloudy, moonshine, faint marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    22.10.42      
    04.00 CF 8979    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain), faint marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 DH 2146    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1030 mb, 24°C, overcast (rain)    
    12.00 DH 2179 Day's run:  132 nm.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 1030 mb, 24°C, overcast (rain)    
    12.22 DH 2179 Steamer in sight bearing 280°T.  Due to unusual lighting conditions, gained the impression that the target angle was bow right 20°, assumed enemy course 340°.  In reality target angle was left 20°. As a result, while contact keeping we have the impression as a result of strong shifting due to passing speed, that he constantly turns off to port because of the increasing target angle. Actually the steamer steered a straight course. When the picture becomes clear from plotting that [we have] the wrong enemy bow the steamer disappears in a rain squall.  
        Because of the straight course, size and white superstructure with colored smokestack the steamer 4-5000 GRT, is probably a neutral.  Search course unsuccessful.  
    13.03   Last enemy bearing 237.5°T, course 340° 8-10 knots.  
    15.18 DH 2412 Dived to listen.  
    15.40   Course 0°.  Torpedoes pulled.  
    19.19 DH 2172 Surfaced.  Course 0°, LF.  
    20.00 DH 2172 Course 5°, LF.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 1025 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)    
    24.00 DH 2118    
      NEbyN 3-4, Sea 3, 1025 mb, 22°C, overcast (rain)    
                                                        
    23.10.42      
    04.00 CF 8975    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1026 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.10.42      
    08.00 CF 8945    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1026 mb, 23°C, overcast    
    09.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 155°T, 5.4 nm.  Course 180°, transit speed.  
    12.00 CF 8973 Day's run:  184 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    16.00 DH 2143 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 34°T, 2.8 nm.   
      NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 27°C, cloudy  
    20.00 DH 2187    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 26°C, cloudy    
    21.21 DH 2424 Test dive.  Torpedoes pulled.  
    21.53 DH 2424 Surfaced.  
    24.00 DH 2451    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 25°, overcast, moonshine.    
                                                        
    24.10.42      
    04.00 DH 2721    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1027 mb, 23.5C, cloudy    
    08.00 DH 2757    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 1026 mb, 24°C, cloudy    
    09.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 306°T, 3.8 nm.   
    12.00 DH 5113 Day's run:  182 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    16.00 DH 5173    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    19.48   Distant aircraft bombs.  
    20.00 DH 5419    
      NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    21.01 DH 5443 Dived.  
    21.31 DH 5443 Depth charges in the distance.  
    21.49      " 18 depth charges in the distance, subsequently propeller sounds.  
    21.52      " Surfaced.  
    21.53      " Course 40°  
    22.10   Course 180°, transit speed.  
    24.00 DH 5473    
      NE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine    
                                                        
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.10.42      
    04.00 DH 5719    
      NEbyE 2, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine    
    08.00 DH 5776    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1026 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    10.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 325°T, 5.9 nm.  Course 352°, transit speed to new tactical position in accordance with Radio Message order.  
    12.00 DH 5772 Day's run:  174 nm.  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    16.00 DH 5717 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 244°T, 7.3 nm.  Course 180°, transit speed.    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 25°C, cloudy  
    20.00 DH 5774    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 1025 mb, 22°C, cloudy    
    21.20 DH 5777 Test dive.  
    21.43 DH 8111 Surfaced.  
    24.00 DH 8141    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 1025 mb, 22°C, cloudy    
                                                        
    26.10.42      
    04.00 DH 8177    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, 1024 mb, 23°C, cloudy    
    06.01 DH 8414 In the distance about 28 depth charges.  
    08.00 DH 8444    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 1023 mb, 24°C, cloudy    
    09.00 DH 8444 Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 108.5°T, 2.5 nm.  Back and forth in reached position in accordance with Radio Message order.  
    12.00 DH 8444 Day's run:  179 nm.  
      N 2-3, Sea 2, 1022 mb, 23°C, cloudy    
    16.00 DH 8444    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, 1022 mb, 26°C, cloudy    
    20.00 DH 8444    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, 1021, 24°C, cloudy    
    21.31 DH 8447 Test dive.  
    21.46      " Surfaced.  
    24.00 DH 8444    
      NbyW 3-4, Sea 3, 1021 mb, 24°C, cloudy    
                                                        
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.10.42      
    04.00 DH 8444    
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1020 mb, 23°C, overcast    
    05.38   Course 323°, transit speed.  
    08.00 DH 7637 Course 180°, transit speed.  
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1020 mb, 23°C, cloudy    
    09.36   Mastheads in sight.  Tanker, bow left target angle 60°, bearing 228°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy speed 12 knots.  
    10.00   Difference between dead reckoning position and actual position = 350°T, 4.4 nm.  Sighted own U-boat.  
    10.20   Dived for submerged attack, because am ahead of the tanker on the general course.  
    12.00 DH 8444 Day's run:  182 nm.  
    12.24 DH 8443 Because the tanker zig zags heavily, the boat does not come close enough.  At range = 3500 a three-fan with good shooting data.  Shot with target angle red 70° and target speed = 12 knots.  Miss, probably out of range.  Tanker appears gray, with out neutrality markings and flag.  On the stern 15.2 cm cannon and elevated 7.6 cm.  On the bridge superstructure and bow anti-aircraft machine guns.  
    13.46   Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead.  Reloaded torpedoes while coming up out of sight.  
    16.00 DH 8449 About 16.00 hours the tanker zig zags heavily up to 180°, occasionally out of sight in rain squalls, presumably to shake off U-boats.  
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1018 mb, 25°C, cloudy  
    19.15   Positioned ahead of the tanker on general course.  
    19.45   Own U-boat in sight.  
    20.00 DH 8547    
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, 1018 mb, 25°C, cloudy    
    20.05 DH 8547 Dived for submerged attack.  Shortly before shooting the steamer turns toward the boat from bow right target angle 45° to target angle 10°.  Turned away.  
    21.06 DH 8547 Stern shot.  Range = 500 meters.  Hit in foreship.  Ran off a bit.  
    21.27      " Surfaced.  Tanker lies stopped on an even keel, only settled a little forward.  Therefore a coup de grace.  
    21.48      " Coup de grace.  Hit port side under the bridge.  Because the tanker makes no attempt to sink further after half an hour, and might be towed into a Canaries harbor, a second coup de grace.  
    22.18      " Hit port side in the aftership.  
    22.20      " Crash dive, because of impacting fragments  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.10.42   and fireworks on the tanker. Gave the impression of automatic weapons fire.  
    22.48      " Surfaced.  
    22.52      " Tanker sunk.  9000 GRT.  
    23.00      " Course 330°, 10 knots.  Operating on Maßmann-convoy.  Tanker was of "SANDANGER" Type, the shipping company "Westfal-Larsen" from "Merchant Ships 1940", because the after mast was exactly at the first third of the distance from the bridge to the smokestack and the fore mast-bridge-after mast distance was nearly the identical.  Moderate, oblique projecting clipper bow, cruiser stern, smokestack higher than the bridge.  
    24.00 DH 8486    
      NNW 3, Sea 3, 1017 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine    
                                                        
    28.10.42      
    00.12 DH 8466 2 corvettes bearing 10°T.  Suspect search group.  
    00.24   Course 250°, LF.  
    01.28   Course 330°, LF.  
    01.37   Course 270°, LF  
    02.03   Course 340°, LF.  
    04.00 DH 8426    
      NNW 3, Sea 3, 1016 mb, 24°C, cloudy, moonshine    
    08.00 DH 8154 Course 0°, LF.  
      W 3-4, Sea 3, 1015 mb, 25°C    
    10.00 DH 8154 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 180°T, 7 nm.  Course 0°, HF.  
    12.00 DH 5781 Day's run:  206.5 nm.  
      W 4, Sea 3, 1012 mb, 23°C, cloudy    
    16.00 DH 5487    
      WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, 1011 mb, 23°C, overcast (rain)    
    18.45   Course 339°, HF.  
    20.00 DH 5413    
      NWbyW 6, Sea 5-6, 1015 mb, 23°C, overcast    
    21.41 DH 5172 Dived to listen and balance the boat.  
    22.06      " 2 detonations bearing 69°T.  
    22.20      " Course 40°.  
    22.24      " 4 depth charges heard in the distance.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.10.42      
    22.35   Surfaced.  
    22.40   1 detonation heard.  
    24.00 DH 5151    
      NW 6, Sea 5, 1013 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    29.10.42      
    03.32   Forced off by destroyer.  
    04.00 DH 2781    
      NW 6, Sea 5, 1012 mb, 23°C, cloudy, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence    
    04.17   Course 40°, LF.  
    08.00 DH 2735    
      NW 5-6, Sea 5, 1011 mb, 23.5°C, cloudy, light marine phosphorescence    
    09.30   On course 130° set off ahead of the plotted position of the convoy.  
    11.20 DH 2818 Listening dive.  
    11.30   Propeller sounds quickly growing louder.  No sound gear.  
    11.48 DH 2818 A vessel at high speed overran at depth 20 meters.  Apparently a destroyer.  Afterwards went to depth A +20 meters.  No further sounds.  
    12.00 DH 2819 Day's run:  241 nm.  
    12.36   Surfaced.  Operating on the convoy position given by the contact keeper.  
    16.00 DH 2821    
      WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 22°C, cloudy (rain), heavy squalls    
    18.30 DH 2575 Independent tanker in sight.  Operating on tanker.  
    19.21 DH 2573 Convoy in sight.  Operating on convoy.  Holding contact very difficult due to the sea state, heavy rain squalls.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    20.00 DH 2557    
      WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain), heavy squalls    
    22.20   Convoy out of sight in rain squall.  
    23.15 DH 2524 Listening dive.  No sound bearings.  
    24.00 DH 2527 Surfaced.  
                                                        
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.10.42      
    00.12   2 torpedo detonations heard.  
    00.17   2 torpedo detonations heard.  
    01.05 DH 2522 Sinking steamer passed.  
    01.28   Course 320°.  
    02.00   Course 40°.  
    04.00 DH 2291    
      NW 7, Sea 6, 1011 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain), moonshine, light marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening    
    04.06   Shadow in sight.  
    04.12   Shadow out of sight.  
    08.00 DH 2311    
      NW 6, Sea 5-6, 1013 mb, 17.5°C, cloudy    
    08.59   Convoy in sight bearing 150°T.  Held contact on mastheads and maneuvered ahead.  Contact holding on the control room periscope has proved itself very well as in previous cases, above all in the rough sea.  The biggest ship seen so far is the foremost ship in the middle column.  
    12.00 CF 9857 Day's run:  172.5 nm.  
      WNW 7, Sea 6, 1013 mb, 23°C, cloudy (rain)    
    16.00 CF 9834    
      WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 1013 mb, 24°C, cloudy (rain)    
    17.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 203°T, 45 nm.  
    20.00 CF 9867    
      WNW 6, Sea 5, 1013 mb, 22°C, overcast    
    20.40   With the beginning of twilight ran slowly towards the convoy.  Took aim at the fattest one from the day.  The first thing that comes in sight after the beginning of twilight is our fat one.  
    21.29 CF 9868 2-fan.  Both hit from 800 meters.  Afterwards great fireworks.  Steamer, about 11000 GRT, large passenger steamer with a low smoke stack, of type like "ABOSSO" of the Elder Steamer Line.  
      CF 9868 This type was found independently by those who saw the steamer in "Merchant Ships 1940".  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.10.42      
        Steamer stands immediately in flames.  Isolated detonations, suddenly flares go off on their own in all directions.  Then artillery bombardment from foremost ship of the port column.  
    21.24   Crash dive.  Went to depth A +40 meters.  Reloaded.  
    21.30   2 heavy detonations heard submerged, probably from our steamer, finally flying into the air.  Then sinking sounds heard.  
    21.47   1 torpedo detonation.  
    21.48   1 torpedo detonation.  
    21.49   1 torpedo detonation.  
    21.55   1 torpedo detonation.  
    22.06   1 torpedo detonation.  
    22.28   Surfaced.  Pursued.  Lights ahead.  
   

23.02

 

23.15

CF 9865 3 sinking ships observed.  Single hit on undamaged steamer running on opposite course.  Hit under the poop.  Steamer dives very quickly astern.  Because ship apparently floods through the shaft alley, left in sinking condition, because a new steamer is in sight ahead.  He also drives at slow speed towards the wreck location.  Also still undamaged.  
    23.19 CF 9865 Single shot.  Missed.  From the assertion of the Engineering Officer and sound a certain Pi-failure after 52 seconds running time.  
    23.27   New approach.  Miss.  This time passed ahead.  Because the steamer began to turn right away, let him go, because the Kommandant wanted to save the last stern torpedo for a favorable opportunity in the convoy.  
    24.00 CF 9865    
      WNW 5, Sea 4-5, 1016 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence and summer lightening    
                                                        
    31.10.42      
    01.51   Course 20°, LF.  Pursued on presumed enemy course.  
    04.00 CF 9596    
      WNW 5, Sea 4, 1016 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, moonshine    
    08.00 CF 9618    
      NW 4, Sea 4, 1017 mb, 18.5°C, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.10.42      
    09.05 CF 9671 Remainder of convoy with 5 steamers in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    12.00 CF 9381 Day's run:  119 nm.  
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3-4, 1017 mb, 20°C, cloudy, long swell    
    14.20 CF 9358 Hit, U-Hirsacker.  
    15.25   2 times 3 depth charges heard.  
    16.00 CF 9328    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3. 1017 mb, 20°C, cloudy, long swell    
    17.00   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 227°T, 26 nm.  
    17.42 CF 9342 Forced off by destroyer.  
    19.51 CF 6987 Crash dive for aircraft.  
    20.00 CF 6989    
    20.43   Surfaced.  Operated on the presumed position of the convoy.  
    20.51   Crash dive.  Fu.M.B. detection.  
    21.32 CF 6987 Surfaced.  Continued to search for the rest of the convoy.  
    22.45 CF 6987 Crash dive for Fu.M.B. detection.  
    23.28   Surfaced.  Continued search.  
    24.00 CF 6976    
      WbyS 4-5, Sea 4, 1017 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)    
                                                        
    01.11.42      
    04.00 CF 6924    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, 1016 mb, 17°C, overcast (rain), heavy marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 CF 6653    
      SW 6, Sea 5, 1016 mb, 17°C, overcast    
    08.23 CF 6653 Crash dive.  Fu.M.B. detection, afterwards loud propeller sounds bearing 235°T.  
    09.10   Propeller sounds are somewhat fainter.  A typical steamer sound together with a destroyer sound.  Sounds are shifting ahead bearing 265°T.  At periscope depth all around sweep, in 270°T nothing, however bearing 205°T 1000 meters a destroyer, bow right target angle 20° stopped.  No shooting possibility.  Went to depth A +20 meters.  Afterwards with Asdic detection steered to depth A +70 meters.  
    10.52 CF 6626 From the first serving [at 10.52 hours] to the last at 12.24 hours, depth charge pursuit, no damage despite well placed depth charges.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.11.42      
        Destroyer exactly overruns the boat two times.  7 depth charges lying exactly over the boat sucked the boat from depth A +A +30 meters to A +50 meters.  The pursuit was carried out by 2 destroyers.  One was determined to be a fast escort vessel of the ATHERSTONE Class.  The crew held  up well.  There was calm in the boat.  The boat maneuvered well.  Flooding equipment [main bilge pump] was out of service after being used twice.  
    12.24   Last depth charge.  A total of 23 depth charges.  
    16.00 CF 6625    
    16.30 CF 6628 Surfaced.  
    16.51   Course 180°, HF.  
    20.00 CF 6928    
      SW 5, Sea 4-5, 1019 mb, 12°C, overcast (rain)    
    21.48 CF 6828 Crash dive for aircraft without Fu.M.B. detection.  Because boat ran before the wind while burrowing after loose mooring lines in the over deck, heard aircraft engine sounds clearly on the bridge.  
    23.06 CF 6953 Surfaced.  
    23.29   Course 270°, LF.  
    24.00 CF 6953    
      W 4-5, Sea 4, 1015 mb, 15°C, overcast (rain), light marine phosphorescence    
           
    02.11.42      
    04.00 CF 6861    
      W 4, Sea 3-4, 1012 mb, 14°C, cloudy    
    08.00 CF 6842    
      W 4-5, Sea 4, 1010 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain)    
    11.50   Course 0°.  
    12.00 CF 6752 Day's run:  190 nm.  
      SSW 4, Sea 3-4, 1011 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)    
    16.00 CF 6455    
      SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 1010 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain)    
    16.52   Course 50°, GF.  
    20.00 CF 6258    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, 1009 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain)    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.11.42      
    24.00 CF 3984    
      SSW 4, Sea 3-4, 1006 mb, 20°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening    
                                                        
    03.11.42      
    04.00 CG 1713    
      S 3-4, Sea 3, 1004 mb, 21°C, overcast (rain), medium marine phosphorescence, heavy summer lightening    
    08.00 CG 1518    
      SbyE 4, Sea 3, 1004 mb, 19°C, overcast    
    08.40 CG 1516 Test dive.  
    09.25       " Surfaced.  
    12.00 CG 1293 Day's run:  384 nm  
      SE 5-6, Sea 4, 1002 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain)    
    16.00 BE 9999    
      SE 6, Sea 5, 1000 mb, 19°C, overcast (rain)    
    20.00 BF 7756    
      SE 7, Sea 5-6, 1002 mb, 18°C, overcast (rain)    
    24.00 BF 7557    
      SEbyE 7-8, Sea 6, 1003 mb, 16°C, overcast (rain), heavy summer lightening and marine phosphorescence    
                                                        
    04.11.42      
    04.00 BF 7385    
      ESE 5, Sea 5, 1004 mb, 15°C, medium summer lightening    
    08.00 BF 8121    
      E 3-4, Sea 4, 1005 mb, 17°C, overcast (rain)    
    08.08 BF 8121 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 5748 Day's run:  330 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1008 mb, 18C, overcast    
    12.12 BF 5748 Surfaced.  
    13.54 BF 4999 Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    16.00 BF 8122    
    17.00 BF 8123 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 232°T, 31 nm.  Surfaced.  
    17.03       " Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.11.42      
    18.54 BF 8123 Surfaced.  Course 45°, HF.  
    20.00 BF 5774 Dived.  Fu.M.B. detection.  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 1007 mb, 18°C, cloudy    
    20.30   Surfaced.  
    22.35 BF 5746 Dived.  Fu.M.B. detection.  
    23.07       "    
    24.00 BF 5752    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1008 mb, 18°C, cloudy, heavy summer lightening    
                                                        
    05.11.42      
    03.00   Courses as ordered by the Kommandant.  
    09.29   Crash dive Fu.M.B. detection.  
    11.10   Taken in convoy.  
    14.00   Made fast Brest.  
           
     
        During the patrol the Fu.M.B. proved itself very well despite the preliminary nature of the design.  The great heat initially appearing during operation was stopped effectively by the introduction of a compressed air tube which was fed by the low-pressure tool connection, because it was feared that the above normal heat would lead to the destruction of the casting compounds of condensers and resisters.
 
           
                                                        
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42

  Enclosures to U-604's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Chart Track chart for the period 14 October - 5 November 1942

 
 
     
 

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
                             to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-604" from 9.9 - 5.11.1942.  
     
                  Given the duration of the enterprise the success is gratifying.  
     
                  Specifically it is noted:  
                  The independently proceeding tanker at an estimated distance of 3500 meters was shot at needlessly.  Tough ones persist and strive for favorable shooting positions.  
                  On 30 October after coming in sight at 08.59 hours the convoy should have been marked for day attack.  Due to the comparatively weak screen the boat would still very likely be able to attack one more time at night.  
                   On finding the convoy again, as well as when losing it, it was only reported: "Convoy in sight" or "Lost".  Information on the location, course and the speed must be reported at all costs.  
                  The sinking on 27 October of the tanker estimated at 9000 GRT concerned "ANGLO MAERSK (7705 GRT).  
     
   

Signed in draft: D  ö  n  i   t  z  .

 
    For correctness:  
 
 
      
                                                            Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant.  
     
     
     


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