U-118 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help Andi Forster

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

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K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h     -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-     of       U-boat  "U - 1  1  8"   -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Commander                :	Korv.Kapt.  C  z  y  g  a  n  .
			Beginning                    :	6  December 1942.
			Ending                        :	16 October 1942.
		-.-.-.-.-.-
			Distribution                 :
			Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote Copy No. 3 2. Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 10. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 5 27. U-Fl. for the 2. U.L.D. and 25. U-Fl. Copy No. 6 Agru-Front, Kplt. Jebsen for 26. U-Fl.                       1. U.L.D. and 24. U-Fl. Copy No. 7
			Attachments               :
			1 Track chart To Copy No. 1, 3, 4, 5. 1 Summary of the Radio Log To Copy No. 3, 4, 5. 5 Barograph Strips To Copy No. 3.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

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		K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  "  U-118  "
		===============================
		From commissioning to the first deployment.
		06.12.41		Commissioning at Germaniawerft Kiel.
		07.-08.12.41		Initial training in the Kiel Bay.
		10.12.41 -
		14.12.41		U.A.K. Kiel.
		17.-28.12.41		U.A.G.I. Danzig.
		29.01.-31.03.12.42		Boat is held in the ice at Danzig.  Simulated tactical training in the harbor.  Loading course for the crew.
		01.-13.04.42		Drills in the Danzig Bay.
		14.-23.04.42		Agru-Front Hela.
		24.-30.04.42		T.E.K. Gotenhafen.
		30.04.42		Mine handling training in Hela.
		01.-02.05.42		Mine warfare training and sound trials off Hela.
		03.-16.05.42		26. U-Flottille Pillau.  Torpedo and artillery firing.
		17.05.42		Mine handling training in Peyse.
		18.05.42		Mine warfare training and sound trials off Hela.
		19.-29.05.42		27. U-Flottille Gotenhafen.  Tactical training.
		30.05.42		Sound trials in Rönne.
		31.05.-03.06.42		Training off Pillau.
		04.06.42		Loaded live mines in Peyse.
		05.-15.06.42		Boat placed at the disposal of S.V.K. [Sperrversuchskommando = Mine-laying experimental command]
		13.06.42		Laying experimental mines in the Skagerrak.
		16.06.42		Clearing the boat for the shipyard period.
		17.06.-19.07.42		Final adjustment and overhaul Germaniawerft, Kiel.
				Administrative leave for the crew.
		20.-27.07.42		Shipyard testing.  Final trim test.  Degaussing.  Radio direction finder calibration.  Compass calibration.  Training in the Kiel Bay.
		28.07.-28.08.42		Germaniawerft, Kiel for installation of a new pressure oil pump, overdeck canisters and fuel oil transfer equipment.  Classroom training and company instruction of the crew.  Simulated tactical training.

	- 4 -
		28.-30.08.42		Agru-Front Hela.
		01.09.42		Anti-aircraft and sea target firing off Misdroy.
		02.09.42		Completion of refueling at sea and provisions transfer with "U-117" off Swinemünde.
		04.-18.09.42		Fitting out for the front with the 5th U.Flottille, Kiel.
				Korvettenkapitän
				and Commander

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				"U-118" 1st war patrol from 19 September 1942 to 16 October 1942.
				Departure scheduled for 12.09.42 had to be shifted to 19.09.42 because of the failure of the transformer for the long-wave radio transmitter and the appearance two cases of diphtheria among the crew.
		19.09.42
		07.00		Put to sea from the U-boat base, Kiel for the 1st war patrol.
		08.00	Kiel Lightship
			SW 2-3, overcast rain, Vis. 5 nm
		09.45	Red 05	Anchored - Red 15 to 27 closed.
		12.00	SWbyW 5, overcast rain, Vis. 5 nm
		14.45		Weighed anchor.
		15.00		Taken under escort (U-117, U-118, U-183)
		16.00	Great Belt
			SW 4-5, 8/10, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	Great Belt
			W 2-3, blue sky, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	Great Belt
			W 2, cloudy (passing showers), Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		20.09.42	Samsö Belt
		04.00	NW 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		08.00	Kattegat
			NE 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.42		Released from mine escort, taken under anti-aircraft escort.
		12.00	Kattegat, Black 18
			ENE 2-3, blue sky, Sea 1, Vis. 14 nm
		16.00	Kattegat
			EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 14 nm
		20.00	SE 2-3, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm
		24.00	Skagerrak
			SE 2-3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

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		21.09.42	Skagerrak
		04.00	SE 3, 8/10 (rain), Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		04.15		Entered Kristiansand South, made fast at Langmannsholm to top off with fuel oil.
		13.00		Departed Kristiansand South.  Protected by U.J. 1705 and M. 5207.
		16.00	AN 3539
			NE 2-3, 9/10 (rain), Sea 2, swells, Vis. 8 nm
		17.40 to	AN 3529	Test dive and deep dive (A +40 meters).
		18.42
		19.30		Released from protection.  Proceeding on course 270° out of the U-boat hunting area.
		20.00	AN 3524
			NE 1-2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		24.00	AN 3435
			S 1, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		22.09.42	North Sea
		02.28	AN 3425	To course 329° at most economical speed.
		04.00	AN 3187
			SbyE 1-2, 10/10, Sea 2, swells, Vis. 5 nm
		07.15	AN 3176	Crash dive for training and test dive and to proceed submerged.  (Bad visibility.  Low cloud deck).  Depth-keeping training for the Watch Officers.
			ESE 1-2, 10/10 (rain), Sea 2, swells, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	AN 4339	Day's run:          140.1 nm                  ψ = 58°50.5'N
				From Kristian-    17.9  nm                   λ = 3°57.0'E
				sand-S               158.0 nm
		14.20	AN 4335	Heading for AN 2334 on course 0°.
		18.50	AN 2895	Surfaced.  Floating mine 300 meters distant.  Crash dive for aircraft.  2-engined, mid winged.  7000 meters distant.
		19.50		Surfaced.
		20.00	AN 2868
			WSW 3, 10/10 (rain), Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	AN 2398
			WSW 3 10/10 (rain), Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		23.09.42	North Sea
		04.00	AN 2365
			WSW 3, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		23.09.42	North Sea
		05.30	AN 2337	Heading for AF 49 on course 345°.
		08.00	AF 8787
			SW 2-3, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm
		08.28		Crash dive for training.  Test dive.
		09.38		Surfaced.
		12.00	AF 8749	Day's run:  117.5 nm                  ψ = 61°13'N
			WSW 1-2, blue sky (2/10), Sea 1, Vis. 14 nm	28.5  nm                   λ = 3°18.5'E
				146.0 nm
		15.58	AF 8715	Crash dive for aircraft (Sunderland), 8000 meters distant.
			WNW 1, 3/10, Sea 2, swells, Vis. 14 nm
		16.45		Surfaced.
		18.30	AF 8475	Floating mine 500 meters distant.
		20.00	AF 8472
			NW 1-2, 5/10 (rain), Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	AF 7628
			NNE 3, 9/10 (rain), Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		24.09.42	North Sea
		04.00	AF 7396
			NW 5, 8/10 (rain), Sea 4-5, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	AF 7365	Switched to Ireland Circuit.
			NNW 5-6, 6/10, Sea 4, short swell, Vis. 12 nm, (low cloud deck)
		08.02		Crash dive for training.  Test dive.
				Boat labors, at HF diesel-electric a 50% loss of speed determined   Submerged at LF
		12.00	AF 7334	Day's run:  121.2 nm                  ψ = 63°25'N
				14.8  nm                   λ = 2°05'E
				136.0 nm
		16.00	AF 4989	Heading for AF 44 on course 300°.
		16.30		Surfaced.
		20.00	AF 4973
			NNW 5, 7/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	AF 4862
			NNW 5, 8/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 8 nm
		25.09.42
		04.00	AF 4822

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		25.09.42
		04.00	AF 4822
			NNW 4, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	AF 4574
			NNW 4, 7/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm	Correction after navigation fix:  10 nm S, 3 nm E.
		12.00	AF 4493	Day's run:  113.0 nm                  ψ = 64°41'N
			N 4-5, 5/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 12 nm	15.0  nm                   λ = 1°43'W
				128.0 nm
		16.00	AF 4458
			NW 4, 5/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 12 nm
		16.22	AF 4450	Crash dive for training.  Test dive.
				Forward pressure oil pump out of service.  Contact maker has not engaged, letting air into pressure oil pump and so the shaft jammed.  Onboard repair is not possible.
		16.45		Surfaced.
		16.50		Floating mine 500 meters distant.
		17.15		Crash dive for training.
		17.30		Surfaced.
		18.00	AF 4454	On course 238° heading for AL 31.
		20.00	AF 4448
			NW 1-2, 7/10 (rain), Sea 1, NW-swell, Vis. 14 nm
		24.00	AF 4716	Correction after navigation fix:  194° 26 nm.
			WSW 1, 3/10, Sea 1, NW-swell, Vis. 14 nm	Yesterday an improvement of the position was not executed because the evening navigation stars were not perfectly visible.
		26.09.42	North of the Faroes
		01.30	AE 6927	Radar location observed on 20 cm, horizontally and vertically polarized, then at regular intervals locating with short pauses.
		01.45		Dived.
		02.40		Surfaced.  No further radar detection.
		04.00	AE 6943
			SW 4, 9/10 (rain), Sea 2, NW-swell, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	AE 6865
			SSW 4-5, 10/10 (rain), Sea 3, short swells, Vis. 8 nm
		11.30	AE 6883	Crash dive for training.  Test dive.  Proceeding submerged, the boat labors, losing 50% speed.
			SSW 5, overcast (rain), Sea 4-5, Vis. 6-8 nm
		12.00		Day's run:  163.4 nm                  ψ = 64°43'N
				6.6  nm                   λ = 1°50'W
				170.0 nm
		16.00	AE 6884	To periscope depth.
		to	Weather as before
		16.15
		20.00	AE 6878	To periscope depth.
			Weather improving

Note:  The latitude and longitude for 26 September at 12.00 is incorrect.  The actual position is approximately 63°52'N, 7°09'W

	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42

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		continued
		26.09.42	North of the Faroes
		20.40		Surfaced.
		24.00	AE 9153
			W 2-3, blue sky (2/10, rain), Sea 2, SW-swell
		27.09.42	Iceland Passage
		04.00	AE 9174
			W 1-2, 3/10, Sea 2, swell 2, Vis. 12 nm
		08.00	AE 8625	Correction after navigation fix:  70°, 10 nm.
			W 1-2, blue sky, Sea 1, swell 2, Vis. 14 nm
		10.25	AE 8643	Crash dive for aircraft, distant, medium altitude.
		11.05		Detonation (fright bomb) very distant.
		11.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	AE 8645	Day's run:  150.0 nm                  ψ = 62°14'N
			W 1-2, 8/10, Sea 1, swell 2, Vis. 14 nm	36.2 nm                   λ = 12°35'W
				186.2 nm
		12.25	AE 8645	Crash dive for aircraft, 8000 meters, low, mid-winged
		13.21		Surfaced.
		13.30	AE 8644	Small fishing trawler (guard vessel) in sight, avoided to the south.
		15.43	AE 8595	Crash dive for aircraft, 10000 meters, medium altitude.
		16.30	AE 8598	Surfaced.
			SW 2-3, 8/10, Sea 1-2, swell, Vis. 12 nm	Incoming Radio Message:  "Czygan"  head for naval BD 43, report position and weather today."
		20.00	AE 8825
			SSE 2-3, overcast (passing showers), Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		24.00	AE 8844
			WSW 2-3, 7/10, (passing showers), Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		28.09.42	Iceland Passage
		04.00	AE 8791
			WSW 3, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		05.50	AE 8794	Position and short weather report sent:
				"61°N - 16°W - increasing 933 mb - 10°C - sunny with clouds - Vis. over 10 nm, SW 3-4 - SW-low swell - O.K. -"
		08.00	AE 8785	[O.K. is the boat's signature]
			SW 3-4, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		12.00	AL 3212	Day's run:  171.2 nm                  ψ = 60°52'N
			SSW 0-1, 2/10, SW-swell, Vis. 14 nm	6.0 nm                   λ = 17°11'W
				177.2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42

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		continued
		28.09.42	Iceland Passage
		16.00	AL 3137
			SSW 0-1, 2/10, SW-swell, Vis. 14 nm
		18.30		Correction after a navigation fix:  79°, 12.2 nm.
		19.30	AL 3152	Heading for:  AL 57 on course 217°.
		20.00	AL 3152
			N 2, 3/10, NW-swell, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	AL 3178
			NNW 2-3, 3/10, SW-swell, Vis. 14 nm
		29.09.42	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 2439
			NW 1-2, 4/10, Sea 1, SW-swell, Vis. 14 nm
		08.00	AL 2459
			NNW 2, 1/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 13 nm
		09.25	AL 2483	Crash dive for aircraft 7000 meters distant.  The diving time of the boat is very long athwart the seas taking 1 minute to get barely under.  During previous crash dives for training opening of vents 4 and 5 by hand at the alarm brought no improvement.  Splitting the central groups 4-5 and 2-3 to allow operation by air is urgently required to lower the diving time.
		09.27		2 aircraft bombs at 35 meters (close).  Light electrical failures.
		10.28		Surfaced.
		10.30		Crash dive for aircraft 7000 meters distant, medium altitude.
		11.25		Surfaced.
		11.33	AL 2487	Crash dive for aircraft 5000 meters distant, medium altitude.  Strong air patrol in the area suspect a convoy.  Aircraft circle the diving location.
		12.00	AL 2487	Day's run:  140.2 nm                  ψ = 59°05'N
				8.3 nm                   λ = 20°23'W
				148.5 nm
		12.30		Surfaced.
		14.54	AL 2641	Crash dive for aircraft 7000 meters, medium altitude.
				Aircraft circle for a long time near the diving location.  Through the periscope a convoy is not made out.
		16.20		Surfaced, to get a clear picture.
		16.22		Crash dive for aircraft while surfacing about 3000 meters distant approaching from out of the clouds.
		16.24		2 aircraft bombs (same distance as before), at 40 meters, no damage.
				Aircraft circle near the diving location.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		29.09.42
		17.50		6 aircraft bombs far away.
		18.20		Surfaced.
		18.20		Convoy bearing 170°R about 6-7 nm distant.  Approximately 15 smoke clouds can be seen, several masts.  Course to the west.  A destroyer and a corvette with the bridge partly standing out from the swells on the same course.  Further observations are not possible
		18.25		Crash dive for aircraft.  Aircraft remain near the diving location.
		19.00		Report sent with the rod antenna.
				"Enemy convoy AL 2641 - O.K.-"
		19.50		On surfacing the convoy report is sent again.
				After surfacing the convoy is no longer in sight.  Suppose that the convoy has turned to the north into the dark horizon with black low-hanging clouds.
		20.00	AL 2568
			NW 6, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 6-8 nm
		20.35		Crash dive for aircraft.
		21.20		Surfaced.
		21.34		Sent radio message on the basis of the enemy airborne reconnaissance constantly moving to the west by day and the western course of the convoy when first sighted.
				"Have lost contact, last position of the convoy AL 2641, westerly course, heavy air reconnaissance."
				Still believe an evening turn into the dark northern sky.  Looking on search courses of 270° to 0°.
		23.14		Incoming Radio Message:
				"Immediately report, was convoy observed with certainty and if course was west."
		23.20		Radar detection horizontally polarized, 136 cm.  Initially varying in volume, then strengthening with a steady tone.
		23.26		Dived.
		30.09.42	North Atlantic
		00.22	AL 2549	Surfaced.
			NW 1, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm
		00.55	AL 2526	Radio message sent:
				1)  Last course before driven off by escort to the west. Search on westerly to northwesterly courses up to now unsuccessful, evening course change to the south likely.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		30.09.42	North Atlantic
		00.55	AL 2526	2)  Two depth charges by day, at night horizontally polarized radar detection on 136 cm.
				3)  AL 2526, NW 1, Sea 1, 16 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm.
				Broke off search on westerly to northwesterly courses and went on course 205° to the south, because the convoy cannot have run to the north, unless it was a Murmansk convoy.
		02.30		Course 211°.
		04.00	AL 2549	Incoming Radio Message:  for Mengersen, Breitheupt, Kapitzky, Purkhold, resupply from Czygan possibly from 5 October in BD 7555.  Czygan report prospective arrival and offload, allowing for own economic return transit with some reserve.
			S 4, overcast (rain), Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm
		06.21		Radio Message sent:
				1)  No further contact, on course to ordered meeting point.
				2)  Meeting at economical speed on 7 October midday.  Offload 275 cbm.
				3)  AL 2549, S 4, Sea 3, rain showers, Vis. 4 nm, 04 mb falling.
		07.17		Incoming Radio Message:  "Immediately report course, cancel and continue transit".  Repeated radio message. Satisfied by transmitted message.
		08.00	AL 2711
			SbyW 4, overcast, mist, rain, Sea 3, Vis. 1 nm
		10.23		Incoming Radio Message:  Head for meeting point with day's run of 200 nm.  Again report arrival, as well as offload on passing naval BD 26.
		12.00	AL 1862	Day's run:  137.3 nm                  ψ = 57°53.8'N
			WNW 4-5, overcast, Sea 4, Vis. 9 nm	24.7 nm                   λ = 23°13.0'W
				162.0 nm
				At HF, 9 knots made good.
		16.00	AL 1886
			W 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	AL 0119
			W 5, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 8 nm
		22.00		Correction after navigation fix:  79°, 19 nm.
		24.00	AL 4215
			W 5-6, 4/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 10 nm
		01.10.42	North Atlantic
		04.00	AL 4194
			W 6, 6/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	AL 4443
			W 6, 4/10, Sea 5-6, Vis. 14 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		01.10.42	North Atlantic
		12.00	AL 4477	Day's run:  221 nm                    ψ = 54°40'N
			WbyS 5-6, 3/10, Sea 5, Vis. 14 nm	λ = 26°28'W
				In order to have a margin for weather deterioration, continued at HF (speed made good 9.5 knots).
		16.00	AK 6689	Correction after navigation fix:  14°, 37 nm.
			WSW 4, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 14 nm
		16.25		Incoming Radio Message:  To U-118, Mengersen, Bretihaupt, Kapitzky, U-216.
				1)  Supply intended on 4 October at 11.00 hours in BD 4355.  Bearing signals from U-118 from 16.00 hours.
				2)  If meeting point is unsuitable because of weather conditions, proceed to the south, U-118 suggest new meeting point.
		18.05		"Sturm" also reports he is heading for BD 4355 for supply.
		18.15		Heading for BD 4355 on course 216.
		18.52		Incoming Radio Message:  Czygan report weather in the morning between 04.00 and 07.00 hours.
		20.00	AK 6846
			SSW 2, 10/10 passing showers, Sea 1-2, Vis. 6 nm
		23.20		Incoming Radio Message:  "To Czygan".
				1)  Fuel oil distribution:  U-216 receives 45 cbm, the remaining boats top off supplies the same.
				2)  After supply report the order of the boats and the amount supplied and begin return transit.
		24.00	AK 9232
			SW 1, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm
		02.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	AK 9281
			SW 1, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm
		04.16		Radio Message sent:
				1)  AK 9281, SW 1, Sea 1, light swell, nearly overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 24 mb, steady, +11°.
				2)  Offload 265 cbm.
				3)  Question provisions and torpedo distribution?
		08.00	AK 9439
			N 2, overcast (mist), Sea 1, W-swell, Vis. 6 nm
		12.00	AK 9439	Day's run:  197.5 nm                    ψ = 52°00'N
			N 4-5, 5/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 14 nm	λ = 30°12'W
		12.50		Correction after a navigation fix:  121°, 27.5 nm.
		13.45		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		02.10.42	Atlantic
		16.00	AK 9759
			NbyE 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm
		17.26		Incoming Radio Message:  Provisions transfer according to demand, torpedo delivery if weather conditions permit, but only secondarily.
		20.00	BD 2313
			EbyS 2, overcast (rain), Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm
		21.30	BD 2318	Came to course 221°.
		24.00	BD 2266
			EbyS 5-6, (rain) 10/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 1 nm
		03.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BD 2289
			SW 2-3, overcast (rain), Sea 2, confused swells, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	BD 2542
			NbyE 2, overcast (rain), Sea 1, swells, Vis. 6 nm
		12.00	BD 2495	Day's run:  188.4 nm                  ψ = 49°20.8'N
			N 4-5, 8/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 12 nm	3.0 nm                   λ = 32°41.5'W
				191.4 nm
		16.00	BD 2728
			NNE 4-5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 12 nm
		20.00	BD 2772
			NEbyN 4, overcast, Sea 3-4, Vis. 12 nm
		24.00	BD 4333
			NE 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm
		04.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BD 4337
			NE 4-5, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	BD 4358
			NE 4-5, 6/10, Sea 4, Vis. 8 nm
		09.50		Correction after a navigation fix after 2 days = 75°, 14.5 nm.
				Heading for BD 4355
		12.00	BD 4355	Day's run:  136.7 nm                    ψ = 47°48.6'N
			NE 4-5, 6/10, Sea 4-5, short swells, Vis. 10 nm	λ = 34°41.0'W
				On a northerly course to the center of BD 4355.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		04.10.42	Atlantic
		12.45		"U-410" in sight.  "U-607", "U-216", "U-599" and "U-615" follow at short intervals.  During deployment hose No. 1 and No. 2 are put overboard and fished out by U-410.  The towing connection was broken when the pendant slipped off the towing hook on U-410.  The hose was taken and the towing connection reestablished.
				The inflatable boat launched for delivery of provisions.
				Oil transfer equipment deployed on course 215°.
		16.00	BD 4357
			NE 4, 5/10, Sea 3-4, short swell, Vis. 6 nm
		17.25		Begin oil and provisions transfer.
		17.45		Course 240°.
		20.00	BD 4373
			ENE 3, 6/10, Sea 3-4, short swell, Vis. 6 nm
		20.35		55 cbm and 14 days' provisions transferred, then towing connection detached.
		22.05 to		Towing connection deployed for U-607.
		01.40		Transferred 55 cbm fuel oil and 14 days' provisions to U-607.
		24.00	BD 4374
			ENE 2-3, 8/10, Sea 2-3, short swell, Vis. 4 nm
		05.10.42	Atlantic
		01.08		"Sturm" reported by Short Signal "Transfer completed".
		02.00		Towing connection with U-607 disconnected.  Subsequently gear and inflatable boat recovered.  Due to the completely dark night further oiling and provisions transfer was not performed.
		04.00	BD 4299	After gear and inflatable boat were recovered proceeded at most economical speed on course 55°.  Resumption of oiling scheduled for 10.00 hours.
			SE 2, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	BD 4373
			SSE 4-5, 5/10, Sea 4, heavy swells expected, Vis. 12 nm
		09.08		Came to course 0° to deploy gear.
		10.27		Came to course 10°.  Towing connection established with "U-216".
		11.25		Begin fuel oil transfer.  Launching the inflatable boat is no longer possible in the increasing sea.
		12.00	BD 4355	Day's run:  75.3 nm                      ψ = 47°50'N
			S 5-6, 4/10, Sea 5, Vis. 12 nm	λ = 34°51'W

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		05.10.42	Atlantic
		12.40		Towing hook slipped off from "U-216".
				23 cbm was transferred.  Broke off due to weather, further oiling off, recovered refuelling gear.
		14.50		After refueling gear recovered on southerly course at most economical speed.  "U-216", "U-599" and "U-615" in company.
		16.00	BD 4352
			S 7, 5/10, Sea 6, medium swell, Vis. 12 nm
		16.45		Correction after a navigation fix:  328°, 15 nm.
		20.00	BD 4327
			S 7-8, overcast (rain), Sea 6, swells, Vis. 10 nm
		20.56		Radio Message sent to Norddeich outside the zero-beat gap. "Mengersen", "Sturm" supplied.  Broke off because of storm from the south.  BD 4352.  Course south.
		24.00	BD 4327
			S 8, 10/10, Sea 6-7, medium-high swell, Vis. 2 nm
		06.10.42	Atlantic
		01.35		Because there is no confirmation of the message to Norddeich, likely it was not heard due to sea over wash of the jumping wire antenna resulting in low signal strength, radio message resent.
				"Sturm", "Mengersen" each got 55 cbm, 14 days' provisions.  I stopped supply of the remaining boats in the morning because of south storm and further supply is not expected in the near futue.  BD 4352 S 8, Sea 7, medium-high short swell, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 13 mb falling.  Headed south at most economical speed into the sea.
		04.00	BD 4327	"U-216" lost from sight.  His latest radio message was not completed because of the high swells.  I suppose he wants to hand over his injured man, hurt while taking over oil, to "U-463".
			S 8 (9), overcast, passing showers (gloomy), Sea 7, high swell, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BD 4354
			SW 5, passing showers 10/10, Sea 6, high swell, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	BD 4357	Day's run:  30.3 nm                      ψ = 47°50'N
			WSW 6-7, overcast p 10/10, Sea 6, high swell, Vis. 10 nm	λ = 34°50'W
		16.00	BD 4384
			W 7, 3/10, Sea 6, high swell, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BD 4621
			WNW 4-5, 3/10, Sea 5, Vis. 12 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		06.10.42	Atlantic
		21.00		Correction after a navigation fix:  170°, 16.7 nm
		21.38		Radio Message set to Norddeich outside the zero-beat gap.  "Further oiling intended in the morning in BD 4925".
		22.19		Incoming Radio Message:
				1)  "U-216" go to Wolfbauer 2755.  Deliver patients and transfer 25 cbm.
				2)  Czygan apportion fuel between Kapitzky and Breithaupt.
				Transmitted on 36 meters.  Confirmed strength 5.
		24.00	BD 4651
			NW 5, 3/10, Sea 5, Vis. 8 nm
		07.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BD 4687
			NWbyN, 4/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	BD 4951
			NNW 4, 7/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm
		09.45	BD 4981	Correction after a navigation fix:  167°, 11.7 nm
		10.45		Oil delivery gear brought out.
		12.00	BD 4985	Day's run:  81.5 nm
			NW 4, 9/10, Sea 4, Vis. 14 nm
		12.20 to		65 cbm fuel oil to "U-615", at the same time 3 weeks' provisions transferred by pendulum with small inflatable boat to U-599, proceeding 50 to 80 meters to port, staggered ahead on the lee side.
		16.20
		16.00	BD 4988
			NNW 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		17.18 to		65 cbm fuel oil transferred to "U-599" at the same time 14 days' provisions delivered to "U-615".
		21.32
		20.00	BD 4987
			N 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		23.00		Recovered oil transfer gear on course 85°.
		23.07 to
		00.10		Test dive.
		24.00	BD 7322
			N 1-2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42

	- 18 -
		08.10.42	Atlantic
		01.10		Radio message sent.
				1)  In order total supplied:  "Kapitzky" 91 cbm, 7 weeks' provisions, "Breithaupt" 96 cbm, 5 weeks' provisions, 4 forward 2 aft, one of the aft Atos conditionally ready for service due to a flooded tube.
				2)  Naval square BD 7322, return transit started, N 2, 9/10, Sea 1, 32 mb slowly rising.
				3)  Request allocation: a forward pressure oil pump, a special inflatable boat for torpedoes.
		04.00	BD 4999
			Wind calm, 7/10, Sea 0, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BD 5788
			SSE 1-2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	BD 5796	Day's run:  101.4 nm                    ψ = 45°42.5'N
			SbyE 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm	3.5 nm                     λ = 32°36'W
				104.9 nm
		16.00	BD 5884
			SbyE 2, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm
		20.14	BD 5894	Correction after a navigation fix:  264°, 8.5 nm.
		24.00	BD 5972
			SSW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		09.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BD 5983
			SSW 4, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	BD 6771
			SW 4, 3/10, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	BD 6782	Day's run:  168 nm                         ψ = 45°54'N
			SW 5, blue sky, Sea 4, Vis. 14 nm	λ = 28°41'W
		15.40		Correction after a navigation fix:  303°, 13.5 nm.
		16.00	BD 6765
			SW 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BD 6846
			WSW 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 12 nm
		24.00	BD 6865
			NW 4, overcast passing showers, Sea 3, Vis. 1-2 nm
		10.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BD 6943
			N 1-2, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		10.10.42	Atlantic
		04.50		Weather reported on request:
				"Naval BD 6943, N 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm, +17°, 24 mb steady."
		08.00	BD 6962
			N 1, blue sky, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm
		09.15	BD 6961	Correction after a navigation fix:  270°, 27.3 nm.
		12.00	BE 4742	Day's run:  160 nm.
			NW 2, blue sky, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00 to		Test dive.
		12.45
		16.00	BE 4753
			NW 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 14 nm
		20.00	BE 4841
			NW 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm
		24.00	BE 4853
			NW 2, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm
		11.10.42	Atlantic
		01.45		"Krech" asks for an Fu.M.B.-escort in naval 8355 on 12.10.42 at 18.00 hours.
		04.00	BE 4942
			SE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	BE 4961
			SE 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		10.10		Incoming Radio Message:  Be at meeting point as suggested by "Krech".
		12.00	BE 4743
			SbyW 2, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		16.00	BE 5737
			SbyW 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm
		17.43		"Reichenbach" join escort.
		20.00	BE 5844
			SbyW 3, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm
		24.00	BE 5885
			SW 3, overcast rain, Sea 3, Vis. 1 nm
		12.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BE 8232
			SW 3-4, 10/10 (passing showers), Sea 8, Vis. 1 nm
			BE 8318
		08.00	SW 2-3, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		12.10.42	Atlantic
		08.45	BE 8311	Correction after a navigation fix:  324°, 17 nm.
		10.30		At meeting point 8355 change of course to 144°.
		12.00	BE 8327
			SW 2, blue sky, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm
		20.00	BE 8355	In spite of U.T.-call and turned on depth sounding equipment only "U-217" is heard briefly.  Based on the strength of the Short Signals delivered by "U-558" this boat must also be positioned nearby.  "Krech", sends a Short Signal that he is sending bearing signals on course 80° and speed 8 knots.  Own low frequency direction finder transmitter is out of service.
			SW 2, overcast (mist), Sea 1, Vis. 1-2 nm
				Bearing signals from "Krech" are not heard.  Because the fog persists, and a meeting in the darkness appears hopeless, Radio Message sent off.
		22.52		Radio Message:  Propose new meeting point 13 October at 08.00 hours in naval BE 6755.
		24.00	BE 8361
			NW 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm
		13.10.42	Atlantic
		04.00	BE 6778
			W 1, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	BE 6755	Visual recognition signals to the north, "Krech" and "Reichenbach" are found.  Recognition signal is unintelligible.  On closer approach "Reichenbach" also gives redundant call with the hand signal light.  Came within earshot of "Krech" and agreed on the following UT signals for the night:
			W 2, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
				Short double tone:  I am being located at regular intervals.
				Short single tone:  The steady location has passed.
				Long tone:  I am held by locating gear, diving!
				Proceeding at 10 knots on the surface, 3 knots submerged, staggered at A -20, A +0, A +20 within visual range.
		12.00	BE 6841	Day's run:  163 nm                         ψ = 46°09'N
			N 3, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm	λ = 14°31.6'W
		12.04		Dived to proceed submerged.
		16.00	BE 6843
		20.00	BE 6827
		21.35		Surfaced.  Incoming Radio Message, that my return harbor is Brest.
		24.00	BE 6839	The Fu. M.B. which up to now has worked perfectly, burns a resistor in the low frequency section.  Damage repaired by onboard means.  Volume remains only low.  Give the boats an anti-aircraft warning, because my Fu.M.B. is only conditionally ready for service.
			W 1, 10/10, (drizzle), Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42

	- 21 -
		14.10.42	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BE 6926
			SW 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 7 nm
		08.00	BF 4713
			SW 1, overcast, drizzle, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm
		09.00		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 4723	Day's run:  125.5 nm                      ψ = 46°27'N
				37.0 nm                      λ = 10°33'W
				162.5. nm
		16.00	BF 4732
		20.00	BF 4811	Surfaced.  Incoming Radio Message:  that my return harbor is not Brest but instead Lorient.
			S 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		24.00	BF 4597	Fu.M.B. is out of service.  Installation of different resistors in place of the ones burned through yesterday in low frequency section is not successful.  Volume remains at zero.  Boats are notified for the manning of anti-aircraft armament.
			SSE 1, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm
		15.10.42	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 4685
			SSE 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm
		04.30		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 4694
		08.12		Surfaced.
		10.45		Dived.
		12.00	BF 4711	Day's run:  114.4 nm                      ψ = 46°27'N
				37.6 nm                      λ = 6°53'W
				152.0. nm
		16.00	BF 5479	Because my Fu.M.B. is out of service agreed with "Krech" and "Reichenbach" to continue the transit independently. Therefore continued transit, as ordered for boats without Fu.M.B.  Sperrbrecher escort scheduled for 16 October at 14/30 hours.
		20.00	BF 5479
			ENE 1, 9/10, See 1, Vis. 5 nm
		20.10		Surfaced.
		21.03		Dived.
		24.00	BF 5486

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42

	- 22 -
		16.10.42	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 5494
		07.25		Surfaced.  Bearing signals requested from Lorient Transmitter I.
		08.00	BF 5571
			N 1, 3/10, Sea 0, Vis. 6 nm
		09.15	BF 5547	Correction after a navigation fix:  282°, 9 nm.
		12.00	BF 5534	Day's run:     65 nm                     ψ = 47°13'N
			N 1, 4/10, Sea 0, Vis. 14 nm	_46 nm                      λ = 4°29'W
				111 nm
		14.30		Taken under escort by Sperrbrecher at Point Laterne.
		16.45		Made fast berth A2 at Lorient
				Korv.Kapt. and Commander

Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42

	- 23 -
	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-118" from 06.12.41 - 16.10.42
	-------------------------------------------------------------
	A well executed supply operation.
		Signed in draft: Dönitz
		Validized:
	Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant

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