U-757 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
St. Nazaire	22 February 1943	St. Nazaire	18 March 1943	25

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
11 Mar 43	02.42 - 04.38	51°15'N, 28°45'W	WILLIAM C. GORGAS	7,197	American	HX-228
11 Mar 43	02.42 - 04.38	51°15'N, 28°45'W	HMS LCT-2398 (in transport)	291	British	HX-228
			Total = 7488
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.

---

			2nd War Patrol	Copy No.  .  .  .  .  .
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				U  757
			Beginning  :     22 2 43         Concluding  :     18.3.43             Kommandant  :    Kaptlt.    D  e  e  t  z
			Distribution:     O.K.M. Copy No. 1-2 B.d.U.      "     " 3 Komd.Adm.d.U-Boote   4 6. U-Flottille   5 27. U-Flottille   6 Agru-Front for Kaptlt. Jebsen   7 F.d.U.-West   8
			Enclosures:     1 Track chart for Copy No. 2 - 5 and 8 5 Shooting reports               " 2 - 5 and 8 1 Excerpt of the Radio Message Log               " 2 - 5 and 8    Barograph strips               " 8
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		22.02.43	St. Nazaire	Cast off
		14.45	Bunker
		14.55 to 15.55		Passed through the small lock with U-406 (Dietrichs) and U-590 (Müller-Edzards).
		16.00		Put to sea for 2nd war patrol.  Operations Order 54 "Atlantic" in effect.
		16.30	Loire mouth	Convoy intake off the Loire.
			SSW 1, cloudless, strong haze
		20.00	Point Herz	Released from convoy, outbound transit at HF via "Morgennebel".
		24.00	BF 6752
			Wind calm, cloudless, bright moon, flat long Swell, marine phosphorescence
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		23.02.43
		00.25		Dived when locating determined.
				1st trim test.
				Alarming findings:  Hatch in stern room is not tight again.  Due to the same leak departure was already canceled in December 1942.  Thus for the 3rd time, the St. Nazaire Shipyard was unable, despite their best intentions and most thorough execution, to rivet a hatch which had been cut in by them tightly. Final assessment in deep diving test.
		01.37		Surfaced.
		04.20	Point Morgen	Course 280°, headed for BE 17 in accordance with Outbound Orders.
			S 1, few clouds, light Swell
		07.34	BF 5885	With the failure of the Fu.M.B. dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		10.00		Carried out deep dive test.  Leakage shows only a small increase in water intake at greater depth.  Switch panel and converter were covered as best as possible, so that the danger of electrical failure was kept as small as possible.
				Continued the patrol.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		23.02.43
		12.00	BF 5873	Day's run Surfaced       152 nm
				Submerged     17 nm
				169 nm
		16.00	BF 5872
		19.23	BF 5792	Surfaced, surface transit with Fu.M.B., course 280°, HF.
			N 1, overcast, cloud height 800 meters, hazy, flat sea, light Swell
		24.00	BF 5744
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		24.02.43
		03.30 to 04.18	BF 4952	Dived for Fu.M.B. repairs.
			NNW 1, overcast, flat sea, light long Swell
		08.10	BF 4957	Dived to proceed submerged, Depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	BF 4824	Day's run Surfaced       135 nm
				Submerged     40 nm
				175 nm
		16.00	BF 4816
		19.45		Surfaced, transit with Fu.M.B., HF, course 286°.
		19.50 to 20.44	BF 4811	Crash dive with locating.  No attack.
			NW 1, light Swell, hazy
		21.13		Light over the horizon bearing 230°T.  Searchlight from aircraft possible, probably a star in the haze.
		21.39		Surfaced.
		22.51 to 23.10		Crash dive with locating.  No attack.
				On surfacing a light bearing 300°T.  Apparently from fishing vessels.  By plotting 40 nm outside the allowed circle, but for 8 days there is only plotting.
		23.15 to 00.34	BF 4723	Crash dive with locating, no attack.
			NNW 1-2, 6/10, bright moon
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		25.02.43
		04.00	BE 6696
			NNW 3, overcast, light haze

	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		25.02.43
		07.00 to 07.35		Crash dive with locating, no attack.
		08.00	BE 8649
		08.30		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	BE 6644	Day's run Surfaced       105 nm
				Submerged     51 nm
				156 nm
		16.00	BE 6565
		20.00	BE 6539	Surfaced, transit with Fu.M.B., HF, course 286°, after navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position 19 nm, 69°T.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, light Swell, 4/10, Vis. good
		24.00	BE 6278	Short Signal:  My position is BE 6278.    "U-757"
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		26.02.43
		01.24 to 02.20		II Watch Officer made a crash dive for an aircraft searchlight directly astern.  No attack, in my opinion for the rising moon.
		04.00	BE 6186	Received confirmation of the Short Signal.
		04.55 to 05.50		Crash dive with locating, no attack.
		08.00	BE 6147
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, cloud height 600 meters, Vis. good
		08.45		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	BE 5365	Day's run Surfaced       119 nm
				Submerged     41 nm
				160 nm
		16.00	BE 5356
		20.10	BE 5352	Surfaced, transit with Fu.M.B., course 286°, HF.
			Wind calm, Sea 1, flat confused Swell, overcast, lightly hazy
		24.00	BE 5234	Course 286°, KF diesel-electric.
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		27.02.43
		02.36 to 03.30		Crash dive with locating, no attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		27.02.43
		04.00	BE 5221
		08.00	BE 2794
			SW 2, flat Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		10.40 to 11.20		At 2 x HF, course 170°, headed for a smoke cloud, then finally recognized it as a rain cloud.
		11.28		Dove with locating.  No attack.  Dived time used to open up the drain valve in the aftership because there was fuel in the aft battery bilge.
		12.00	BE 2787	Day's run Surfaced       138 nm
				Submerged     27 nm
				165 nm
		16.15	BE 1995	Surfaced, transit with Fu.M.B., course 286°, most economical speed.
			SSW 1, Sea 2, overcast, medium-high clouds, Vis. good
		19.28	BE 1991	Smoke cloud in sight bearing 220°T, masts and smokestack quickly come over the horizon.  Held contact at GF.  Independent, northeasterly course, high speed, waited for darkness to attack, maneuvered ahead.
		21.38	BE 1962	Large freighter, six masts, superstructure aft (see sketch).  Three-fan, target speed 15 knots, target angle right 80°, range 1800 meters, spread 6.5°, right and center torpedoes Etos, Pi 2, depth 5 meters, MZ on, left torpedo Fat, depth 4 meters, right short, fore run 3000 meters.
			Starry clear, dark horizon behind.
		21.48		Torpedo detonation, nothing seen.
		21.55 and 21.58		Each one torpedo detonation.
				No explanation for miss, speed estimate later proven correct, course perfectly determined. Evasion by speed change is possible, was probably unseen at the shot.  After the first torpedo detonation the steamer emitted a smoke cloud, continued at 16 knots on old course.  Boat maneuvered ahead at AK on the starboard side, after 4- hours was abeam, distance away 2500-4000 meters.
		23.06		Locating received in the Fu.M.B., 155 cm, if aircraft were in the vicinity, only the steamer would be detected, therefore took the Fu.M.B. in.

Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

	- 5 -
		28.02.43
		02.20		Enemy zigzagged about 30° to starboard, as a result the boat quickly got ahead and ran in to attack position on the port side of the steamer.
		03.34	BE 2186	Fat three-fan, center tube stuck in the tube, depth 3 meters, target speed 16 knots, target angle left 96°, range 1000 (did not fit in the binoculars), spread angle 9°, left short, fore run 3000 meters (set in error for 2000 meters), first torpedo broached frequently.  Enemy turned 90° to starboard immediately after the shot, ran off for five minutes and than at high speed on the old course 50°.  All passed.
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, no Swell, cloudless, starry clear, Vis. good
		04.10	Moonrise, thereafter bright moon, thin isolated clouds	Maneuvered ahead again at large abeam distance, reloaded Etos due to the possibility of a submerged attack, enemy now zigzagged around main course.
				Am ahead again.
		07.40	BE 2221	Single shot, Eto, Pi 1, MZ on, depth 4 meters, target speed 16 knots, left 80°, range 800 meters, immediately after the shot strong speed reduction noticed, missed, therefore . . .
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, light SW-Swell, lightly milky horizon, moon in the SE, first dawn
		07.41		Single shot, Eto, same settings, target speed 5 knots, also passed, enemy turned hard to starboard, ran off at high speed.  In the quickly growing dawn the boat was at low range within visual range behind the steamer.  Steamer shot about ten shots of tracer fire and threw a depth charge in the wake.
		08.05	BE 2221	Due to low speed excess and the expected air reconnaissance, broke off pursuit dove in artillery fire, proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  Necessary diesel repairs.  Moved off submerged to the north, to still be in the same area at night.
		12.00	AL 9887	Day's run Surfaced       222 nm
				Submerged     19 nm
				241 nm
		16.00	AL 9881
		20.10	AL 9854	Surfaced, transit with Fu.M.B., course 285°, to charge at most economical speed.  In accordance with Radio Message from B.d.U. "New objective for . . . . Deetz, . . . . is AH 63.
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, flat Swell, 3/10, Vis. good
				In Radio Message 1750/27 and 1217/28 reported weather by radio to B.d.U.:  Large freighter, 16 knots, 19.30 hours in BE 1991, 21.38 hours in BE 1962 three-fan.  After 10 minutes detonation, nothing seen, Fat hit possible.  Target angle 80°, range 2000 meters, short, fore run 300 meters.  Hunted at AK broke off today 08.00 hours BE 2221,  3+2+2 torpedoes, 105 cbm, SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1041 mb, steady.    Deetz
		24.00	AL 9753

Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43

	- 6 -
		01.03.43
		04.00	AL 8839
		08.00	AL 8821
			SW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast
		12.00	AL 8498	Day's run Surfaced       138 nm
				Submerged     24 nm
				162 nm
				Most economical speed, headed for AH 63.
		16.00	AL 8485
			SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, low irregular Swell, overcast
		20.00	AL 8471
		24.00	AL 7559
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		02.03.43
		04.00	AL 7545
			SW 1-2, Sea 2, confused Swell, overcast, cloud height 1000 meters
		08.00	AL 7462
		12.00	AL 7427	Day's run Surfaced 144 nm
				Most economical speed, headed for AH 63.
		13.00	SSW 1-3, Sea 2, confused flat SSW-Swell, overcast, cloud height 1500 meters, Vis. very good, falling barometer	Turned before the sea to download the forward over deck torpedo.  The choppy sea makes the work below the over deck, especially the extraction of the transfer gear very difficult.
		15.30	AL 7419	Transfer ended, test dive.  At the same time Fu.M.B. repaired, torpedoes prepared, forward battery cells refilled with distilled water.
		20.00	AL 7419
		22.35		Surfaced, most economical speed, course 285°.  Radio Message from B.d.U.: Occupy temporary attack area . . . . Deetz AK 69 . . . .
				Came to course 245°.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		02.03.43
		24.00	AK 9615
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, dark night
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		03.03.43
		04.00	AK 9367
		08.00	AK 9334
			Wind calm, Sea 1-2, overcast
		11.10		Cloud of vapor bearing 10°T.  Closed as HF until 12.45 hours, nothing in sight.  Optical illusion by sun rays.
		12.00	AK 6958	Day's run Surfaced       119 nm
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, low SW-Swell, overcast	Submerged     19 nm
				138 nm
				Stayed in the operations area at most economical speed.
		14.00		Officer-Only Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				1.)  Bothe, Schetelig, Haupt, U-633, Rendtel, Wintermeyer, Lange, Brünnig, Tippelskirch, Baberg, Deetz, Dietrichs, Schuch and Löser form Group Neuland".
			[typo BE 1132]	2.) In named order on 7 March 12.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 6685 to BD 1132, course 240°, speed 5 knots over ground.
				3.)  Do not be in line too early, boats arriving early free to maneuver set off from the line.  In the vicinity of the line radio silence.
				The boat is already in the area  of the line, moved off to the SW because approach of the remaining boats from the east is accepted.  Course 200°, most economical speed.
		16.00	AK 6687
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	AK 6916
		22.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 344°T, 45 nm.
		24.00	AK 6592
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		04.03.43
		04.00	AK 6829
			S 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, dark night

	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		04.03.43
		08.00	AK 6881
		12.00	AK 9216	Day's run Surfaced 170 nm
			W 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good	Course 200°, most economical speed.
		16.00	AK 9247	Between 15.15 and 18.30 hours several crash dive- and depth control training.
		20.00	AK 9199
		24.00	AK 9454
			S 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. good
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		05.03.43
		04.00	AK 9722
		08.00	AK 9764	Due to spray turned 10° to starboard.
			SSW 4-5, freshening, Sea 3-4, few clouds, Vis. medium, light haze
		12.00	AK 9777	Day's run Surfaced       153 nm
				Submerged      8 nm
				161 nm
		16.00	BD 2262	Course 75°, most economical speed, headed for position.
		20.00	BD 2327
			S 4-5, Sea 4, rain showers
		24.00	AK 9874
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		06.03.43
		04.00	AK 9882
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear horizon
		08.00	AK 9869
		09.00		Course 150°, most economical speed.  Otherwise will be in position too early.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		06.03.43
		12.00	AK 9976	Day's run Surfaced 168 nm
			NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers
		15.45	BD 3228	Test dive together with battery measurement, propulsion system checks.
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good
		19.40	BD 3264	Surfaced.  Course 50°, most economical speed, headed for position in reconnaissance line.
				Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:  whereby boats positioned in the north are released from Group Neuland.
		24.00	BD 3315
			E 1, Sea 2, light Swell, few clouds
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		07.03.43
		04.00	AL 7785
		08.00	AL 7765
			SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, half overcast
		10.00		AK - test of the engines.
		12.00	AL 7813	In starting position for Group "Neuland" reconnaissance line.
			SSW 4-5, freshening, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain showers, otherwise Vis. good	Day's run Surfaced       146 nm
				Submerged     12 nm
				158 nm
				Initially intend, to zigzag in own 20 nm strip given up due to quickly increasing weather deterioration.
		16.00	AL 7732
			WNW 7-8, Sea 6-7, rising Swell, greatly changing Vis,, hail showers
		20.00	AL 7722
			W 6-8, Sea 5-6, overcast, squalls
		21.00		Fu.M.B. taken in due to strong water intake through the open conning tower hatch.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		07.03.43
		22.40		With strong visibility deterioration and strengthening wind dived to briefly proceed submerged.
		24.00	AL 7713
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		08.03.43
		01.50		Surfaced, course 265°, most economical speed, without Fu.M.B.
		04.00	AL 7714
			NW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, clear horizon
		08.00	AK 9934
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6-7
		12.00	AK 9924	Speed of advance of 5 knots just barely held.
				Day's run Surfaced       106 nm
				Submerged       8 nm
				1145 nm
		16.00	AK 9837	Lengthening swell temporarily allows slightly higher speed setting.
			WSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, medium-high clouds, Vis. very good
		20.00	AK 9827
		22.00		In darkness had to go to KF again.
		24.00	AK 9739
			SSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		09.03.43
		04.00	AK 9753
		08.00	AK 9748
			SW 5-6, Sea 6, long high W-Swell, overcast
		12.00	AK 9741	Day's run Surfaced 138 nm
			SSW 5-6, Sea 6, high Swell, Vis. medium	Radio Message from B.d.U.:  1.)  Group Neuland from Struckmeyer to Edzards on 10 March 09.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 8319 to BD 2375, course 260°.  Speed of advance 4 knots, interval 20 nm.  Northeast-bound convoy expected tomorrow.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		09.03.43		2.)  Stock, Dauter in this order lengthen reconnaissance line to the north west.  Orders concerning supply to follow, switch to Diana Circuit immediately.
				Reached new position.
		16.00	AK 8689
			SW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, hail and rain showers, otherwise Vis. good
		20.00	AK 8689
			WSW 8, Sea 7
		22.00		Dived for overhaul work before convoy operation.  Due to 8 breaks in the Fu.M.B. cable delayed surfacing.
		24.00	AK 8688
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		10.03.43
		04.00	AK 8381
		06.00		Surfaced, back and forth at starting position.
		08.00	AK 8385
			WNW 6, Sea 5, hail showers, otherwise Vis. good
		09.00	AK 8384	In accordance with orders began advance in reconnaissance line.  Own speed 10 knots.  Hourly zigzags around 60° from main course.
			WNW 5-7, Sea 5, few clouds, heavy showers, otherwise Vis. very good
		12.00	AK 8379	Day's run Surfaced       114 nm
				Submerged     24 nm
				138 nm
		15.00	AK 8371	First convoy report from Hunger "Convoy square BD 2268." then "Enemy steers 80°."
				Operated on convoy on course 100°.
		16.00	AK 8385	Came to course 130°.  Continual contact keeper reports from Langfeld. Operated on enemy course 70°, speed 8 knots.
			NW 5-6, medium-high W-Swell, Sea 6, Vis. very good
		20.00	AK 9451
		23.40		Operated on Langfeld contact keeper report from 22.55 hours, convoy BD 2332, course 70°, 9 knots.  GF, course 160°.
		24.00	AK 9842

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

	- 12 -
		11.03.43
		01.00	AK 9378	Shadow bearing 300°T, destroyer or corvette, while closing three additional shadows bearing 220°T, thought to be the port forward convoy screen.  Therefore maneuvered ahead, in so doing . . .
			NNW 5-6, Sea 5, rain showers, overcast, otherwise clear horizon
		01.15		Shadow of a large steamer sighted bearing 200°T. Continued to maneuver ahead and attempted to get to the starboard side of the convoy before the dark horizon.  In so doing lay stopped for a moment, before a strongly zigzagging destroyer passed at about 1000 meters (modern, 2 unequal thick smokestacks),  Stayed behind the destroyer, and so got inside the screen.
		01.56 and 02.01		Detonations heard in the boat.
		02.16		Muzzle fire bearing 180°T and tracers shot at great range.
		02.19		Short Signal sent:  Convoy AK 9884.
				Still no observations concerning course and speed.
		02.25		Large shadows bearing 280°T, about 8-10 steamers in single or double line abreast.  Closed on the outer ship.
		02.42	AK 9882	Single shot tube I, FAT, right long, fore run 1500 meters, depth 5 meters, target speed 9 knots, target angle right 90°, range 400 meters, running time 26 seconds.  Hit center, thin high black water column.  Because the boat was in the wind lee within a short time the boat was engulfed in dense clouds of atomized heating oil.  Therefore no further shooting opportunities.  While running off on our port side two, on the starboard side one escort vessel in sharp target angles, therefore dived.  Propeller and locating sounds.
			WNW 4, Sea 4, few clouds, light Northern Lights, lightly murky
		03.28		After nearly losing the sound bearings surfaced, ran back to the shooting location, sighted a steamer wreck there.  Broken amidships, upper deck at the waterline, masts angled towards each other, stopped, athwart the wind left drifting.  Name asked of the lifeboats:  "WILLIAM P. PALMER" (7602 GRT).
		04.38	AK 9882	Coup de grâce tube V, Eto, Pi 2, MZ off, depth 5 meters, target speed 0 knots, range 400 meters, after 21 seconds hit aft mast, ship sank aft then forward quickly.
			N 3, Sea 2-3, medium-high Swell, isolated . . .

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		11.03.43
			clouds, bright starry sky, clear horizon	About 60 seconds after the hit an enormous underwater detonation (in retrospect a large number of powerful depth charges is suspected on the sinking steamer).  By that time distance from the sinking location was at least 450 to 500 meters.  Boat was lifted strongly.
				Order "Close bulkheads", no water intake, diesels, main and auxiliary drain pumps are operable.  Strong gas development from both batteries.  Major failures:  broadcast and announcement system, all rudders, both compressors, gyro-compass, magnetic compass, both periscopes, both hydraulic pumps, spare cooling water pump, spare lubricating oil pump, all four clutches (only usable engaged).  Switchboard mounts, most lighting.  Brief fire in the E-motors, both internal fuel tanks torn, oil trace, tube V deformed (outer tube door was already closed).  Entire radio message system except for the Short Wave transmitter and receiver and much minor damage.  Several head wounds, many knee and ankle bruises, Chief Engineer broken finger.
				The concussion had such force that for example the rear conning tower platform was slightly lowered, the UZO with bolted lower part and binoculars flew overboard in a high arc and the open spherical bulkheads were bent.  The Eto in the stern room bilge suffered denting at its support locations.
				Initially ran at 12 knots on the suspected convoy course, when the extent of the damage was surveyed, moved off to the south for repairs.  Radio report concerning breaking off the convoy operation was not possible at first.
		08.00	BD 3126
		12.00	BD 3159	Day's run Surfaced       288 nm
				Submerged       2 nm
				290 nm
		16.00	BD 3186	Initially there was no judgment as to the readiness to dive due to the condition of the battery, surfaced readiness reestablished.  Port diesel temporarily out of service due to entry of water into the cylinders.  Doctor's assistance from supplier was required, therefore switched to "Ireland" Circuit to get the location of the supplier as soon as possible.
			NE 2, flat sea, light NE-Swell, few clouds, Vis. good
		20.30	BD 3497	Sent Radio Message:  1.)  "WILLIAM P. PALMER" sunk from convoy.  2.)  By detonation heavy damage, port diesel, both batteries out of service, unable to dive, able to float.  3.)  Request Doctor BD 34 course south 7 knots, switched to "Ireland" Circuit.

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		11.03.43		Damage repaired except for remaining failures:  Both batteries (forward only 8, aft 6 cells operable), thus not clear to dive, E-compressor, periscopes, spare lubricating oil pump, spare cooling water pump, hand drain pump, crack in both internal fuel tanks (fuel loss slight).
				Surface fully operational, temporarily with one, later with both diesels however intermitent malfunctions must be expected, Junkers compressor, gyro-compass, main ruder are operable.  Batteries deactivated, power generation via diesel-E-motor, therefore in case of failure of both diesels, completely de-energized (transmitter out of service).
		23.00		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Zech to assist Deetz on 12 March at dawn be in BD 3477.  For supply ordered boats head for the same point.  First supplied boat remain to assist Deetz, until he is ready, circuit for Deetz remains "Diana".
				Initially I ran off further to the south, at the same time while heading for Zech intend to test the diesels at high speed settings.
		24.00	BD 3794
			N 2-3, Sea 2, starry clear, Vis. good
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		12.03.43
		04.00	BD 6129
		08.00	BD 3854	Went to GF on both diesels, to be able to assess their operational capability.
		12.15	BD 3721	Day's run Surfaced 270 nm
			NW 2-3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium
				Smoke cloud in sight bearing 350°T, steamer with two masts, strikingly tall narrow snokestacks and passenger superstructure amidships.  Comes over the horizon quickly, at highest speed attempted to hold contact at the limit of visibility.  Steamer run at least at the same speed, zigzags between south and west.  Due to supply taking place in the vicinity, sent a Short Signal, was not acknowledged.
		12.51		One after another both diesels fail, boat is therefore unable to move and is without power (particularly unpleasant because of the still strongly gassing battery).  "Artillery ready", steamer comes over the horizon up to the upper deck, remains beyond

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		12.03.43		artillery and torpedo range.
		14.50	BD 3715	Steamer out of sight, later according to Radio Message hunted by Dauter.  Both diesels again in service, headed for Zech at GF.
		16.00	BD 3712	Reached position for Zech, nothing seen, back and forth in position.
		16.30		Radio Message 1425 from Zech:  Request bearing signals from Deetz, received by 18.10 hours, sent bearing signals.
		19.40		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 70°T, 15 nm, therefore . . .
		19.50 to 21.05	BD 3478	attempted, to send Radio Message:  Position BD 3722, course 290°, 10 knots, bearing signals from 21.00 hours.
				Sent bearing signals until 22.10 hours.
		21.35		Received Radio Message:  Despite bearing signals Deetz not met up to darkness.  BD 3728, request orders.    Zech.
		23.40	BD 2695	Officer-Only Radio Message:  to B.d.U.:  Both diesels fully operational, not clear to dive due to battery, intend return transit at highest speed, with 20 men, without Metox, request approval.  To simplify the Radio Message, for important messages, group for important remarks, in each case took the two lower-most Kenngruppe.    Deetz
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, WNW-Swell, rain showers, therefore Vis. mostly bad
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		13.03.43
		02.00		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Zech and Deetz tomorrow at lightness be at ordered meeting point BD 3477.  Deetz request bearing signals according to the situation.
				Headed for ordered square, and there back and forth in position.
		04.00	BD 2637	Radio Message from B.d.U. to Deetz:  Initially remain at Zech and attempt by bridging the cells through the connecting bar of one battery to get the other battery operable, if necessary, jumper cables will be brought out.  Report how many cells are unclear, do not rush, but try by all means to get a battery operable.  If repairs will take a long time, setting off to the southwest with escort boat is advisable.
		08.10	BD 2695	U-119 in sight, went nearby, transfer of the Doctor not possible at first, because the supplier has no rubber boat and own boat cannot be stopped due to the danger it cannot be started again.  Doctor's assistance by flag signal for apparent wound fever patients.
			First dawn

	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		13.03.43
		12.00	BD 3477	Day's run Surfaced 210 nm
				Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Only 6+8 cells operable, Short Wave transmitter not frequency exact.    Deetz.
		15.00	WSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times drizzle, rain, Vis. bad	Radio Message from B.d.U.:  1.)  Zech:  Supply a boat to be supplied for return transit to the extent that it is able to proceed to base with Deetz at maximum speed and assign this boat as escort boat.  2.)  Deetz:  Free to give over unnecessary personnel to other boats.  Make a verbal agreement to meet with the escort boat.  Return transit via BE 94, return accompanying boat after departure from Zech report transit route and speed.  Expect own air escort from the longitude of BF 81.
		16.00	BD 2696	Förster reports as escort boat after supply.
		20.00	BD 2668	The planned transfer of crew not necessary for transit was only first possible safely when the starboard diesel was operable (about 14 March 02.00 hours).  The starboard diesel was out of service due to repairs of the vibration damper, not fully functional from the detonation.
		22.00		Radio Message from B.d.U. to Deetz:  1.)  Radio message sending as "K.R." with normal Kenngruppen.  Short Signals concerning air attack or contact holding in accordance with Short Signal Table page 24, Keep War Emergency Reports ready in accordance with N.V.2.  Enclosure 14; if necessary transmit in the clear.
				2.)  No special procedures for Kenngruppen.
				3.)  You have interruption authority for any ongoing radio traffic, send Short Signals several times, if not immediately acknowledged by the land station.  4.)  All boats are hereby reminded of service as radio repeater.
				Set off from the tanker for the night, transfer anticipated for the next morning at dawn.  Continued repairs to the starboard diesel, Förster hung on.  By agreement Zech will send bearing signals from 09.00 hours.
		24.00	BD 3478
	______________________________________________________________________________________

Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

	- 17 -
		14.03.43
		04.00	BD 3782
		08.00	BD 3775
		10.20	NW 5-6, Sea 4, medium-high Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate	U-119 in sight, shifting crew and transfer of lime slurry not possible due to weather, due to strongly falling barometer it is not expected, instead after medical advice for the patients began return transit under escort by Förster.  Therefore acid in the battery bilge could not be neutralized during the transit.
		10.46	BD 2896	Began return transit, 1186 miles transit speed 14 knots, return route in accordance with Radio Message by B.d.U.  Förster took the navigation lead, due to failure of the ships shaft RPM indicator and uncertainty of the gyro-compass.  To increase the safety of the buoyancy condition main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks were converted for use as ballast tanks and blown, flood valves 2, 3 and 4 closed, all torpedo tanks and regulating tanks pumped.  Agreement with   Förster:  F ö r s t e r will not dive with aircraft attack, in accordance with my suggestion, will zigzag at highest speed possibly remaining close by, because Fu.M.B. is destroyed since the detonation.  Attempted transmission of detections by air horn, later carried out by Underwater Telegraphy.  With loss of contact by night continue to run on old course at 12 knots.
		12.00	BD 2896	Day's run Surfaced 157 nm
		16.00	BD 3762
		20.00	BD 3818
			W 5, Sea 4, SW-Swell, overcast
		24.00	BD 6233
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		15.03.43
		01.35		Radio Message from Förster to B.d.U.:  1.)  Position 15 March 00.00 hours with Deetz in square BE 3888.  2.)  Transit route via ordered squares, speed 14 knots.  3.)  Anticipate on 17 March midday in area of own air escort.  Exact report 6 hours before return.  4.) On 30 March from Zech with 30 cbm as 3rd boat supplied.
		04.00	BD 6364
		08.00	BD 4189

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		15.03.43
		10.45	BE 4517	A U-boat briefly in sight on westerly course.
		12.00	BE 4551	Day's run Surfaced 295 nm
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, light W-Swell, few clouds, Vis. very good
		16.00	BE 4639	Radio Message from B.d.U.-West:  Return harbor for Deetz is St. Nazaire, for Kruschka Brest.
				Radio Message from B.d.U.: Deetz and Förster today at 20.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.  Guidance through the Bay of Biscay by F.d.U.-West. Förster tomorrow evening report position and anticipated arrival in BF 7365.  Escort intentions to follow.
		20.00	BE 6477
		24.00	BE 5784
			S 3, Sea 1-2, long flat W-Swell, murky
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		16.03.43		Radio Message to Förster and Deetz from F.d.U.-West.
				For escort intake 3 large torpedo boats will be positioned with flared bow and 2 smokestacks 17 Mar at 14.00 hours square BF 7666.
		04.00	BE 5859	Förster report delay of one or more hours by Short Signal as soon as foreseen.  If meeting with escort at the appointed time fails, U-boats continue on course 80° at 14 knots, information concerning air escort follows.
		08.00	BE 6325
				By plotting we will reach the given square already at 10.00 hours.  Förster there fore sends by Short Signal:
		10.08		Arrival at the appointed meeting point anticipated 4 hours earlier.
		11.00		Course 105°.
		12.00	BE 9149	Day's run Surfaced 334 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		16.03.43
		16.00	BE 9167	Boat proceed in broad starboard echelon, course 105°, 14 knots.
		17.40	BE 9243	Aircraft - Consolidated bearing 150°T, flew in an arc behind the boats until in the NE, then turned to approach.  Before bomb throwing range the aircraft turned away a bit, passed the wake of both boats, range about 800 meters, altitude 200-300 meters, within range shot with Flak 38, 3 MG 34 and 1 MP.  No damage except for failure of an MG 34 due to a feed mechanism failure.  Förster shoots also as long as possible with his 8.8 cm.  A morale effect is certainly present.  After overflying the wakes of both boats the aircraft flew off in 200°T.  No proper attack, no bombs.
			WNW 1, flat Sea, 8/10, cloud height 800 meters, hazy horizon
		17.44		Förster gives War Emergency report "Aircraft attack" BE 9281 and
		17.45		Short Signal:  Enemy aircraft holds contact.
				After fly off course changed to 80°.
		18.55		Förster gives a Radio Message explanation:
				1.)  17.44 hours Consolidated in BE 9281 approached multiple times.  After artillery and anti-aircraft fire flew off in SW-direction.  On both boats no damage.  2.)  Recognition Signal call "Dora".  3.)  Anticipated arrival at meeting point with escort 17 March 10.00 hours.    Förster
		19.15		Radio Message received:  To Förster and Deetz.
				1.)  Torpedo boats positioned 17 March 10.00 hours at meeting point.  2.)  At meeting point 2 flights of 2 Ju 88 as air escort.
		20.00	BE 9283	Course 80°, 15 knots.
		24.00	BE 9398	In accordance with Radio Message air reconnaissance in Biscay area by Kondor expected from dawn.
			NW 1, Sea 1, overcast, low clouds, light rain, Vis. medium
	______________________________________________________________________________________
		17.03.43		Radio Message from F.d.U.-West:  To Förster and Deetz.
				From dawn 2 formations of Ju 88 search in BF 72 lower half and 73 lower half.  After detecting the U-boat formation or U-757 close escort by 1 formation of Ju 88 until darkness.
		04.00	BF 7159
			N 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		17.03.43		Now we really have to have a very secure feeling!!
				Radio Message from 7. U-Flottille:  U-359, U-757 escort positioned 17 March at 10.00 hours Herz 438.  Report convoy intake with time group.
		08.00	BF 7263	Förster corrects misunderstanding by Radio Message to 7. U-Flottille:  Radio Message Serial No. 99, Arabic three refers to meeting point with F.d.U.-West escort.  See Radio Message 796 and position in Serial No. 99, paragraph 1.
			NE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, hazy
				Förster
		08.50	BF 7342	Unknown aircraft with double tail, bearing 300°, close over the water, course athwart ours, crossed the wake far behind.  No visible markings, thereafter passed out of sight in 220°T.
		08.55	BF 7342	3 aircraft bearing 160°T, 2 in formation, the 3rd further off, crossed the course far ahead also no markings visible.
		09.06	BF 7342	Aircraft in sight, direct approach, then turned away astern, shoots Recognition Cartridge, recognized as Ju 88.  Answered, 2 cartridge failures.  Remained in visual range of the boat.
		10.14		2 additional Ju 88 in sight.
		10.35	BF 7362	1 torpedo boat in sight bearing 130°T, contrary to B.d.U. message only 1 smokestack and straight bow.   By our navigation update we are about 5 nm north and about 10 nm back.  Ran towards, no Recognition Signal exchange.
				Due to Förster's fuel inventory speed is limited to 10 knots.  In line ahead behind Förster, course 80° one Torpedo boat ahead, one to each side.
		12.00	BF 7339	Day's run Surfaced 323 nm
		16.00	BF 8138
		19.45	BF 8225	Aircraft flew off.
			E 2-3, Sea 2, light W-Swell, cloudless
		24.00	BF 8313
	______________________________________________________________________________________

Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 21 -
		18.03.43
		04.00	BF 5897	Temporary lower speed of advance due to fuel delivery of the large torpedo boat to Förster, afterwards transit speed 15 knots.
		08.00	BF 6754
		12.00	BF 6469	Day's run Surfaced 263 nm
			SE 1, Sea 1, hazy, cloudless
				Sperrbrecher in sight ahead, U-boats ran towards, torpedo boats turn away to the SW and leave the convoy.  In Sperrbrecher convoy steered on the entry route.
		16.30	St. Nazaire	Off the locks with hand ruder, without lights and engine telegraphs, with only one 100% operable diesel maneuvered into the lock, made fast, afterwards towed into the Bunker.
			During the entire journey, even with serious damage the attitude and spirit in the crew was impeccable and everywhere great effort was made to repair the damage.
				Distance covered nautical miles surfaced     = 4402
				"                          "        submerged       292
				Total distance                   = 4694
				=========
				18 March 1943.
				Kaptlt. and Kommandant

Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43

 

	Enclosures to U-757's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Sketch	Sketch of WILLIAM C. GORGAS sunk 11 March 1943
Chart	Track chart covering the entire patrol

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-757" from 22.2.43 - 18.3.43.
	The Kommandant strove bravely and tenaciously to be successful.  Still the torpedo operation against the steamer on 27 February was clumsy, as was the excellent attack opportunity on 11 March against the convoy.
	Due to the heavy damage with the unexplained detonation on 11 March, the boat had to begin return transit.  The boat was led with determination by the Kommandant.  The behavior of the crew after the heavy damage and during the return transit deserved recognition.
	Accredited success:
	1 steamer 7602 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

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