U-354 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Trondheim	11 March 1943	Narvik	4 April 1943	25

 

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

None

Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

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		K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h ======================
				" U 354 "
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    H  e  r  b  s  c  h  l  e  b
				Beginning:           16 January 1943
				Concluding:           4 April    1943
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		16.01.43	Narvik
		11.20		Boat shifted from "AVISO GRILLE" to "KAMERUN".
		11.50		Alongside "KAMERUN".
		12.15		Shifted to "STELLA POLARIS".
		12.40		Alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
		17.01.43	Narvik	Boat prepared for transit to Trondheim.
		18.01.43	Narvik
		09.40		Shifted to "ADVISO GRILLE".  Received the outbound orders for Trondheim.
		11.30		Cast off "ADVISO GRILLE" for transit to Trondheim.
		12.07	NE 3-4, Sea 0-1, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1018 mb	Trim test in Ofotenfjord.
		12.43		Surfaced, continued transit through Vestfjord.
		15.15	Tranøy (Vestfjord)	Passed Tranöy abeam, distance 1.5 nm.
		16.26	Skraven (Vestfjord)	Skraven abeam to starboard.  Came to course 235°.
			SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, 1015 mb, moonshine
		20.15	Værøya  (Vestfjord)	Passed Værøya to starboard.  Distance 8 nm, came to course 245°.
		24.00	AF 3726
			SEbyS 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1012 mb
		19.01.43
		02.00	AF 3741	Came to course 210°.
			SE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1013 mb
		04.00	AF 5331
		08.00	AF 5611
			ESE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. about 4 nm, 1010 mb
		09.47		Came to course 180°.

	- 2 -
		continued
		19.01.43
		12.00	AF 5595
			ENE 4, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, light Swell, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1009 mb
		14.12		Crash dive for aircraft.  Depth A +0 meters.
				Aircraft came from astern to starboard, distance about 6000 meters.  Type not recognized.
		14.25		Surfaced, continued transit.
		14.38		Came to 2 x GF, to reach the escort on time.
		15.30	AF 5869	Came to course 167°.
			SEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 9 nm, 1009 mb
		17.03		Came to course 161°.
		18.30		Came to course 134°.
		18.37		Taken in convoy by R-Boot.
		18.40	Griphölen (Entry route Trondheim)	Griphölen abeam to starboard, distance 1.5 nm.
		20.00	Værøyene (Trondheim Leden)	Værøyene abeam to port, distance 1.5 nm.
		24.00	Trondheim outer harbor	Off the entrance to Trondheim harbor.
		20.01.43
		00.35	Trondheim	Made fast Trondheim Kriegsmarinewerft.
		21.01. - 05.02.43	Trondheim shipyard	Boat cleared and began overhaul work.  Half of the crew on leave, the other half on watch duties and training.
		06. - 20.02.43	Trondheim shipyard	Boat lay in dry-dock.
		21.02. - 05.03.43	Trondheim shipyard	Shipyard overhaul work.
		06.03.43		Torpedo loading.

	- 3 -
		07.03.43	Trondheim shipyard	Provisions loading.
				When shifting the boat by tug "EMIL" lightly rammed by "EMIL" at the level of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 port, so that a new docking is necessary.
		08.03.43	Trondheim shipyard	Boat in dry-docked.
		09.03.43	Trondheim shipyard	Boat un-docked, radio direction finder calibration, magnetic compass calibration.
		10.03.43	Trondheim	Boat was prepared for sea, loaded fresh provisions.
		22.00		Received Gkdos Secure Teletype 2014 Anton Eins 1904/77.
				1)  "U-354" (Herbschleb) depart Trondheim 11 March.
				2)  Objective square AB 65.
				3)  Radio Circuit "Anton" until confirmation of passing report at 67N, then Nordmeer Circuit.  Nordmeer Very Low Frequency from departure.
				Bef.Nordmeer/M.N.A. Nord
		11.03.43	Trondheim
		07.30		Boat's hull was searched by a diver.
		08.30		Departed Trondheim.
		09.30	WbyS 7-8, Sea 4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 300 meters to 5 nm, snow showers, 984 mb	Dived for sound trial by escort ship 24.
		11.00		Surfaced.
		11.30		Taken in convoy.  Transit through "Frö-Havet".
		16.15	WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, driving snow, 990 mb, +3°C	Came to course 3°.
		17.42		Came to course 40°.
		19.25	Halten ("Frö-Havet" exit)	Halten abeam to port.  Released escort.
		21.07	WNW 6, Sea 7, very high and long Swell, overcast, rain and snow showers, otherwise 3-5 nm, 990 mb, +4°C	Came to course 330°.

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		11.03.43
		24.00	WNW 6, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters to 5 nm, 990 mb
		12.03.43
		04.00	AF 5629	Came to course 10°.
			NWbyW 2-3, Sea 4-5, high Swell, overcast, snow showers, otherwise Vis. about 2 nm, 997 mb, +2°C
		08.00	AF 5367
			N 4-5, Sea 5, high Swell, Vis. 200 meters to 15 nm, snow showers, 1000 mb, +8°C
		10.08	AF 5335	Crash dive for seaplane.  Range about 4000 meters.  Came out of a snow squall, from astern to port.  Fu.M.B. gave no detection.  Assume, we dove unseen.
		10.45		Surfaced.  Came to course 10°.
		12.00	AF 2998
			NbyE 5-6, Sea 5, long Swell, snow showers, squalls, Vis. 200 meters to 15 nm, 1000 mb, +1°C	Day's run:  Surfaced       211.0 nm
				Submerged       2.0 nm
				Total:            213.0 nm
		13.35		Masch.Gfr. Richter was found in the closed W.C. covered in blood by Ob.Masch Porkmann, who wanted to used the W.C.  A book lying in the sink contained the following note: "Please do not write to my parents that I have put an end to my life myself. I can no longer stand the sea.
				Many farewells from Richter Helmut ."
				The submachine gun used by Richter lay on the floor with empty magazine.  There was only one round in the barrel that Richter fired. Heart shot.  The weak signs of life when found stopped after a few minutes.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		12.03.43		Richter was bound and then strapped into a hammock.
				According to several comrades Richter made statements that suggest Richter had suicidal thoughts.
		14.56		Radio Message to F.d.U. 1405/668:
				Masch.Gfr. Richter suicide heart shot.  Position square AF 2991.  Request orders.
				Herbschleb.
		15.00		Came to course 65°, by this Vestfjord can be headed for in daylight, if entry into Narvik is intended.
		16.32		Incoming Radio Message 1537/669:
				Herbschleb to Radio Message 1405:  Burial at sea.
				F.d.U.
		16.45	AF 3719	Came to course 350°.
			WNW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, snow shower, Vis. 500 meters, 1003 mb, -1°C
		16.50		Masch.Gfr. Richter buried at sea in square AF 3719.
		16.59		Short Signal:  Have passed 67°N to the north.
				"U-354"
		20.00	AF 3472
			NWbyW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, high Swell, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1004 mb, +6°C
		21.56		Came to course 16°.
		24.00	AF 3413
			SW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1006 mb, +4°C
		13.01.43
		04.00	AF 3152
			SW 4-5, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1002 mb, +3°C

	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		13.01.43
		08.00	AB 9771
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 998 mb
		08.45		Aircraft on the horizon bearing 310°T.  Type not distinguished.
		11.00		Test dive.
		11.35		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 9715	Day's run:  Surfaced       203.5 nm
			EbyN 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 500 to 1000 meters, 994 mb, +1°C	Submerged       1.5 nm
				Total:            205.0 nm
		16.00	AB 9449
			E 6-7, Sea 5, increasing 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 990 mb
		20.00	AB 9425
			NEbyE 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 989 mb, +1°C
		24.00	AB 9159
			NE 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, fog, Vis. 100 meters to 2 nm, 988 mb
		14.03.43
		01.21		Incoming Radio Message 0018/752:
				Occupy:  Bielefeld after one customer square 6353 southern half and square 6390, Vogler, square 6620 and 6650 northern half.  Herbschleb square 6660 southern half and 6690.  All AB.
				F.d.U.
		02.00	NEbyE 8, Sea 7	Came to course 55°.  Boat takes over much water.  Lookouts can no longer see, so that first came to course 30°, later back to 10°.
		02.30		Came to course 30°.
		03.48		Came to course 10°.
		04.00	AB 9137
			NEbyE 8, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. about 1 nm, driving snow, 986 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		14.03.43
		08.00	AB 9131
			NEbyE 9-10, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 3000 meters, 984 mb
		12.00	AB 6792	Day's run:  Surfaced 136 nm
			NEbyE 9-10, Sea 8-9, increasing, overcast, Vis. about 1000 meters, 984 mb falling
		13.37		Dived, because there is no visibility and the storm slowly turns into a hurricane.
		13.56		Came to course 90°.
		16.00	AB 6792
		20.15	AB 6792	Surfaced.  Ventilated the boat.
			NEbyE 10-11, Sea 9-10, overcast, Vis. about 1000 meters, 986 mb, slowly rising
		20.47		Dived.
		15.03.43
		04.00	AB 6792	Surfaced.
			NbyE 8, Sea 8-9, abating, overcast, Vis. about 1000 meters, 995 mb rising
		04.15		Came to course 75°.
		08.00	AB 6848
			N 7, Sea 7, 3/4 overcast, snow showers, Vis. 500 - 2000 meters, 1004 mb rising, -3°C
		11.30		Dived due to icing.
		12.00	AB 6856	Day's run:  Surfaced       46.0 nm
			NW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, snow shower, Vis. 200 meters to 1 nm, 1006 mb, -4°C	Submerged      3.5 nm
				Total:            49.5 nm
		13.00		Surfaced.
		16.00	AB 6863
			NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 200 meters to 5 nm, 1008 mb rising, -7°C

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		15.03.43
		20.00	AB 6919
			W 3-4, abating, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1010 mb, -8°C
		24.00	AB 6933	It is finally possible to take a navigation fix.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3-4, 3/4 overcast, moonshine, Vis. 1-5 nm, 1010 mb, -8°C
		16.03.43
		00.40		Came to course 0°.
		02.00		Dived due to icing.
		02.45		2 detonations far off (assume depth charges) heard.
		03.20		Surfaced and came to course 180°, because navigation was offset: 22°T, 42.0 nm.  By soundings that is only partly correct.  Hope to get an exact ship's position by further soundings and better navigation possibilities.
		04.00	AC 4419
			NW 2, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1010 mb, -6°C
		08.00	AC 4446
			N 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, light Swell, sunny, Vis. 15 nm, 1011 mb
		12.00	AC 4476	Day's run:  Surfaced       125.0 nm
			NEbyE 2, Sea 2, fair, nearly cloudless, Vis. 15 nm, 1010 mb, -5°C	Submerged        5.5 nm
				Total:            130.5 nm
		16.00	AB 6695	Came to course 0°.
			NE 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb, -6°C
		20.00	AB 6664
			ENE 3-4, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1013 mb, -6°C

	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		16.03.43
		24.00	AB 6698
			NbyE 1, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1016 mb, -6°C, moonshine
		17.03.43
		00.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 35°T, 8 nm.  Came to course 0°.
		02.30		Came to course 210°.
		04.00	AB 6692
			NE 4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 4 nm, moonshine, 1018 mb, -7°C
		06.00		Came to course 0°.
		08.00	AB 6691
			NEbyE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1018 mb
		09.00		Came to course 150°.
		11.47		Test dive.
		12.00	AB 6699	Day's run:  Surfaced       166.0 nm
			E 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1015 mb, -5°C	Submerged       0.5 nm
				Total:            166.5 nm
		12.58		Surfaced.
		16.00	AB 6669	Came to course 200°.
			E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 9 nm, misty in places, and snow showers, 1014 mb, -6°C
		19.30		Came to course 0°.
		19.49	AB 6697	Incoming Radio Message 1837/724:
			NEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1014 mb, -3°C	Occupy as attack area with depth 24 nm:
				Bielefeld square 6392
				Mäder square 6388 lower edge left
				Vogler square 6638
				Herbschleb square 6655 lower edge left
				Sickel square 6695
				La Baume square 6922 lower edge left
				All AB.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		17.03.43
		22.55		Came to course 270°.
		23.41	AB 6656	Came to course 305°.
			E 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 50 meters to 2 nm, fog, 1018 mb, -4°C
		18.03.43
		01.42	North edge of the new attack area	Came to course 180°.
		04.00	AB 6655
			EbyS 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, snow shower, Vis. about 500 meters, 1017 mb, -3°C
		06.00		Came to course 0°.
		07.47		Crash dive for aircraft.  Fu.M.B. was set out, however showed nothing.  Previously two aircraft sightings with set out Fu.M.B. without indications.
		08.28	AB 6658	Surfaced.
			NbyE 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1017 mb, +0°
		10.00		Came to course 195°.
		12.00	AB 6654	Day's run:  Surfaced       141.0 nm
			WbyS 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1018 mb, -2°C	Submerged       2.1 nm
				Total:            143.1 nm
		16.00	AB 6681	Came to course 0°.
			SW 7-8, Sea 7, 3/4 overcast, at time sunshine, Vis. about 10 nm, 1018 mb, -2°C
		19.00		Came to course 135°.
		20.00	AB 6654
			WSW 6-7, Sea 6-7, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1018 mb
		23.00		Came to course 320°.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		18.03.43
		24.00	AB 6659
			W 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 100 meters to 5 nm, hail showers, 1019 mb, -2°C
		19.03.43
		00.05		Incoming Radio Message 2245/756:
				1)  Herbschleb attack area Mäder, Sickel occupy area from Herbschleb.
				2)  Mäder set off for relief position "COBURG", prepare for pick-up, exact pick-up position follows.
				F.d.U.
		02.25		Came to course 0°.
		04.00	AB 6627
			WbyN 7-8, Sea 7, long high Swell, 1/2 overcast, at times moonshine, Vis. 3 nm, 1024 mb rising, +0°
		08.00	AB 6388
			WNW 8, Sea 7, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1026 mb rising.
		11.07	AB 6354	Came to course 180°.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 298°T, 4 nm.  Now advanced to the ice limit for the first time, so that expand my operations up to square 6354.
		12.00	AB 6357	Day's run:  Surfaced  130.4 nm
			W 6-7, Sea 6, very steep Swell, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1028 mb, +0°
		14.30		Test dive.
		14.47		Surfaced.
		15.19		Incoming Radio Message 1416/746:
				1)  On 20 March at 06.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from square 6135 to 6671 order: Bielefeld, Herbschleb, Vogler, Sickel, La Baume, Timm.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		19.03.43		2)  07.00 hours set off at 6 knots to position line I from square 5545 to square 5979. Pass there 21 March 10.00 hours.  Benker lengthen the position line in square 8325, more to follow.  All AB.
				F.d.U.
		16.00	AB 6621
			S 2-3, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. about 1 nm, snow showers, 1028 mb falling, +0°
		16.30		Came to course 295°.  Transit to start position in accordance with 1416/746.
		20.00	AB 6377
			SWbyW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1020 mb, +0°
		24.00	AB 6291
			N 4, Sea 4-5, high Swell, Vis. 2-3 nm, overcast, 1018 mb
		20.03.43
		04.00	AB 6249
			N 5, Sea 5, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 1029 mb rising, -1°C
		06.00		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 298°T, 12.7 nm.
				Came to course 153°, because new position was overrun by 12 nm.
		07.30	AB 6169	Came to course 243° (course in reconnaissance line).  Am in position.
			NNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1030 mb
		12.00	AB 6185	Day's run:  Surfaced       147.5 nm
			NbyW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. about 8 nm, 1035 mb, -1°C	Submerged       0.5 nm
				Total:            148.0 nm
		16.00	AB 6177
			NWbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1035 mb, -2°C

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		20.03.43
		20.00	AB 5629
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, 1037 mb
		23.19		Incoming Radio Message 2206/778:
				1)  Herbschleb to Benker 21 March at 10.00 hours pass position line I from square 5581 to square 8325
				2)  Pass position line II from square 7296 to 7969 on 22 March 20.00 hours, including Jensen in southernmost position.
				3)  All AB.
				F.d.U.
		24.00	AB 5642
			N 1, Sea 0-1, bright nearly cloudless moonlit night, Vis. 10 nm, 1040 mb
		21.03.43
		00.30		Came to course 247°. (New course to position line 1).
		04.00	AB 5567
			SSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, moonshine, bright submerged attack night, Vis. 6 nm, 1/2 overcast, 1036 mb
		08.00	AB 5576
			SEbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, except for fog banks, 1034 mb
		09.00		Test dive.
		09.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 258°T, 15.2 nm.
				This navigation offset is partly due to the low speed setting, which can barely be maintained.  Therefore the speed setting to position line II at 5 knots is not appropriate for the conditions, can only be maintained by frequent diving or coming to the opposite course, spread over the entire route.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		21.03.43
		10.07	AB 5497	Surfaced, came to course 91°, to be on time in the correct position in position line II.
			Thick fog
		11.04		Crash dive for aircraft.  Was unseen.  Large seaplane.  About 7000 meters away ahead to port.  Apparently type Sunderland.
		11.34		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 5577	Day's run:  Surfaced       149.5 nm
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, otherwise Vis. 3-5 nm, 1032 mb, -2°C	Submerged       1.9 nm
				Total:            151.4 nm
		13.14	AB 5578	Am in position line in time correct position.
				Came to course 230°.
		16.00	AB 5736
			W 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1032 mb
		18.47		Crash dive for seaplane.  Aircraft came from ahead to starboard and flew to the port side. Distance about 3 nm.  Was unseen.
		19.00 - 19.10		Depth charge detonations heard far off.
		19.43		Surfaced.
		20.00	AB 5737	Crash dive for aircraft, that flew towards the boat from ahead.  Distance about 2-3 nm.  Assume we dove unseen.  Fu.M.B. was set out, however no detection.
		21.10	WbyS 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1032 mb	Surfaced.
		24.00	AB 5759
			WbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1032 mb

Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43

	- 15 -
		22.03.43
		02.00		Came to course 50° (opposite course).
		04.00	AB 5759	Came to course 230°.
			SWbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1030 mb
		08.00	AB 4999
			SWbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1030 mb, -1°C
		10.30		Came to course 50°.
		11.30		Came to course 230°.
		12.00	AB 7335	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 92°T, 10.5 nm.  Came to course 238°.
			SbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1030 mb
				Day's run:  Surfaced       146.1 nm
				Submerged       2.6 nm
				Total:            148.7 nm
		12.41		Incoming Radio Message 1149/709:
				1)  On 24 March 02.00 hours be in patrol line from square AA 9699 to square AE 3613 in order:  Herbschleb, Vogler, Sickel, La Baume, Timm, Benker, Jensen.
				2)  You are reminded of radio silence except for tactically important reports.  Bielefeld has been ordered to give reports.
				F.d.U.
		16.00	AB 7355
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, fair, sunshine, Vis. 12 nm, 1028 mb
		20.00	AB 7372
			SSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, freshening, 1026 mb, -2°C
		21.30	AB 7296	Reached position line I.  Came to course for position line II = 243°.
		24.00	AB 7297
			SSW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, misty, 1026 mb

Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43

	- 16 -
		23.03.43
		04.00	AB 7524
			NWbyW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1025 mb
		08.00	AB 7518
			SWbyW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1025 mb
		11.30		Test dive.
		12.00	AB 7462	Day's run:  Surfaced       134.1 nm
			SWbyW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1026 mb, -2°C	Submerged       0.5 nm
				Total:            134.6 nm
		12.51		Surfaced.
		13.45		Incoming Radio Message 0534/720:
				From 14.00 hours proceed to new patrol line from AA 9631 to AB 7795 on 24 March at 03.00 hours.
				F.d.U.
				Incoming Radio Message 0500/718:
				All in reconnaissance line from 06.00 hours 8 hours at 6 knots in 335°.
				F.d.U.
				Because both Radio Messages came in at 14.00 hours, immediately came to 335°, to hold this course for 5 hours and then head for the new position in patrol line.  Can then be in position on time at 6 knots.
		16.00	AB 7429
			SWbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, fog banks, Vis. 500 meters to 1 nm, 1029 mb
		17.25		Met Vogler, who delightedly showed 18 captured car tires.
		18.12		Came to course 265°.
		20.00	AB 7413	Boat has a light oil trace at the level of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank.
			Wind 0, Sea 0, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, misty, 1031 mb
				Emerency vent valves tightened.
		24.00	AA 9633
			WbyS 1, Sea 0, overcast, fog, light Swell, Vis. 50 meters, 1032 mb

Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43

	- 17 -
		24.03.43
		01.57	AA 9631	Reached position in patrol line and at 6 knots came to course for patrol line taking into account the departure time [to be in position] 03.00 hours on 24 March 1943.
		04.00	AA 9626
			SW 0-1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 30 to 50 meters, fog, 1027 mb
		08.00	AA 9626
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1026 mb
		12.00	AA 9626	Day's run:  Surfaced       162.0 nm
			SWbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, foggy, Vis. 500 meters, 1025 mb, -4°C	Submerged       0.5 nm
				Total:            162.5 nm
				Light oil trace at the level of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 1 is still there.
		16.00	AA 9626
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. 200 meters, 1025 mb, -4°C
		20.00	AA 9626
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, foggy, Vis. 1 nm, 1023 mb
		20.23		Test dive.
		21.00		Surfaced.
		24.00	AA 9626
			SWbyW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, fog, Vis. 500 meters, 1022 mb
		25.03.43
		04.00	AA 9626
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. about 50 meters, 1022 mb
		08.00	AA 9626
			SWbyW 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1020 mb, -6°C
		09.25		Incoming Radio Message 0445/733:
				Herbschleb to Mäder from 05.30 hours course 60°, 10 knots.
				F.d.U.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		25.03.43
		09.32	Fog	Came to course 60° and 12 knots.
				The Radio Message was first heard now, so that I first get the order 4 hours late.
		11.35		Test dive.  Diesel sounds heard in 130°T.
		12.00	AB 7174	Day's run:  Surfaced       148.0 nm
			SWbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, fog, Vis. 1000 meters, 1020 mb, -8°C	Submerged       1.0 nm
				Total:            149.0 nm
		12.35		Surfaced.
		15.00		Heavy drift ice.  Attempt to get free on course 80°, then 100° and lastly 130°.
		16.00	AB 7159
			SW 0, Sea 0-1, overcast, fog, heavy drift ice, 1014 mb
		16.15		Outgoing Radio Message 1526/735 to F.d.U.:
				Course and speed not possible, heavy drift ice, position square AB 7179.
				Herbschleb
		16.58		To Radio No. 230:  Square must mean 7159.
				Herbschleb
		16.50		Drift ice is lighter; came to course 100°.
		17.14		Incoming Radio Message 1655/738:
				At 18.00 hours reconnaissance line come about, return to old position in patrol line at 6 knots.
				F.d.U.
		18.00		Came to course 248°.
		20.00	AB 7174
			WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 1018 mb, -8°C
		24.00	AA 9632	Came to course 60°.
			NWbyW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1017 mb

Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43

	- 19 -
		26.03.43
		04.00	AB 7174	Came to course 240°.
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1016 mb, -10°C
		08.00	AA 9632 (Jan Mayen)	The drift ice is moving to the south.  Jan Mayen has drift ice on the northeast side.
			NWbyN, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1016 mb, no drift ice fields
		08.43		Crash dive for two aircraft, which came out of the sun from astern.  Assumption, these are the German reconnaissance aircraft reported by Radio Message.  (In Radio Message square AA 7165 was given; assume, that square AB 7165 was meant.)
		09.38		Surfaced.
		11.17		Steamed back and forth in patrol line.
		12.00	AA 9631	Day's run:  Surfaced       165.6 nm
			WNW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1016 mb	Submerged       1.2 nm
				Total:            166.8 nm
		16.00	AA 9631
			SWbyW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1015 mb
		17.52		Incoming Radio Message 1729/750:
				On 27 March at 04.00 hours be in patrol line from square AB 7155 to square AB 7899.  To order:  Harlfinger occupies southern position for Basse.
				F.d.U.
		18.42		Came to course 58° (course for new patrol line).
		20.00	AA 9632
			WSW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1013 mb, -8°C
		24.00	AB 7175
			E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1012 mb, -10°C

Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43

	- 20 -
		27.03.43
		04.00	AB 7159	From 24.00 hours came through heavy drift ice and reached free water again around 04.00 hours.  Due to the drift ice shifted my position in the position line 7 nm in 147°T.
			E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, dark night, Vis. about 1000 meters, heavy drift ice moving northwest, 1009 mb, -10°C
		08.00	AB 7159	Steamed back and forth in patrol line.
			SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1007 mb
		08.25		Vogler gets a navigation fix.
		11.29		Incoming Radio Message 1045/756:
				Wichmann occupies square AB 7899 in patrol line.  Remaining boats from 18.00 hours reduce spacing accordingly.
				F.d.U.
		12.00	AB 7159	Day's run:  Surfaced   168.2 nm
			SEbyS 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1007 mb, -6°C
		12.13		Incoming Radio Message 1142/758:
				Herbschleb determine distance from position to ice limit and report, if greater than 5 nm.
				F.d.U.
		12.35		Incoming Radio Message 1147/759:
				Herbschleb, Vogler, Sickel, La Baume, Timm, Benker, Jensen, Mäder, Harlfinger, Wichmann form Group "Eisbär".
				F.d.U.
		12.43		Crash dive for Sunderland aircraft, that came from ahead of the boat 30° to starboard.  Assume we were unseen.
		13.50		Surfaced.
		14.06		Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Ice limit 7 nm to the south.
				Herbschleb.
		16.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			S 0, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1005 mb
		20.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			SE 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1004 mb

Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		27.03.43
		24.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			EbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. 1 nm, 1001 mb
		28.03.43
		04.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			SE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 999 mb, -4°C, St. Elmo's fire
		08.00	AB 7159 - patrol line	U-Vogler comes in sight in the good visibility.
			SSE 1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 998 mb, Spring weather with sunshine
		09.31		Crash dive for aircraft.
		10.15		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 7159 - patrol line	Day's run:  Surfaced       159.8 nm
			SW 1, Sea 0, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 998 mb, sunshine	Submerged       1.2 nm
				Total:            161.0 nm
		16.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			SE 0-1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast, sunshine
		16.16		Crash dive for 4-engined aircraft.
		16.48		Surfaced.
		20.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			SE 1, Sea 0, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 996 mb
		20.46		Incoming Radio Message 2010/773:
				1)  With the incorporation of "Lange" in "Eisbär" Benker detaches from this group.
				2)  "Eisbär" proceed from 29 March at 06.00 hours so that patrol line from square AA 9631 to square AF 1146 is taken up by 16.00 hours.
				3)  Fu.M.B. continually manned.
				F.d.U.
		24.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			SEbyE 1, Sea 0, 1/2 overcast, strong Northern Lights, Vis. 103 nm, 994 mb, -5°C

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43

	- 22 -
		29.03.43
		04.00	AB 7159 - patrol line
			E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 500-1000 meters, 993 mb
		06.28		Came to course 242° (course for new position).
		08.00	AB 7182
		09.12		Encountered heavy drift ice, which was avoided to the south.  Consequently came to course 185°.
		09.27		Crash dive for aircraft.
		10.08		Surfaced.
		10.15		Crash dive for aircraft.
		10.51		Surfaced.
		12.00	AA 9399	Day's run:  Surfaced       159.6 nm
			NEbyE 0-1, Sea 0, clear sky, Vis. 15 nm, 989 mb, -2°C	Submerged      1.20 nm
				Total:            160.8 nm
		16.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	In position in new patrol line.
			NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, 987 mb, falling, Vis. 1000 meters
		20.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 996 mb
		24.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NEbyE 4-5, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times fog, Vis. 500 meters to 8 nm, 993 mb
		30.03.43
		00.40		Incoming Radio Message 0010/782:  from F.d.U. to all:
				Radio silence except for enemy reports.
		04.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 7, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 982 mb
		08.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Junkers compressor out of service due to break in the liner.
			NEbyE 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 1000 - 2000 meters, 979 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		30.03.43
		12.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Day's run:  Surfaced  164.2 nm
			NEbyN 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, driving snow, Vis. about 1 nm
		16.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 975 mb, -5°C
		20.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. about 1000 meters, 974 mb
		24.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NEbyE 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, misty, Vis. 100 - 1000 meters, 972 mb
		31.03.43
		04.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 5-6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 976 mb
		08.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NEbyN 6, Sea 5, overcast, fog patches, Vis. 500 meters, 997 mb
		12.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Day's run:  Surfaced  149.6 nm
			NEbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, snow showers, fog, Vis. 1000 meters - 2 nm, 979 mb
		16.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	The last thermometer is broken.
			NE 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, driving snow, Vis. 1000 meters to 3 nm, 984 mb
		20.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			NE 8-9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 990 mb, rising
		24.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Bridge watch is continually under water for an hour.
			NEbyE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, 992 mb, about -10°C	Boat is heavily iced.  Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43

	- 24 -
		01.04.43
		04.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Submerged cruise with one E-motor KF ahead, so that practically we stayed in the same position.  Listening gear manned continually.
		06.30		Surfaced.
		08.00	AA 9631 - patrol line
			N 8, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1006 mb
		11.24		Boat is completely iced.  Dived.  Proceeded submerged carried out repairs to the port switch board.
		16.00	AA 9631 - patrol line	Surfaced.
			W 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1014 mb	At periscope depth attack periscope extended and at the first view found heavy drift ice ahead.  Periscope immediately retracted, but the periscope  was rammed from an ice floe floating to the side due to the high swell.  Then surfaced with the boat nearly stopped.  The 3/4 extended periscope was bent at a 30° angle.  Heavy drift ice in the assigned patrol line.  Carefully maneuvered out of the drift ice on southerly courses.  Because the boat is limitedly clear to dive and no longer attack capable, came to return course for Narvik.
				Radio Message 0010/782 from F.d.U. orders radio silence except for enemy reports.  On the other hand I am leaving my ordered position, so that reporting is necessary.  I decide considering the strong icing in my assigned patrol line and the ordered radio silence to send the necessary report first after running off 10 hours from the patrol line.
		20.00	AB 7443
			NbyW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 16 nm, 1015 mb

Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		01.04.43
		24.00	AB 7466
			NW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1015 mb
		02.04.43
		02.00		The Control Station does not hear us, so that sending the Radio Message is delayed.  Also Norddeich cannot be received.
		04.00	AB 7591
			N 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1014 mb
		07.38		Dived due to strong icing.
		08.00	AB 7685
			NNW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. up to 2 nm, 1012 mb
		08.46		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 8479	Day's run:  Surfaced       204.3 nm
			NWbyW 6, Sea 6, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1010 mb falling further	Submerged      1.5 nm
				Total:            205.8 nm
		13.21		Sending the Radio Message 0203/93 to F.d.U. via Gruppe Nord first possible now:
				Conning tower rammed by ice.  Running into Harstad-Narvik.  Am in square AB 7554, course 100°.  NW 8, Sea 7, 1018 mb.
		16.00	AB 8752	Recognition Signal exchange with U-boat.  Accept von der Esch.
			N 7, Sea 6, high Swell, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 5-12 nm, 1008 mb
		16.55		Came to course 97°.
		18.08		Outgoing Short Signal:  14.00 hours meeting point schwarz 7.
				U-354
		20.00	AB 8834
			WbyN 7, Sea 6, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1009 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		02.04.43
		24.00	AB 8953
			NWbyN 7, Sea 6, 3/4 overcast, snow squalls, otherwise Vis. 5 nm, 1005 mb
		03.04.43
		04.00	AB 9755
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, snow showers, Vis. otherwise 3 nm, 1004 mb
		08.00	AB 9849
			NW 7, Sea 7, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1005 mb
		09.25		Coast in sight, Andenes ahead to starboard.
		12.00	AB 9859	Day's run:  Surfaced       207.5 nm
			NW 7-8, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1005 mb	Submerged       --   nm
				Total:            207.5 nm
		13.15		Passed meeting point schwarz 7.  Recognition Signals exchanged with escort vessel.  Sent Short Signal to F.d.U.:  "Schwarz seven" 13.15 hours.
				U-354
		13.30	Andenes abeam to starboard.
		16.20	Harstad	Ran into Harstad, made fast supply office.
		04.04.43
		11.00	Harstad	Departed Harstad for transit to Narvik.
		13.20	Lödingen abeam
		15.30	Narvik	Ran in to Narvik, made fast "AVISO GRILLE".
		16.30		Shifted to "STELLA POLARIS".
				On board 4 April 1943
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43

 

	Enclosures to U-354's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart of entire patrol
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Enclosure to F.d.U. Norwegen Gkdos 1135
	Comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen
	on the K.T.B. of "U-354" from 16.1. - 4.4.1943
	Nothing to note on the K.T.B. of "U-354" for the period 16.1. - 4.4.1943.

On board, 22 April 1943
	To
	Admiral Nordmeer
	Enclosed is the K.T.B. of "U-354 from 16.1. to 4.4 1943 with the comments of the F.d.U.-Norwegen in duplicate.

	Admiral Nordmeer                                                                    29 April 1943.
	B.Nr.Gkdos,0532 A1
	To        Marinegruppenkommando Nord/Flottenkommando
	The enclosed Kriegstagebuch "U-354" for the period from 16.1. - 4.4.43 is presented.
	There is nothing to note.
		Signed in draft Klüber.

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. "U-354" (Herbschleb) from 11.3.43 - 4.4.43
	There is nothing to note.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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