U-125 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	18 December 1941	Lorient	22 February 1942	67

 

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

 

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
26 Jan 42	20.07	27°45'N, 64°06'W	WEST IVIS	5,666	American
			Total = 5,666
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.

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				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				==========================
				of Unterseebootes    "  U  125  "
				=======================
				3. Patrol.
				Beginning:     6.11.1941.
				Ending:         22.2.1942.
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant    F  o  l  k  e  r  s  .
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x 2.A.d.U.
				1 x 2.U.-Flottille
				Original copy for the U-boat
		Drafted 24.2.42	2.U.-Flottille   5x
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		1941
		06. - 07.11.41	Lorient	Boat cleared, torpedo and ammunition offloaded.
		08.11.41	Lorient
		07.00		Boat placed on the Keroman slip.
		09.11 - 08.12.41	Lorient	15.12.41 Change of Command, new Kommandant:  Kaptlt. Folkers.
				Shipyard period in Kriegsmarine Werft Lorient.  Leave for the crew in three turns, one part of the crew supervising shipyard work in Lorient, the other part training in Carnac.
		09.12.41
		17.00 - 19.00		Boat taken off the slip and shifted to Berth S 2.
		10.12.41
		09.00 - 10.00	Lorient	Shifted from Berth S 2 to Berth B 6.
		17.30 - 18.10		Shifted from Berth B 6 to Berth S 1.
		11. - 12.12.41	Lorient	Work service and final adjustments.
		13.12.41	Lorient
		13.30 to		Shifted from Berth S 1 to Berth B 6.  Torpedo and ammunitions loading.
		14.12.41
		14.10
		15.12.41	Lorient
		09.30 - 12.00		Sea trial and trim test.
		14.10 - 18.30		Degaussing.
		16.12.41
		09.00 - 13.00		Provisions loading.
		14.00 - 17.00		Radio direction finder calibration.
		17.12.41	Lorient
		08.00 - 11.30		Work service.
		13.00		Examination of the crew by the Flotilla doctor.
		18.12.41	Lorient
		09.00 - 12.30		Took over the boat.

	- 2 -
		continued
		18.12.41
		12.45 - 13.15	Lorient	Artillery combat duty.
		16.30		All hands muster.
		17.00		Ready for sea.
		17.30	Lorient	Cast off Berth A 3.  Ran behind "U-502" and Sperrbrecher to point L 2.
		19.03 - 20.03		Trim test at L 2.
		20.03	Bay of Biscay
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, new moon	Released escort.
		20.00 - 03.00		Departed on Route "Tannennadel" to avoid "Rosabela", from 23.00 - 03.00 steered zigzag course, speed 12 knots.
				Very strong marine phosphorescence.  One after another several lights in sight apparently fishermen.  Avoided.
		19.12.41	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	NW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10
		03.00		Course 251°, 12 knots.
		04.00	BF 5833
		08.00	BF 5851
		09.00		Dived, balanced the boat at depth = A -50 meters, KF.
				Afterwards deep diving test to depth = A +40 meters.
				All in order.  Boat is tight.
				Proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters, KF.
		12.00	= 46° 4.5'N	Day's run:  156 nm.
			= 05° 15.0'W
		13.59 - 14.14		Surfaced, ventilated the boat, dived.  Continued submerged at depth = A -50 meters.
		16.00	BF 5844
		19.32		Surfaced.  Transit on the surface at 12 knots, course 251°.
		20.00	BF 5769
		21.00		Course 275°, 12 knots.
		20.12.41	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	E 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10	Course 275°, 12 knots.
			BF 5749
		04.00	BF 4955
		08.00	BF 4864
		09.43		Dived, proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters, course 275°, KF.
		12.00	= 46° 10.0'N	Day's run:  160 nm.
			= 09° 27.0'W

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		20.12.41
		13.58 - 14.13		Surfaced, boat ventilated, dived.  Continued submerged at depth = A -50 meters, KF.
		16.00	BF 4843
		19.50		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface course 275°, 12 knots.
		20.00	BF 4852
		21.12.41	Atlantic
		00.00	E 2, Sea 1, 9/10
			BF 4715	Course 275°, 12 knots.
		00.56		Ordered passing report sent to B.d.U. by Short Signal.
		04.00	BE 6926
		08.00	BE 6833
		11.00		Course 266°, 6-7 knots.
		12.00	= 46° 23.9'N	Day's run:  178 nm.
			= 13° 42.0'W
			BE 6822
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour to MEZ.
			From 21 December at 16.00 hours to 22 December at 13.00 hours inclusive one hour must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	BE 6814
		20.00	BE 6726
		22.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			E 1, Sea 1-2, 9/10
			BE 6715	Course 266°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	BE 5937
		08.00	BE 5927
		09.32 - 09.58		Test dive.
		12.00	BE 5917
			= 46° 13.1'N	Day's run:  155 nm.
			= 17° 24.2'W
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour.
			From 22 December at 16.00 hours to 23 December at 13.00 hours inclusive two hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	BE 579x
		16.07 - 16.38		Crash dive for aircraft, course 270°, far off.
		17.15		Several smoke clouds and one masthead in sight bearing 310°T.  Comes out quickly.  Turned away  and ran off on course 180°.  Judging by the smokestack and mast a destroyer of the K-Class.  Showed the stern and continued running off on course 120°.
		17.27 - 17.56		Crash dive for aircraft, far off.  Type not recognized.  Probably a convoy escort.
				Surfaced and ran behind the convoy.  Operated on convoy course 0°, speed 7-8 knots.
		17.57		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  1942/22/175:

	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		22.12.41
				Kr Kr  Square 5758 smoke clouds and escort in sight.  Forced to submerged by aircraft.  In pursuit.    Folkers.
				Since I've now detected a convoy without my doing, I want to attempt to approach tonight.
		18.06 - 18.37		Crash dive for approaching aircraft, distance 5000 meters.  2-engined bomber.  Type not recognized.
		18.45 - 19.06		Crash dive for aircraft.  Aircraft comes in the twilight from astern.  Had position lights set and ahead a white light in the turret, altitude 800 meters, type not exactly recognized, had a well forward turret like the He 177, simple tail.
		19.07		Course 340°, HF very strong marine phosphorescence.  Because it is very dark, at HF the boat trails a very brightly illuminated wake behind it.  Cannot go at higher speed because there are aircraft at the convoy.
		19.45 - 20.15		Star shells 50° to starboard at long intervals, in total about 20, slowly comes abeam, suspect from the stern escort of the convoy.
		20.00	BE 5791
		20.04		Aircraft 80° to starboard with set position lights and a white light, went to KF.  He had not seen us and turns away again at 6000-8000 meters.  Again went to HF.
		21.12		Radio Message from B.d.U. 2017/22/176:  To Folkers.  Continue transit to the west.
				This radio message was first received on 23 December due to crash dive and depth charge pursuit.  decoded at 07.00 hours.
		21.20		Crash dive for aircraft approaching with position lights, range 4000-5000 meters.  Went to depth = A -50 meters.  Listening gear reports propeller sounds and Asdic activity.  Since despite repeated course changes the sound does not shift, I do not believe it.  Sounds grow louder.  Asdic impulses are now perceptible in the conning tower.  "Go to depth = A +40 meters".
		21.43		Was overrun at depth = A -40 meters.  5 depth charges.  Very well placed.  Strong concussion in the boat.  Some glass damage.  All depth pressure gages put out of service.  No exact picture of the depth of the boat.  The boat is caught at depth = A +60 meters [140 meters].  Went to depth = A +40 meters, deceptive courses and speed settings.  Silent running.  Gyro compass shut down.

Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		22.12.41
		22.21		Boat was overrun two times in close succession.  No depth charges.  Asdic and propeller sounds easily perceived.
		22.35		4-5 depth charges somewhat further off.  Afterwards the propeller sounds were fainter and disappeared entirely.  New propeller sounds only very faint.
		23.12.41
		00.07		Because there are no propeller sounds, surfaced, nothing to see.  In accordance with B.d.U. radio message continued tranist on course 260°, 6-7 knots.
			Depth charge damage:
			All depth pressure gages out of service, speed measurement system out of service, Echolot sounder out of service for the moment, torpedo fire control system:  firing angle setting for the forward tubes only runs very slowly.  On the trigger linkage of tubes 2 and 4, the locking lever is broken or partially broken so that both tubes can not be fired electrically or manually because the locking lever is no longer held in the cocked position.  By interposing a screwdriver between trigger linkage and the clamping ring of the base closure hand firing is again possible by removing the screwdriver.  A spare lock lever was not on board. Welding attempt failed because there was no suitable weld metal.
			Two gyro compass roses shattered, automatic battery switch 2 failed.
		01.00	Atlantic
			E 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10	Course 266°, 6-7 knots.
			BE 5756
		00.24		Radio Message from B.d.U. 2316/22/183:  Folkers report weather between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
		01.48		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BE 5745
		08.00	BE 4967
			= 45° 36.3'N	Day's run:  Surfaced and submerged = 148 nm.
			= 21° 34.2'W
			BE 4979
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour.
			From 23 December at 16.00 hours to 25 December at 13.00 hours inclusive three hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	BE 7232
		20.00	BE 7224
		24.12.41	Atlantic
		00.00	SE 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10	Course 266°, 6-7 knots.
			BE 7136
		04.00	BE 7128
		0732 - 08.29		Test dive.
		08.00	BE 7118

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		24.12.41
		12.00	= 45° 20.3'N	Day's run:  160 nm.
			= 25° 19.7'W
		16.00	BD 9327
		20.00	BD 9263
		25.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			SSE 3, Sea 2, 8/10
			BD 9253	Course 266°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	BD 9243
		08.00	BD 9163
		12.00	= 45° 07.0'N	Day's run:  136 nm.
			= 28° 46.0'W	Course 259°, 6 knots.
			BD 91xx
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour.
			From 25 December at 16.00 hours to 2 January at 13.00 hours inclusive four hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	BD 9148
		20.00	BD 8393
		26.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			SSE 8, Sea 6, 9/10
			BD 8383	Course 259°, 5 knots.
		04.00	BD 8376
		08.00	BD 8295
		08.15 - 08.35		Test dive.
		12.00	= 44° 43.7'N	Day's run:  128 nm.
			= 31° 49.0'W
		16.00	BD 8521
		20.00	BD 8436
		27.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			BD 8443	Course 259°, 6 knots.
			WSW 2, Sea 1, 9/10
		04.00	BD 7637
		08.00	BD 7659
		12.00	= 44° 19.9'N	Day's run:  148 nm.
			= 35° 07.3'W
		16.00	BD 7656
		20.00	BD 7663
		28.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			SSW 6, Sea 5, 5/10	Course 250°, 4-5 knots
			BD 7571

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		28.12.41
		04.00	BD 7572
		05.39		Radio Message from B.d.U. 2101/27/143:  To Folkers:
				on 28 December at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.
		08.00	BD 7733	Switched to Greenland Circuit.
		12.00	= 43° 42.7'N	Day's run:  113 nm.
			= 37° 27.8'W
			BD 7726
		16.00	BD 7716
		20.00	BC 9966
		29.12.41
		00.00	Atlantic
			SWbyS 8, Sea 6-7, 8/10
			BC 9968	Course 250°, 4 knots.
		04.00	BC 9992	Wind has freshened and shifted slowly clockwise.  Heavy Sea State.  Boat works hard.
		07.00		Due to the Sea State came to course 300°, boat now lies with the seas 60°over the starboard bow.
		08.00	BC 9986
		09.00		Starboard aft net deflector breaks at the level of the aft mid insulator.  The forward part was pulled in.  Fortunately the aft part for a length of about 8 meters jams in the knocked open rubber boat stowage so at least for now there is no danger to the propellers.
		09.16		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1235/29/218:  To U-125.
				Cross the longitude of square BB 9977 on orders, which will be given at the approach of "Hardegen", "Zapp", "Bleichrodt" and "Kals".  The last of these left Lorient on 27 December.
		12.00	= 43° 06.0'N	Day's run:  80 nm.
			= 39° 16.0'W	In the mean time the wind has turned to the NW and freshened to 11.  Came to course 270°.  The sea is very confused.  Boat works heavily and makes no progress.
			BC 9984
		13.00		Came to course 240°, because the boat lies better.  The rubber boat is lost.  Antenna feed for the stern net deflector torn, various over deck damage.
		16.00	BC 9976
		20.00	BC 9973

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41

	- 8 -
		30.12.41	Atlantic
		00.00	NWbyW 7, Sea 7, 9/10	Course 250°, 3 knots.
			BC 9977
		04.00	BC 9832
		08.00	CD 2231
		12.00	= 42° 43.0'N	Day's run:  72 nm.
			= 40° 48.5'W	Course 250°, 4 knots.
				Wind has come back to the NW and strongly abated to strength 2, high NW-Swell.
		16.00	CD 2243
		16.30 - 17.30		Over deck damage repaired, remainder of the starboard aft net deflector removed.
		20.00	CD 2247
		31.12.41	Atlantic
		00.00	SSW 4, Sea 5, 8/10	Course 245°, 4-5 knots.
			CD 2167
		04.00	CD 2183
		08.00	CD 2179
		08.21 - 13.45		Dived.  Balanced the boat at depth = A -50 meters.  Afterwards proceeded submerged at KF, to ventilate and check tubes 3 and 4.
		12.00	= 41° 54.0'N	Day's run:  108 nm.
			= 42° 42.0'W
			CD 2177
		16.00	CD 163x
		18.04 - 21.03		Dived, proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters at KF.  Course 245°, New Year's Eve !
		20.00	CD 1628
		21.45		Due to Sea came to course 290°, 4 knots.
				Year 1942
		01.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic
			WSW 7, Sea 6, 7/10
			CD 1645	Course 290°, 3-4 knots.
		04.00	CD 1561
		07.00		Course 320°, boat lies better this way.
		08.00	CD 1559	Wind has shifted to W, came to course 220°.
		12.00	= 41° 17.7'N	Day's run:  74 nm.  Course 230°, 3-4 knots.
			= 44° 23.8'W
			CD 1582
		16.00	CD 1578
		20.00	CD 1576	Course 250°.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42

	- 9 -
		02.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic
			CD 1733
			SW 5, Sea 3, 9/10 (passing showers)	Course 250°, 3-4 knots.
		04.00	CD 1727
		08.00	CD 1746
		12.00	= 40° 39.7'N	Day's run:  101 nm.
			= 46° 29.3'W
			CD 1727
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour.
			From 2 January at 16.00 hours to 9 January at 13.00 hours inclusive five hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	CC 3973
		20.00	CC 3898
		03.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic
			CC 6222	Course 250°, 6-7 knots.
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10
		04.00	CC 6136
		08.00	CC 6128
		12.00	= 39° 46.7'N	Day's run:  155 nm.
			= 49° 42.1'W
			CC 6145
		16.00	CC 5359
		20.00	CC 5373
		04.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic
			CC 5263
			N 4-5, Sea 2-3, 6-7/10 (passing showers)	Course 250°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	CC 5288
		07.44 - 08.11		Test dive.
		08.00	CC 5275
		12.00	= 38° 48.0'N	Day's run:  147 nm.
			= 52° 29.7'W
			CC 5469
		16.00	CC 5485	Course 180°.  I cannot go further to the west according to radio message from B.d.U. (218/29) and run to the south, to perhaps detect traffic there from Bermuda for England.
		20.00	CC 5725
		05.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	ESE 3, Sea 1, overcast, rain
			CC 5781	Course 180°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	CC 8128
		08.00	CC 8138
		12.00	= 36° 34.0'N	Day's run:  147 nm.
			= 52° 51.3'W
			CC 8422
		16.00	CC 8452
		20.00	CC 8485

	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42

	- 10 -
		06.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SW 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10
			CC 8752	Course 180°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	CC 8788
		07.25 - 07.47		Test dive.
		08.00	DE 1352
		12.00	= 34° 51.5'N	Day's run:  145 nm.
			= 52° 50.8'W
		10.00		Course 0°.  I do not want to go further to the south, in order not to unnecessarily lengthen my approach route to attack area.
		16.00	CC 8753
		20.00	CC 8722
		07.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast	Course 0°, 6-7 knots.
			CC 8455
		04.00	CC 8455
		06.30		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1058/7/269:
				To "U-125":  Continue transit to the west to the longitude of the western edge of CA 30.
		08.00	CC 8157	Course 290°.
		12.00	= 37° 03.7'N	Day's run:  145 nm.
			= 53° 13.0'W
			CC 8145
		16.00	CC 7363
		20.00	CC 7335
		08.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	NW 1, Sea 0, Swell, 5/10
			CC 7316	Course 290°, 5-6 knots.
		04.00	CC 4892
		08.00	CC 4884
		12.00	= 37° 39.4'N	Day's run:  129 nm.
			= 55° 49.1'W
			CC 4831
		16.00	CC 4667
		20.00	CC 4755
		09.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	NW 8-9, Sea 7-8, overcast
			CC 4748	Course 290°, 3 knots
		00.15		Due to Sea State course 230°.
		04.00	CB 4747	Course 260°.
		07.40		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1058/9/229:
				1.)  Occupy the following attack areas:  Zapp Attack Area 1 in accordance with Chef. Supplemental Operations Order, Hardegen 2, Folkers 3, Blechrodt

	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		09.01.42		4 and 5, Kals 6.
				2.)  Folkers, Hardegen, Zapp continue transit early 10 January B.d.U. anticipates arrival in attack area 13 January.
				3)  Bleichrodt, Kals continue transit  so as to reach new attack areas on 13 January.
				4.)  Boats form Group "Paukenschlag".
		08.00	CB 6986
		12.00	= 37° 49.5'N	Day's run:  111 nm.
			= 57° 57.7'W
			CB 6973
		13.00		Clocks set back one hour.
			From 9 January at 16.00 hours to 3 February at 13.00 hours inclusive six hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	CB 685x
		20.00	CB 6828
		23.00		Course 280°.
		10.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SSE 3-4, Sea 2, 5/10	Course 280°, 8 knots.
			CB 6733
		04.00	CB 6479
		06.56 - 08.06		Test dive.
		08.00	CB 5694
		12.00	CB5686
			= 37° 33.3'N	Day's run:  193 nm.
			= 61° 21.6'W
		16.00	CB 5675
		20.00	CB 5592
		11.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	W 3, Sea 2, overcast (passing showers	Course 280°, 5 knots.
			CB 5554
		04.00	CB 5544
		08.00	CB 5466
		12.00	= 38° 52.8'N	Day's run:  115 nm.
			= 63° 44.4'W
			CB 5455
		16.00	CB 5417
		17.14 - 17.55		Test dive.  For training and as a check all tubes were made ready to shoot.  The outer tube door of tube 2 can only be opened half way and can not be closed again.  In the boat all linkage runs effortlessly and in order.  At present outboard repair work is not possible due to Sea State.
		18.00		Course 120°.  I want to set off further from the coast to attempt to carry out repairs early tomorrow.  If the weather is favorable and the repairs take less than 5 hours I can still reach my attack area on time.
		20.00	CB 5447

	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42

	- 12 -
		12.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SSE 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10	Weather has deteriorated, barometer falls, wind and Sea increase.  With this weather work can not be done outside the boat and I can not wait on good weather.  Because in any case I want to be in my attack area on time.  Otherwise no "Paukenschlag" [Beat on the drum]
			CB 5497
				Course 290°.  Perhaps there will be good weather to the west.
		04.00	CB 5473
		08.00	CB 5449
		08.00 - 12.00		Weather has gotten better, NW 3, Sea 2, boat works only slightly and lies before the sea quite calmly.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 converted [for use as ballast tanks] and blown.  Ballast tank 1 half flooded, 5 starboard flooded, port negative buoyancy tank blown.  Outer tube door of tube 2 is mostly out of the water.  The forward half of the fairing has broken through and is positioned athwart-ship to port.  Damage probably caused by depth charge effect and Sea State.  The aft part of the fairing is forced into the side of the hull and now lies between the tube and the outer tube door.  With some difficulty the pistol is removed.  People find it difficult to stay forward of the tube because they are swept away by the suction produced from the pitching of the boat.  Attempts to bend the sheet metal of the indented, crimped hull with chisels, etc., so that the outer tube door can be closed, fail.  Also the damage fairing cannot be removed because work overboard had to be broken off due to the increasing Sea and freshening wind.  Tube 2 must be driven flooded with the outer door half open. Continued transit into the operations area.
		12.00	= 38° 46.0'N	Day's run:  141 nm.
			= 64° 22.0'W
			CB 4665
		16.00	CB 4642
		20.00	CB 4522
		13.01.42	Atlantic
		00.00	WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast	Course 290°, 10-11 knots
			CB 4196
		04.00	CB 6548
		06.55 - 07.56		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 6337	By dead reckoning we are now in the attack area.  Last navigation fix was 4 days ago.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		13.01.42		Midday navigation fix on the sun gives a difference between dead reckoning and actual position of 85 nm in 110°T.
		12.00	= 39° 28.0'N	Day's run:  235 nm.
			= 66° 59.0'W
			CB 4191
		16.00	CB 4153
		20.00	CA 6366	Reached attack area.
		14.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
			NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10
			CA 6353	Course 290°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CA 6391	Course 200°.  On various courses until leaving the attack area on 20 January back and forth in position.  (See track chart).
		07.26 - 08.15		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 6317
		10.02		White smoke cloud in sight bearing 230°T.  Held onto it, a mast is seen.  No shift,  On the surface through the forward periscope saw: small vessel with sturdy mast and cargo booms.  Probably a fisherman.  Smoke development came from the engine.  Only low speed.  Moved off.
		12.00	= 39° 41.5'N	Day's run:  153 nm.
			= 69° 22.5'W
			CA 6264
		15.43 - 16.29		Crash dive for aircraft, very far off.  Type not distinguished.
		16.00	CA 6234
		16.31 - 17.41		Crash dive for aircraft, 8000 meters away, type "Consolidated".
		17.46		Steamer in sight bearing 200°T, 2 masts, one smokestack with passenger deck.  Moved off and maneuvered ahead at GF.  Steamer shows all prescribed lights, decks are brightly illuminated.  On the stern an illuminated Spanish flag, otherwise no neutrality markings.  Course 100°, 10-11 knots.  Radio traffic on 36-meters with Spanish land station Aranjues observed.  By that Spanish steamer "ISLA DE TERNIFFA", home port Valencia, 5100 GRT.  Did not attack, moved off.
		20.00	CA 6343
		15.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	SW 2, Sea 102, 6/10
			CA 6321

	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		15.01.42
		04.00	CA 3981
		04.29		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1001/15/187:
				To "Ziethen" and "Paukenschlag":  If transmitting for other reasons, report fuel.
		08.00	CA 6322
		07.29 - 08.47		Test dive.
		12.00	CA 6319
			= 40° 02.0'N	Day's run:  169 nm.
			= 68° 28.0'W
		16.00	CA 3976
		16.30 - 17.43		Crash dive for aircraft, far off.
		20.00	CA 3954
		16.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	WNW 3, Sea 3, 7/10
			CA 3945
		04.00	CA 3863
		06.59 - 08.14		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 3895
		12.00	= 40° 05.9'N	Day's run:  122 nm.
			= 69° 23.4'W
			CA 6231
		13.30		Smoke cloud in sight astern to port, shifts quickly out.  Attempted to maneuver ahead.  Smoke cloud shifts very quickly from port abeam to directly ahead and passes out of sight about 15.00 hours.  Approximate course 100°, speed over 18 knots.
		16.00	CA 6314
		20.00	CA 6235
		17.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10
			CA 6252
		04.00	CA 3897
		05.45		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1035/17/238:
				1.)  Hardegen, Bleichrodt, Schug report situation.
				2.)  Mützelburg free to maneuver in entire Group Zeithen area.
				3.)  Östermann occupy Mützelburg attack are up to now
				4.)  Self shifting of attack areas for "Paukenschlag" boats free if traffic or defense situation makes this necessary.
				5.)  If attack conditions are unfavorable Kals shift attack

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		17.01.42		area between Hardegen and Zapp.
		08.00	CA 6219
		12.00	= 39° 35.0'N	Day's run:  140 nm.
			= 70° 02.0'W
		16.00	CA 6241
		20.00	CA 3877
		18.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	W 4, Sea 3, 4/10
			CA 3873
		02.00 - 03.30		Nantucket Lightship in sight, lies in peacetime position and burns as in peacetime.  2 fishermen in sight.  Avoided.
		04.00	CA 3867
		07.23 - 08.34		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 3892
		12.00	CA 3971
			= 40° 23.4'N	Day's run:  127 nm.
			= 69° 03.5'W
		13.32 - 14.11		Crash dive for aircraft.
		16.00	CA 3944
		16.38 - 17.12		Crash dive for training.
		20.00	CA 3971
		21.30 - 01.00		Several fishermen in sight, prescribed lighting.  Avoided.
		19.01.42	Atlantic, south of Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	CA 3947	Nantucket lightship in sight faintly below the horizon for a brief time.
			SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10
		04.00	CA 3867
		08.00	CA 3885
		09.34 - 10.24		Crash dive for aircraft.
		12.00	= 40° 16.5'N	Day's run:  126 nm.
			= 69° 33.5'W
			CA 3876
		12.45		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1516/19/291:
				Bleichrodt report situation, Folkers, Zapp report situation if noticed.
				I am quite certain that up to now we have not been noticed, therefore did not report.
		16.00	CA 3844
		20.00	CA 3843
		22.00 - 01.30		Nantucket Lightship in sight, as in peacetime.  Passed at a distance of 3 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42

	- 16 -
		20.01.42	Atlantic, north of the Nantucket Lightship
		00.00	SSE 2, Sea 1, blue sky
			CA 3861
		04.00	CA 3942
		07.41 = 08.25		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 3984
		12.00	= 40° 16.0'N	Day's run:  151 nm.
			= 68° 48.5'W
			CA 3976
		13.40		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1317/20/217:
				Zapp, Bleichrodt and Folkers report position, situation and successes.
			I have now been in my assigned operations area for a week and have seen nothing but fishermen and aircraft except for a Spaniard and a smoke cloud.  It is pointless to remain here longer, either because all traffic is stopped on the coast and is released only after a prolonged time again here or never was heavy traffic and/or the traffic went past my attack area to the south or south-east.  I have a choice between the area off Boston and the area south of Delaware Bay.  I decide on the latter.  There heavy to very heavy traffic is reported by all boats, especially near coasts.  I want to run to the Winter Quarter Lightship and from there to the south on the coast, until I run into traffic.
		16.00	CA 6319
		20.00	CA 6349
		21.25		Radio Message to B.d.U.  on alternate frequency 0242/21:  Area 111 mine free, no traffic, medium air surveillance, lightship in place, burns as in peacetime.  All torpedoes.  Outer tube door of tube 2 cannot be closed, pistol removed.  Shifting attack area to square CA 80, 120 cbm, square CA 6349.
		21.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic, south of the Nantucket lightship
			NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10
			CA 6296	Course 250°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CA 6288
		08.00	CA 3512
		12.00	= 39° 02.7'N	Day's run:  130 nm.
			= 70° 31.0'W
			CA 6417
		16.00	CA 6454
		16.05 - 16.27		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		21.01.42
				Yesterdays radio message on alternate frequency has not been repeated up to now.  Data and frequent were chosen correctly.  I will send once more on alternate frequency today.
		19.07		Radio Message to B.d.U.  on alternate frequency 2339/21:  Area 111 mine free, no traffic, medium air surveillance, lightship in place, burns as in peacetime.  All torpedoes.  Outer tube door of tube 2 cannot be closed, pistol removed.  Shifting attack area to square CA 80, 120 cbm, square CA 6454.
		20.00	CA 6472
		22.01.42	Atlantic, east of Delaware Bay
		00.00	NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast	Course 250°, 6 knots.
			CA 5668
		04.00	CA 5689
		08.00	CA 5916
		12.00	CA 5861
			= 38° 03.0'N	Day's run:  133 nm.
			= 73° 02.2'W
		16.00	CA 5881
		20.00	CA 5877	Course 150°.
		23.01.42	Atlantic, east of Chesapeake Bay
			W 2, Sea 1, 5/10
			CA 8217	Yesterday's message on alternate frequency was again not repeated, data was correct.
		01.00		Short Signal to B.d.U.:  No traffic, shifting my operations area to square DC.
				Course 0°.
		04.00	CA 8211
		07.41		Dived, balanced the boat, overhaul work on the starter for the aft diving plane motor.  Several sound bearings, suspect from fishing vessels, listening gear only partially operable.
		11.58		Surfaced after completing repairs.
		12.00	= 37° 42.0'N	Day's run:  129 nm.  Course 240°.
			= 74° 03.5'W
			CA 5792
		12.29 - 12.56		Crash dive for approaching aircraft.  2-engined bomber.
		13.40		One after another several fishing boats in sight.  2 masts, aft triangular sail, probably fishing on the 200-meter line.
		16.00	CA 5789
		16.24		Steamer in sight bearing 340°T, distance 16000 meters,

	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		23.01.42		bow right, target angle 60°, by this steers 120° course for Bermuda, no zigzags.  Maneuvered ahead at GF.  Very bright moonshine.
				Steamer is a tanker, about 7000 GRT, 2 masts, one smokestack, runs 9-10 knots.
		20.00	CA 5786
		20.12		"To Action Stations".  Outer tube door of tube 4 cannot be opened.  Outer tube door linkage in the boat is in order.  Probably the same damage as for tube 2.  Therefore only tubes 1 and 3 are still in service.
		20.36		Multiple shot from tubes 1 and 3.
				Shooting data:  target speed = 9 knots
				target angle = 75°
				range = 1200 meters
				depth = 3 meters.
				2 misses.  Steamer had not noticed us.  It is too late for a stern shot because the target angle is 120°, maneuvered ahead again.
		20.53		A long shadow in sight bearing 110°T, illuminated in the moonlight in gray, several smokestacks, probably a destroyer, turned away and put astern.  Had bow left target angle 50°.  After passing out of sight came to course 120° and ran behind the tanker.  By plotting the tanker should be in sight at 24.00 hours.
		24.01.42	Atlantic, east of Chesapeake Bay
			SW 4, Sea 4, 2/10
			CA 8251	Course 200°, 6 knots.
				Search for the tanker broken off.  Moon sets in 1/2 hours.  When checking the set shot values, it turns out that the shot angle was 4.5° too small, even though all values were set correctly. The lead angle calculator had been in order and setting the shot values gave the correct shooting angle.  So there must have been an operator error.  Presumably, the parallax had not been set to 0°.  The U.T.W.L. is an experienced and skilled Petty Officer and maintains that he did not make a mistake.  At a range of 1000 meters, a 4.5° lead angle change results in a hit point shift of about 70 meters.  The aim points were the forward edge of the bridge and after mast.  So both misses are explained.
		04.00	CA 8249
		07.33 - 08.17		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 8276
		08.33		Course 270°.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		24.01.42
		12.00	= 36° 42.0'N	Day's run:  141 nm.
			= 74° 02.5'W
			CA 8195
		13.14		Steamer in sight bearing 300°T, distance 15000 meters.  Smokestack and bridge are out, masts not distinguished, strongly shimmering air.  Bow right target angle 120°.  Steers 0-20°, long yellow smokestack, astern at a large distance, white bridge, maneuvered ahead at GF.
		14.57		Ahead a steamer in sight on opposite course.  Distance 15000 meters, steers 180°, bow left target angle 40°.  If I continue to operate on the first steamer, I must avoid the second steamer very widely or dive.  Both times I lag very far astern and I have not caught up again before the beginning of twilight.  Because the first steamer runs at 11-12 knots I will probably not find him again after all.  Operate on the second steamer, however he is substantially smaller.  Maneuvered ahead at GF.
		15.57		Dived.  The steamer is a freighter about 4000 GRT in ballast, 2 masts, 1 smokestack, black hull, white bridge.  Steers 180°, no zigzag, speed 9 knots.
		15.58		"To Action Stations".
				Intend a single shot from tube 1, target speed = 9 knots.
		16.00	CA 8194	Bow left target angle 70°, range = 5000 meters, depth 3 meters, shortly before the shot I recognize that the steamer is Spanish.  In the stern a spread flag also on the flag staff.  Other neutrality markings on the side of the hull and name was not distinguished, because the sun blinded me.  Put astern, moved off.
			W 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10
		16.27		Secured from Action Stations.
		17.09		After the steamer was out of sight surfaced.  Course 0°, 5-6 knots.
				The first steamer is now 30 nm ahead.  Pursuing is hopeless and costs too much fuel.
		20.00	CA 8259
		20.40		Course 60°.
		23.52		Light in sight bearing 350°T.  Steaming light and port position light distinguished.  Maneuvered ahead at GF.  Vessel steers 170°.
		25.01.42
		00.00	Atlantic, east of Chesapeake Bay
			CA 8239
		03.28		"To Action Stations".  The sea is completely calm, heavy marine phosphorescence.  Air milky

	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		25.01.42		and hazy.  Moonshine.  I must remain far off, because otherwise I will be seen.  Stern approach.  Intentions were:  single shot from tube 5, target speed = 10 knots, bow left, target angle 70°, range = 1500 meters, depth 2 meters.  Small steamer, about 1000 GRT, 2 masts, 1 smokestack, did not shoot because the steamer is too small.  Torpedoes would probably have understeered.  A surface runner would be pointless in the marine phosphorescence and flat sea.  Would have been sighted.
		04.00	CA 8512
		04.30		Secured from action stations.
		07.37		Crash dive for tanker, about 8000 GRT, bow right, target angle 20°, steers 355°, range = 12000 meters.  Was already entirely out when I came to the bridge.
		07.42		"To Action Stations".
				Tanker zigzags 40° to port at a range of about 4000 meters and passes at 3000-4000 meters.  He had not seen us.  Then he zigzags back to his old course, at a bearing of 90° does not come closer than 3000 meters.
		08.00	CA 8279
		08.45		Secured from Action Stations.
		09.37		After passing out of visual range from a fisherman surfaced.  Pursued course 0°, GF.
		11.24		Tanker in sight directly ahead, range = 16000 meters. Bow right target angle 20°, opposite course, came about maneuvered ahead, for one hour ran ahead of the tanker and took exact course and speed.  Tanker steered 180°, 10.5 knots.
		12.00	= 37° 04.1'N	Day's run:  166 nm.
			= 74° 32.5'W
			CA 8246
		13.15		Object in sight ahead to port, range = 5000 meters.  Due to strong haze cannot exactly be recognized.  Made out as a small lifeboat with sail.  Manned.  Had seen us, turns towards us.
		13.19		Dived.
		13.50		"To Action Stations".
				At range = 3000 meters at target angle 25° the tanker turns 50° to port and heads for the lifeboat to stop and take the occupants on board.  Tanker is a steamship, 7000 GRT, gray hull, 2 masts, in-between large bridge, in the bridge wings 2 cm anti-aircraft weapons.  Large smokestack, suspect a naval tanker.  When reversing the stern of the tanker swings to starboard, now has target angle 120°.

Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		25.01.42
		14.25	CA 8279	Multiple shot from tubes 1 and 3.
				target speed = 9 knots, bow right
				target angle = 120°
				range = 2000 meters
				depth = 3 meters.
				In tube 1 the piston does not run back, jams in the forward third of the tube.  As a result the boat takes on 1.5 tons buoyancy and was 10° stern down.  By "All men forward", flooding of the negative buoyancy tanks, both diving planes hard down and both motors GF the Chief Engineer manages to get the boat to depth 10 meters.  Boat cuts under and is caught again at depth 26 meters.  After a running time of 2200 meters one detonation, probably a hit. After the trim is somewhat balanced, went to periscope depth:  tanker had turned again to his old course and picks up speed.  He now has target angle 90°, damage is not recognized.
		14.46		Multiple shot from tubes 5 and 6.
				target speed = 7 knots
				bow right target angle = 90°
				range = 2000 meters
				depth = 3 meters.
				2 misses.  Probably speed under estimated.  After passing out of sight surfaced and delayed by a second freighter that passes at 4000 meters.  8000 GRT, gray hull, 2 masts, 1 smoke stack. On the hull at the level forward and after mast vertical stripes, probably neutrality markings.  Not exactly distinguished.
				Course 270°, 9-11 knots.
		16.00	CA 8257	"Secure from Action Stations".
			SW 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10
		16.06		Surfaced and searched for the tanker on course 160° and 180°.  After the beginning of twilight broke off the search because the tanker had probably changed course.  There are now still one bow and 2 stern tubes in service.
		20.00	CA 8545	Course 200°, 5 knots.
		22.12		Light in sight bearing 40°T.  Steered 180°,  Maneuvered ahead at GF.
		26.01.42	Atlantic, east of Cape Hatteras
		00.00	SW 2, Sea 1, 1/10
		02.42		"To Action Stations".  Angles in and looked at the steamer.  Large freighter,  Target angle already too broad, and range still too great to shoot.  Once again maneuvered ahead.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		26.01.42		Moonshine, very bright.  Summer lightening.  I can not come very close.
		04.00	CA 8853
		04.52		Single shot from tube 3.
				target speed = 10 knots
				bow right target angle = 70°
				range = 1500 meters
				depth = 3 meters.
				Miss, unexplained.  Maneuvered ahead again.
		05.56	CA 8883	Multiple shot from tubes 5 and 6.
				target speed = 9 knots
				bow right target angle = 70°
				range = 1000 meters
				depth = 3 meters.
				Just before the shot the steamer extinguished steamer lights.  Aim point forward edge of the bridge and smokestack.
				After a running time of 1000 meters hit under the bridge and in engine room.  (after edge of the smokestack)  Steamer breaks in the middle a fire in the engine room.  Probably an oil fire.  Had not transmitted.  After 14 minutes sunk.  Moved off.  Course 60°.  Steamer was deeply loaded freighter, very long, about 130 meters, 2 masts, 1 smokestack, placed aft.  Forward one astern 2 pole masts, somewhat raked bow, 7 hatches, of these one between the bridge and smokestack.  (Type:  "GERALDINE MARY 7200 GRT.)
		06.11		"Secure from Action Stations".
				Did not approach the boats but instead moved off to be somewhat removed from the sinking location at dawn.
		07.34 - 08.05		Test dive.
		08.00	CA 8872
		12.00	= 35° 20.5'N	Day's run:  189 nm.
			= 72° 31.5'W
			CA 8866
		14.00		Course 300°.
		16.00	CA 8911
		17.04		Steamer in sight bearing 340°T, range = 13000 meters, bow right, target angle 70°, speed 10-12 knots.  About 8000 GRT.  Forward and astern several pole masts, large smokestack, suspect an ore steamer.  General course 160°, zigzags 40° to both sides.  Maneuvered ahead.  Lost about 20.00 hours after the beginning of twilight.
		20.00	CA 8944
		20.50 - 21.16		Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  Pursuit broken off,  Course 0°, 5 knots.

Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42

	- 23 -
		27.01.42	Atlantic, east of Cape Hatteras
		00.00	NW 4, Sea 4, 6/10
			CA 8945
		04.00	CA 8675
		08.00	CA 8645
		09.56		Steamer in sight bearing 170°T, range = 13000 meters, bow right, target angle 50°.  Superstructure and masts are out.  Large passenger and freight steamer with several passenger decks.  Over 10000 GRT.  General course 330°, zigzags 20° to both sides.  By plotting runs 17-18 knots.  Out of sight at 12.14 hours.  Pursuit broken off.
		12.00	= 36° 31.0'N	Day's run:  159 nm.
			= 72° 38.0'W
			CA 8617
		12.15		Course 330°.
		15.30		Course 270°.
		16.00	CA 8292
		16.40		The lifeboat from 25 January met again,  Sunk with MGC 30.
		20.00	CA 8283
		28.01.42	Atlantic, east of Chesapeake Bay.
		00.00	NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers	Course 180°, 5 knots.
			CA 8272	I still have 90 cbm.  For return transit in good weather I need 76 cbm.  I will begin return transit with 86 cbm to have 10 cbm reserve for bad weather.  There is still one tube in service forward, stern tubes are out of torpedoes.  Downloading in this weather is not possible.
		01.40		Radio Message to B.d.U. 2337/27/184/224 and
				2343/27/183/228:
				1.)  Area 111 to 21 January no traffic, medium air surveillance.  Lightship in place, burns as in peacetime.
				2.)  Very heavy traffic square CA 58, mainly north-south.  Very many tankers, occasional neutrals, no surveillance.
				3.)  26 January square x797 [8883?] freighter 7000 GRT sunk.  25 January one hit on tanker, 6 misses, 2 unexplained, 2 + 6 torpedoes.
				4.)  3 bow tubes out of service.  Stern tubes out of torpedoes.  Downloading not possible due to weather.  90 cbm.  Square CA 82.  Request return transit.
		04.00	CA 8512
		08.00	CA 8542
		12.00	CA 8545
			= 36° 04.4'N	Day's run:  107 nm.
			= 73° 43.3'W
		14.30		Course 115°, 4-5 knots.
		16.00	CA 8576
		16.16		Radio Message from B.d.U. 0939/28/223:
				To Folkers:  Delayed return transit.  Try to download.
		20.00	CA 8588

	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42

	- 24 -
		29.01.42	Atlantic, east of Cape Hatteras
		00.00	WNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, passing showers
			CA 8835	Course 115°, 4-5 knots.
		04.00	CA 8916
		08.00	CA 8935
		10.00		Course 90°,  Began return transit with 86 cbm.
				Initially I will not proceed on the Great Circle because I hope there is more traffic between Cape Hatteras and Bermuda than south of Newfoundland.  The route is 200 nm further, but because the weather is generally better I hope the track is more than made up for by the better day's run.
		12.00	= 35° 16.0'N	Day's run:  111 nm.
			= 71° 48.0'W
			CA 8963
		16.00	CA 9745
		20.00	CA 9746
		30.01.42	Atlantic, east of Cape Hatteras
		00.00	NNW 4, Sea 3, 9/10
			CA 9756	Course 90°, 4-5 knots.
		04.00	CA 9766
		08.00	CA 9848
		12.00	= 35° 16.0'N	Day's run:  102 nm.
			= 69° 41.8'W
			CA 9854
		16.00	CA 9864
		20.00	CA 9944
		22.00	NNW 6, Sea 6, 9/10	Steamer in sight abeam to starboard, steers 320°.  Continuous hull, raked bow, cruiser stern, forward three aft 1 pole mast, bridge and smokestack close after one-another.  About 6000 GRT in ballast.  Lies high out.  The wind has abated somewhat however the Seas are quite steep, confused Swell.  No weapons use possible.  Did not shoot.  Weather improvement can not be expected.  Continued on.
		31.01.42	North Atlantic, north of Bermuda
		00.00	NNW 5-6, Sea 5, 9/10
			CA 9955	Course 90°, 4-5 knots.
		04.00	CA 9964
		08.00	CB 7727
		11.28		Smoke cloud in sight, ran along with on the surface and looked through the periscope.  A corvette, something behind, much smaller, not distinguished.  Possibly a U-boat hunting group.  Corvette steers 320°,

	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		31.01.42
				afterwards 270°, smokes every half hour noticeably heavy. Moved off, continued transit.
		12.00	= 35° 13.0'N	Day's run:  115 nm.
			= 67° 21.0'W
			CB 7755
		16.00	CB 7739
		20.00	CB 7666
		01.02.42
		00.00	Atlantic, north of Bermuda
			SE 1, Sea 1, 5/10	Course 90°, 5-6 knots.
			CB 8549
		04.00	CB 8465
		08.00	CB 8546
		12.00	= 35° 12.0'N	Day's run:  137 nm.
			= 62° 25.0'W
			CB 8555
		16.00	CB 856x
		20.00	CB 85xx
		02.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	CB 8665
			SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast	Course 60°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CB 9444
		08.00	CB 9457
		12.00	= 36° 12.0'N	Day's run:  127 nm.
			= 59° 42.0'W
			CB 9464
		16.00	CB 9444 [typo probably 9544]
		20.00	CB 9555
		03.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10
			CB 9566	Course 90°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CB 9658
		06.32 - 06.59		Test dive.
		08.00	CB 9665
		12.00	= 36° 28.0'N	Day's run:  1xx nm.
			= 59° 14.0'W
			CC 7424
		13.00		Clocks set forward one hour.
			From 3 February at 16.00 hours to 9 February at 13.00 hours inclusive five hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	CC 7425
		20.00	CC 7436
		04.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	WSW 5, Sea 4, 6/10
			CC 7525	Course 90°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CC 7539
		08.00	CC 7616
		12.00	= 36° 28.0'N	Day's run:  128 nm.
			= 53° 52.0'W
			CC 7635

	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		04.02.42
		16.00	CC 8414
		20.00	CC 8425
		05.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	NNW 2, Sea 1, 8/10
			CC 8436	Course 90°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CC 8525
		08.00	CC 9292
		12.00	CC 8376
			= 36° 42.0'N	Day's run:  157 nm.
			= 50° 45.0'W
		16.00	CC 8394
		20.00	CC 9177
		06.02.42
		00.00	WNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 9/10
			CC 9188	Course 90°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	CC 9199
		07.39 - 08.05		Test dive.
		08.00	CC 9287
		12.00	= 36° 40.0'N	Day's run:  147 nm.
			= 47° 40.0'W
			CC 9299
		16.00	CC 9525	Course 59°.  Continued on the Great Circle.
		20.00	CC 9611
		07.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	NW 2, Sea 1, overcast
			CC 9831	Course 59°, 6 knots.
		04.00	CC 9367
		08.00	CD 7144
		08.44		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1229/7/291:
				To Folkers:  Immediately report position and fuel inventory.
		12.00	= 37° 25.8'N
			= 45° 45.1'W
			CD 7124	Day's run:  162 nm.
		16.00	CD 4791
		19.36		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  2351/7/158/214:  Position square 4846 of the large square west of CE, 56 cbm Serial No. 247 3 February missing.
		20.00	CD 4846
		08.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	NW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast
			CD 4834
		00.10		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  0143/8/215:  Folkers check position and give again in naval square.
		01.17		Radio Message to B.d.U. 0547/8/163:
				Position naval square CD 4835.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		08.02.42
		04.00	CD 4684
		07.56		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1137/8/169/234:
				To Folkers and Zahn:
				On the 11 February at 19.00 hours be at meeting point in CE 4184 for fuel transfer in the evening.  If meeting is not successful up to 21.00 Folkers send bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Order 211, 1a without radio signal on 852 meters.  Folkers report immediately how much fuel can be given.  Folkers otherwise radio silence and from now attack on merchant ships absolutely forbidden except in convoy.
		08.00	CD 4667
		12.00	= 39° 08.4'N	Day's run:  179 nm.
			= 42° 23.1'W
			CD 5428
		16.00	CD 5434
		17.20		Radio Message to B.d.U. 2107/8/4:  Can give 10 cbm, naval square CD 5436.
		20.00	CD 5512
		09.02.42	Atlantic, west of the Azores
		00.00	NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10	Course 86°, 6 knots.
			CD 5523
		04.00	CD 5611
		08.00	CD 5621
		12.00	= 39° 18.2'N
			= 39° 22.0'W
			CD5633	Day's run:  131 nm.
		13.00		Clocks set forward one hour.
			From 9 February at 16.00 hours to 13 February at 13.00 hours inclusive four hours must be added to all time specifications.
		16.00	CD 617x
		17.06 - 17.23		Test dive.
		20.00	CD 6173
		10.02.42
		00.00	Atlantic, west of the Azores
			E 4, Sea 3, 8/10 (passing showers)
			CD 6191	Course 90°, 5-6 knots.
		04.00	CD 6271
		08.00	CD 6281
		12.00	CD 6258
			= 39° 38.1'N
			= 37° 05.7'W	Day's run:  122 nm.
		13.32		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1554/10/214:
				To Zahn and Folkers:
				1.)  From now absolute radio silence within a 400 nm circle around meeting point.  Also send no bearing signals as ordered in Radio Message from 8 February.
				2.)  If meeting unsuccessful up to 12 February by the start of the night, continue transit, Folkers return transit, Zahn into operations area.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		10.02.42
				square CC [typo BB] ower half and CA [typo CB] see Radio Message from 8 February to Lehmann, Feiler and Rehwinkel.
				3.)  Folkers report success of the meeting after passing the 400 nm limit.
		20.00	CD 6373
		11.02.42	Atlantic, west of Flores (Azores)
		00.00	ESE 4, Sea 4, 7/10
			CD 6391	Course 97°, 5 knots.
		04.00	CE 4177
		08.00	CE 8187
		09.00		Course 140°.
		12.00	= 39° 30.3'N
			= 35° 00.0'W
			CE 4184	Day's run:  117 nm.
		12.30		By morning navigation fix and midday latitude I am positioned exactly at the meeting point.  Nothing is seen of "Zahn".  On various courses back and forth in position in square CE 4184.
		16.00	CE 4184
		20.00	CE 4184
		12.02.42	Atlantic, west of Flores (Azores)
		00.00	SbyE 3, Sea 2, 3/10
			CE 4185
		04.00	CE 4179
		07.33 - 07.55		Test dive.
		08.00	CE 4184
		12.00	= 39° 32.0'N
			= 34° 45.0'W
			CE 4181	Day's run:  126 nm.
				Position checked once with sun altitude and midday latitude.  We are exactly at the meeting point.  Vis. very good.
		16.00	CE 4184
		16.54		Course 73°, 7-8 knots.  "Zahn" not seen up to now.  On both days very good visibility.  Fuel transfer was not possible yesterday and today was not possible.
				Continued return transit.
		20.00	CE 4166
		13.02.42	Atlantic, west of Flores (Azores)
		00.00	WbyS 3, Sea 2, 3/10	Course 73°, 7-8 knots.
			CE 4255
		04.00	CE 4314
		08.00	CE 4357
		12.00	= 40° 06.9'N	Day's run:  197 nm.  Course 90°, 10 nm.
			= 31° 41.3'W
			CE 5115
		13.00		Clocks set forward one hour.
			From 13 February at 16.00 hours to 16 February at 13.00 hours inclusive three hours must be added to all time specifications.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		13.02.42
		16.00	CE 2794
		20.00	CE 2854
		14.02.42	Atlantic, north of Flores (Azores)
			SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10
			CE 2918	Course 73°, 9-10 knots.
		04.00	CE 2698
		08.00	CE 3459
		12.00	= 41° 35.4'N
			= 26° 52.3'W
			CE 3545	Day's run:  234 nm.  Course 73°, 6-7 knots.
		16.00	CE 3529
		19.44		Radio Message to B.d.U. 1859/14 on alternate frequency:
				From 11 February midday to 12 February at the beginning of darkness at meeting point,  Exact navigation.  "Zahn" not seen.  Transfer was not possible on both days due to weather.  Return transit.  Square CE 3568.
		20.00	CE 3612
		21.35		Radio Message from Radio Control 2326/14/263:
				To U-125 Radio Message 1859/14 with 77 groups on 54 meters from Norddeich received gargled, only 26 groups partially received.
		23.02		Radio Message to B.d.U. 2359/14/5:  From 11 February midday to 12 February at the beginning of darkness at meeting point,  Exact navigation.  "Zahn" not seen.  Transfer was not possible on both days due to weather.  Return transit.  Square CE 3568.
		15.02.42	Atlantic, north of the Azores
		00.00	S 5, Sea 4, overcast, passing showers	Course 90°, 7 knots.
			CE 3386
		04.00	CF 1247
		08.00	CF 1256
		12.00	= 42° 37.4'N
			= 23° 29.0'W
			CF 1317	Day's run:  168 nm.  Course 73°, 6-7 knots.
		16.00	CF 1322
		20.00	BE 7998
		16.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	S 2, Sea 1, 7/10, (passing showers)
			BE 7972
		04.00	BE 7956
		08.00	BE 8717
		10.52		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1218/16/291:  To Rasch, Bleichrodt, Kals, Folkers, Bigalk, Greger:  On 16 February, 16.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42

	- 30 -
		continued
		16.02.42
		12.00	= 43° 47.0'N	Day's run:  183 nm.
			= 19° 40.0'W	Course 73°, 7-8 knots.
			BE 8723
		13.00		Clocks set forward one hour.
			From 16 February at 16.00 hours to 17 February at 22.30 hours inclusive two hours must be added to all time specifications.
		14.00		[entry covered by the insert above]
		16.00	BE 8499
		20.00	BE 8581
		17.02.42	Atlantic
		00.00	SE 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers
			BE 8569	Course 77°, 7 knots.
		04.00	BE 8654
		07.30 - 08.01		Test dive.
		08.00	BE 8638
		12.00	= 44° 32.8'N
			= 15° 36.0'W
			BE 9416	Day's run:  184 nm.
		16.00	BE 9431
		20.00	BE 9277
		22.30		Clocks set forward one hour.
			From 18 February at 00.00 hours to 20 February at 00.00 hours inclusive one hours must be added to all time specifications.
		18.02.42
		00.00	Atlantic
			SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, passing showers
			BE 9270	Course 77°, 7 knots.
		04.00	BE 9291
		08.00	BE 9348
		09.28		Radio Message from B.d.U. 09.30/18/2/143/231:
				Return harbor for Folkers, Bleichrodt, Kals and Rasch is Lorient, for Greger and Bigalk Nazaire.
		12.00	= 45° 10.0'N
			= 12° 09.5'W
			BE 9355	Day's run:  126 nm.
		16.00	BE 9339
		20.00	BF 7125
		19.02.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	SEbyS 4, Sea 4, 9/10
			BF 4798	Course 77°, 7 knots.
		04.00	BF 4873
		08.00	BF 4859
		08.34		Dived, proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters, KF.
		12.00	= 46° 00.5'N
			= 08° 57.5'W
			BF 4864	Day's run:  141 nm.
		16.00	BF 4864
		19.06		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface, course 77°, 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42

	- 31 -
		continued
		19.02.42
		20.00	BF 4865
		20.02.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	EbyS 4-5, Sea 4, 4/10
			BF 4941	Course 77°, 6-7 knots.
		00.00		Clocks shifted one hour to D.G.Z.
		04.00	BF 4927
		08.00	BF 4932
		08.56		Dived, proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters, KF.
		12.00	= 46° 29.0'N
			= 07° 01.0'W
			BF 4932	Day's run:                          Course 90 nm.
		16.00	BF 5477
		20.00	BF 5478
		20.06		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface, course 90°, 7 knots.
		22.00		Course 97°.
		21.51		Short Signal to B.d.U.:  Position off return harbor in 36 hours.
				After confirmation changed to Coastal Circuit.
		21.02.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	E 5, Sea 4, 4/10
			BF 5486	Course 97°, 6-7 knots.
		04.00	BF 5576
		08.00	BF 5587
		08.55		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth = A -50 meters, LF.
		122.00	= 46° 32.3'N
			= 04° 22.0'W	Day's run:  114 nm.
			BF 5597
		16.00	BF 5677
		20.05		Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface on Route "Tannennadel-Cederland".  Headed for Point L 2.
		20.29		Bearing signals from Lorient II transmitter requested by Short Signal.
		21.31		Radio Message to B.d.U. 10x6/21/49:  To Folkers:
				Bearing transmitter II runs from now in the 10-15 and 40-45 minutes of each hour until dawn.
		21.59		Radio Message from B.d.U. 1211/21/45:  Escort for Rasch and Folkers positioned on 22 February, 09.30 hours Point L 2.
		22.02.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	E 5-6, Sea 4, 8/10
		00.35		Passed "UA" on opposite course, distance 300 meters.
		09.10		Taken in Sperrbrecher convoy and ran into Lorient behind escort
		10.46	Lorient	Made fast Berth A 2.
				Kptlt. and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-125" from 6.11.41 - 22.2.42.
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	First patrol of the Kommandant with an experienced boat.                 In relation to very heavy traffic in the area of operations success is extremely limited.  In addition to human, as well as material failures, the Kommandant demonstrated little skill.  This is due in part to insufficient experience. 1.) When ships were sighted in very favorable situations, either the boat did not shoot at all or shot at too great a range. 2.) Contact was lost on sighted targets too quickly. 3.) On 25 January with the tanker stopped, it would have been possible to wait a little longer in order to achieve a better firing position.  The time was available. 4.) On 30 January despite the prevailing weather at least a maneuver ahead and attack must be tried.   Hang on tenaciously.  The next day it had already subsided.
		Signed in draft:    D  ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For correctness:
		Leutnant zur See and Adjutant

 

	Enclosures to U-125's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Summary	Summary of war patrol for Skl Staff

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