U-188 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	4 March 1943	Lorient	4 May 1943	62

 

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
11 Apr 43	05.49	52°27'N, 40°25'W	HMS BEVERLEY (H 64)	1,190	British	ON-176
			Total = 1,190
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
			"  U  188  "
				Kommandant:  Oblt.z.See    L  ü  d  d  e  n
				Beginning:                5 August 42
				Concluding:              4 May    43
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

		05.08.42	B  r  e  m  e  n	Commissioning at the Deutschen Maschinenbaum A.G.
		06. - 07.08.42	B  r  e  m  e  n	Outfitting.
		08. - 09.08.42	B  r  e  m  e  n	Transit to Kiel.
		10. - 26.08.42	K  i  e  l	U.A.K. testing.
		27. - 28.08.42	K  i  e  l	Transit to Danzig.
		29.08. - 06.09.42	D  a  n  z  i  g	U.A.G. I testing.
		07. - 11.09.42	Gotenhafen	Testing torpedo weapons at T.E.K.
		12. - 28.09.42		Agru-Front.
		29.09. - 11.12.42	Königsberg	Starboard diesel replaced at the Schichau-Werft.
		12. - 18.12.42		Agru-Front.
		19.12. - 02.01.43	D  a  n  z  i  g	Torpedo shooting with the 25. U.-Flottille.
		03.01. - 16.01.43	Gotenhafen	Tactical training with the 27. U.-Flottille.
		17.01.43	Gotenhafen	Transit to Rönne.
		18. - 19.01.43	Rönne	Sound trials in Rönne.
		19. - 20.01.43	Rönne	Transit to Kiel.
		21.01.43	K  i  e  l	Sound trials on the Obereider.
		22.01.43		Vibration measurements by the N.A.G.
		23.01. - 24.02.43	K  i  e  l	Final adjustments at the Deutsche Werke.
		25.02.43		Sound trials.
		26.02. - 01.03.43		Outfitting for the Front.
		02. - 03.03.43		Vibration measurements and final outfitting.
				Boat ready for patrol.
				Oberleutnant z. See and
				Kommandant

 

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h                               -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-                                                       of                                   Unterseebootes  "U  1  8  8  ".                                -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Kommandant        :	Kapitänleutnant    L  ü  d  d  e  n  .
			Beginning              :	4 March 1943.
			Concluding            :	4 May 1943.
			- . - . - . - . - . -
			Distribution            :     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 O.K.M. 2, Abt. Skl./B.d.U.-Op.     "      " 3 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West     "      " 5 10. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 6 27. Ufl. for 2. U.L.D. and 25. U.-Flottille     "      " 7 F.d.U. Ausbildung for Agru-Front (Kptlt. Jebsen)     "      " 8 1. U.L.D., 24. and 26. U.-Flottille
			Enclosures            :     1, 3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Track chart and Sketches To     "      " 3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log   "     "      " 3, 4, 5, 6. 2 Torpedo firing reports   "     "      "

	- 1 -
		04.03.43	Kiel
		08.00		Departed.
		12.45		Taken in convoy.
		05. - 07.03.43		Proceeded in convoy in accordance with Outbound Orders.
		07.03.43	Northern North Sea
		19.27		Released from convoy.
		20.00	W 2, Sea 1, 2/10
		08.03.43	Northern North Sea
		04.00	SSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty
		06.15		Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  Deep dive test to depth A +40 meters.  Leaks corrected.
		12.00	60°15'N	Day's run Surfaced:        149 nm
			3°34'E	"      Submerged:    17.6 nm
		19.08		Surfaced.
		21.16		Incoming Radio Message 2030/8/35:
				Contents:  . . . . tomorrow at 08.00 hours Lüdden switch to Ireland Circuit.
		09.03.43	Northern Sea
		05.00		Occupied Ireland Circuit on the receiving side.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 2 -
		09.03.43
		06.18		Crash dive for training.
		08.00	AF 8472
		12.00	AF 8448	Day's run Surfaced:        90.8 nm
			62°09'N	"      Submerged:    33.6 nm
			3°07'E
		16.00	AF 8442
		19.03		Surfaced.  Switched to Ireland Circuit.
		20.00	AF 8414
			S 7, Sea 6, overcast, light rain
		10.03.43	Northern North Sea
		00.00	AF 8144
		04.00	AF 7333
		06.18		Crash dive for training.  Fu.M.B. cable jammed in the conning tower hatch.
		08.00	AF 4969
		12.00	AF 4962	Day's run Surfaced:        86.6 nm
			64°03'N	"      Submerged:    27.5 nm
			2°38'E
		12.08		Three far off detonations.
		16.00	AF 4962
		19.00		Surfaced.  Fu.M.B. cable nicked in 3 places.
		20.00	AF 4929
			WNW 8-9, Sea 7, half overcast, clear
		11.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4924
		04.00	AF 4912	Against the sea we hardly get anywhere.  I decide to proceed submerged.
			WNW 9, Sea 7-8, overcast, rain showers
		07.06		Crash dive for training.
		08.00	AF 4911
		12.00	AF 4599	Day's run Surfaced:        32.9 nm
			64°33'N	"      Submerged:    23.8 nm
			0°29'E
		16.00	AF 4595
		19.00		Surfaced.
		20.00	AF 4594
		12.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4557
		04.00	AF 4462
		08.00	AF 4425
		12.00	AE 6635	Day's run Surfaced:        125 nm
			65°15'N	"      Submerged:      14 nm
			4°22'W
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, driving snow
		12.20	AE 6635	Drifting mine 200 meters to port.
		16.00	AE 6617
		20.00	AE 6561

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

	- 3 -
		13.03.43	West of Iceland	[Actually east of Iceland]
		00.00	AE 6581
		04.00	AE 6574
		08.00	AE 6738
		12.00	AE 6759	Day's run Surfaced:        153.8 nm
			63°58'N	"      Submerged:         0.0 nm
			9°12'W
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, 3/4 overcast, driving snow, foggy
		14.32		Dived to listen.  Metox out of service.  Coupling on the capacitor shaft broken.
		16.00	AK 6784
		19.20		Metox in service again.  Surfaced.
		20.00	AE 6779	Fu.M.B. cross broken.  A new one fashioned from the Kommandanten pennant stock.
		14.03.43	Iceland Passage
		00.00	AE 9114
		04.00	AE 8362
		08.00	AE 8367
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, driving snow, Vis. changing
		11.20	AE 8382	Crash dive!  Destroyer abeam to starboard, came out of a snow band at target angle 0°, range about 5000 meters.  When we were at depth A meters, the first scare depth charges fell.  Soon thereafter we were overrun by the destroyer.
				A series of 8 depth charges fall at medium range.  Boat is at depth A +50 meters.  No damage.  After about 20 depth charges, 10 minutes of calm.
				S-gear and propeller sounds to the NW.  By moving off to the east, later to the south I could improve the distance between us and the destroyer.
		12.00	AE 8382	Day's run Surfaced:        85.5 nm
			62°57'N	"      Submerged:       2.5 nm
			11°54'W
		12.00 - 18.00		Every half hour there fell soon closer, soon further a few depth charges.  S-gear only occasionally, heard faintly.  Destroyer ran a search curve biased to the NW.
		18.00 - 19.00		A few distant depth charges fell, then it was calm.
		20.08		Nothing further heard in the listening gear.  Surfaced.  Destroyer is gone.  Moved off at GF on course 210° for four hours.
			AE 8379
			SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. changing
		23.01		Incoming Radio Message 1915/14/121:  . . . . . . . . 2)  Kummetat, Neide, Trotha, Fiedler, U-663, Lüdden head for AK 83.
		15.03.43	Iceland Passage
		00.00	AE 8593
		04.00	AE 8825

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43

Page 4 is missing

	- 5 -
		18.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2377
		04.00	AL 1496
		08.00	AL 1495
		10.02	AL 1494	Crash dive!  4-engined "Consolidated" astern to starboard 3000 meters away, flew past athwart our course.  Apparently the lookout in the aircraft is as hindered as us, because the bombs expected with certainty did not fall.  Nothing heard in the Fu.M.B.
			NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, haze, Vis. 3000 meters
		10.58		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 1491	Day's run Surfaced:        55.2 nm
			59°23'N	"      Submerged:      2.3 nm
			23°27'W
		15.45	NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 3000 meters	Dived.
		16.00	AL 1481
		16.15		Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 1472
		19.03.43	Southwest of Iceland
		00.00	AL 1369
		00.01		Outgoing Radio message 2225/18/34:
				From 6574 to 8843 no air.  6635 drifting mine.  8367 from destroyer 9-hour depth charge pursuit.  All naval square Anton Emil.
				- Lüdden -
		04.00	AL 1359
		08.00	AL 1346	Because there are still 2 days before occupying my position in the patrol line I will make a brief advance to the south.
		09.56		Dived.
		10.45		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 1379	Day's run Surfaced:        108.3 nm
			59°09'N	"      Submerged:       3.1 nm
			26°00'W
			SE 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. changing 6-12 nm
		16.00	AL 1518
		20.00	AL 1376	Came about and searched the strip we ran over to the north.
		20.03.43	Southwest of Iceland
		00.00	AL 1354
		04.00	AL 1324
		08.00	AL 1185
		10.21		Dived.
		11.09		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 1152	Day's run Surfaced:        123.1 nm
			60°33'N	"      Submerged:       1.9 nm
			25°35'W
			ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, drizzle
		16.00	AL 1151
		19.29		Incoming Radio Message 1814/20/123:
				1)  As new group "Seeteufel" on 22 March at 08.00 hours Trotha, Borm, Lüdden, Neide, Schmid, Kummetat, Fiedler, Freyberg,

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		20.03.43		Continued.
				Brosin, Möglich, Pietzsch, Holtorf be in patrol line from AD 8769 to AK 3867.  Westbound convoy expected morning 22 March.  For all boats circuit from today at 20.00 hours Ireland.  Earlier arriving boats on 21 March remain submerged, in any case unnoticed.  Radio silence . . .
		20.00	AL 1172	Am 80 nm away from my position.  Intend to proceed there during darkness and remain submerged in the morning.
		21.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3291
		04.00	AK 3246	Finally the sea has calmed so the crew can repair the sea damage on the upper deck.  There is a gaping hole in the over deck next to the 3.7 cm.  6 over deck closures are torn away.  The wind deflector on the starboard side is torn away.  Beneath the over deck many covers are torn loose, they caused strong rattling sounds. After 2 hours all is secured or removed.
		08.30	AK 3139
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. 6-8 nm
		09.16		Dived in accordance with Radio Message orders.
		12.00	AK 3138	Day's run Surfaced:        131 nm
			60°39'N	"      Submerged:     5.7 nm
			28°37'E
		12.30		At periscope depth.
		16.00	AK 3139
		17.00		At periscope depth.
		20.00	AK 3138
		22.05		Surfaced.
		22.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AD 8796	At the right moment, after 6 days, again a good navigation fix. Offset 345°T, 25 nm.  Ran to position.
		04.00	AK 3138	Am in position in patrol line back and forth on course 0° and 180°.
		08.00	AK 3162
			ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm
		08.38		Dived to listen.
		09.08		Surfaced.  Came to HF, because visibility is reduced.  If the convoy runs at 270°, 7 knots then it will pass through  between 12.00-14.00 hours.
		12.00	AK 3138	Day's run Surfaced:        78.1 nm
			60°39'N	"      Submerged:     23.1 nm
			28°37'W
		14.15		Dived to listen.
		14.34		Surfaced.
		16.00	AK 3162

	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		22.03.43
		17.08		Dived to listen.
		17.48		Surfaced.
		20.00	AK 3135
		20.27		Dived to listen.  Thick fog, remained below to listen.
		21.15		At periscope depth.  Always thick fog.
		21.42		Surfaced.
		23.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3135
		02.30		Incoming Radio message 2012/22/171:
				Contents:  Group "Seeteufel" today 21.00 hours proceed as reconnaissance line course 250° and 7 knots . . . .  23 March 09.00 hours remain in extended position line from AD 7986 to AK 3955 as patrol line to pick up the expected convoy.
		03.05		Due to receiving the Radio Message late, I must run to the new position at GF.
		04.00	AK 3161
		08.00	AK 2286	In position in patrol line.  Back and forth in position on course 0° and 180°.
		09.14		Visibility goes away again.
				Dived to listen.
		09.37		Surfaced.  Visibility is good again.
		12.00	AK 2421	Day's run Surfaced:        135.4 nm
			59°57'N	"      Submerged:        4.9 nm
			31°10'E
			ESE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm
		16.00	AK 2421
		19.27		Incoming Radio Message 1903/23/187:
				To Group "Seetuefel".  From 21.00 hours in reconnaissance line.  Course 260°, speed 5 knots.
		20.00	AK 2282
		21.00		Came to course 260°, 5 nm.
		21.06		Crash dive!  Aircraft detection 166 cm, horizontally polarized.
		21.37		Surfaced.
		24.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2277
		04.00	AK 2197
		08.00	AK 2321
			ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm
		10.01		Visibility reduced to 800 meters.
				Dived to listen.
		10.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 2312	Day's run Surfaced:        157.3 nm
			59°56'N	"      Submerged:        3.1 nm
			33°26'W
		12.01		Dived to listen.
		12.45		Surfaced.
		13.55		Dived to listen.
		14.31		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		24.03.43
		1x.40		Incoming Radio Message 1446/24/103:
				1)  Group "Seeteufel" in reconnaissance line pass the following positions:  tomorrow 08.00 hours from AK 1177 to 5165 on 26 March 08.00 hours from AD 9771 to AK 4529 .  .  .  .  .  .
		16.00	AK 1434
		17.23	AK 1426	Crash dive!  Detection 122 cm, horizontally polarized.
		18.11		Surfaced.
		18.23	AK 1428	Crash dive!  Detection 112 cm, horizontally polarized.
		19.24		Surfaced.  Fu.M.B. cable after 8 repairs was so greatly shortened that it could only reach by moving the holder.
		20.00	AK 1427	Switched to Hubertus Circuit.
			SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm
		21.06	AK 1443	Crash dive!  Destroyer suddenly comes out of a fog bank about 3000 meters away.  Suspect locating.  With 35° bow down settled through at depth 2A +60 meters.  Boat caught by blowing main ballast tanks 1, 5 and 8 at AK, hard to starboard.  Vented at depth 130 meters.  After continuing to rise for a moment the boat fell through again, can now be held by pumping strongly.  Cause explained.  Order transmission error.
				Despite the short range the destroyer had not seen us.  The destroyer ran on a zigzag course, S-gear, however did not detect us.
		22.56		Sound bearing was fainter in 160°T.
				At periscope depth.
		23.04		Surfaced.
				My intention to report by Short Signal was overtaken by "Borm".
		23.28		Incoming Radio Message 2114/24/861:
				1 destroyer, 1 shadow, course west, AK 1169, strong sound band.  Visibility 3 nm.    - Trotha -
		25.03.43	Southwest of Greenland
		00.00	AK 1445
		00.16		Incoming Radio Message 2353/24/863:
				Pich up to and including Neide operate on Trotha report.
		00.28		Course 297°, GF.
		04.00	AK 1325	Junkers compressor out of service.  After installation of new piston rings ran briefly, then failed again.  New piston ring turned [on the lathe] from the flange of the exhaust heater.
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. changing, rain showers
		04.53		Dived to listen.
		05.07		Surfaced.
		08.00	AD 9483
		10.00	AD 9457	At the plotted meeting point with the Trotha-convoy.  Nothing found.
		10.02		Because visibility was bad, dived to listen.
		10.37		Surfaced.  Now operated on enemy course 260°, 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		25.03.43
		11.20		Incoming Radio Message 0913/25/873:
				To "Seeteufel"  If there is no contact up to 12.00 hours, break off search.  On 26 March at 08.00 hours in old named order including Karpf and Zitzewitz in reconnaissance line from AD 9746 to AK 4634.  With course and speed to pass position line from AJ 2354 to AK 4576 to 27 March 08.00 hours.
		12.00	AD 9475	Day's run Surfaced:        163.7 nm
			60°10'N	"      Submerged:        1.7 nm
			38°46'W	Broke off search.  Ran to position for 26 March, course 194°, one diesel 220 RPM.
		15.24		Incoming Radio Message 1501/25/881:
				Naval square AD 9845 a large vessel, two destroyers, course 230°.    - Borm -
				Am in the vicinity, thick fog.
		15.37		Dived to listen.
		15.50		At periscope depth.  Fog.
		16.00	AD 9796
		16.10		At periscope depth.  Because I am ahead of the formation by plotting, on the surface in fog a search is pointless, I will attempt to gain contact by sound bearings.
		16.40		At periscope depth.  Because nothing is seen and there are still no sound bearings,
		17.25		Surfaced.  Apparently the navigation differences are substantial due to the continual fog.
		20.00	AD 9766
		26.03.43	South of Greenland
		00.00	AD 9796
		04.00	AJ 3235
		08.00	AJ 3261	In position for 26 March.
		11.03		Dived.
		11.31		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 3255	Day's run Surfaced:        103.2 nm
			58°38'N	"      Submerged:        4.7 nm
			40°00'E
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, hail showers	Ran at 2 x HF due to changing visibility
		16.00	AJ 3273
		18.46		Incoming Short Signal:
				Enemy in sight AJ 3581, course 250°.    - Fiedler -
		19.00		Operated on "Fiedler" report, course 190°, GF
		20.00	AJ 3195
		20.37		Fiedler give a new convoy position 3552.  Operated on it on course 157°.  On convoy course 250°, 7 knots I can be at the convoy in AJ 357x at 00.14 hours.
		20.58		Incoming Short Signal:
				Convoy, one enemy aircraft carrier AJ 3553.    - U-663 -

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		26.03.43
		21.25		Incoming Radio Message 1934/26/809:
				1)  Group "Seeteufel" operate on "Fiedler" report . . . . .
		27.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 3571
		00.12		Incoming Radio Message 2337/26/822:
				Broad sound band in the north AJ 3528.    - Fiedler -
		00.14		Am positioned at the plotted meeting point with the convoy.  Nothing seen.
				Ran in 35° legs around convoy course 240° against the convoy.
		03.11	AJ 3552	Because nothing was seen in the ordered objective square, operated on the "Kummetat" sound bearing.
		04.00	AJ 3528
		04.42		Incoming Radio Message 0352/27/826:
				1)  "Seetuefel" operate on SW-courses.
		04.40		Searched on long legs around general course 225°.
		08.00	AJ 3545
			SEbyS 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain shower
		08.45		Dived to listen.
		09.45		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 3468	Day's run Surfaced:        180.3 nm
			57°38'N	"      Submerged:       1.5 nm
			41°00'W
		15.00		Dived to listen.
		15.38		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 3486
		17.34		Incoming Radio Message 1625/27/846:
				1)  Group "Seeteufel" break off operation on SW-bound convoy.
				2)  "Seeteufel" and "Seewolf" from Bahr up to and including Lange operate on eastbound convoy at highest speed, that was reported at 14.56 hours in naval square AJ 3873.
				3)  Suspect NE-course, speed up to 9 knots.
		18.00		Came to course 70°, GF.
		18.50		Incoming Radio Message 1837/27/851:
				"Bahr" reports 18.24 hours convoy naval square AJ 3894 with easterly course, speed 7 knots.
		20.00	AJ 3489	The reports from "Bahr" continue to give convoy course east.  Can be at the convoy at the beginning of morning twilight.
		22.30		Chief Engineer reports that rotary piston of the hydraulic clutch of the starboard diesel is seized.  Because I am 140 nm behind the convoy, I decide to repair immediately, to be ready at the convoy tomorrow.
		22.57		Outgoing Radio Message 2257/27/83:
				Starboard diesel out of service.  Repair duration 12 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		27.03.43		continued:
				Position naval square AJ 3499.  All torpedoes, 151 cbm, WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, 990 mb, Vis. bad.
				- Lüdden -
				Tried diesel-electric to get everything out of the boat so as not to fall astern.
		28.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 3813
		04.00	AJ 3838
		08.00	AJ 3943	The sea has increased so much that work on the diesel is very difficult and was delayed.
		09.30		Dived.
		11.43		Surfaced, to keep up to date with contact keeper reports.
		12.00	AJ 3952	Day's run Surfaced:        162.8 nm
			56°54'N	"      Submerged:        7.0 nm
			38°18'W
		14.25		Dived.
		15.05		Surfaced.
		16.00	AK 3966
		20.00	AK 1949	Once again the Fu.M.B. cable is pinched.
			WSW 10, Sea 9, overcast, Vis. changing
		22.00		Dived.  Diesel repairs.
		29.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 1982
		02.00		Navigation and Radio Messages switched to German Summer Time.
		04.00	AK 1991
		04.30		Surfaced.  Diesel is in service again.  Due to the diesel failure we are so far behind that the convoy is no longer reachable for us.  At 9.5 knot convoy speed I must run for 60 hours to catch up, however then we will be at "Rockall".
		08.00	AK 1993
			WSW 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. changing
		08.30		Outgoing Radio Message 0457/29/194:
				Am ready again.  Position Naval square AK 1958.  Further operation on eastbound convoy is pointless. Request replacement Fu.M.B.  1454 cbm.  Hurricane from WSW, Sea 8, 1/2 overcast, 1002 mb rising, Vis. good.
				- Lüdden -
				Delayed by transmitter failure.
		12.00	AJ 5121	Day's run Surfaced:        100.4 nm
			56°22'N	"      Submerged:      21.5 nm
			34°58'W
		12.52		Incoming Radio Message 1224/29/194:
				As temporary attack area occupy:  Lüdden AJ 58 . . . . .
		13.15		Broke off operation.  Course 254°, 1 diesel LF.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		29.03.43
		16.00	AK 5152
		20.00	AK 5143
		30.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 5144
		04.00	AK 4365
		08.00	AK 4367
			W 8, Sea 7, 3/4 overcast, at times driving snow
		12.00	AK 4358	Day's run Surfaced:        75 nm
			55°50'N	"      Submerged:      0 nm
			36°12'W
		16.00	AK 4357
		20.00	AK 4372
		31.03.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 4371
		04.00	AK 4286
		08.00	AK 4278
		10.09		Dived.  Refilled the batteries with distilled water.
		12.00	AK 4433	Day's run Surfaced:        82.5 nm
			55°27'N	"      Submerged:      4.2 nm
			38°42'W
			NNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-8 nm
		14.48		Surfaced.
		16.00	AK 4431
		20.00	AK 4416
		01.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6638
		04.00	AJ 6652
		08.00	AJ 6644
		12.00	AJ 6567	Day's run Surfaced:        110 nm
			54°57'N	"      Submerged:      5.6 nm
			41°52'E
		12.48		Dived.
		13.15		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 6581
			WSW 3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 12-14 nm
		20.00	AJ 6498
		02.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6722
		04.00	AJ 6714
		08.00	AJ 5929
		12.00	AJ 5927
			W 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43

Page 13 and 14 are missing

	- 15 -
		continued
		07.04.43
		15.17		Surfaced.  Because Rahe already reported the destroyer, no Radio Message used.
				While pursuing in 0°.
		15.45	AJ 5939	Crash dive.  The same destroyer out of a rain band, was unnoticed, continued on by sound.
		16.00		Surfaced.  Pursued.
		16.10	AJ 5939	Crash dive.  The same vessel again.  Destroyer stem, flat superstructure.  Sound bearing changing Volume.  Was finally faint in 20°T.
		17.09		Surfaced.  Course 20°, GF.
		17.25		Outgoing Radio Message 1640/7/898
				16.12 hours naval square AJ 5939 forced to submerge by destroyer. Vis. 2 nm.
				- Lüdden -
		17.48	AJ 5939	Crash dive.  A U-boat hunter type 451 came out of a rain band, course 180° at sharp target angle.  Proceeded on a search curve without detecting us.  After two hours ran off in 50°.
		20.00	AJ 6717
		20.10		Surfaced.  Visibility is better.  6-8 nm
		20.30		Outgoing Radio Message 2003/7/801
				Naval square 5939 within 4 hours 4 times forced to submerge 4 times by U-boat hunter type P.C. 451.  Latest ran off in 50°.                                          - Lüdden -
		23.00		Dived to listen.
		23.40		Surfaced.  Because after 3-hour search listening brought no results, broke off the search.
		08.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6713
		00.17		Incoming Radio Message 2244/7/803
				If there is no contact before, Group Adler in previous order on 8 April at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 2973 to [AK] 4415.  Each boat monitor his area with certainty.
		01.56		Outgoing Radio Message 0120/8/806
				Pursuit until twilight unsuccessful.  Going to patrol line position.
				- Lüdden -

	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		08.04.43
		04.00	AJ 6448
		08.00	AJ 6149	Despite GF and navigation offset to the north I cannot reach position in time.
			W 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm
		11.38	AJ 2973	In position in patrol line, due to changing visibility I move back and forth at HF or 2 x HF.
		12.00	AJ 2973	Day's run:  204.6 nm  13.4 nm
			56°40'N
			44°10'W
		16.00	AJ 2981
		16.15		Incoming Radio Message 1726/8/811
				1,)  As new group Adler Lüdden, Rahe, Uphoff, Kapitzki, Tinschert, Bülow, Müller, Möhlmann, Köppe, Rodler, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Poel, Heinsohn, Pückler und Baberg on 11 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AK 7257 to BD 1959.  Course 225°, day's run 100 nm.
				3)  NE-bound convoy is expected on 11 April.
		20.00	AJ 2972
		22.00		Proceeded to new position.  Course 135°, 5 knots.
		09.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 2984
		02.26		Dived to listen.
		02.36		Surfaced.
		04.00	AJ 6131
		08.00	AJ 6131
		12.00	AJ 6249	Day's run:  178.9 nm  1.3 nm
			55°50'N
			42°32'W
			E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, fog
		15.21		Dived to listen.
		15.40		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 6285

	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		09.04.43
		20.00	AJ 6532
		10.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6539
		04.00	AJ 6645
		08.00	AJ 6681
		08.53	AJ 6682	Shadow bearing 126°T, range = 8000 meters, bow right target angle 90-100°, about SW course.
				Because dawn is progressing quickly, an approach on the surface is no longer possible.  While maneuvering ahead the steamer is lost in a rain squall.
		09.29		Dived to listen.
		09.40		Surfaced followed in 130°.
		10.06		Masthead bearing 191°T distance 12 nm, broad target angle.  Unfortunately we have to determine on the basis of curent bearings we are settling behind.  Of all things, the first steamer of the patrol has to be a fast one.
		10.47		Steamer bearing 196°T, 12-13 nm away.  Immediately lost in a rain squall.  Pursued in 196°.
		11.17		After 30 minutes hot pursuit nothing in sight.  Broke off pursuit.
		11.55		Outgoing Radio Message:  1132/10/834
				10.43 hours independent AJ 6924, SW-course, high speed.
				- Lüdden -
		12.00	AJ 6921	Day's run:  115.7 nm  1.4 nm
			54°36'N, 40°50'W
		14.11		Incoming Radio Message:  1400/10/835
				Naval square AK 4768 convoy minimum 10 steamers, suspected course south.
				- Bülow -
				Operating on Bülow-report course 160° GF.
		16.00	AJ 6964
			SW 3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12-14 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		10.04.43
		1x.xx		Incoming Radio Message:  1453/10/839
				1.)  Group Adler from Lüdden up to and including Rodler operate on Bülow-convoy.
		1x.xx		Incoming Radio Message:  1644/10
				Convoy position AK 7134, course 230°.
				- Bülow -
		20.00	AK 7145	Navigation comparison with Rahe.  164°T, 18 nm.
		20.28	AK 7154	Convoy in sight bearing 16°T, distance 13 nm.
		20.40		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Have contact on convoy.
				- Lüdden -
		22.00	AJ 9369	Convoy bearing 6°T, distance 13 nm.  Jumped in as contact keeper.
		22.15		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AK 7147, course 230°, 7 knots.
				- Lüdden -
		23.16	AJ 9392	Convoy bearing 11°T, distance 12 nm.
		23.24		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AJ 9365, course 240°, 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -
		11.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9391
		00.12	AJ 9391	Convoy bearing 16°T, distance 12 nm.
		00.23		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Enemy located AJ 9364, course 240°, 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -

	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		11.04.43
		00.25		With advancing twilight the convoy was lost from sight due to a rain squall, pushed into the band.
		00.55	AJ 9383	In a sudden break in the rain band we see a shadow next to the others bearing 20-45° in a sharp target angle.  I deduce a zigzag to the south.
		01.17		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Enemy in sight AJ 9383, enemy has changed course, suspect south.
				- Lüdden -
				Am positioned between the moon and the convoy.  Ran at AK out of the moon track and maneuvered ahead into target angle 0-5° on the starboard side of the convoy.
		01.23		Star shell to both sides of the boat.  Immediately afterwards detonations could be heard.  Because there were no star shells directly behind us, I remained on the surface and moved off a bit further at AK. Unfortunately cloudiness decreases more and more.  The moon is only covered briefly.  Changing over into the moon lee would cost too much time.  Decision:  Remain ahead to starboard bring up other boats, then attack in favorable illumination.
		02.43		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Enemy located AJ 9386, course south, speed 7 knots.
				- Lüdden -
				Strong moonlight, from 01.00 hours up to morning twilight which lightened the horizon in the west, north and east, improved our contact keeper position, so we had a good perspective on the convoy and by current bearings determined a convoy course of 180°, 6 knots.
				The convoy proceeds in broad formation.  Columns cannot be distinguished from our forward position.  There are 3 destroyers ahead of the convoy.  Later when approaching we see 1 destroyer to starboard and 2 astern.

Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		11.04.43
		04.2x		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AJ 9631, course 180°, speed 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -
		04.00	AJ 9629
		05.14		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AJ 9637, course 180°, speed 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -
				By continual observation of the starboard forward destroyer we have determined that he makes regular 10 minute legs out to starboard.
		05.20	"U 188"	To Action Stations - All tubes ready -
		05.24		Ran in - the moon disappeared behind a low cloud bank.  The horizon behind us is dark and obscured.
				Waited on the starboard leg of our destroyer, ran at 2 x HF to an abeam position 3000 meters in 250-270 and broke through to the north after the destroyer zigzagged back.
				Between the first and second column there is a destroyer in close.  After dodging briefly he is behind us.
				Nothing can be accomplished ahead, in addition, Rahe has already drawn some depth charges and increased their alertness.
				Therefore as target I choose several shadows of the last column, that have about target angle 30°.
				Attack:  On turning to run in a destroyer lies exactly in cover bearing with our group - held him directly ahead - he shifted out quickly ahead.  With a short hard turn away we put him astern.
				Turned in to attack.  A beautiful sight.  Ahead of us lies a wall of overlapping steamers.  In the center ahead a fat tanker, to the right of it, a steamer  is still seen completely from our position, another steamer is overlapping to the left, is clear later.  Finally lagging behind at a large distance still another steamer.  There are other shadows next to our main group.
				Due to the evasion maneuver before the destroyer the target angle at the attack was about 50° with a range from 2500 - 3000 meters.  To take advantage of this rare favorable opportunity I ran in at HF (sea astern).  The destroyer did not react.

Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		11.04.43
			Report from the Second Watch Officer a destroyer ahead 50° to port - the stern sweeper - fortunately he is bow right, with broad target angle, range about 3000 meters.
			We must continue to close because the range to the tanker still amounts to 2000 meters.
			Second Watch Officer held the astern destroyer, Bridge Maat the starboard destroyer.
		05.49	AJ 9661	Multiple shot from tubes I - IV:  I the right steamer - II and III the tanker, IV the left steamer.
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good, strong Northern Lights
				Shooting data:
				Convoy course 180°, speed 8 knots, I = bearing 85°T, target angle 85°, lead angle 15.5°
				II & III = bearing not observed running target angle range 2000 meters
				IV = bearing 80°T, target angle 80°, lead angle 15.5°.
				I = running time 118 seconds, true range = 1820 meters
				II & III = running time 94 seconds, true range = 1450 meters
				IV = running time 131 seconds, true range = 2030 meters
				Turned for a stern approach.
			After 94 seconds hit (T3) on tanker in after third, detonation mushroom, out of which a high white explosion column rose.  Tanker breaks aft and sinks after about 45 seconds over the stern post.  2nd torpedo missed.  At a range of 1500 meters (by torpedo running time) the tanker nearly filled the binoculars.  Estimated 8000 GRT.  Mast forward and center.  Aft one smokestack, for a tanker a relatively long aftership.
			Second hit on overlapping steamer to the right.  Running time 118 seconds. Thick, dirty detonation mushroom and fiery glow behind the forward mast.  Due to turning hard to port the steamer was covered soon after the detonation so that his fate was not observed.  While running off fiery glow was no longer seen.  Believe a quick sinking is likely due to the forward hit location. Medium steamer estimated at 5000 GRT.  In Radio Message not reported as sunk, instead as hit.
			Third hit after 131 seconds on left overlapping steamer which broke apart in the center. (suspect second T 3).  Bow and stern rise up and sink one after another after 1-1/2 minutes.  Estimated 5000 GRT.
		05.52	Two further multiple shots with aim point . . .
			[remainder of this entry (probably only one or two lines) covered over by the correction/addition below]
				- 21 -
		11.04.43
		05.59	while running off the burning stern of the steamer rises vertically once more sinking by the bow.  A detonation-like bang and a white steam cloud inferred a boiler explosion.  Particularly striking about this steamer was its relatively uniform continuous superstructure.
			Ran off at 2 x GF obliquely towards the rear to get out of the star shell area as quickly as possible.

Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		11.04.43
		06.02	Since there was no defense, and destroyers were not distinguished, I came to convoy course, reloaded and began a new maneuver ahead.  I could not have hoped my first attack on a convoy would go so smoothly, without star shells and defense.
		06.45		Star shells bearing 110°T, exactly at the convoy.
		06.51		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AJ 9664, course 180°, speed 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -
		08.00	AJ 9683	There is a wild mess in the convoy, one part already has a sharp target angle, one part is still broad.  Suspect the morning zigzag to starboard and ran off on course 280° at GF.
			SSW 2, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, obscured horizon, rain clouds
		08.43		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Convoy AJ 9694, course 180°, speed 8 knots.
				- Lüdden -
			The Short Signal was sent out while on the bridge we tried to figure out the suspected zigzag.
			Unfortunately it got light so fast that we have to balance our effort to detect the morning zigzag against not getting far enough away.
		08.54	Dived.  Determined in the listening gear that the sound band of the convoy has shifted quickly to starboard.  Because my suspicion of a zigzag to starboard was confirmed, I wanted to go to periscope depth again to look at the situation above, when the report came from the sound room:  Fast propeller sounds bearing 320°R (140°T) quickly growing louder.  The bearing does not shift.
			While going deep the destroyer ran past just ahead of us to port, zigzagged in the immediate vicinity - S-gear impulses.  When the volume was such that he could not be nearby . . .
		0x.x2	At periscope depth - horizon obscured by rain - nothing distinguished.  Sound room reports propeller sounds coming closer.  Because due to bad visibility no overview concerning the situation was gained, went deep.  Destroyer reduced speed - worked with S-gear - ran off and comes alternately to starboard and port again.
			The whole thing looks like a bluff to me, he did not detect us.  He seems to have put his S-gear on continuous operation as a deterrence.  Nevertheless, he achieves his goal, unfortunately, completely, surfacing to report the course change of the convoy is unthinkable.  Finally, the sounds were quieter. At periscope depth nothing is seen.
		11.50	Surfaced, to send a Short Signal.
		11.51	Crash dive.  Destroyer bearing 130°T about 5 nm away next to the sun path.  Must be a new one, our old one ran off on a SW-course.  We cannot rely on our listening gear any longer.  In several sectors it works well, in others it give us nothing, then shortly after diving the destroyer was heard again.
		12.00	AJ 9682	Day's run:  169.3 nm  6.5 nm
			52°06'N, 40°48'W
			The destroyer searches tenaciously in the vicinity, runs briefly at high speed, then slowly again, then S-gear.  Nevertheless the non-committal behavior of the destroyer gives the impression that it is an uncommitted forcing off astern.  However, all considerations, don't get me over my anger, that I didn't run off earlier at dawn.

Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		11.04.43
		16.00	AJ 9682
		16.35	Report from the sound room:  Propeller sounds were fainter in 230°T.
		16.47	At periscope depth:  Horizon is misty, searched repeatedly at depth 12 meters, so as not to be surprised again.
		17.05	Surfaced:  Pursued in 230°.
			Outgoing Radio Message:  1612/11/882
			1.) Forced to remain submerged by destroyer, contact lost.  Convoy had changed course, 11.15 hours by sound naval square AJ 9687, suspect SW-course.
			2.)  05.50 hours naval square AJ 9661 sank 2 steamers each 5000 GRT, 1 tanker 8000 GRT,  A further hit sinking not observed.
			3.)  6 Atos, 6 Etos, 3 T 3.
				- Lüdden -
		20.00	AJ 9678
		23.35	Operated of Rodler-report by which the convoy at 22.16 hours was in naval square BC 3118.  Course 210°, speed 8 knots.
		12.04.43	Northwest of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 9864
		04.00	BC 3118
		08.00	BC 2622	Operated further on SW course, because there are no contact keeper reports at hand.
			SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, at times rain, Vis. 500 meters
		09.22
		09.33
		12.00	BC 2641	Day's run:  206.4 nm  8.9 nm
			49°45'N, 44°20'W
				Because Rodler does not report anymore, I searched from 12.00 hours between 180-220°.
		13.42		Dived to listen.
		14.07		Surfaced.
		16.00	BC 2916	Dived to listen.
		16.30		Surfaced.
		18.15		Dived to listen.
		18.35		Surfaced.
		20.00	BC 2972
		20.02		Dived to listen.
		20.23		Surfaced.
		13.04.43	West of Newfoundland
		00.00	BC 5262
		00.15		Incoming Radio Message:  2157/12/826:
				Contents:  Break off operation, head for AJ 99.
		00.50		Outgoing Radio Message:  2353/12/827
				00.00 hours naval square BC 5262 searched in 180-220° no contact.  S 5-6, Sea 5, all day thick fog, at times rain showers, Vis. 200 meters, 1007 mb, steady, at twilight no visibility improvement.  69 cbm, still 10 cbm for further operations. Request freedom to maneuver until return transit.
				- Lüdden -
				Because the Junkers compressor is out of service, the E-compressor no longer works reliably due to frequent malfunctions and I was told that spare springs . . .
				[one or more lines are missing at the bottom of the page]

	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		13.04.43
		01.10	Because no order for freedom to maneuver was received, began transit to ordered position.
		03.37	Incoming Radio Message:  0326/13/831
			Lüdden:  Objective as ordered from here.  Supply for further operations intended.
		04.00	BC 5354
		08.00	BC 5324
			SSW 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 20 nm
		11.15	Incoming Radio Message:  1043/13/894
			Raher, Tinschert, Lüdden, Rodler head for AJ 98 at 8 knots.
		12.00	BC 2986	Day's run:  195 nm  2.7 nm
			48°29'N, 43°36'W
		13.00		Dived.
		13.13		Surfaced.
		14.00	BC 2961
		17.20	Incoming Radio Message:  1625/13/838
			As new Group "Meise" the following boats on 14 April at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 9777 via BC 3579 to 6667, Tinschert, Rahe, Lüdden, Rodler, Uphof, Köppe, Bülow, Möhlmann, Neide, Poel, Holtorf, Heinson, Müller, Pückler, Baberg, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Freyberg, NE-bound convoy is expected.
		20.00	BC 2698
		14.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 2662
		04.00	BC 2353
		08.00	BC 2353
		10.00	BC 2353	In position in patrol line.
			WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	BC 2364	Day's run:  178.5 nm  4.4 nm
			50°31'N, 43°24'W
		14.x0	BC 2364
			Incoming Radio Message:  1748/14/856
			Contents:  23.30 hours reconnaissance line course 50°, 6 knots.  On 15 April 10.00 hours come about, course 230°, 4 knots.
		20.00	BC 2328
		20.31	Chief Engineer asks to stop the port diesel because exhaust gas leaks have increased so much that the diesel personnel must be rotated in the room.  In the diesel room it looks like a blacksmith's shop.  An examination shows a 30 cm long tear in the port exhaust gas piping and a warp in the sliding stuffing box.
			The leaks were packaged makeshift because a repair and welding was not considered due to the expected convoy operation.
		23.30	Ran in the ordered line to the new position.
		15.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 2353	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 76T, 11 nm.
			Bright moonlit night, Vis. very good
		04.00	AJ 9877
		08.00	AJ 9873
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 800 meters - 2 nm
		10.57	Incoming Radio Message:  0918/15/862:
			To Group Meise.  Contrary to previous orders today at 10.00 hours remain in reached position line.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		15.04.43
		10.59		Dived.
		11.38		Surfaced.
			A general overview of the condition of the boat and especially concerning the technical installations gives serious concern after detailed consultation with the Chief Engineer.
			Four weeks of heavy weather have left vulnerable spots in our diesels, compressors, auxiliary machinery and periscopes so that malfunctions are constantly occurring.
			The following failures, some of which cannot be repaired by on board means, are summarized here:
			1.) Junkers-compressor has been out of service for 22 days, housing torn, after welding a new tear, not reparable. 2.) E-compressor due to the inevitable overuse in the local fog area (8-9 hours daily operation) has constant malfunctions.  Spare vent springs consumed.  Performance reduced by 30%. 3.) The port exhaust gas piping has a 30 cm crack, acetylene has been consumed. Sliding stuffing box warped - half hourly 8 cbm water in the diesel bilge despite continuous pumping on crash diving strongly down by the stern.  Long submerged stay limitedly possible due to exhaust gas in the boat.  Port diesel is no longer usable as blowing diesel. 4.) Attack periscope is continually flooded because there is always water on the lens in the eyepiece tube. 5.) Beneath the over deck rattling sounds from sea damage corrected as far as on board means will allow, listening gear is strongly impacted. 6.)  The bridge watch works with the last 3 operable pairs of binoculars.  As a replacement, I had the two UZO optics fitted with throwing line to make them usable. 7.) Fu.M.B. cable after 12 repairs was replaced with a cable from the E-motors.
			On the basis of the malfunctions cited above I believe the boat is not ready for convoy operation in an area with strong air surveillance.  After weighing the consequences, which may arise from unsatisfactory or aborted contact keeping, I decide to inform Leadership immediately of the condition of the boat, so that no setback for the overall operation arises.  To minimize the danger of bearings being taken, I will send the Radio Message on alternate frequency.
		12.00	AJ 9858	Day's run:  139.1 nm  2.2 nm
			SSW 4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 500-2000 meters
			51°22'N, 42°20'W	Because the Radio Message was not acknowledged on alternate frequency,
		12.12	Outgoing Radio Message:  0753/15/189
			Engine damage, welding work, not ready for convoy operations, setting off for repairs after detecting convoy.                                                           - Lüdden -
		12.20	AJ 9857	In position in patrol line.
		13.10		Dived to listen.
		13.26		Surfaced.
		14.33		Dived to listen.
		14.50		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 9857
		16.37		Dived to listen.
		20.00	AJ 98xx

Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		15.04.43
		22.09		Surfaced.
		16.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9883
		01.49		Dived to listen.
		02.10		Surfaced.
		04.00	AJ 9882
		08.00	AJ 9857
			SWbyW 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 400 meters - 3 nm
		08.30		Dived to listen.
		10.00		Surfaced.
		11.40		Dived to listen.
		11.58		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 9846	Day's run:  182.1 nm  4.9 nm
			51°24'N, 42°32'W
		14.21		Dived to listen.
		14.40		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 9857
		17.02		Dived to listen.
		17.27		Surfaced.
		18.54		Dived to listen.
		19.41		Surfaced.
		20.00	AJ 9883
		21.36		Dived to listen.
		21.58		Surfaced.
		22.20		Incoming Radio Message:  2058/16/891
				Contents:  Meise from 21.00 hours reconnaissance line course 50°, 7 knots.  On 17 April at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 6782 via BD 1154 to 4231.
		17.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9855
		03.52		Dived to listen.
		04.00	AJ 9914
		04.20		Surfaced.
		08.00	AJ 9684	In position in patrol line.
		09.10	AJ 9682	Dived to listen.
		10.10		Surfaced.
		12.00	AJ 9683	Day's run:  188.5 nm  5.8 nm
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm	52°08'N, 40°34'W
		14.00		E-compressor reported out of service.
		14.39	Incoming Radio Message:  1225/17/807
			Contents:  Group Meise on 19 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 5798 via 9898 to BC 3641.
		16.00	AJ 9694	Because the patrol line is dissolved I decided to dive to accelerate our repairs.
		17.23	Dived, repaired the starboard diesel and the E-compressor.
		20.00	AJ 9659
		18.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9664
		01.09	Surfaced.  Starboard diesel in service again, E-compressor limitedly operable, makes a very asthmatic impression and has leaks in the individual stages [illegible few words].

	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		18.04.43
		12.00	AJ 9649	Day's run:  86.4 nm  15.6 nm
			52°16'N, 41°05'W
		13.05	AJ 9649	Crash dive:  Aircraft abeam to port, long range, was unnoticed.
		14.52		Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 9671
		16.54	AJ 9671	Drifting cutter - except for rigging and water barrels empty - no name.
		20.00	AJ 9571
		19.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9586
		04.00	AJ 9587
		08.00	AJ 9814	In position in patrol line.
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm
		12.00	AJ 9815	Day's run:  86.4 nm  3.4 nm
			51°45'N, 42°51'W
		16.00	AJ 9814
		18.12		Ran at HF due to bad visibility, driving snow - dived to listen.
		19.14		Surfaced.
		20.00	AJ 9576
		20.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9815
		01.47		Dived to listen.
		02.18		Surfaced
		03.45		Dived to listen.
		04.00	AJ 9818
		04.07		Surfaced.
		08.00	AJ 9818	E-compressor reported out of service.  Due to leaks the pressure differential [in the boat] is so high that the compressor must be stopped.
			WNW 5, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm
		10.55	Incoming Radio Message:  0959/20/845  Group Meise immediately course north.
		11.35	Incoming Radio Message: 1045/20/847  Contents:  Meise on 21 April at 10.00 hours with 20 boats be in patrol line from AJ 1684 via 6117 to ?  [6997 from U-681 KTB]
			For a week we have proceeded with diesel limitations, which become more unbearable day by day. My decision to continue operating despite this has put us in bad situation with regard to crash diving.  The technical personnel have done everything possible to continue operating but the current condition of our E-compressor together with the reported condition of the boat on 15 April is beyond the limit of possibility.  After further thorough consideration of all the boat and equipment issues I have decided to begin return transit.
		12.00	AJ 9815	Day's run:  170.7 nm  4.5 nm
			51°43'N, 42°465'W
		13.27	Outgoing Short Signal:  Operational orders cannot be carried out, technical malfunctions, have begun return transit.                                                                      - Lüdden -
		13.48	AJ 9578	Crash dive:  Aircraft abeam to starboard, range 9000 meters.
		14.31		Surfaced.
		16.00	[illegible lines below]
		20.00
		21.04.43
		00.00

	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43

	- 28 -
		continued
		21.04.43
		04.00	AJ 9963
		08.00	AK 7757	Switched to Ireland Circuit.
		12.00	AK 7792	Day's run:  162.4 nm  1.5 nm
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm
			51°14'N, 38°48'W
		16.00	AK 7878
		20.00	AK 7888
		22.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 1132
		04.00	BD 1216
		08.00	BD 1223	Switched to "Diana" Circuit.
		12.00	AK8787	Day's run:  134.1 nm  2.5 nm
			51°01'N, 34°58'W
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, driving snow
		16.00	BD 1334
		20.00	BD 1363
		23.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2185
		04.00	BD 2145
		08.00	BD 2145
		12.00	BD 2145	Day's run:  103.6 nm
			50°34'N, 33°46'W
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm
		16.00	BD 2145
		20.00	BD 2145
		21.58		Joined "Metz"  Took over fuel and requested gear.
		24.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2145
		01.35		Supply ended.  Course for home.
		02.07		Dived.
		02.44		Surfaced.
		08.00	BD 2439
		12.00	BD 2554	Day's run:  155.4 nm  1.4 nm
			49°40'N, 31°54'W
			WNW 6-7, Sea 4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm
		14.57	BD 2559	Periscope 500 meters abeam, initially small, then about 1 meters out.  Ran off at AK and GF for an hour.
		15.54		Outgoing Radio Message:  1532/24/788
				14.57 naval square BD 2559 periscope sighted.  "Metz" caution.  Supply completed.                   - Lüdden -
		16.00	BD 2565
		17.20		Due to heavy seas dived for diesel repairs.  Cylinder head 1 starboard replaced.
		20.00	BD 2672

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

	- 29 -
		25.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2675
		01.45		Surfaced.
		04.00	BD 2919
		08.00	BD 2991
		12.00	BD 6117	Day's run:  118.4 nm  24.9 nm
			48°04'N, 29°29'W
		16.00	BD 5366
		20.00	BD 6189
		26.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6429
		02.15	BD 6462	Crash dive!  Detection 240 cm.
		02.55		Surfaced.
		08.00	BD 6465
		09.30		Incoming Radio Message:  1051/26/74
				Contents:  Rerun harbor for "Lüdden" is Lorient.
				12. U.-Flottille
		12.00	BD 6831	Day's run:  167.8 nm  4.2 nm
			S 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm
			46°29'N, 26°59'W
		16.00	BD 6917
		20.00	BD 6958
		___________________________________________________________________________________

	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43

	- 30 -
		27.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6996
		04.00	BE 4787
		08.00	BE 4798
		12.00	BE 4879	Day's run:  178.6 nm  0 nm
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 14 nm
			45°41.4'N, 23°03'W
		16.00	BE 4895
		20.00	BE 4976
		28.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 4994
		04.00	BE 5776
		05.18		Dived.
		05.49		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 5796
		12.00	BE 5885	Day's run:  202.6 nm  1.7 nm
			SSW 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm
			45°42.5'N, 18°11.5'W
		16.00	BE 5978
		20.00	BE 5997
		29.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 5999
		02.15		Dived.
		04.00	BE 6799
		04.32		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 6887
			WSW 1, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	BE 6889	Day's run:  175 nm  19.5 nm
			45°42'N, 18°11.5'W
		16.00	BE 6898
		16.16		Crash dive!  Aircraft without detection.  Proceeded submerged.  The crack in the port exhaust gas piping now makes itself very uncomfortable.  The diesel room is full of thick smoke, which slowly spreads through the boat.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 31 -
		continued
		29.04.43		In addition, we are getting low on compressed air, since our E-compressor creates only 60% of its normal output (Junkers-compressor is out of service)  Also, we are particularly unlucky because main ballast tank 5 must be blown with air and the blowing linkage for blowing with diesel is sheared off where it goes through the pressure hull.
		20.00	BE 6986
		30.04.43	West of the Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 6979
		04.00	BE 6982
		08.00	BE 6985
		10.55		Surfaced.  Ventilated, charged the battery and air.
		12.00	BE 6994	Day's run:  41.2 nm  33.3 nm
			45°45'N, 21°53'W
			N 3, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 13 nm
		12.29	BE 6992	Crash dive!  Aircraft without detection.  Type not recognized.
		16.00	BE 6992
		20.00	BE 6993
		01.05.43	West of the Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4771
		04.00	BF 4748
		08.00	BF 4757
		08.01		Surfaced.
		08.04		Crash dive!  Aircraft ahead to starboard.
		12.00	BF 4758	Day's run:  5.5 nm  36.5 nm
			45°57'N, 10°46'W
		14.05		Surfaced.
		14.15	BF 4759	Crash dive!  Aircraft abeam to port out of a hole in the clouds, without detection range 600-800 meters.
		16.00	BF 4759
		16.58		Surfaced.
		17.44	BF 4764	Crash dive!  Aircraft without detection.
		19.03		Surfaced.
		19.06	BF 4765	Crash dive!  Patrol vessel comes out quickly over the horizon.  The bees must have put him on our necks.
			Evaded to the north - propeller noise grew to medium Volume - S-gear impulses.  Went to depth A +30 meters.  Took the patrol vessel ahead, when the shift to starboard was perfectly established, evaded on a NE course, because I considered  surfacing and escape during the night with the current air situation hold little promise. No detections.
		20.00	BF 4765                                   Proceeding submerged turns into a torment every time due to the diesel exhaust gas.  The CO content grows to an average of 2.8-3%, so that breathing the thick air causes severe headache and nausea.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43

	- 32 -
		02.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4766
		02.30		Propeller sounds of the patrol vessel are no longer distinguished.
		04.00	BF 4841
		08.00	BF 4842	Although we ran at KF, sometimes only with one motor, had not cooked since the beginning of the submerged transit, did not make drinking water and saved electricity and air by all means, due to the numerous crash dives and the submerged transit we are so low on battery and air, that I decide to get through the next aircraft approach on the surface.
		10.14	BF 4843	Surfaced.  While blowing a "Whitley" aircraft flies towards out of a cloud.  Range on sighting 3000 meters.  All weapons manned and prepared for defense.  I attempted to complicate the aim of the Tommy at the bomb throwing by hard turning towards at AK.  Opened fire at a range of 600-800 meters.  The "Whitley" also shoots with on board weapons.  Soon thereafter I felt a blow to the left side of the chest.
				Our fire lay well.  After a few 2 cm hits in the cockpit the Tommy dropped his bombs while turning, so the entire series of four lay short astern.  The "Whitley" roared over us with all barrels firing at an altitude of 30 meters.
			Crash dive!  As the bridge watch got inside I saw that Matr.Gefr. Rupp had slumped next to the 2 cm.  With the assistance of the First Watch Officer - while the boat had already cut under - we dragged him to the conning tower hatch and brought him in head first.
			I had just pulled down the hatch, when the water shot into the bridge, the conning tower hatch snapped closed with light water intake.  I could only turn the wheel with my right arm.  My left arm hung limply.  The hatch finally closed by outboard pressure.  Arriving in the control room I became dizzy.  The Funkmaat determined a through-shot through the left breast.  Matr.Gefr. Rupp also received a shot in the chest.
			When I came to in the bunk, the thought rushed through my head that a submerged stay in this area, where patrol vessels and aircraft are really in contact, must lead to total exhaustion.  Immediately afterwards the Chief Engineer reported that running on one motor at KF the battery was at an end, there was still enough air for one blow.
			I gave the order to surface, all weapons including the MPs to the bridge, to face attacks on the surface and request fighter protection  by Short Signal.
			While preparing to surface I had myself brought into the conning tower.  Except for a few dizzy spells, a general feeling of weakness, as well as permanent flickering in front of my eyes. I felt l more alert again.

Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43

	- 33 -
		continued
		02.05.43
		12.00	BF 4819	Day's run:  10.7 nm  21.7 nm
			46°14'N, 9°35'W
		12.44		Surfaced.  My intention to go to the bridge fails, because of the loss of blood, I always collapse on the attack periscope chair.
				Almost 1 hour after the sending our Short Signal, we were strengthened from F.d.U. West's news that 4 Ju. 88 were on the way and were to arrive at 15.15 hours.
		16.00	BF 4834
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good
		16.42		Report from the bridge:  Aircraft, suspect "Whitley" in approach.  Went to AK and prepared all defenses.
				Aircraft turned away again, unexplained.  Immediately afterwards from the bridge:  4 aircraft in sight ahead to starboard.  Our Ju. 88s arrived in the nick of time.
		16.50		Fighter cover took over escort.
		20.00	BF 4921	I am now ready enough to dive again that I can stay submerged for the night.
				Reported by Short Signal.
		21.30		Released fighter cover.
		21.35		Dived to proceed submerged.
		03.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4697
		04.00	BF 4699
		07.53		Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 5474	Starboard diesel runs with only 7 cylinders, but we still have enough for HF
			NE 6, Sea 5, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good
		08.05		Fighter cover is in place.
		08.55		Further escort taken over by 4 M-Boote.  Only found by bearing signals 13 nm north of us.
		12.00	46°42'N, 5°46'W	Day's run:  138 nm  22.1 nm
		23.20		Escort taken over by Sperrbrecher.
		04.05.43
		03.10	Lorient	Arrived.
				On board 4 May 1943
				.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
				Kaptlt. and Kmdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

	- 34 -
			Four weeks of persistent heavy seas and multiple surprises by destroyers have made the crew more accustomed to hardness than we could ever have done.  The numerous technical issues and failures caused by heavy weather made tough demands on the technical personnel.  The men of the technical division have demonstrated there are up to all situations and excelled by tireless commitment.  Exhaustion of repair capability and failure of several key facilities eventually necessitated a retreat.
			At the convoy and during the bomb attack in the Bay of Biscay the crew was calm and always in excellent fighting spirit.
			Special events:
			1)  2 times detection of locating on low frequency. [30-300kHz]
			2)  Sighted one smoke buoy and a float, presumably a depth charge aiming devices in the Bay of Biscay.

---

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