U-162 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	7 April 1942	Lorient	8 June 1942	63

 

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
30 Apr 42	01.52 - 05.12	13°03'N, 56°15'W	ATHEL EMPRESS	8,941	British	OS-25
1 May 42	08.28	10°27'N, 57°21'W	PARNAHYBA	6,692	Brazilian
4 May 42	08.40	7°09'N, 58°09'W	EASTERN SWORD	3,785	American
4 May 42	19.35	7°51'N, 57°45'W	FLORENCE M. DOUGLAS	119	British
7 May 42	08.04 - 08.33	6°21'N, 55°09'W	FRANK SEAMANS	4,271	Norwegian
9 May 42	02.12	8°03'N, 58°21'W	MONT LOUIS	1,905	Canadian
13 May 42	02.34 - 02.57	11°51'N, 56°57'W	ESSO HOUSTON	7,699	American
14 May 42	01.38 - 07.39	12°57'N, 58°15'W	BRITISH COLONY	6,917	British
18 May 42	02.10	12°57'N, 57°51'W	BETH	6,852	American
			Total = 47,852
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				======================
				of Unterseebootes "U-162"
				2nd Patrol.
			Beginning:    19.3.42     Ending:          8.6.42                                                     Tine:         D.G.Z.                                 All naval squares.
			Kommandant:     Fregattenkapitän  Wattenberg.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.
				1 x 2.U.-Flottille.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		19.0342 to	Lorient	Shipyard work and outfitting.
		06.04.42
		07.04.42	Lorient
			WSW 4, cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. moderate
		19.00		Departed on 2nd war patrol in accordance with B.d.U. Order Gkdos 00639/FS of 7.2.42.  Mine and anti-aircraft escort to L 2, further on Route Cedernland-Tannenadel.
		20.00	French west coast on ordered departure route.
		08.04.42	Bay of Biscay
			SW 4, cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. medium
		08.00	Outbound route	Intentions:  Head for CE 96 about 50 nm south of Santa Maria, Azores, to possibly get favorable wind and current conditions earlier for the westerly transit across the Atlantic.  From there on the Great Circle to DO 97.
		04.00	Outbound route
		08.00	Outbound route
			BF 5826
		12.00	BF 5852	Day's run:  122.6 nm
		16.00	BF 5854
		20.00	BF 5845
		09.04.42	Bay of Biscay
			SW 4 overcast, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	BF 5791
		04.00	BF 5779
		08.00	BF 8135
		12.00	BF 8152	Day's run:  110.0 nm    Total:  232.6 nm
		16.00	BF 8151
		20.00	BF 8144
		10.04.42	Bay of Biscay
			SW 5, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	BF 7359
		04.00	BF 7375
		08.00	BF 7531
		12.00	BF 7528	Day's run:  112.5 nm    Total:  345.1 nm
		16.00	BF 7551
		20.00	BF 7542
		11.04.42	North Atlantic
			S 4, cloudy-overcast, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	BF 7459

	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		11.04.42
		04.00	BF 7477
		08.00	BE 9951
		12.00	BE 9893	Day's run:  154.5 nm    Total:  499.6 nm
		14.20	BE 9864	Mastheads bearing 358°T.  Small vessel (fishing trawler? patrol vessel?) on course for Spanish/Portuguese coast.
		16.00	BE 9898
		20.00	CG 1212
		23.37		Radio Message (Short Signal) - Passing report in accordance with Operations Order.
				My position is CG 11.    "U-162".
		12.04.42	North Atlantic
			SW 6, cloudy, Sea 5, Vis. good
		00.00	CG 1134
		04.00	CG 1155
		07.36		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0717 -:
				Contents:  Confirmation of Short Signal of 11 April 2 23.37.
				This was apparently not received ashore after transmitting on alternate frequency, was finally sent on Coastal Circuit. Alternate frequency turns out to be unreliable again, because for most radio messages you cannot wait on board for several hours in uncertainty about their reception ashore.  It would be desirable to have operational confirmation as quickly as possible in a harmless form on the primary circuit of the boat.
		08.00	CG 1161
		12.00	CG 1158	Day's run:  88.5 nm    Total:  588.1 nm
		16.00	CG 1173
		20.00	CG 1411
		13.04.42	North Atlantic
			NW 5, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	CF 3631
		04.00	CF 3654
		08.00	CF 3675
		12.00	CF 3832	Day's run:  95.5 nm    Total:  683.6 nm
		16.00	CF 3852
		20.00	CF 3875
		14.04.42	North Atlantic
			NW 3-4, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	CF 3792
		04.00	CF 6122
		08.00	CF 6147
		12.00	CF 5397	Day's run:  149.0 nm    Total:  832.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		14.04.42
		16.00	CF 5639
		20.00	CF 5567
		15.04.42	North Atlantic
			NW 3, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. good
		00.00	CF 3825
		04.00	CF 3942
		08.00	CF 5768
		12.00	CF 5785	Day's run:  154.5 nm    Total:  987.1 nm
		16.00	CF 8111
		20.00	CF 7353
		16.04.42	North Atlantic
			NNW 3, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		00.00	CF 7347
		04.00	CF 7294
		08.00	CF 7516
		12.00	CF 9663    [typo CE 9663]	Day's run:  176.0 nm    Total:  1163.1 nm
		16.00	CF 9655    [through 17 Apr]
		20.00	CF 9671
		17.04.42	North Atlantic
			NE 5, cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. good
		00.00	CF 5588   [typo CE 9588]
		04.00	CF 9733
		08.00	CF 9713
		12.00	CF 8962	Day's run:  180.5 nm    Total:  1343.6 nm
		16.00	CF 8956
		20.00	CF 8971
		18.04.42	North Atlantic
			NE 4, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	DG 2123
		04.00	DG 2131
		08.00	DG 1353
		12.00	DG 1348	Day's run:  180.0 nm    Total:  1523.6 nm
		12.40	DG 1347
		16.00	DG 1291
		20.00	DG 1515
		19.04.42	North Atlantic
			SE 3, cloudy-clear, Sea 2, Vis. very good
		00.00	DG 1462
		04.00	DG 1449
		08.00	DF 3696
		12.00	DF 3682	Day's run:  180.0 nm    Total:  1703.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		19.04.42
		12.40	DP 3684	Mastheads bearing 11, Target angle 0°, no zigzags.  Dove and identified as Swedish on prescribed route.
		16.00	DF 3833
		20.00	DF 3852
		20.04.42	North Atlantic	Birthday of the Führer.
			SW 2, clear, Sea 2, Vis. very good
		00.00	DF 3845
		04.00	DF 3791
		08.00	DF 3779
		12.00	DF 5336	Day's run:  165.0 nm    Total:  1868.6 nm
		16.00	DF 5353
		20.00	DF 5359
		21.04.42	North Atlantic
			SW 4, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	DF 5533
		04.00	DF 5526
		08.00	DF 5519
		12.00	DF 5455	Day's run:  167.3 nm    Total:  2036.1 nm
		16.00	DF 5472
		20.00	DF 4691
		22.04.42	North Atlantic
			S 4, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	DF 4679
		00.58		Radio Message (Short Signal) on alternate frequency:
				My position is DF 47.    "U-162".
		01.17		Radio Message (Short Signal) on alternate frequency:
				Still have 196 cbm fuel oil.    "U-162".
		02.18		Radio Message position report as above.
		02.58		Radio Message fuel oil report as above.
		03.09		Radio Message position report as above.
		03.28		Radio Message fuel oil report as above.
		04.00	DF 4833
		04.42		Radio Message (Radio Message)  - 0422 -:
				Wattenberg reports position from DF 47.  By this the position report if finally through, on the other hand the fuel report was not received.  Therefore:
		05.27		Radio Message (Short Signal):
				Repeat concerning fuel oil on alternate frequency.
		07.49		Radio Message (Radio Message)  - 0633 -:
				At 05.39 hours on 36 meters from Pillau and Norddeich a garbled Short Signal with signature "U-162" was received.  Station accepts that it is the same signal as at 02.17 hours on 24 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		22.04.42
		08.00	DF 4829	This is not the case, the 02.17 hours was the position report.  Therefore:
		08.42		Radio Message (Short Signal) on Africa Circuit:
				Fuel oil report as above.
				The report was finally understood.  The findings of 12 April with respect to alternate frequency were confirmed again.
		09.43		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0854 -:
				U-162 reports by Short Signal:  Still have 196 cbm fuel oil.  Signal was received with Volume 4-5 on Africa Circuit.
		11.41		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0932 -:
				Attack areas:
				1.)  . . . . . . . .
				2.)  Wattenberg:  Naval square EO and square north therefrom.  Focal point initially under the coast to catch bunker traffic to square 9890 of the square east of naval square EC Bauxite shipping ports are in naval square 4628 and 5938.
				3.)  . . . . . . . .
				Came to southerly course, to get on the Great Circle from Trinidad-Gibraltar as quickly as possible where tanker traffic is expected (the shortest route into the operations area proceeds through an area in which hardly any traffic can be expected).
		12.00	DF 4843	Day's run:  162.5 nm    Total:  2198.6 nm
		16.00	DF 4843
		20.00	DF 7158
		23.04.42	North Atlantic
			S 2, cloudy, Sea 2, Vis. good
		00.00	DF 7437
		04.00	DF 7459
		08.00	DF 7727
		12.00	DF 7757	Day's run:  160.0 nm    Total:  2358.6 nm
		16.00	DF 7778
		20.00	DF 3344
			Situation considerations:
			1.)  Task: in accordance with Radio Message 0932 of 22.4.42.
			2.)  Information from the enemy:
			a) From 1 April entrances to the Gulf of Paria (Trinidad) were closed.  The controlling entrance is Boca de Navios.  This is only used during the day.  Remaining entrances endangered by mines. b) . . . . . . . . ships heading to Port of Spain from a southeasterly direction proceed at a distance of 15-30 nm north of the 200 meter-line along the Guyana coast, then enter from the north, also to bunker place Port Castries (Santa Lucia).  In the entire area to Antigua medium to strong air surveillance.  Also coastal patrol vessels.  No destroyers up to now. c) No arrivals and departures from important Caribbean harbors except during the day. d) U.S.A. ships have instructions, proceed Aruba, such that the last 50 nm is covered by day.  Due to U-boat situation in the eastern Caribbean Sea do not proceed in the eastern Caribbean Sea but instead on the east side of the island chain close under land.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		23.04.42	e) 140 nm east of the Small Antilles a freighter was sighted zigzagging strongly around course 360°.  Possibly traffic from Trinidad to the U.S.A. runs here. f) In naval square DP 47 and 54 mid April two steamers on a northwesterly course were sunk.  Apparently traffic from South America runs through the area to U.S.A. harbors. g) Port of Spain is an important oil shipment and bunker harbor.  Bridgetown on Barbados is a bunker place.  Georgetown and Paramaribo are Bauxite shipping harbors.
			3.)  Other givens:
			a) Nature of the coast:   Nautical Handbook cautioned against proceeding in the coastal area between Orinoco and Essequibo Estuaries due to unreliable surveying, constant change of water depths and coastal shapes. The 200-meter line runs free of all dangers.  Demarara and Suriname have offshore mud banks with shallow water far to sea (3-5 meters).  The 20-meter line (torpedo use) runs about 20-25 nm from the coast.  Navigation marks, landmarks and lighthouses are only in limited numbers and only to navigate in the estuaries.  No radio beacons. b) Weather:   Area is dominated by northeast Trade Winds. c) Currents:   The mighty Equatorial Current flows at a distance of 30-240 nm from the coast, whose greatest strength is in the vicinity of the 200-meter line with a day's run of up to 90 nm.  Within 20-30 nm of land at times the current should set in a southeasterly direction.
			4.)  Conclusions from 2.) and 3.):
			a) Important enemy sea lanes run through the operations area:   From Trinidad and eastern Caribbean Sea for Gibraltar, Freetown South Africa and South America.   From South America via Barbados or Trinidad (bunker places) to U.S.A. harbors.   From Guyana coast Bauxite traffic to U.S.A. harbors.   From South America directly to U.S.A. harbors.   In any case concentration of traffic is expected in EE 70 and EO 10.  Coastal traffic is expected in the vicinity of the 200-meter line. b) According to instructions in accordance with 2.) c) and d) only by day from Port of Spain.  Departing and incoming traffic is expected to be within a radius of about 100 nm from 11°N and 61°W.   It would be impractical, especially during the new moon period, to operate in this nighttime segment, because the eye misses too much traffic - despite the stronger concentration - (smoke clouds, mastheads)   Unlike Port of Spain, the Bauxite harbors Georgetown and Paramaribo are directly in the operations area.  Therefore with them, an operation directly off the mouths of the corresponding estuaries is an option in order to catch the traffic at its strongest concentration.  However, it should be remembered that incoming steamers cannot be sunk because of the shallow water depth
			5.)  Intentions:
			After reaching the Great Circle from Trinidad-Gibraltar (see decision of 22 April), continue transit in the direction of Trinidad. Turn to the south about at the longitude of Georgetown, initially operate off the Guyana coast as ordered.  What's next depends on the situation found there.

Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42

	- 7 -
		24.04.42	Central Atlantic
			SSE 4, clear-cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. excellent
		00.00	DQ 3532
		04.00	DQ 3536
		08.00	DQ 3831
		12.00	DQ 3851	Day's run:  161.5 nm    Total:  2520.1 nm
		16.00	DQ 3872
		20.00	DQ 6217
		25.04.42	Central Atlantic
			S 4, cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. good
		00.00	DQ 6194
		04.00	DQ 6429
		08.00	DQ 6457
		12.00	DQ 6712	Day's run:  160.0 nm    Total:  2680.1 nm
		16.00	DQ 5969	Course change to the SW, so that the Great Circle Barbados - Trinidad - Gibraltar is crossed a sharp angle.
		20.00	DQ 8332
		26.04.42	Central Atlantic
			SE 2, clear, Sea 1, Vis, very good
		00.00	DQ 8352
		04.00	DQ 8293
		08.00	DQ 8522
		12.00	DQ 8542	Day's run:  161.5 nm    Total:  2841.61 nm
		16.00	DQ 8492	Carried out day and night artillery shooting at two set out egg crates (night with smoke source).  Was good training.
		20.00	DQ 8487
		27.04.42	Central Atlantic
			SSE 3, clear, Sea 2, Vis. very good
		00.00	DQ 7966
		04.00	EF 1321
		08.00	EF 1266
		12.00	EF 1283	Day's run:  177.0 nm    Total:  3018.6 nm
		16.00	EF 1274
		20.00	EF 1434
		28.04.42	Central Atlantic
			SSE 2-3, clear, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		00.00	EF 1445	Arrived in the operations area.
		04.00	EE 3699
		08.00	EE 3951

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		28.04.42
		12.00	EE 3859	Day's run:  169.5 nm    Total:  3188.1 nm
		16.00	EE 6221
		20.00	EE 6217
		29.04.42	Central Atlantic
			SE 4-5, overcast, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium
		00.00	EE 6217
		04.00	EE 6186
		08.00	EE 6175
		12.00	EE 5663	Day's run:  178.0 nm    Total:  3366.1 nm
		16.00	EE 5695
		20.00	EE 5928
		21.57	EE 5986	Mastheads bearing 75°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  A tanker zigzagging around course 245°.
		30.04.42	Central Atlantic
			ENE 5-6, overcast, Sea 4, Vis. medium, full moon
		00.00	EE 8226
		01.36		Ran in for surface attack.  At 600 meters target angle 90° bow shot.  Surface runner.  Immediately a second bow shot.  Both hit, center and 40 meters aft.  Tanker stopped.  Remained lying with a list.  No transmitting observed.  Crew got into the boats.  Tanker had three cannons at the stern, of these two were on the sides and one elevated in the center.  Name painted over.  From statement of the Captain it was the "ATHEL EMPRESS" 8941 GRT.  Appearance matches the illustration in "Merchant Ships".
		01.52	EE 8226
		04.00	EE 8226	Tanker does not change its position.  Therefore sank with 14 shots from the 10.5 cm.
		05.12
				Apparently it was in transit from Gibraltar to Trinidad set off a bit south of the Great Circle.
		08.00	EE 8228
		12.00	EE 8257	Day's run:  134.7 nm    Total:  3500.8 nm
		16.00	EE 8513
		20.00	EE 8543
		01.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, cloudy-clear, Sea 4, Vis. very good
		00.00	EE 8572
		04.00	EE 8819
		08.00	EE 8844
		12.00	EE 8887	Day's run:  134.7 nm    Total:  3635.5 nm
		16.00	EO 2139

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		01.05.42
		18.17	EO 2166	Faint smoke cloud bearing 132°T.  A little later mastheads of a steamer in target angle 0°.  Observed from ahead for 3/4 hours.  Course 332° therefore for Barbados.  No zigzags.  Speed 9 knots.
		19.00		Dived to attack submerged.
		20.00	EO 2120
		20.46	EO 2121	In shooting position.  Steamer has a stern cannon, additionally gray-green camouflage and no flag, therefore enemy.  From 600 meters at target angle 70° a single shot.   Hit aft 20 meters.  Steamer stopped, crew went to the boats immediately.  Ship settled astern a little deeper.  Surfaced at 2000 meters range and fired a few shots at the deck.  Nothing happens. Four boats are in the water, therefore hardly anyone aboard.  In close on the bow and stern small name "PARNAHYBA" and home port "Rio" distinguished.  6692 GRT, Brazilian, constructed in Flensburg.  There is still no doubt about enemy character.  No transmission observed.  Because the steamer was not sinking, fired 56 shots 10.5 cm and caused it to sink.  Over deck cargo consisted of lubricating oil and guts.
		23.27		In accordance with War Order 125, Paragraph 2 the following Radio Message (Radio Message) 0015:
				Sank 1 May 20.46 EO 2121 "PARNAHYBA" armed, gray-green camouflage, no flag.  Course 332°, no zigzags.  After torpedoing name and home port determined otherwise no neutrality markings.  Last day of April EE 8226 "ATHEL EMPRESS".  Course 245°.    Wattenberg.
				As welcome loot and happy omen, two black pigs were taken out of the water and immediately slaughtered.  In addition a fat turkey.
		02.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear, Sea 2-3, Vis. good
		00.00	EO 2122
		04.00	EO 2152
		08.00	EO 2157
		12.00	EO 2187	Day's run:  84.7 nm    Total:  3720.2 nm
		16.00	EO 2129
		20.00	EO 2494
		03.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	EO 2494	Day's run:  122.9 nm    Total:  3843.1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		03.05.42
		04.00	EO 2734
		08.00	EO 2768
		12.00	EO 5132
		13.45		Small sailing vessel bearing 182°T on southwesterly course.  Avoided.
		16.00	EO 5137
		20.00	EO 5191
		04.05.42	Central Atlantic	Headed for the Demerara estuary (Georgetown), to explore the situation there.
			NE 3, lightly cloudy, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		00.00	EO 5147  34 meters water
		04.00	EO 4397  12 meters water	Shadow abeam to port.  Took ahead.  A further shadow close by.  Range about 2 nm.  With E-motors and secured ventilators - because I am to windward - continued silently.
		04.30	10 meters water	Came about, because it was two very small vessels apparently at anchor on the bar, not valuable enough for weapons use and giving up the element of surprise.  No lighthouse distinguished.
		05.25		A very strong searchlight illuminates on land from the direction of Georgetown.  Makes circles of 360° over the horizon.  Possibly a special navigation measure.
		07.27	EO 4383  22 meters water	Shadow ahead bearing 10°T.  Despite overcast sky bright moonlit night.  Observation showed that apparently it was an inbound steamer on a southerly course at very low speed
		08.00	EO 4382
		08.28		Dived for submerged attack.  From 280 meters range and target angle 74° fired a bow shot.  No hit.  Torpedo was heard for 2 minutes.  Probably understeered due to too short range, because shooting data was exact.
				Thereafter took position submerged at high speed and made a new attack from target angle 90° and 380 meters.  Hit aft 20 meters.  Stern of the steamer settled to the lower edge of the smokestack.  Bow still floated.  Surfaced.  Name not determined because only wreckage without crew was in sight.  Estimated size from beam and length (4 cargo hatch ship) 3000 GRT.  Transmitting not observed on the rod antenna.
		09.48		Moved off when the bow was underwater up to half the height of the forward mast and the smokestack could no longer be seen, thus sinking and total loss was certain, because the boat was in shallow water in the immediate vicinity of the Demerara estuary
		12.00	EO 4368	Day's run:  135.0 nm    Total:  3978.0 nm
				Proceeded to the north on the opposite course of the steamer.  Perhaps something else will come in.
		16.00	EO 4335
		17.48	EO 1999	Sailing vessel in sight bearing 350°T.  Course south.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		04.05.42		Dived to observe.  Three-masted gaff-rigged schooner without nationality markings.  In the shrouds a yellow flag with the number 19.  Surfaced at a distance.  Forced to heave to with a few shots across the bow.  Went nearby, on the stern "FLORENCE M. DOUGLAS" from Demerara, therefore enemy.  Crew ordered to abandon the ship.
		19.35	EO 1999  52 meters water	Afterwards sank the sailing vessel with 18 shots 10.5 cm.  Length 50 meters.  Size estimated at about 200 GRT.
				Again a black pig comes aboard.  It is too small to slaughter and and will now eat our scraps.  Name "Douglas".
		20.00	EO 1996
		20.20	EO 1996	Crash dive for aircraft, which came in sight bearing 70°T at target angle 0°.  Boat remained unseen, "Douglas" did not break his bones during the Crash dive but squeaked in the control room and is now hopefully our lucky pig.
		05.05.42	Central Atlantic
			Guyana coast
			NE 4-5, cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. good
		00.00	EO 1969	Cruised in long legs around the 200-meter line, to search for suspected bunker traffic there.
		04.00	EO 5122
		08.00	EO 5134
		12.00	EO 5143	Day's run:  96.0 nm    Total:  4216.6 nm
		15.08	EO 5117	Sailing vessel with 2 masts bearing 90°T, course north.  Avoided.  Are the sighted sailing vessels patrol vessels?  Clues are the suspicious course and the yellow flag with the number 19.  By the report of the Funkmaat of the watch, the sailing vessel "DOUGLAS: when stopped transmitted "dss" or "sss", further traffic was interfered with by other stations.  The sudden appearance of an aircraft after the stopping could confirm the suspicion.
		16.00	EO 5138
		20.00	EO 2875
		22.59		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 1008 -:
				To Piening, Hartenstein . . . . .
				1.)  Attack areas:  Piening, Hartenstein sea area in a circumference of 300 nm around ED 99 . . . . .
				2.)  . . . . .
				By this two other boats will be in my operations area.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42

	- 12 -
		06.05.42	Central Atlantic
			Guyana coast
			E 3, clear, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	EO 2846
		04.00	EO 2867	No observations.  Current of up to 4 knots.
		08.00	EO 5314
		12.00	EO 5345	Day's run:  142.5 nm    Total:  4216.6 nm  [math error 4359.1]
		16.00	EO 5375	Continued cruising around the 200-meter line.  At darkness intend to explore Essequibo Estuary [actually the Suriname Estuary] (Paramaribo)
		20.00	EO 5374
		07.05.42	Central Atlantic
			Guyana coast	After the evening navigation fix advanced against the Suriname Estuary. Sounded with a 9-meter hand lead line because the Atlas-Echolot was also out of service on this patrol.  The necessity of a reliable working sounder for patrols in coastal areas and return in the Atlantic bases need not be emphasized.  Since other boats have reported multiple sounder failures, there seems to be a fundamental reliability issue.
			NE 2, clear, Sea 2, Vis. very good, last quarter [moon]
		00.00	EO 5665
		03.00	EO 5698	Came about.  Nothing observed.  Beacons are apparently extinguished.  No lightship.
		04.00	EO 5695
		05.47	EO 5668	Shadow with a strong smoke cloud bearing 165°T.  Course - initially difficult to distinguish due to the smoke obscuration.  Course 305° for Trinidad.  Maneuvered ahead.
		07.48		Dived for submerged attack, because of the bright moonlit night.  Enemy does not zigzag.  Stern torpedo fired from target angle 90° and range = 500 meters (unfortunately considerably over estimated).  After 10.4 seconds running time a bright yellowish light on the ship's side with the directly following typical impact knock.  Hit center however below the safety range (180 meters), therefore no destructive effect on the target.  On the steamer lights go on in different places, I have the impression that that the boats were being lowered to the water.  Therefore did not immediately shoot a second torpedo.  Also the shot would have been taken from a broad target angle
		08.04
		08.00	EO 5659
		08.30	EO 5656	Initiated a submerged bow attack.  Due to speed over estimation miss from target angle 70°.  Shortly after a third shot.  Hit center.  High explosion column.  Steamer broke in the middle and sank after 7 minutes.  From statement of the Captain it was the steamer "RUNCIMAN" 7000 GRT with Bauxite for Trinidad.  Not noted in Lloyd's Register.  Possibly renamed.
		08.33
		12.00	EO 5378	Day's run:  152.3 nm    Total:  4369.1 nm
		12.19		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 1005 -:
				1.) Sank: just now "RUNCIMAN" EO 5668 with Bauxite for Trinidad. Home Port Boston.  By statement of the Captain 7000 GRT.  Further 4 May EO 4391 freighter 3000 GRT and 1999 three-masted schooner "FLORENCE M. DOUGLAS, Demerara".

	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		07.05.42
				2.)  Situation:  Bunker traffic not seen either off the Guyana coast nor on the 200-meter line.  Bauxite harbor arrival and departure apparently at night.  Beacons extinguished.  5 May once air 1999.  Sea surveillance by sailing vessels suspected.  Trade Wind weather.
				3.)  Intentions:  After downloading and over deck repairs shift focal point in the eastern part of square EE 77 where strong concentration including bunker and bauxite traffic is expected.  Still 15 torpedoes, 156 cbm.  All naval squares.
				Wattenberg.
		16.00	EO 5344
		20.00	EO 5233
		08.05.42	Central Atlantic
			Guyana coast
			NE 2, clear, Sea 1, Vis. very good
		00.00	EO 2874	Over night 4 over deck torpedoes were taken below deck.  Additionally over deck work to correct an oil trace.
		04.00	EO 3878
		08.00	EO 2798
		12.00	EO 2787	Day's run:  110 nm    Total:  4479.1 nm
		15.50	EO 5112	Steamer bearing 155°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Course 305°, no zigzags.  Dived for submerged attack.  In shooting position  - ready for stern shot from 400 meters the enemy character of the ship was not clearly recognized.  No zigzags, no cannon, no camouflage however also nowhere the expected neutrality markings. On the stern an un-distinguishable flag.  On the bow in script "LOUIS" before it another word beginning with "M".  On a black smokestack a large white "V".
				Therefore hung on to examine by night.
				Examination during the day showed that it by its appearance (bridge on the forecastle, smokestack aft) it could only be the Canadian ship "MONT LOUIS" 1905 GRT from Montreal (typical lake steamer)
		16.00	EO 2777
		20.00	EO 4333
		22.56	EO 5112	Crash dive for aircraft, that came from the direction of Georgetown.  A degree of air surveillance seems to be established.
		09.05.42	Central Atlantic
			Guyana coast
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		00.00	EO 1983	Steamer sets no lights.  Therefore enemy character is unambiguous.
		02.00		Am positioned ahead.  Initiated surface attack, unfortunately from a bit too sharp a target angle, so that abeam distance for a shot from target angle 70° was insufficient.  However shooting data was determined
		02.12	EO 1973

	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		09.05.42		exactly, therefore shot from target angle 45° (bow shot) possible.  Hit aft 20 meters.  Heavy explosion with following dark black cloud development, which immediately enveloped the entire ship's length.  When the boat was clear of the explosion cloud, nothing was seen of the steamer.  Apparently explosive cargo.
		04.00	EO 1944	Intend to move back and forth by day between the 200-meter line and the coast about in EO 1820, because apparently the traffic from the Bauxite harbors and the other coastal places runs to Trinidad there.
		05.30		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0212 -:
				Just now EO 1973 "MONT LOUIS" flew into the air.  Course 305°.    Wattenberg.
		08.00	EO 1832
		12.00	EO 1587	Day's run:  141.5 nm    Total:  4620 nm
		16.28	EO 1828	Crash dive for aircraft. on course for Trinidad or Barbados.  Otherwise no observations.
		20.00	EO 1866
		10.05.42	Central Atlantic
			East coast of Venezuela	On steamer wavelength for a few days at the moment urgent "Important" traffic from the "Navy Commander Bermuda" with Georgetown (Demerara) and Paramaribo was observed.  At the same time, notices went to British shipping (GBMS) in "Area Seven" (apparently area around the NE-coast of South America).
			NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate
				The contents of the notices were encoded.  The information would undoubtedly be valuable to us, but we would hardly be able to observe this long-wave traffic in the homeland. (On GRAF SPEE" we had knowledge of the English warship encoding and so could take advantage of the instructions of the "Senior Naval Officers of Capetown and Freetown" to the merchant ships in their Zones.)
			It can be assumed that at least a warning has been issued to shipping.  In addition, the survivors of the two sunken steamers and the yachtsman have been landed in the mean time.  A notacable lapse in traffic from the bauxite ports - at least for the next few days is possible.  Therefore I intend to shift my focal point from the Guyana coast into square EE 70, to pick up traffic suspected there (see Situation report of 23 April Paragraph 4).  In the bargain exploring Bridgetown occasionally.
		00.00	EO 1944
		04.00	EO 1915
		08.00	EO 1675
		12.00	EO 1645	Day's run:  111 nm    Total:  4731.6 nm
		16.00	EO 1611
		20.00	EO 1265
		11.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear, Sea 3-4, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		11.05.42
		00.00	EO 1338
		04.00	EE 7992
		08.00	EE 7938
		12.00	EE 7652	Day's run:  187 nm    Total:  4918.6 nm
		16.00	EE 7621
		20.00	EE 7378	No observations.
		12.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear, Sea 3, Vis. good
		00.00	EE 7296
		04.00	EE 7267
		08.00	EE 7256
		12.00	EE 7281	Day's run:  83.2 nm    Total:  5001.8 nm
		13.28	EE 7278	Mastheads bearing 253°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  A tanker zigzagging around 100°.  Speed 11-12 knots.  Zigzags every 5-10 minutes up to 50° to each side.
		16.00	EE 7281
		16.40	EE 7284	Dived to attack submerged.
				Attack initiated initially on enemy course 75°.  Seemed to proceed wonderfully.  Suddenly zigzagged to that I had to throw the boat around hard for a stern shot.  (I could no longer pass by ahead).  Shortly before the stern shot should be taken from favorable position in target angle 70°, once again a zigzag, so that another throwing around of the boat is necessary.  By the time the periscope  - due to the high speed was retracted a bit too long - came free the tanker already had target angle of about 120°.
		17.49	EE 7247	Two aimed single shots, at the bridge and smokestack were fired, missed, because the target angle was probably not so large.  It would have been more correct to shoot a fan, because the shooting data had become uncertain, or better not to take the shot, because the tanker could be [attacked] with certainty in the dark. However, it is not easy to abandon a somewhat difficult attack that has been successfully started for which you have carefully acquired the data.  Especially since in each case the process of the attack means repeated high fuel consumption.
				Surfaced for a new maneuver ahead.
		20.00	EE 7615
		13.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear, Sea 3-4, Vis. good
		00.00	EE 8454

	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		13.05.42
		02.12		Prepared for surface attack.  Shortly before running in on the hounds curve for a bow attack the steamer turned towards the boat, so that I had to pass before his bow at AK, to still reach shooting position for a stern torpedo. Whether the tanker, which had not zigzagged since the beginning of darkness, noticed the approaching boat and wanted to ram it is uncertain.  When I suddenly emerged on his other side, it was already too late for him to throw the big ship around.
		02.34		Stern shot hit center, which simultaneously caused an oil bunker explosion, so that a 1 minute long high column of fire lit up the night.  The tanker stopped, the crew abandoned ship.
		02.57		Coup de grâce, because the tanker has not changed position for a long time.  From the statement of the Captain it was the "ESSO HOUSTON" 7699 GRT full from Aruba for Montevideo.  Set depth 6 meters resulted in the ship breaking apart.
		04.00	EE 8465
		04.07		Tanker sunk.
		08.00	EE 8415
		07.59		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 04.10 -:
				"ESSO HOUSTON" full from Aruba to Montevideo hunted from EE 7872 to EE 8465 and sunk.    Wattenberg.
				Sighting square given, for Leadership and other boats to have an idea where traffic for South America runs.
		12.00	EE 7385	Day's run:  195.0 nm    Total:  5193.8 nm
		16.00	EE 7381
		20.00	EE 7346
		20.30	EE 7351	Mastheads bearing 285°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Tanker course 65°, apparently from Trinidad to Gibraltar.
		14.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, clear - cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. medium - good
		00.00	EE 7326
		01.27	EE	From target angle 0° prepared to attack submerged.  Enemy does not zigzag, however proceeds darkened, therefore is enemy.
		01.38	EE 7331	Bow shot, target angle 65°, range 500 meters, hit forward 20 meters, except for a 60-meter high normal explosion column no particular effect on the target.  Tanker gave alarm signal with the steamer whistle and manned the stern cannon.  Apparently lay stopped or at low speed on a southeasterly course.  Immediately prepared for a new attack from the east.  Tanker increased speed (white bow wave), so that suddenly at 1000 meters the target angle was already 90°.
		02.02		Bow shot with set speed 7 knots passed by ahead, while the tanker, which apparently saw the bubble track, turned away hard to starboard and

	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		14.05.42
				shot his cannon at us.  Miss probably due to uncertain speed setting and too great range and at the same time the maneuver of the enemy.  It would have been correct  to shoot a fan or start a new attack.  Now the tanker began to run off to the west with constant course and speed changes - therefore return transit.  Transmitting was not observed.  It was also not observed in all previously sunk ships.  It is importany not to perturb the enemy for the next while, so he believes the U-boat is out of torpedoes or has lost contact.  Therefore held contact at the limit of visibility and determined shooting data again.
		04.00	EE 7327
		04.54		Boat is positioned ahead.  Tanker still zigzags, however apparently stopped his speed changes.  Speed about 7 knots.  Prepared for a new surface attack.  Due to the bright starry night I did not come closer than 900 meters.  Therefore a fan, especially since there is no certainty if the enemy changes his speed from time to time.  Hit aft 20 meters. At the target a high explosion column together with a bright red fiery glow, caused by a bunker explosion.  Tanker stopped.  Crew abandoned the ship, however there was always still no indication of sinking.
		05.32
		05.45
		06.54		Therefore coup de grâce on the lying stopped ship.  A new bunker explosion, however again no appreciable change in the floating position.
		07.39	EE 7327	Second coup de grâce fired at the smokestack.  Hit at the forward edge of the smokestack, again causing great flames associated with a voluminous black smoke cloud, afterwards the ship sank in a short time.  From the statement of the Captain tanker "BRITISH COLONY" 6971 GRT from Trinidad for Gibraltar.
		08.00	EE 7327
		09.05		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0838 -:
				Just now EE 7331 "BRITISH COLONY" from Trinidad for Gibraltar, course 65° torpedoed, after further hits sunk in EE 7327.    Wattenberg.
			In the next night I intend to set off a bit to the east to download the last four torpedoes from the over deck and to continue the as yet not completed over deck work.  After that explore the roadstead off Bridgetown.  Further, because the boats of Hartenstein and Piening, whose operations area covers my attack area are in transit, it should be reported to Leadership where I have my focus at the moment.  It is assumed that these boats will then chose their focal point such that the main sea lanes in the area around Trinidad are under control.
		12.00	EE 8117	Day's run:  135.8 nm    Total:  5329.6 nm
		16.00	EE 8114
		20.00	EE 8111

Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42

	- 18 -
		15.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 3, cloudy - clear, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		00.00	EE 4996	Downloaded 4 torpedoes.
		04.00	EE 4992
		06.40		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 2314 - (as continuation of Radio Message 0833):
				2.)  My focal point is EE 70, still 4 torpedoes 125 cbm, situation corresponds to success reports.  Three times air, no sea patrols.    Wattenberg.
		08.00	EE 4983
		12.00	EE 4987	Day's run:  65 nm    Total:  5394.6 nm
		16.00	EE 7318
		20.00	EE 7317
		16.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy - clear, Vis. medium
		00.00	EE 7239
		04.00	EE 7264
		08.00	EE 7259	The Wehrmachtbericht [Armed Forces Report] received tonight, among other things, announced in a special report concerning the U-boat successes the sinking of 21 ships of 113000 GRT.  In this our boat was named as especially successful.  The joy and the pride concerning the announcement, which was shared with our relatives in the homeland, was great.
		12.00	BE 7254	Day's run:  64 nm    Total:  5478.6 nm
		16.00	BE 7257
		16.21		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 1214 -:
				From now weapons use without warning is authorized against all all recognizable armed merchant ships of South American States and Mexico who have broken off relations with us.  That means:  All states with the exception of Argentina and Chile.
				"PARNAHYBA" was No. 1!
		16.44		Radio Message (Radio Message - 1604 -:  To all boats:
				During the following new moon nights try to detect traffic by moving closer to the traffic concentration points and harbors.  Report as soon as there is clarity.
		20.00	EE 7273	The exploration of the roadstead off Bridgetown is intended for tonight. Unfortunately there are no special charts in our outfitting.
		17.05.42	Central Atlantic	A sketch of the Roadstead was prepared according to Chart D 527 (1:1000000), Handbook and Light List which gave a reasonably clear picture of the navigation and the local conditions.
			E 4, clear-cloudy, Sea 3, Vis. good
		00.00	EE 7271

	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		17.05.42
		01.04		Headed for Barbados on a northerly course.
		01.40		Gyro-compass out of service.  Temporarily came to a westerly course.  The deviation check of the magnetic compass showed that carrying out the exploration was not possible this night.  However because by the evening navigation fix the boat is positioned to the south of the island, I initially intend to take the North Star directly ahead and head for the 200-meter line, so that at least the surrounding area is explored tonight.  It is still uncertain whether the sounder will work reliably.  On the island many lights come in sight.  Several white lights - probably fishermen - are distinguished off the coast.
		03.00		The gyro compass is in service again, however still not settled.
		03.55		Reached the 200-meter line and came to a northwesterly course.  The sounder works for the moment.  Distance from the coast is about 2 nm.  The lighthouse at South Point and Needham Point are extinguished.  Over Bridgetown a dull glow is seen as a result of insufficient darkening.  Ran along the 200-meter line, the sounder and compass appear sufficiently reliable.
		04.00	EE 7136
		04.20		2 flashing beacons off Harrison Point on the north side of the island come in sight.  By this the boat is clear of Needham Point and positioned off Carlisile Bay, the roadstead off Bridgetown, about 1 nm from the 20-meter line.  The houses, which fringe the Bay like Bridgetown are apparently badly darkened road traffic lights are seen clearly.  There is no sign of a ship in the Bay.
		05.00		Exploration broken off, because sufficient insight into the situation had been gained and an advance into shallow water in the only 1-1/2 nm wide and 1/2 nm deep bay with the unreliable compass and sounding system and without special charts does not seen advisable.
		06.39		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0538 -:
				To Piening, Hartenstein, Wattenberg, Rosenstiel, Gräf:  immediately report if Special Chart of are ED 66 (Martinique) is on board.
		08.00	EE 7166
		08.01		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0730 -:
				Chart ED 66 not on hand.    Wattenberg.
		08.28		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0800 -:
				EE 7133 main harbor Roadstead empty.  Beacons extinguished.  EE 4790 (Harrison Point) burns as in peacetime.  Special chart outfitting generally insufficient.
				Wattenberg.
				This report seems necessary, so that the chart list is checked and further boats will not depart with inadequate outfitting.

Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		17.05.42		The duplication of foreign charts should not be a problem.  Also desirable is having the Nautical Book 2335 "Ocean Passages of the World" on board, because experience shows independents still proceed in the vicinity of the peacetime routes and they certainly don't use the clear manuals.
		09.22	EE 7166	Shadow in sight bearing 226°T.  Deferred from immediate attack - for which shooting data was still not at hand - because it will be light in 1-1/2 hours and the distance from Barbados is only 20 nm.  From the last tanker (this is also one) we gained experience - he might otherwise succeed in getting timely assistance or get to land safely, in case I do not want to immediately expend all four torpedoes on his account.  Therefore hung on on the dark horizon.  Tanker steered an easterly course, speed 11 knots.
		12.00	EE 7286	Day's run:  135.5 nm    Total:  5614.1 nm
		16.00	EE 7383
		20.00	EE 7364	Boat is positioned ahead.  Enemy general course 85°.
		18.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4-5, clear-cloudy, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium-good
		00.00	EE 7338	Tanker makes evening zigzag to the SE and
		01.50		back to an easterly course about 110°.
		01.56		Prepared to attack on the surface.  Plotted enemy speed 11.5 knots.  Two aimed single shots were fired, one should hit under the bridge, one at the forward edge of the smokestack.
		02.10		1st shot hit aft of the forecastle, 2nd shot bubble track about 10-20 meters aft.  The first torpedo gave a shooting range of 390 meters, the second was fired at a lower range than the first, it must be expected that it understeered the target due to the low range.  Defense was not observed.  The first torpedo detonated with a high, black/gray explosion column.  The forecastle buckled and snapped up, so the ship could no longer proceed in this condition.  The crew abandoned ship, whose floating position did not change.   Therefore, coup de grâce from 800 meters on the stopped ship, which hit in the center triggering a huge fireball with strong smoke development which caused the ship to sink within 10 minutes.
		02.56
		03.02	EE 7338
		04.00	EE 7335	From statement of the Captain:  tanker "BETH" 6852 GRT from Trinidad for Freetown.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		18.05.42		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0426 -:
				"BETH" from Trinidad for Freetown sighted EE 7166.  Sunk in EE 7838.  Still 1 Ato.  Going to EE 30. believe control of the route in EE 30, 60 and 70 and EO 10 by 2-3 boats worthwhile if possible.    Wattenberg.
			Situation Observations: 1.) Task:  Detecting bunker traffic is unsuccessful up to now.  On the other hand, with regard to tanker and Bauxite traffic, valuable insights were gained, and overall, good results were achieved. 2.) Enemy situation:   a) Tanker traffic:  Heavy traffic in all directions.  "BETH" came from "Port of Spain" headed for Barbados on northeasterly course and shortly before dawn was sighted on an easterly course 20 nm south of this island.  Thereafter over 15 hours on general course about 80°.  After twilight passed came to the southeast, then was torpedoed on course 110°.  Course for destination harbor Freetown from the location of the sinking is 95°.     By position, course and speed "ESSO HOUSTON" and "BRITISH COLONY" would also have been 20-30 nm south of Barbados.  Also when one plots "ATHEL EMPRESS" further, one would meet in the same area with minor course and speed changes.   b) Bauxite Harbor traffic:  Probably also heavy.  "RUNCIMAN" with certainty, "MONT LOUIS" and "PARNAHYBA" probably from Paramaribo.  "DOUGLAS" and 3000 GRT freighter for Georgetown.   c) Information from other boats:     Hartenstein operated with good success in EE 60.  Zapp sighted several ships in EE 20 on return transit.  Piening reported, that tankers departed Port of Spain in the morning, course Barbados etc.   d) Defenses:  Light air, no sea. 3.) Own situation:   Still 1 Ato, 67 shots of 10.5 cm, fuel inventory 113 cbm.  Boat and machinery condition, except for banging clutches, strong sounds submerged, light oil trace and the usual Front illnesses is in order.  Crew, apart from several skin diseases, probably due to lack of soap, sound and in good spirits. 4.) Implications from 2. and 3.:   a) Considerations of 23 April regarding the night arc with 100 nm radius around ED 99 were confirmed by observation of the enemy.   b) EE 71 is apparently a concentration point for ships coming from the southwest.  From there radiating for Gibraltar, Freetown and South America.     Although it should not be presumed that the ships are required to proceed through an area that is so limited and therefore at risk, it is conceivable that they would be instructed to go to an easterly direction only after 13°N, which would then unintentionally form such a concentration point.   c) The Guyana coastal traffic runs, as shown by the courses of "RUNCIMAN" and "MOUNT LUOIS", apparently between the coast and the 200-meter line.  It is expected that EO18,

Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		18.05.42
			would be good for detection, because the traffic for both Bauxite harbors meet here and because the lowest distance from the 200-meter line from the widely protruding 10-meter line is here a certain concentration may be expected.   d) Leadership could not derive accurate information for the assessment of the traffic situation from the courses of the tanker "BETH" (neither the course at the moment of the sinking nor the observed general course).  Therefore, in many cases - especially in the vicinity of the traffic hot spots - there is value, if boats also report the location of the sighting if both locations are not very close together.   e) Experience has shown that full tankers cannot be destroyed with one torpedo (except for gasoline tankers which are not expected here), there is the danger, that the next escapes being broken and reaches the nearest harbor.  The use of artillery for the sinking of tankers is, as the experience with the "ATHEL EMPRESS" shows, in some cases a very lengthly and/or possibly dubious venture.     With good prospects of success, even with one torpedo, bauxite traffic could be stalked in EO 18.  However it seems more attractive to operate in EE30 or 60, where maybe a fat South American will bring a Pentecost Sunday roast before the tubes.  There he can also - if necessary - be helped along at great length with artillery if he does not want to go down.  According to Zapp and Hartenstein it the traffic seems to be good.  At the same time, this has the advantage that from there, boats can begin the return transit with so much fuel reserve that delivery to an outgoing boat is possible. 5.) Intentions:   Shift operations area to EE 30, later to EE 60, report to Leadership, that traffic density in the attack area, that control of the route by 2-3 boats - if possible - seems worthwhile.  Intend final situation report first after results in EE 30 and 60, especially since it was reported three days ago corresponding to success reports.
		08.00	EE 5782
		12.00	EE 5819	Day's run:  243.0 nm    Total:  5857.1 nm
		15.51		Sailing vessel bearing 145°T.  Possibly the lifeboat of a sunken steamer.  Avoided.
		16.00	EE 5599
		20.00	EE 5656
		19.05.42	Central Atlantic
			NE 4, cloudy-clear, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	EE 5638
		04.00	EE 6184
		08.00	EE 6152
		12.00	EE 3799	Day's run:  170 nm    Total:  5927.1 nm
		16.00	EE 3881	No observations.
		20.00	EE 3862

	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42

	- 23 -
		20.05.42	Central Atlantic
			ESE 4, cloudy-clear, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	EE 3915
		04.00	EE 3915
		08.00	EE 3687
		12.00		Day's run:  92.0 nm    Total:  6019.1 nm
		16.00	EE 3678
		20.00	EE 3912
		21.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, cloudy-clear, Sea 3, Vis. medium
		00.00	EE 3913
		04.00	EE 3982
		08.00	EE 8361
		12.00	EF 4171	Day's run:  127 nm    Total:  6146.1 nm
		16.00	EF 4182	No observations except for some remnants of sunken ships.
		20.00	EF 4187
		22.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 2, cloudy-clear, Vis. good, Sea 1
		00.00	EE 6623
		04.00	EE 6622
		08.00	EE
		12.00	EE 6385	Day's run:  117 nm    Total:  6263.1 nm
		16.00	EE 6365	No observations.
		20.00	EE 6336
		23.05.42	Central Atlantic	According to the Transocean Press Service the U.S.A. intends to completely stop ship traffic to South America in order to use the resulting tonnage for the supply of war material to England.
			E 3, cloudy-clear, Sea 2, Vis. good
		00.00	EE 6359
			Could this intention already be in progress?  The absence of any traffic in EE 30 and 60 was certainly not expected by me.  I have been in this area 5 days without seeing anything. Therefore I intend to go back to EO 18. To use my last ATO on a steamer of the Guyana coastal traffic.  With the artillery possibly still sink one of the numerous sailing vessels there.
		04.00	EE 6612
		08.00	EE 6562
		12.00	EE 6555	Day's run:  145.0 nm    Total:  6408.1 nm
		16.00	EE 6587
		20.00	EE 6842

	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42

	- 24 -
		24.05.42	Central Atlantic	Pentecost Sunday
			E 5, Vis. very good, cloudy-clear, Sea 4
		00.00	EE 6796
		00.03	EE 6796	Report to the Kommandant:  Pentecost Sunday roast bearing 183°T.  For that still an easterly course and again a tanker.  Great joy in the boat.  Because the moon, in the first quarter, sets at 06.45 hours, once it can first be consumed at 08.00 hours.  Maneuvered ahead on an easterly course.
			Vis. greatly changing, bright moonlit night with individual, fast-moving Cumulus clouds
		04.00	EE 9232
		04.06		Am positioned ahead.  Enemy observation is difficult, because as soon as you recognize him clearly, he soon appears blurry or is obscured completely.
		06.45	Moonset, freshening wind	Still half an hour to observe at close range.  7- hours plotting shows zigzags around general course 100°, speed 11 knots.
		07.12		On enemy course 95° prepared to attack on the surface. Due to freshening wind and increasing Sea State, access to the over deck and successful artillery operation can no longer take place.  Unfortunately, I must refrain from the intended combined torpedo-artillery attack and therefore decided on a pure bow shot, as an aimed single shot from close enough range to hit the engine room and at least cause the crew to abandon ship, because from previous experience a sinking can hardly be expected after a single torpedo hit. Afterwards in a favorable position to sea to try and sink it with the remaining 67 shots of 10.5 cm ammunition.
		07.28	EE 9233	Bow shot from 675 meters range, target angle 75° and set enemy speed 10.5 knots.  Went past a few meters ahead of the bow.  Aim point was adjusted to the aftermast (due to reduced Ato speed below 1000 meters), the torpedo had to have hit given an estimated tanker length of 120 meters (type: BRITISH STRENGTH).  Immediately before the shot I had the impression that the enemy ran at a lower speed.  Nevertheless, with the intention of hitting the engine room at all costs and not passing by aft, after 7 hours of observation I could not bring myself to arbitrarily set a lower speed, even if the enemy reduced speed by 3 knots, the torpedo still had to hit this distance.  The so surely believed Pentecost Sunday roast, which would have brought the boat to a total success of over 56,000 GRT, now became the disappointment of the whole patrol.  [Handritten: Rumgehänge zum Frühlingsfest. Meaning: A sour mood at the Spring Festival - the crew was depressed despite the successful patrol]
		08.00	EE 6933	Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0728 -:
		08.39		Unexplained miss on tanker, out of torpedoes.  Holding contact.  EE 9233 course 100°, speed 8 knots.  Still 95 cbm.       Wattenberg.

Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		24.05.42		While hanging on, determined that the enemy did not run at 10.5 knots but instead only 8 knots.  From shot evaluation with enemy speed of 6 knots the torpedo would pass by about 8 meters ahead.  This passage was observed.  It must be accepted, that for no apparent reason, at the moment of the attack, the tanker slowed down significantly if indeed he had not stopped for a moment.  A defensive maneuver was not observed, so it is unlikely that he noticed the bubble track.
		10.21		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 1000 -:
				Wattenberg.
				There are no other boats in the vicinity.
			Given the prevailing weather conditions, the moonlit nights brightening by the day and experiences in the use of artillery, I believe that a surprise approach of the boat to close range with immediate, destructive effect at the target is not possible because the ammunition still available is insufficient to sink a full tanker.  Therefore I decided against further pursuit of the ship and began the return transit.
		12.00	EE 6977	Day's run:  167.7 nm    Total:  6575.8 nm
		16.00	EE 6949
		20.00	EE 6932
		25.05.42	Central Atlantic
			NE 6, overcast, Sea 5, Vis. medium
		00.00	EF 4443
		04.00	EF 4432
		08.00	EF 4257
		12.00	EF 4237	Day's run:  168 nm    Total:  6748.8 nm
				Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0300 -:
				1.)  Situation:  EE 30 and 60 5 days no further traffic.  EE 7160 apparently a focal point, ships coming from the SW reach there at dawn.  From there radiate to CG 96, ET 38, and the southeast.  Ships probably arrive at dusk in about the same area.  Otto 18 seems favorable for catching Guyana coastal traffic.
				2.)  Return transit.  Strong Trade Winds.  EF 44.  All naval squares.    Wattenberg.
		16.00	EF 1975
		20.00	EF 1937
		26.05.42	Central Atlantic
			NE 6, overcast, Sea 6, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		26.05.42
		00.00	EF 2472
		04.00	EF 2453
		08.00	EF 2277
		12.00	EF 2256	Day's run:  218 nm    Total:  6961.8 nm
		16.00	EF 2311
		20.00	DQ 8958
		27.05.42	Central Atlantic
			NE 5, cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. good
		00.00	DQ 8951
		04.00	DQ 8688
		08.00	DQ 9446
		12.00	DQ 9432	Day's run:  172 nm    Total:  7133.8 nm
		16.00	DQ 9246
		20.00	DQ 9228
		28.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 4, cloudy-clear, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	DQ 6977
		04.00	DQ 6962
		08.00	DR 4712
		12.00	DR 4453	Day's run:  207 nm    Total:  7340.8 nm
		16.00	DR 4244
		20.00	DR 4237
		29.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 3-4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. very good
		00.00	DR 1957
		04.00	DR 2712
		08.00	DR 2466
		12.00	DR 2533	Day's run:  258 nm    Total:  7598.8 nm
		15.39	DR	Radio Message (Radio Message) - To Wattenberg.
				Report position by Short Signal.
		16.00	DR 2345
		20.00	DR 2333
		30.05.42	Central Atlantic
			E 1, clear-cloudy, Sea 1, Vis. very good
		00.00	DF 8967
		02.11	DF 9713	Radio Message (Short Signal):  My position is DF 89.
		04.00	DF 9482
		08.00	DF 9482
		12.00	DF 9517	Day's run:  239.5 nm    Total:  7838.3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		30.05.42
		16.00	DF 9289
		20.00	DF 9342
		31.05.42	Central Atlantic
			S 1, clear-cloudy, Sea 0, Vis. very good
		00.00	DF 6997
		04.00	DG 4743
		08.00	DG 4493
		12.00	DG 4519	Day's run:  260 nm    Total:  8098.3 nm
		16.00	DG 4295
		20.00	DG 4324
		01.06.42	North Atlantic
			S 2, clear-cloudy, Sea 1, Vis. excellent
		00.00	DG 1995
		04.00	DG 2751
		08.00	DG 2499
		12.00	DG 2552	Day's run:  242 nm    Total:  8346.3 nm
		16.00	DG 2377
		20.00	DG 2353
		02.06.42	North Atlantic
			SW 2, cloudy, Sea 1-2, Vis. excellent
		00.00	DG 2333
		04.00	CF 9865  [typo CE 9865]
		08.00	CF 9688  [typo CE 9688]
		12.00	CF 9666  [typo CE 9666]	Day's run:  258 nm    Total:  8604.3 nm
		16.00	CF 7297
		20.00	CF 7372
		03.06.42	North Atlantic
			NW 5, cloudy, Sea 4-5, Vis. good
		00.00	CF 7356
		04.00	CF 5768
		08.00	CF 5823
		12.00	CF 5646	Day's run:  291 nm    Total:  8895.3 nm
		16.00	CF 5632
		20.00	CF 6172
		04.06.42	North Atlantic
			N 3, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. low-medium

	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		04.06.42
		00.00	CF 6217
		04.00	CF 6231
		08.00	CF 3955
		12.00	CG 1711	Day's run:  238 nm    Total:  9133.3 nm
		16.00	CG 1545
		20.00	CG 1535
		05.06.42	North Atlantic
			NE 1, overcast, fog, Sea 0-1, Vis. low
		00.00	CG 1313
		04.00	BF 7788
		08.00	BF 7xxx
		12.00	BF 7898	Day's run:  194.5 nm  15 nm  Total:  9342.8 nm
		16.00	BF 7895
		20.00	BF 7863	Several fishing trawlers, nothing suspicious.
		06.06.42	Bay of Biscay
			E 1, clear, misty, Sea 1, Vis. medium
		00.00	BF 7943
		02.18		Radio Message (Short Signal):  Position 05.30 hours 48 hours off return harbor.
		02.19		Radio Message (Short Signal weather report):  44°N, 8°W, steady, 1016 mb, +18°C, wind calm, fog, Vis. up to 1/2 nm, no Swell.    "U-162".
		04.00	BF 7932
		08.00	BF 8451
		12.00	BF 8428	Day's run:  138 nm    Total:  9480.6 nm
		16.00	BF 8189
		20.00	BF 9192
		07.06.42	Bay of Biscay
			N 4-5, freshening, Sea 4-5, clear, misty, Vis. medium
		00.00	BF 8241	No Very Long Wavelength submerged.  Entry route unknown.
		01.30	BF 8295	Dived for aircraft, the boat must have been seen from marine phosphorescence and was search for with a searchlight just behind the diving location.  Moved off about 20 nm to the east.
		03.30		New aircraft searchlight close behind the boat (about 1000 meters) however dove unseen.  Danger of surprise by air even during a dark night cannot be under-estimated.
		04.00	BF 8231

	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		07.06.42
		06.52		Radio Message (Radio Message) - 0603 -:
				Missing Serial Nos. for Wattenberg settled, except for 81.  Contents is:  To Wattenberg.  Go to Lorient via Bogenlampe.  "U-105", "U-505" depart Lorient 7 June evening via Bogenlampe.  Two boats depart Lorient 6 June via Bogenlampe.
		08.00	BF 5769
		12.00	BF 5763	Day's run:  71 nm, 46 nm     Total:  9597.8 nm
		16.00	BF 5812
		20.00	BF 5573
		08.06.42	French west coast on ordered entry route
			N 5, clear, Sea 3-4, Vis. good
		00.00	BF 5546
		08.10		Arrived in Lorient with mine and anti-aircraft escort.
				Day's run:  43.5 nm, 16 nm     Total:  9657.3 nm
				Fregattenkapitän and Kmdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42

 

	Enclosures to U-162's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 162" from 19.3.42 - 8.6.42.
	A well and deliberately carried out patrol.  The Kommandant has numerous success opportunities, used them well and realized a beautiful success.  Very good shooting performance.
		Signed in draft:  D  ö n  i  t  z
		For correctness:
		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

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