U-615 2nd War Patrol

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

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
La Pallice	25 November 1942	La Pallice	9 January 1943	46

 

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Ships Attacked

None

Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No.
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  615  "
				Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant  K  a  p  i  t  z  k  i.
				Beginning:  01.11.42.
				Ending:        9. 1. 43.
				Distribution: B.d.U. Copy No. 1, 2, 3.   2. A.d.U-Boote       " 4   3. U-Flottille       " 5   27. U-Flottille       " 6   Agru - Front       " 7         Enclosures: 1 track chart                    1, 3, 4, 5.   1 Outbound orders          3.   7 Barograph strips           3.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		01.11.42	La Pallice	Provisions offload, boat cleared.
		xx.11.42	"	Shifted to dry dock in Bunker 3.
		14.30		Boat set [on the blocks].
		14.11.42
		09.00		Boat floated.
		17.11.42		Fuel loading, shifted to Bunker 1.
		18.11.42		Pier side testing.
		20.11.42		Sea trial.
		21.11.42		Fuel and oil loaded.
		22.11.42		Boat taken over.
		23.11.42		Provisions transfer.
		24.11.42		Radio direction finder calibration and final trim test.
		25.11.42		Final adjustments, fresh provisions loaded.
		17.00	La Pallice	Put to sea for 2nd war patrol.
		17.30 - 17.55		Final trim test.
		18.00		Taken in convoy, transit to "Hand".
		20.00	E 1, overcast, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	BF 9312
			EbyN 1, overcast, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		26.11.42
		00.40		Sperrbrecher escort ended.
		04.00	BF 9258
			E 1, overcast, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 6 nm
		04.40	Point Hand	Anti-aircraft escort ended.
		08.00	BF 9191
			E 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 6 nm
		08.25		Proceeded submerged.
		12.00	BF 9182	Day's run:  165 nm (154.2 )
				( 10.8 ).
		16.00	BF 9173
		19.19
		20.00	BF 9171
			E 1, overcast, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 3 nm
		23.17	BF 8373	Detection 168 cm, no attack.
		24.00	BF 8373
		27.11.42
		01.35

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		27.11.42
		04.00	BF 8291
			E 2, overcast, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 8192
			E 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.22
		12.00	BF 8183	Day's run:  145 nm (122 )
				( 23 ).
		14.18
		14.30
		16.00	BF 8182
		18.58
		20.00	BF 8172
			E 1, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		21.50		Radio Message Orders:  Head for AK 92.
		24.00	BF 7373
			E 1, 9/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis 2 nm
		28.11.42
		04.00	BF 7282
			E 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 7191
			E 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.41
		12.00	BF 7182	Day's run:  167.7 nm (146.1 )
				(  21.6 ).
		14.04
		14.20
		16.00	BF 7173
		19.30
		20.00	BE 9393
			ENE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		22.17	BE 9383	, aircraft detection, no attack.
		24.00	BE 9382

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42

	- 3 -
		29.11.42
		00.14
		04.00	BE 9292
			ENE 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis 4 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BE 9272
			ENE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 5 nm
		09.00		Came to course 312° to ordered objective.
		12.00	BE 9165	Day's run:  173.5 nm (143.8 )
			ENE 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 7 nm	(  29.7 ).
		16.00	BE 9121
			ENE 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BE 6771
			NE 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	BE 5937
			NE 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		30.11.42
		02.xx		Shadow in sight bearing 140°T, 6 nm away, steams from directly astern to the starboard side [of the boat].
		03.11		"To Action Stations".
		03.21		Convoy bearing 90°T, 2-3 nm away, too bright to attack.
				Forward 3 large units, aft several small.
				1 destroyer forward 1 destroyer to port.
				Intention:  Hold ahead to port of the convoy and attack with low illumination, clouds coming up in the east.
		03.30		Convoy zig zags sharply to starboard, quickly passes out of sight.  Boat may have been seen in the good visibility. Immediately pursued, nothing found despite highest speed.
		04.00	BE 5688
			NE 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4-5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		04.45		to listen, nothing.
		05.00
				At highest speed searched on courses to the northeast, nothing found, suspect warship unit with high speed.
		06.43		Search broken off.
		07.50		Radio Message sent:  BE 5920 convoy, suspect warships, forward 3 large, aft several small, large zig zag to 30°, speed over 15 knots, 05.00 hours out of sight.
		08.00	BE 5661
			NE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	BE 5621	Day's run:  191 nm (190.3 )
			SE 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 9 nm	(  0.7 ).
		16.00	BE 5293
			SE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BE 5252
			SE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	BE 5215
			SE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		01.12.42
		04.00	BE 2794
			SE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.11.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		01.12.42
		08.00	BE 2746
			SE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		09.44
		11.42
		12.00	BE 1939	Day's run:  171.4 nm (165.2 )
			SE 1, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm	(  6.2 ).
		16.00	BE 1689
			SE 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BE 1648
			SE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		20.30		Radio Message Orders:  Boat belongs to Group Draufganger and occupies square AL 1985 in patrol line.  Southwest bound convoy expected from 6 December.
		21.00		Passing report sent.
		24.00	BE 1537
			SE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		02.12.42
		04.00	BE 1279
			SE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BE 1168
			SE 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		10.00		Switched to America I Circuit.
		10.55		Intention:  Advance in large legs to the north to be in ordered position on 5 December at 12.00 hours.  Attempting to catch independents.
		12.00	BE 1152	Day's run:  180 nm (180).
			SE 1, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 9 nm
		16.00	AL 7881
			SE 1, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 12 nm
		16.36
		17.40
		20.00	AL 7519
			SSW 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 7573
			SSW 1, (passing showers) 9/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, occasional marine phosphorescence
		03.12.42
		04.00	AL 7515
			SW 2, gloomy weather, rain, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AL 7248
			SSW 1, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 3 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	AL 7219	Day's run:  167 nm (163.4 )
			SbyE 2, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 9 nm	(  3.6 ).
		15.54
		16.00	AL 7232
			WNW 2, obscured, hazy, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		16.42
		20.00	AL 5772
			NW 2-3, obscured, hazy, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 4866
			WNW 2, obscured (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. x, no marine phosphorescence
		04.12.42
		04.00	AL 4853
			NW 3, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		04.12.42
		08.00	AL 4815
			WNW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	AL 4545	Day's run:  155.5 nm (152.8 )
			NW 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	(  2.7 ).
		14.00	AL 4567	Steamer bearing 100°T.  Range = 6 nm, bow left 30°, high speed, zig zagging heavily to the west.
		14.10		Bearing 90°T, bow right 10°, comes out quickly.
		14.13		to attack.
		14.46	AL 4599 [typo AL 4559]	3 miss from 2000 meters, shortly before the shot bow right target angle 50°, at the shot zig zagged away to [target angle] 90°, after the shot continued zig zag to target angle = 120°, passed by ahead.
		15.45		Masthead still out, trailed at highest speed.
		16.00	AL 4543
			NW 2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm
		17.18		Steamer ran out of sight despite zig zags, hunt broken off.
		17.xx		Radio Message sent:  15.00 hours naval square AL 4559, three miss on independent, zig zagged after the shot, large zig zags to the west.  Speed 18 knots, W 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good, showers.
		20.00	AL 4436
			WSW 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 4272
			WSW 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		05.12.42
		04.00	AL 4267
			WSW 2, obscured (passing showers), Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm
		08.00	AL 4262
			SSE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1/2 nm
		10.48
		12.00	AL 4224	Day's run:  173.3 nm (165.5 )
			SW 3, obscured, rain, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm	(  7.8 ).
		12.21
		16.00	AL 1999
			SW 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		20.00	AL 1986
			SW 4, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1/2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 1982
			SbyW 5, obscured, Sea 5, Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm
		06.12.42
		04.00	AL 1991
			SbyW 6, obscured, rain, Sea 5, Swell 4, Sea 1/2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AL 1981
			WSW 6, 8/10 (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 1/2 nm
		12.00	AL 1958	Day's run:  84.2 nm (82.7 )
			SW 5, 4/10 (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 6 nm	(  1.5 ).
		16.00	AL 1985
			SW 5, 3/10, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm
		18.55		Radio Message Orders:  19.00 hours in reconnaissance line course west, speed 7 knots on 7 December 11.00 hours come about course east, speed 7 knots.
		20.00	AL 1957
			WSW 5, 6/10, Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 1947
			WbyS 4, 4/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42

	- 6 -
		07.12.42
		04.00	AK 0367
			S 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 0357
			WSW 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1-2 nm
		11.30		Navigation fix gives AK 3963 lower-right.  Am too far to the northwest, went to correct position on southerly course.
		12.00	AK 3966	Day's run:  105.4 nm .
			WbyN 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 7 nm
		14.07
		14.50
		16.00	AK 0372
			WbyN 2, obscured, rain, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis 4 nm
		18.00		Radio Message Order:  Draufganger come about, course NW speed 10 knots.
		19.00		Radio Message Order:  8 December new reconnaissance line from AK 2564 - 2994.  Eastbound convoy on 7 December in AK 4189, 50-70°, 8 knots.
		19.20		Came to course 290° with both diesels LF.
		20.00	AK 0357
			WSW 2, 8/10 (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AK 3961
			WSW 2, 7/10 (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		08.12.42
		01.50		Radio Message Order:  Patrol line settled, operate on contact keeper report, adjust speed so that convoy is detected early in the day.
				Went to both diesels HF.
		04.00	AK 3911
			NNW 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 2875
			NNW 2, 8/10 (rain), Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm
		12.00	AK 2752	Day's run:  241.4 nm (239.2 )
			NNE 4. 7/10 (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 5 nm	(  2.2 ).
		16.00	AK 1668
			NNE 5, 6/10, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 4 nm
		16.27	AK 1668	Crash dive for Liberator bearing 0°T, turns toward the boat out of a cloud, range 5000 meters, altitude = 400 meters, no aircraft bombs.
		17.21
		17.24		Crash dive, Liberator bearing 230°T, in approach range = 6000 meters, altitude 400 meters, no aircraft bombs.
				On surfacing, 1 steamer bearing 260°T, bow right, target angle = 90°.
		18.01		1 distant aircraft bomb.
		19.04
		20.00	AK 2541
			NNE 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		22.03		to listen, piston sounds bearing 105 - 120°T.
		23.07
		24.00	AK 2521
			NE 5, 9/10 (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		09.12.42
		00.45		to listen, piston sounds bearing 85 - 120°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		09.12.42
		01.09
		02.05		Several shadows bearing 50°T, convoy long formation.
			Very bright night, northern lights, Vis. 2 nm	Closed on the starboard side.
		02.30		Forced off to the south by a destroyer.
		04.00	AK 2614
			NNE 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		05.09		to listen, piston sounds bearing 170°T.
		05.37
		07.57		Crash dive, a star shell over the boat, from 230°T 1 destroyer 2000 meters away, at target angle 0°.
				Loud propeller sounds on all sides, the boat was over run by 2 groups of the convoy with 2 hours between them.
		08.00	AK 2623	Diesel and gyro compass repairs, removed failed lubricating oil pump foreign body from the collecting tank, replaced pump bearing of the master gyro compass.
			NNE 5, obscured (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 1/2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	AK 2632	Day's run:  180.6 nm (155.6 )
				( 25.0 ).
		12.41
		15.07		Starboard diesel failed again.
		15.50		Radio Message sent:  07.30 hours square 2623 forced to submerge by destroyer.  Convoy suspected in fast and slow parts.  Overrun by 2 groups with 2 hours between them.  Position square 3511, pursuing to the east, Junker's compressor out of service, cylinder liner torn.  NE 6, Sea 6, Swell 4, showers, Vis. moderate, 976 mb, steady.  All naval square AK.
		15.57		for repairs.  Camshaft bearing removed, lubricating oil nozzle tightened.
		16.00	AK 3526
		19.05
		20.00	AK 3534
			NW 4, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		20.20		By Radio Message convoy in AK 3627 easterly course.
		20.30		Port diesel out of service, intake valve replaced.
		21.xx		Sent Short Signal:  Request bearing signals.
		22.00		Contact keeper bears 68°T.
		23.00		"           "          "    66°T.
		23.32		Several star shells bearing 55°T.
		24.00	AK 3629
			NNW 4, 7/10, Swell 4, Vis. 1-2 nm
		10.12.42
		00.51		Several star shells bearing 35°T.
		02.00		Several star shells bearing 60°T.
		02.35		Red light bearing 45°T.
		03.21		to listen, convoy bearing 70°T.
		03.53
		04.00	AL 1521
			WNW 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 3, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		04.45		Several star shells additionally red tracer ammunition fired bearing 250°T.
		05.00		Several shadows bearing 100°T.   Convoy ahead, broad formation, to starboard an escort moving back and forth.
		05.25	Very bright night, northern lights	Radio Message sent:  Convoy in sight AL 1523.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		10.12.42
		06.12		Star shells and artillery fire bearing 20°T.
		06.24		Star shells and artillery fire, detection 141 cm.
				It is somewhat darker, pursue from astern into the convoy.
		06.31		Destroyer bearing 140°T, range = 1000 meters, target angle 0°, shoots star shells and with red tracers at the boat.
		06.32		Crash dive for destroyer, no depth charges, apparently a locating [radar] destroyer, shortly before had thrown his depth charges at a boat bearing 140°T.
				Up to 08.15 the destroyer is positioned between both boats back and forth.
		08.00	AL 1533
		08.57
		10.26		Radio Message sent:  AL 1531 located by destroyer, fired at by anti-aircraft machine guns, no contact, last convoy course 90°, 7 knots.
		11.15	AL 1654	About 10 smoke clouds bearing 60°T and single mastheads.  Convoy.
		11.58		Radio Message sent:  Convoy in sight AL 1629.
		12.00	AL 1655	Day's run:  219.3 nm (197.9 )
			NW 3, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 7 nm	( 21.4 ).
		12.25	AL 1655	Crash dive, Liberator bearing 60°T in approach below the clouds.  Altitude = 1000 meters, range = 8000 meters, unnoticed, no aircraft bombs.
		13.00
		13.12		Crash dive, Liberator bearing 70°T, turns out of a cloud towards the boat.  Altitude = 1000 meters, range = 7000 meters, was noticed, no aircraft bombs.
		13.41
		13.42		Crash dive, Catalina bearing 70°T, range = 4000 meters, low altitude, direct approach, no aircraft bombs.
		14.51		A Catalina at 7000 meters range flying at an altitude of 1500 meters, a half circle left towards the boat.
		14.57		Crash dive, Catalina had seen the boat and flies towards.
		16.00	AL 1667	Remained submerged, Catalina in the periscope, moving back and forth between me and a boat bearing 130°T.
		16.53
		17.14		Radio Message sent:  AL 1664, dove for Liberator 3 times, last convoy position AL 1662, course 90°, 8 knots, still 84 cbm.
		17.28		Boat drives through a large oil slick.
		18.40		Short Signal reports convoy in AL 2715, 120°T.
				Searched on course 120°.
		20.00	AL 2584
			W 2, 6/10, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		23.20		to listen, nothing.
		24.00	AL 2814
			W 2, obscured, Sea 1-2, Swell 2, Vis. 1-2 nm
		11.12.42
		00.06
		00.32		Radio Message sent:  Position AL 2814, no sound bearings.
		02.51		to listen, nothing.
		03.15
		03.20		Radio Message Orders:  Boats that can reach attack position by tomorrow at dawn continue, remaining boats immediately head for AK 03.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		11.12.42
		04.00	AL 2859	Came to course 250° for new objective.
			NW 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AL 2875
			W 3, 8/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		11.28	AL 2792	Crash dive, land-based aircraft bearing 80°T, low altitude, range = 8000 meters.
		12.00	AL 2792	Day's run:  195.4 nm (178.3 )
				( 17.1 ).
		16.00	AL 2786
		19.20
		20.00	AL 2785
			WbyN 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 2778
			WbyN 4, 4/10 (passing showers), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		12.12.42
		00.45		Radio Message Orders:  Boats belong to Group Ungestüm and occupy by 13 December 20.00 hours position in patrol line AL 4113.  Westbound convoy expected from the morning of 14 December.
		00.55		Came to course 243° to ordered position.
		04.00	AL 0133
			WNW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AL 0126
			WbyN 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		10.51	AL 0143	Crash dive, flying boat bearing 270°T, range = 5000 meters, altitude = 500 meters, course 200°.
		12.00	AL 0143	Day's run:  92.5 nm (68.9 )
				(23.6 ).
		16.00	AL 0145
		18.00
		20.00	AL 1992
			NNE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AL 1587
			NE 4, obscured (passing showers), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm
		13.12.42
		00.40		In position, back and forth in position.
		04.00	AL 1977
			NbyW 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AL 1977
			NbyE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 1 nm
		11.28
		12.00	AL 1987	Day's run:  125.5 nm (106.1 )
				( 19.4 ).
		16.00	AL 1988
		18.34
		20.00	AL 1987	Radio Message Orders:  Group Ungestüm advance to the west on 15 December at 12.00 hours in new patrol line.
			ENE 3, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AK 0398	Boat occupies AK 2951.
			NbyE 3, obscured (passing showers), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		14.12.42
		04.00	AK 0375
			NbyE 4, obscured (rain), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 1/2 nm
		08.00	AK 3982
			NE 4, 7/10 (rain), Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		14.12.42
		12.00	AK 0269	Day's run:  166.3 nm (151.2 )
			NNE 4, 5/10, (passing showers) Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 4 nm	( 15.1 ).
		16.00	AK 0257
			NE 4, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 5, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	AK 2964
			NE 4, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 5, Vis. 2-3 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		21.30		Radio Message Orders:  1)  Patrol line settled.  2)  On 15 December at 12.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 1878 upper-left to 5241 lower-left, then course 238°, 9 knots, exact navigation is very important because the convoy is expected during daylight.
		24.00	AK 2951
			NE 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		15.12.42
		04.00	AK 2947
			NE 3, 3/10 (rain), Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	AK 0197
			NE 2, 8/10 (rain), Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm
		10.50
		11.32
		12.00	AK 5132	Day's run:  160.2 nm (158.3 )
			NE 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 7 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence	(  1.9 ).
		16.00	AK 5119
			NE 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 8 nm
		15.17	AK 5119	Crash dive, land-based aircraft bearing 30°T, range = 4000 meters, altitude = 300 meters.
		15.50
		16.05		Crash dive, white painted land-based aircraft bearing 30°T, type Blenheim.
		16.45
		17.52		Radio Message sent:  AK 5119 aircraft 2 times, possibly a Blenheim, N 4, Sea 4, freshening, 4/10, Vis. good, 964 mb, am missing Serial Numbers 181-84 from 10 December on Diana Circuit.
		19.30		Radio Message Orders:  Reconnaissance line, course 70°, 12 knots over ground.
		20.00	AK 5144
			NNE 4, 8/10 (gloomy weather), Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		20.40		Radio Message Orders:  Tomorrow at 11.00 hours be in patrol line from AK 2842 - 6434, occupying on time is particularly important.
		24.00	AK 5163
			NbyW 4, obscured (mist), Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm
		16.12.42
		04.00	AK 5229
			NNE 4, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 1/2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 5329
			N 4, 8/10 (rain), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		11.03	AK 6119	Crash dive, flying boat bearing 130°T, range = 8000 meters, altitude = 2000 meters, course 0°.
				Piston sounds bearing 150°T.
		12.00	AK 6124	Day's run:  233.8 nm (227.2 )
			NNE 3, 2/10 (rain), Sea 3, Swell 4, Vis. 7 nm	(  6.6 ).
		12.37		ran towards the sound at highest speed.
		12.44		Radio Message sent:  AK 6119 flying boat.
		13.15		2 smoke clouds in sight bearing 150°T, Löser-convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		16.12.42
		13.32		Radio Message sent:  AK 6119 piston sounds bearing 150°T, searching after, SE 3, Sea 3, short Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, 955 mb, 58 cbm.
		13.50		Several steamers and escorts bearing 160°T, on course 240°.
		14.05		Radio Message sent:  AK 6158 convoy in sight.
				Maneuver to the starboard side of the convoy.
		15.40	Approaching fog bank	Crash dive, destroyer bearing 230°T, 2 nm away, starboard escort.
		17.00
		17.00		Radio Message sent:  15.50 hours AK 6175 forced to submerge by destroyer, convoy course 240°, 8 knots, showers, changing visibility, freshening from the west.
		16.00	AK 6142
			NNW 3, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		18.24		Starboard diesel out of service.
		18.35		Closed convoy in showers bearing 100°T, range = 2.5 nm, course 220°.
		18.35		Crash dive for corvette, 2 nm away, in a break in the showers.
				Pressure cooling water piping for the starboard diesel torn.
		20.00	AK 5633
		20.20
		20.28		Radio Message sent:  18.30 hours convoy AK 5633, course 210°, 7 knots.  Starboard diesel pressure piping from the cooling water pump torn, speed limited to 8 knots, repairs 6 hours, running with [the convoy] during repairs, welding torn seam.
		22.20		Repairs ended.
		24.00	AK 5681
			WNW 6, 5/10, Sea 5, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		17.12.42
		00.07		to listen, sounds bearing 165 - 200°T.
		00.50
		01.05		Radio Message sent:  00.00 hours, AK 5681 sound bearing, piston, broad band bearing 160°T.
		03.00		to listen, sounds bearing 80 - 110°T piston sounds.
		03.45
		04.00	AK 5919
			WNW 7, obscured (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 5, Vis. 1/2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		04.19		Radio Message sent:  03.00 hours, AK 5916 piston sounds bearing 110°T, WNW 7, Sea 6, high W-Swell, Vis. 1/2 - 2 nm, 972 mb.
		04.47		to listen, nothing.
		06.17
		06.28		Radio Message sent:  05.00 hours, AK 5919 nothing, searching to the southwest.
		08.00	AK 5944
			NW 6, obscured (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 500 meters
		12.00	AK 5895	Day's run:  184.7 nm (170.1 )
			NW 7, 2/10, Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 6 nm	(  14.6 ).
		12.44		Radio Message sent:  Yesterday in convoy recognized 3 steamers over 5000 tons, additionally close escort corvette, starboard sweeper escort destroyer.  Position AK 5895, WNW 7, high Swell, Vis. 4 nm, breaking up, 992 mb.
		15.45		Radio Message Orders:  In the current weather the convoy does not move from its position, continue search and gain ground to the southwest, report position immediately.
		16.00	AK 8223
			NW 7, 5/10, Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 5 nm
		19.35		Radio Message Orders:  Expect slow speed of the convoy corresponding to the weather, continue searching to the south to southwest.
		20.00	AK 8214
			NW 6, 8/10, Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	AK 8242
			SbyW 5, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42

	- 12 -
		18.12.42
		04.00	AK 8169
			SbyW 6, obscured, fog, Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 200 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		08.00	AK 8194
			S 6, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 200 meters
		10.45		Radio Message Orders:  For Group Ungestüm no fuel supply possible, boats begin return transit accordingly.
		12.00	AK 8188	Day's run:  96 nm .
			WSW 6, 5/10, Sea 6, Swell 5, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		16.00	AK 8419
			WSW 10, obscured (passing showers), Sea 7, Swell 2, Vis. 500 meters
		19.50		Radio Message Orders:  Break off search, remain in reached area.  It may be possible to pursue straggling steamers tomorrow at dawn.
		20.00	AK 8446
			WSW 10, 9/10 (fog) (rain), Sea 8, Swell 8, Vis. 300 nm. no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	AK 8476
			WSW 10, obscured (fog) (rain), Sea 8, Swell 8, Vis. 300 meters
		19.12.42
		04.00	AK 8712
			WSW 10, obscured (fog), Sea 9, Swell 8, Vis. 200 meters
		08.00	AK 8717
			WSW 9, obscured (fog), Sea 8, Swell 8, Vis. 200 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		11.05		proceeded submerged.
		12.00	AK 8747	Day's run:  94 nm (93.1 )
				(  0.9 ).
		16.00	AK 8774
		20.00	AK 8777
		20.09
		24.00	BD 1236
			WSW 6, 6/10, Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 500 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		20.12.42
		04.00	BD 1262
			WSW 6-7, (squalls) 7/10 (passing showers), Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 200 - 2000 meters
		08.00	BD 1267
			WSW 6, (squalls) 6/10, Sea 6. Swell 7, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		11.04
		12.00	BD 1286	Day's run:  78.1 nm (61.1 )
				(17.0 ).
		16.00	BD 1288
		20.00	BD 1513
		20.08
		24.00	BD 1515
			WbyS 6, 5/10, Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		21.12.42
		04.00	BD 1462
			W 7, 8/10 (fog), Sea 6, Swell 5, Vis. 1 nm

	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

	- 13 -
		continued
		21.12.42
		08.00	BD 1459
			W 6, 8/10, obscured (passing showers) (hail), Sea 6, Swell 9, Vis. 200 - 2000 meters
		12.00	BD 1481	Day's run:  84 nm (68 )
			WbyS 6, 5/10 (snow), Sea 5,  Swell 7, Vis 4 nm	(16 ).
		16.00	BD 1475
			WbyS 7, 6/10 (snow), Sea 6, Swell 8, Vis. 4 nm
		20.00	BD 1711
			W 6, 8/10 (v) (snow), Sea 6, Swell 7, Vis. 4 nm
		23.07
		24.00	BC 3939
		22.12.42
		04.00	BC 3937
		08.00	BC 3939
		09.46
		12.00	BC 3927	Day's run:  74.8 nm (57.7 )
			W 4, 2/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 6 nm	(17.1 ).
		13.45		Radio Message Orders:  Break off operation.  From 25 December at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from BD 2272 to 5334.   Intention: catching southwest bound convoys thought to be in about AL 23 on 23 December, additionally previously established Group Spitz with 11 boats will be used.
		13.53		On course 97 headed for BD 5334.
		16.00	BC 3952
			W 6, 8/10 (fog), Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BC 3966
			WSW 6, 8/10 (rain) (snow), Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	BD 1754
			WbyS 8, 9/10 (hail), Sea 6, Swell 6, Vis. 500 - 1000 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		23.12.42
		04.00	BD 1767
			W 6, obscured (hail), Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	BD 1848
			WbyS 5, 8/10 (snow), Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	BD 1883	Day's run:  149 nm .
			WbyS 5, 4/10 (fog), Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 6 nm
		16.00	BD 1971
			WbyS 5, 5/10 (fog), Sea 4, Swell 6, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	BC 1958
			W 5, 6/10 (snow), Sea 4, Swell 6, Vis. 3 nm
		20.30		Navigation fix gives difference between dead reckoning and actual position 95 nm, 176°T.  First navigation fix since 7 December inexact due to seas, swell and indistinct horizon.
		24.00	BD 4639
			W 6, 7/10, Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.12.42
		04.00	BD 5424
			SW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 200 meters
		08.00	BD 5435
			SW 5, obscured (rain), Sea 5, Swell 4, Vis. 200 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		12.00	BD 5512	Day's run:  148.3 nm .
			WSW 6, obscured (passing showers), Sea 5, Swell 6, Vis. 7 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		24.12.42
		16.00	BD 5286
			WSW 6, obscured, Sea 5, Swell 7, Vis. 5 nm
		17.08		Christmas celebration.
		19.48
		20.00	BD 5292
			WSW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	BD 5346
			WSW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 2 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		25.12.42
		04.00	BD 5326
			NNE 3, obscured, rain, Sea 2, Swell 4, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	BD 5334	In position.
		10.02
		12.00	BD 5329	Day's run:  122.2 nm (103.5 )
			NNE 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm	( 18.7 ).
		13.00		Meeting with U-Steinäcker and U-Hasenschaar, large navigation differences.
		13.05		Radio Message orders:  Group Ungestüm from 25 December on course 20°, 4 knots over ground advance as reconnaissance line.
		13.48		Navigation of Hasenschaar taken as correct and set out 18 nm, 100°T.
		16.00	BD 2993
			NNW 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 3, Vis. 6 nm
		19.00		Radio Message Orders:  Ungestüm without Fenn on 25 December 19.00 hours in new reconnaissance line from BD 2219 - 2961 course 20°, 4 knots.
		20.00	BD 3741
			N 3, 8/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		24.00	BD 3714
			N 3, obscured, Sea 2-3, Swell 2 nm, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		26.12.42
		04.00	BD 3475
			NNW 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	BD 3449
			WNW 2, 6/10 (rain), Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		10.35		Radio Message orders:  From 12.00 hours remain in the reached area as patrol line, passing convoy today still possible, monitor area carefully.
		12.00	BD 3427	Day's run:  110.4 nm .
			NbyW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 2, Vis. 9 nm
		16.00	BD 3427
			S 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 6 nm
		18.00		Short Signal Gräf:  Convoy BE 4131, southerly course, 10 knots.
				Operation without supply hopeless, await orders and establish [buoyancy] Condition A.
		19.10		Came to course 200°.
		19.22		Radio Message Orders:  Operate at highest speed on Gräf report.
		19.30		Radio Message sent:  BD 3422 still 34 cbm, operation hopeless, request orders, SSE 4, freshening, Sea 3, Stratus, 10/10, 1022 mb, falling.
		20.00	BD 3427
			SbyE 2, obscured (passing showers), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		23.40		Radio Message Orders:  Continue operation, convoy may later change course to the west, supply is anticipated.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		26.12.42
		24.00	BD 3454
			S 6, obscured (passing showers), Sea 5-6, Swell 4, Vis. 1/2 nm
		27.12.42
		04.00	BD 3753
			S 4, mist, rain, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 500 meters, no marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BD 6162
			SbyW 4, obscured (rain), Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 1/2
		11.01		for new buoyancy condition.
		11.25
		12.00	BD 6436	Day's run:  212.7 nm (211.3 )
			SSW 4, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 3, Vis. 4 nm	(  1.4 ).
		15.45		Radio Message Orders:  Both groups form Group Spitz.
		16.00	BD 6824
			SSW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		17.45		According to Leimkühler [U-225] Radio Message the convoy is in BD 6569.  Reached intercept point (BD 9233) from Radio Messages of Dieterichs and Gräf.  Awaiting bearing signals.
		18.40		Operating on Leimkühler Radio Message BD 6593, 70 nm difference in convoy position.
		20.00	BD 6839
			SW 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		20.20		Navigation fix gives BD 6839, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 20 nm, 57°T.
		21.00		Radio Message sent:  Request bearing signals from contact keeper.
		22.00		A single star shell bearing 140°T.
		23.00		Radio Message sent:  Star shell BD 6865.
		23.32		to listen, sounds bearing 170 - 180°T, due to heavy self noise type not distinguished.
		23.50		searched on course 200°.
		24.00	BD 6941
			SW 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		28.12.42
		02.06		to listen, sounds bearing 120 - 150°T.
		02.35
		02.50		Radio Message sent:  BD 6896 sound bearing 140°T, not identified due to self noise, S 2, Sea 2, Vis. 1 nm, 1030 mb, steady.
		03.28		Shadows bearing 180°T, destroyer on northerly course passes by quickly on the starboard side and passes out of sight.
				Searched for on course 230°.
		03.44		Crash dive for destroyer bearing 320°T, 1000 meters away at target angle 0°, 12 depth charges in 2 series, no damage.
		04.00	BD 9314
			SW 4, 5/10 (mist), Sea 3, Swell 1-2, Vis. 200 - 2000 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		05.15
		05.31		Radio Message sent:  04.00 hours BD 9311 forced to submerge by destroyer, depth charges, convoy in BD 9314 by sound bearings, stand by for bearing signals.
		06.29		Destroyer bearing 210°T, range = 4 nm, large zig zag to the east.  I ran off.
		06.54		Radio Message sent:  1 destroyer BD 9263.
				Sighted destroyer probably port remote screen.  Came up at highest speed.
		07.56		The same destroyer bearing 210°T runs off on an advance to the east.  I ran off and continued maneuvering ahead.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		28.12.42		Still 14 cbm fuel, attempt to get ahead of the convoy out of sight of the escort for day attack based on the Purkhold report in BD 9347.
		08.00	BD 9372
			SW 2, 4/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 4 nm
		11.35		Radio Message sent:  Position BD 9616, forced off far to the east 3 times by destroyer, suspect port remote escort.  Convoy not seen, no detection, SW 3, Sea 2, low Swell, Vis. 10 nm, was worse, Stratus 10/10, 1034 mb rising, Searching based on Purkhold report.
		12.00	BD 9672	Day's run:  303.9 nm (300.5 )
			SW 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 7 nm	(  3.4 ).
		16.00	BD 9824	No boat has contact.
		16.50		Radio Message from Hunger:  Convoy BD 9831.
				Came to course 90°.
		17.23		Smoke clouds in sight bearing 60°T.
		17.35		Convoy in sight, broad line abreast, as many as 12 ships recognized, to starboard ahead 1 corvette ahead of the convoy 2 corvettes, painted yellow.
		18.04		Radio Message sent:  Have contact on convoy.
				Fuel inventory under 10 cbm, inexact because both gauges are out of service.
				Decision:  submerged attack.
				Take position exactly ahead of the convoy.
		18.56		Radio Message sent:  Convoy BD 9856, course 180°, 10 knots, widely spaced line abreast, about 10 ships, intend twilight attack due to fuel situation, SW 2, Sea 2, slight Swell, Vis. very good, 1035 mb, steady.
		19.15		to attack.
				Mirror steams up very heavily, can see little in spite of repeated wiping.
		20.00	BD 9867	Listening sounds quickly grew louder.
		20.30		Was probably seen by a corvette, went deep quickly.
		20.32	[A = 80 meters]	5 depth charges (2 series) distance about 50 meters astern at depth = A -20 meters and A meters, slight failures in E-motor room and the control room.
				Listening sounds remain very loud, numerous depth charges and torpedo detonation in the vicinity.
		24.00	BD 9861
		29.12.42
		00.42		a star shell bearing 270°T.
		00.54		Radio Message sent:  20.30 hours during attack detected by defense BD 9867, well-placed depth charges, light damage, broke off due to fuel situation, request objective.
		01.21		2 shadows bearing 160°T, 2.5 nm away, I attack the sighted shadows which are two escort vessels, coming towards the boat at target angle 0°, ran off on course 340°, patrol vessels run behind, distance steady at first and then grew larger.
		01.35
		01.58		Shadows pass out of sight.
		02.35		Radio Message sent:  01.00 hours BD 9864 on surfacing forced off to the north by two trailing corvettes.
		04.00	BD 9823
			S 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		29.12.42
		09.10		Radio Message Orders:  Boats which must remain in the area due to fuel situation search for torpedoed vessels at low speed.  U-tanker will arrive in about 6 days.
		10.07
		10.45
		12.00	BD 9823	Day's run:  185.7 nm (173.1 )
			S 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Swell 0, Vis. 9 nm	( 12.6 ).
		15.27		Screen of smoke bearing 150°T.
		15.55	BD 9859	Crash dive, seaplane bearing 170°T, range = 8000 meters, altitude = 200 meters.
		16.00	BD 9859
		17.10		Mastheads and seaplane in close escort bearing 160°T with advances to the NW.
				Radio Message sent:  Naval square BD 9856 smoke cloud and seaplane.  Weather as for yesterday completely overcast, 1035 mb, steady (not acknowledged).
		17.15		Crash dive for aircraft.
		18.x7		Ship and aircraft easily seen in the periscope, steamer about 3000 tons steers west, speed 4 knots, crane astern, range = 6 nm.
		19.00		Steamer goes briefly on a northern course, crane swivels and takes up aircraft.
		20.00	BD 9885
		20.10
		20.44		Steamer bears 330°T, 3 nm away, zig zags heavily from 180° - 290°.
		21.40		Approach begun from the NW.
		21.55		A very low, fast boat runs toward [the U-boat] bearing 270°T, range = 400 meters, turned away hard to port, evaded and again came to attack course 200°, steamer does not zig zag since the boat closed to within 3000 meters and steers 270°.
		22.06		Single shot from tube I, Eto, depth = 3 meters, range about 1000 meters, detonation after 123 seconds, no water column or effect at the target.  Shortly before detonation flash observed at the stern of the steamer.
		22.15		New attack.
		22.18		The same motor boat bearing 90°T in approach, evaded to starboard.
		22.28		Detonation at the ship, cause not determined.
		22.29		Single shot from tube III, Eto, depth = 3 meters, range = 800 meters, no effect.  Motorboat runs towards again shortly after the shot and makes signal traffic with the ship, am briefly illuminated by the ship with a searchlight.
		22.35		New attack.
		22.37		Single shot from tube II, Eto, depth = 3 meters, range = 800 meters, detonation, no water column or effect at the target.  Shortly before this a flash at the stern rear of the steamer, a cloud of smoke, it smells badly burned
		22.45		New attack from the south.
		22.47		Single shot from tube IV, Eto, depth = 3 meters, range = 900 meters, no hit, enemy stubbornly maintains course, speed maneuvers can do nothing at this short range, appearance and size indicate the steamer must have a draft of approximately 7 meters.
		22.50		Passed behind the stern and immediately positioned to shoot from tube V.

Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		29.12.42
		22.52		Single shot from tube V, Eto, depth = 3 meters, range = 600 meters, no hit, suspect nets, motorboat runs in again, I move off to the south to reload.  Enemy now runs at exactly 12 knots by plotting.  Suspect a combination salvage ship and U-boat trap.
		23.02		4 depth charge detonations.
				The observed detonations seem like depth charges thrown by a projector from the stern, still want to do a test by striking from astern to come between the nets.
		23.44		Enemy bears 305°T, 3 nm away.
		24.00	CE 3215	Steamer is lost from sight in approaching fog, despite search not found again.
		30.12.42
		01.29		to listen, nothing, strong self noise forward and at the port aft diving plane
		01.45		Radio Message Orders:  Leimkühler and Kapitzky remain in area of the sinking of the previous night, continue searching for Havaristen.  Kapitzky suggest meeting point for 31 December, fuel transfer from Leimkühler for return transit.  20 cbm for each as necessary.
		04.00	CE 3139
		06.10
		06.27		Radio Message sent:  Naval square BD 9885 trap [reported by] Leimkühler during the day, course west, 5 knots, close and remote escort by aircraft type Vought-Sikorsky.  19.00 hours recovered by crane.  22.23 hours 5 single shots, 3 detonation no effect or water column, nets possible, suppose heard all misses, speed changes, before each detonation flash on the stern, perhaps a depth charge projector.  Night course south to west, speed 0-12 knots, cooperating with a low fast boat, signal traffic, no detection, while reloading lost in fog, no sound bearing.  Suggest meeting point BC 2334 for 13 December 11.00 hour.
		06.52
		08.00	CE 3164
		10.20
		11.55		U-boat trap bearing 155°T, 5 nm away, course southwest, smoking black and white, shoots signal rockets, possibly noticed.
		12.00	CE 3157	Day's run:  178.9 nm (134.7 )
			SE 3, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 8 nm	( 44.2 ).
		12.27		Lifeboat with yellow flag bearing 40°T, 1.5 nm away.
		13.21		Radio Message sent:  Naval square CE 3157 U-boat trap, course southwest, speed 5 knots, smoking alternately black and white, shoots rockets, suspect that the boat was noticed, S 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, Stratus Cumulus, 1034 mb, falling.  Change meeting point in CE 2334.
		16.00	CE 2339
			SE 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		30.12.42
		16.25		Radio Message from Leimkühler:  On 31 December at CE 2334.
		17.20		Navigation fix gives BD 9787, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 25 nm, 325°T.
		20.00	CE 2331
			SE 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		21.19		Met with U-Zetsche.
		24.00	BD 9782
			SE 3, 7/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm
		31.12.42
		00.38
		04.00	BD 9786
		08.00	BD 9789
		09.00
		12.00	BD 9789	Day's run:  121.8 nm (101.3 )
			SE 3, 2/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 9 nm	( 20.5 ).
		14.28		to listen, nothing.
		14.39
		15.58		Radio Message from Leimkühler:  Request bearing signals from Kapitzky.
		16.00	CE 2331
			SSE 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 10 nm
		16.21		Radio Message sent:  Sending bearing signals.
		17.30		Corvette on southwest course, 7 knots bearing 75°T.
		18.09		Corvette out of sight bearing 130°T.
		18.09		Radio Message sent:  CE 2335 corvette southwesterly course.
		18.29		U-boat in sight at high speed bearing 35°T.  Meeting with U-Leimkühler, had no connection for transfer with fire hoses aboard, decide to proceed together to Neumann and transfer there, transfer with short hoses is not possible in the weather.
		20.00	BD 9785
			SSE 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm
		21.25		Radio Message sent:  Due to weather situation proceeding together with Leimkühler to Neumann, SSE 4, Sea 3, 1-34 mb, steady.
		24.00	BD 9752
			SbyE 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		01.01.43
		04.00	BD 9722
			SSE 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 200 meters
		08.00	BD 9457
			SSE 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
		12.00	BD 9457	Day's run:  132 nm (131 )
			SSE 4, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 7 nm	(   1 ).
				Together with Leimkühler in reconnaissance line bearing 300°T.
		13.43		Radio Message sent:  Where is supply ship?
		15.40		Radio Message:  Neumann located BD 9482.
		16.00	BD 9449
			SSE 4, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		17.00		Reconnaissance line bearing 60°T.
		18.12		Radio Message sent:  Request bearing signals to meet.
		18.28		Reconnaissance line 180°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		01.01.43
		20.00	BD 9451
			SSE 3, 8/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 4 nm
		20.40		Navigation fix, difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 16 nm, 9°T.
		24.00	BD 9457
			SSE 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1-2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		02.01.43
		04.00	BD 9484
			SE 4, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 200 meters
		08.00	BD 9482
			SE 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 200 meters
		12.00	BD 9482	Day's run:  108.4 nm .
		13.20		Radio Message sent:  Request bearing signals to meet.
		15.05		Radio Message sent:  Request bearing signals from Neumann.
		16.00	BD 9485
			SE 5, obscured, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm
		18.19		Radio Message sent:  Transfer from Leimkühler not possible, still 2 cbm, no bearing signals from Neumann, BD 9485.
		19.00		Leimkühler has found hose connections, can transfer with fire hose.
		20.00	BD 9488
			S 4, 8/10, Sea 4, Swell 4, Vis. 4 nm
		20.05		Began pumping, once the hose began to leak as a result of decomposition of the inner rubber layer, damage was quickly repaired.   Transfer with 4 hose lengths in spite of sea was surprisingly easily with both E-motors LF positioned into the seas.
		23.20		End of supply, 22.5 cbm taken over.
		24.00	BD 9489
		03.01.43
		00.25		Radio Message Orders:  1)  Kapitzky let drift overnight with economical fuel consumption until Neumann has reported.   No further requests for bearing signals, no unnecessary radio traffic.  2)  Neumann, as soon as other boats supplied go to Kapitzky.  3)  Leimkühler remain with Kapitzky.
		00.30		Radio Message from Leimkühler:  Supply completed, have begun return transit.
		04.00	BD 9499
			NW 3, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 200 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BD 9587
			NW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 3 nm
		09.40
		10.50		Navigation fix, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 10 nm, 143°T.
		12.00	BD 9835	Day's run:  73.9 nm (70.0 )
			NNW 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 9 nm	(  3.9 ).
		16.00	BD 9924
			NNW 4, 3/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BD 9931
			NW 4, 6/10, Sea 3, Swell, 2. Vis. 4 nm
		24.00	BE 7712
			NW 3, obscured, Sea 2-3, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43

	- 21 -
		04.01.43
		04.00	BE 7722
			NNW 3, obscured, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 200 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BE 7499
			WNW 2, obscured, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm
		10.50
		11.02
		12.00	BE 7584	Day's run:  176.5 nm (175.9 )
			WbyS 2, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Swell 1, Vis. 9 nm	(  0.6 ).
		16.00	BE 7592
			WbyS 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 10 nm
		19.40		Navigation fix, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 22 nm, 86°T.
		20.00	BE 7659	Radio Message Orders:  Return harbor is La Pallice.
			W 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
		22.55		Radio Message Orders:  Report weather between 03.00 and 06.00 hours, from 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		24.00	BE 7669
			W 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2, heavy marine phosphorescence
		05.01.43
		04.00	BE 8454
			WNW 2, obscured, Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 400 meters
		04.51		Sent Short Signal weather report:  44°N, 20°W, 1020 mb, unchanged, +14°C, 6/10-9/10, cloudy-heavily overcast, Stratus or Stratocumulus, low bad weather clouds.  Vis. up to 2 nm, SW 3-4, low W-Swell.
		08.00	BE 8462
			W 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2, bad marine phosphorescence
		09.20		Navigation fix, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 8.5 nm, 75°T.
		12.00	BE 8527	Day's run:  191 nm .
			SW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 6-7 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		16.00	BE 8434
			SW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BE 8613
			SW 2, 8/10 (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		24.00	BE 8399
			SW 2, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 2 nm
		06.01.43
		04.00	BE 9185
			NNW 3, 5/10, Sea 2, Swell 1, Vis. 1/2 nm
		08.00	BE 9275
			NW 3, 2/10, Sea 3, Swell 1, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		09.31
		12.00	BE 9285	Day's run:  203.5 nm (195.9 )
				(  7.6 ).
		16.00	BE 9283
		18.44
		20.00	BE 9269
			WNW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, no marine phosphorescence
		24.00	BE 9386
			W 3, obscured, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43

	- 22 -
		07.01.43
		04.00	BF 7176
			SW 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 50 meters, medium marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 7276
			SW 3, obscured, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		09.05
		12.00	BF 7284	Day's run:  173 nm (144 )
				(  29 ).
		13.52
		14.12
		16.00	BF 7294
		18.35
		20.00	BF 7374
			W 3, obscured, mist, (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1/2 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		24.00	BF 8174
			W 3, obscured, mist, rain, Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.01.43
		04.00	BF 8193
			NNW 4, m (rain), Sea 3, Swell 3, Vis. 200 meters, strong marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 8262
			NW 2, obscured (rain), Sea 2, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		09.18
		12.00	BF 8319	Day's run:  206.6 nm (179.9 )
				(  26.7 ).
		13.51
		14.24
		16.00	BF 8329
		18.42
		20.00	BF 9114
			W 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell 1, heavy marine phosphorescence
		22.11
		24.00	BF 9123
		09.01.43
		03.11
		04.00	BF 6789
			NNE 2, mist (rain), Sea 1, Swell 1, Vis. 500 meters, heavy marine phosphorescence
		08.00	BF 6846
			ESE 3, mist, rain, Sea 3, Swell 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.58		to listen.
		09.31
		10.11		Escort in sight, hung on.
				Entered La Pallice.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43

	Enclosures to U-615's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Track Chart	Track Chart covering the entire patrol from 25 November to 9 January 1943

 

	Commentary of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
	On the Kriegstagebuch of "U-615" from 25.11.42 - 9.1.43.
	Not a very satisfactory war patrol.  Was in contact with 3 different convoys without realizing success.  Reasons are the numerous engine breakdowns of the boat during the convoy operations and furthermore, overestimation of the screen, premature diving before destroyers and remaining submerged too long.  On the evening of 28 December for example, the boat was positioned at the front of the convoy.  The Kommandant remained dived for over 4 hours after he was forced to submerge by an escort vessel and was immediately depth charged without essential failures, while continual torpedo detonations betrayed the successful attacks of the other boats.
	The Kommandant must not be distracted too long from his main objective, namely to get at the ships, by diving too long and being forced off.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations -

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