U-354 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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	Enclosure 2 to F.d.U. Nord. Gkdos 2188
				1st Copy.
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
		of the                            "U 354"
				Kommandant:   Kptlt.    Herbschleb
				Beginning:        5 April 1943
				Concluding:      15 June 1943
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		05.04.43	Narvik	Boat cleared.
			Alongside "STELLA POLARIS"
		06.04.43	Narvik
		08.00		Shifted to "KAMERUM".  Torpedo offload.
		07.04. - 23.04.43	Narvik	Overhaul and improvements work by the support ship "KAMERUN".
				Crew:  training and work duties, a small part on leave.
		24.04.43	Narvik
		08.00		Cast off "KAMERUM" for trim and deep dive test.
		08.32		Dived.  Deep dive, broke off at depth A -30 meters due to leak from the galley hatch and diesel air intake head valve.
		11.07		Surfaced.
		15.00		Made fast alongside "KAMERUN".
		25.04.43	Narvik
		11.05		Shifted to "STELLA POLARIS".
		26.04.43	Narvik
		08.50		Cast off for trim and deep dive test.
		09.05		Dived.  At depth A -30 meters deep dive test broken off due to leak in the diesel air intake head valve, surfaced.
		10.10
		10.50		Made fast "KAMERUN".  The diesel air intake head valve is warped and must be replaced.
		27.04.43	Narvik	Combat, gear, work duty.
		28.04.43	Narvik
		08.25		Cast off "KAMERUN".
		09.45		Deep dive test to depth A +40 meters.  No issues.
		10.28		Surfaced.
		11.05		Alongside "AVISO GRILLE" to receive outbound orders.
				Outbound Orders " U 354 "
				1.)  Departure
				on 28.04.43.
				2.)  Shift to Hammerfest on archipelago route.  From Lødingen with pilot to Harstad, from there continue on 29 April with pilot to Tromsø.  From Tromsø with escort.  Escort provision controlled by Kommandant A 1 Adm, Polarküste in Tromsø.
				3.)  U-bootsnordmeer Circuit.
				signed in draft Peters
		12.00		Cast off for transit to Harstad.
		14.40	Lødingen	Embarked pilot at Lødingen.
		17.16	Harstad	Ran into Harstad, made fast at Naval Provisioning Pier.
		29.04.43	Harstad
		09.00		Departed for transit to Tromsø.  Pilot is on board.
		14.20	Tromsø	Ran into Tromsø made fast at the K.S.V. Pier.
		30.04.43
		03.45		Departed Tromsø for transit to Hammerfest.
		04.00		Escort intake by "R156".  Speed 9 knots.

	- 2 -
		continued
		30.04.43
		17.45	Hammerfest	Ran into Hammerfest, made fast alongside "BLACK WATCH".
		01.05. - 08.05.43	Hammerfest	Lay in 3-hour readiness. Crew:  training and work duties.
		20.30		Incoming Urgent - Secure Teletype U-boat Base Hammerfest.
				Gkdos:  Outbound Orders for "U-354" (Herbschleb)
				1.)  Depart Hammerfest 9 May after arrival Seeltn. Mumm.
				2.)  Head for square Anton Caesar 4150.
				3.)  Own boats positioned:  Group Monsun in attack areas each depth 30 nm:
				U-625 (Benker) square 6317 center-left edge
				U-601 (Grau )    square 6259 lower edge left
				U-703 (Biefeld)  square 6611 center-left edge
				U-212 (Vogler)   square 6553 lower edge left
				All square AB.
				4.)  Nordmeer Circuit.
				F.d.U. Norwegen Gkdos 1386 A1
		09.05.43	Hammerfest
		14.30		Departed Hammerfest under escort by "R 173" via point "Sophie Richard 2" and "Sophie Richard 1" to proceed into the objective square.
		16.00	SWbyW 6-7, Sea 4-5, 3/4 overcast, sunny, Vis. about 10 nm, 1001 mb
		17.03	WSW 8, Sea 6-7, overcast, 1002 mb	Escort released due to large seas and high Swell.
		17.18	Reached Point "Sophie Richard 1"	Came to course 348°.
		20.00	AC 7218
			WSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, long high Swell, Vis. 8 nm, overcast, 1002 mb
		24.00	AC 4766
			WbyS 7, Sea 6, decreasing, overcast, 1004 mb
		10.05.43
		04.00	AC 4498
			W 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1006 mb
		05.45		Test dive to depth A +40 meters.
		07.04		Surfaced.
		08.00	AC 4461
			W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1008 mb
		11.48		Incoming Radio Message 1033/712:

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		10.05.43
				Herbschleb carry out ice reconnaissance from 22 to 17°E.  Report southernmost point of drift ice limit by position short Signal for 22, 19 and 17°E.
				F.d.U.
		12.00	AC 4183	Day's run:    196.0 nm
			SWbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1008 mb	2.2 nm
				198.2 nm
		12.42		Came to course 0°.
		12.40		Dived for training.
		13.20		Surfaced.
		13.27		Dived for training.
		13.55		Surfaced.
		14.27		Dived for training.
		14.57		Surfaced.
		16.00	AC 4129
			SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1008 mb
		19.45		Came to course 90° for soundings.
		20.00	AC 1783
			ESE 5, Sea 4-5, increasing overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1006 mb
		20.45		Came to course 315° for soundings.
		21.30		Came to course 0°.
		24.00	AC 1726	From soundings navigation offset in 238.5°T, 23.0 nm.
			ESE 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1004 mb
		11.05.43
		00.50		Drift ice limit in sight ahead.  Came to course 250°.
		01.21		Outgoing Radio Message 0123/722 ßß
				My position is square AC 1761.
				"U-354"
				At the drift ice limit continued on westerly courses.
		04.00	AC 1746
			E 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 7 nm, 1003 mb
		08.00	AB 3969	Passed a massive iceberg at low range.
			E 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, 994 mb
		08.36		Outgoing Radio Message 0837/725 ßß
				My position is square AB 3967.
				"U-354"
		12.00	AB 3975	Day's run:    178.9 nm
			EbyS 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, otherwise Vis. 2 nm, 990 mb	4.2 nm
				183.1 nm
		12.55		Incoming Radio Message 1210/727
				From 11 May 22.00 hours:

	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		11.05.43		1.)  Attack areas depth 30 nm:
				Benker square 6328
				Bielfeld square 6347 lower-center
				Vogler square 6622 lower-center edge
				All AB.
				2.)  Herbschleb after ice reconnaissance monitor passage between the ice limit and Bear Island.
				3.)  Grau return transit to Narvik via Andfjord.
		13.00		Came to course 360°.
		13.44		Outgoing Radio Message 1344/729 ßß
				My position is square AB 3947.
				"U-354"
				After that on different courses monitoring passage between the ice limit and Bear Island.
		16.00	AB 3899
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, long Swell, 993 mb
		20.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			WSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 996 mb
		24.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			NWbyN 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 998.5 mb
		12.05.43
		02.34		Incoming Radio Message 0057/738
				1.)  Convoy departing Kola Bay suspected 10 or 11 May, air reconnaissance takes place.
				2.)  Grau no return transit.  Occupy attack area 30 nm square AB 6641 center-right.
				"F.d.U."
		08.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			ENE 4, Sea 4, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 998 mb
		11.40		Test dive, dived.
		12.00	ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 998 mb	Day's run:    172.8 nm
				0.3 nm
				173.1 nm
		12.05		Surfaced.
		16.00	NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, light driving snow, otherwise Vis. up to 8 nm, 997 mb
		20.00	NE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 3-4 nm, 995 mb
		24.00	NEbyN 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 3 nm, 995 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43

	- 5 -
		13.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			NbyE 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, light snowfall, otherwise Vis. 6 nm, 997 mb
		08.00	N 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 997 mb	Ice drifts to the south strongly.
		12.00	N 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 998 mb	Day's run:    171.3 nm
				1.5 nm
				172.8 nm
		16.00	NbyE 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, light snowfall, otherwise Vis. about 13 nm, 1002 mb
		20.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, Vis. 4-8 nm, foggy, 1003 mb
		24.00	WbyN 3, Sea 2-3, freshening, overcast, Vis, 15 nm, 1003 mb
		14.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			W 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1004 mb
		08.00	SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, snow showers, otherwise Vis. up to 10 nm, 1003 mb
		09.45		Test dive, dived.
		10.20		Surfaced.
		12.00	W 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 20 nm, 1004 mb	Day's run:     172.6 nm
				3.2 nm
				175.8 nm
		13.55		One "Ju 88" bearing 0°T, distance about 6 nm.
		16.00	SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, sunny, 1005 mb
		17.00		Dived, crash dive for aircraft, assume "Ju 88".
		17.14		Surfaced.
		20.00	NEbyE 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1006 nm
		24.00	NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1008 mb
		15.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1009 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		15.05.43
		05.33		Crash dive for aircraft, type not distinguished.
		06.07		Surfaced.
		08.00	NbyE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. about 14 nm, 1012 mb
		12.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, light snowfall, light fog, otherwise Vis, about 10 nm, 1013 mb	Day's run:    170.4 nm
				2.5 nm
				172.9 nm
		16.00	SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1013 mb
		20.00	WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1014 mb
		24.00	WbyN 2, Sea 1, overcast, snow showers, otherwise Vis. about 10 nm, 1014 mb
		16.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			SW 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1013 mb
		05.50		Crash dive for aircraft.  Type not distinguished, still too far away.
		06.12		Surfaced.
		08.00	WNW 1, Sea 0-3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1012 mb
		12.00	WSW 1, Sea 0-1, half overcast, sometimes snow showers, sunshine, Vis. 2-10 nm, 1014 mb	Day's run:    176.1 nm
				1.2 nm
				177.3 nm
		15.30		Shortly after one another two smoke clouds recognized at the north edge of Bear Island; closed, however nothing seen.  Assume ice breaking on a rugged mountainside.
		16.00	W 0-1, Sea 0, 1/4 overcast, sunshine, Vis. 15 nm, 1012 mb
		20.00	ENE 1, Sea 0, half overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb
		24.00	NEbyE 2-3, Sea 1-2, increasing overcast, Vis, up to 20 nm, 1012 mb
		17.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			NE 1-2, Sea 0-1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1013 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		17.05.43
		08.00	E 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1014 mb
		12.00	ENE 4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1014 mb	Day's run:  186.3 nm
		16.00	E 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1017 mb
		20.00	ENE 1-2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1019 mb
		24.00	NbyW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1020 mb
		18.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			NbyE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis, 12 nm, 1020 mb
		08.00	NNE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1022 mb
		10.57		Test dive to depth A +20 meters.
		12.00		Day's run:    181.1 nm
				2.2 nm
				183.3 nm
		12.15		Surfaced.
		16.00	SW 0-1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast, sunny, Vis. 13 nm, 1026 mb
		20.00	ENE 1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast, fair, Vis. 12 nm, 1025 mb
		24.00	Wind calm, Sea 0, half overcast, sunshine, Vis. 15 nm, 1026 mb
		19.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			SW 0-1, Sea 0, half overcast, Vis. about 10 nm, 1026 mb
		08.00	SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. between 6 and 12 nm, 1026 mb
		12.00	Wind calm, Sea -, Vis. 5 nm	Day's run:    196.3 nm
				0.5 nm
				196.8 nm
		16.00	S 0-1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, sometimes light mist, 1026 mb
		20.00	SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		19.05.43
		24.00	SEbyS 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1022 mb
		20.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1018 mb, falling
		08.00	SbyE 6, Sea 5, increasing, Vis. 6 nm, 1012 mb	Recognition Signals exchange with "Benker".
		11.50		Test dive.
		12.00	SSE 8, Sea 6, overcast, misty, Vis. up to 4 nm, 1009 mb	Day's run:    184.0 nm
				0.3 nm
				184.0 nm
		12.45		Surfaced.
		16.00	S 7-8, Sea 6-7, misty, overcast, sometimes snow showers, Vis. otherwise 2-3 nm, 1014 mb
		20.00	SbyW 6-7, Sea 5-6, half overcast, at times sunny, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1002 mb
		24.00	SWbyW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1002 mb
		21.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			WbyS 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1002 mb
		08.00	WSW 9, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1005 mb
		12.00	SWbyW 8-9, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1008 mb	Day's run:    123.2 nm
				0.7 nm
				123.9 nm
		16.00	WbyS 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1011 mb
		20.00	WSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1011 mb
		24.00	W 5-6, Sea 5-6, squalls, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1011 mb
		22.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			WbyN 6-7, Sea 6-7, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1010 mb
		08.00	W 6-7, Sea 5, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1010 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		22.05.43
		11.00		Test dive.
		12.00	W 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1012 mb	Day's run:    101.3 nm
				1.4 nm
				102.7 nm
		12.35		Surfaced.
		16.00	W 6-7, Sea 5-6, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1013 mb
		20.00	W 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 8-12 nm, except for snow and hail squalls, 1012 mb
		24.00	NW 5-6, Sea 5, snow showers, Vis. 5-10 nm, overcast, 1012 mb
		23.05.43
		04.00	Northwest of Bear Island
			W 4-5, squalls, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1012 mb
		08.00	NW 5, Sea 4, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1014 mb
		12.00	NWbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, misty, otherwise Vis. up to 10 nm, 1015 mb	Day's run:    148.6 nm
				0.8 nm
				149.4 nm
		16.00	W 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1016 mb
		20.00	AB 3949	Drift ice has moved strongly to the north.  Searched on course 10° for the drift ice limit.
			NNW 1, Sea 2. overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1012 mb
		23.15		Came to course 0°.
		24.00	AB 3915
			NbyW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1018 mb
		24.05.43
		04.00	AB 3649
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1017 mb
		06.00		Came to course 200°.
		08.00	AB 3642
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1016 mb
		11.39		Test dive.
		12.00	AB 3615	Day's run:    175.2 nm
			WbyN 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1017 mb	0.3 nm
				175.5 nm
		12.20		Surfaced.  Came to course 280°.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		24.05.43
		12.40		Advanced to the ice limit.  Now located about 100 nm south of Bear Island, so that the area has become too big for one boat.  I decide to send a position Short Signal.
		12.47		Outgoing Radio Message 1247/755 ßß
				My position is square AB 3536.
				"U-354"
		14.30		Came to course 180°.
		16.00	AB 3563
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, sunny, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1018 mb
		16.10		Incoming Radio Message 1421/757 from "F.d.U."
				Herbschleb:  Report ice limit trend by position Short Signals at 19, 21, 23 and 25°E.  Express square by the last three digits (1 group).
		16.20		Came to course 90°.
		18.50		Came to course 205°.
		20.00	AB 3654
			NWbyW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb
		21.09		Came to course 90°.
		22.12		Came to course 140°.
		23.30	AB 3694	Outgoing Radio Message 2334/766 ßß
			NWbyW 2-3, Sea 2, clear sky, Vis. 20 nm, 1020 mb	694.
				"U-354"
		25.05.43
		00.08		Came to curse 90°.
		04.00	AC 1712
			NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, fair, Vis. 15 nm, 1021 mb
		04.37		Came to course 0°.
		05.17		Came to course 180°.
		05.20		Outgoing Radio Message 0540/767 ßß
				479.
				"U-354"
		06.40		Came to course 200°.
		08.00	AC 1742
			NW 1, Sea 0-1, clear sky, sunny, Vis. 20 nm, 1023 mb
		09.15		Came to course 90°.
		10.27		Came to course 150°.
		11.30		Came to course 90°.
		12.00	AC 1758	Day's run:    183.4 nm
			NWbyW 1, Sea 0-1, fair, Vis. 15 nm, 1024 mb	0.5 nm
				183.9 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		25.05.43
		14.25		Came to course 130°.
		15.35		Outgoing Radio Message 1534/771 ßß
				793.
				"U-354"
				Came to course 185°.
		16.00	AC 1874
			W 0-1, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1023 mb
		16.30		Came to course 95°.
		18.30		Incoming Radio Message 1747.772 from "U-Bootsführer"
				Herbschleb:  After completing ice reconnaissance, monitor the passage between ice limit and Bear Island at the narrowest point.  Report significant changes in the ice limit by position Short Signal.
		19.15	AC 1883	Outgoing Radio Message 1920/773 ßß
			Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1024 mb	883.
				"U-354"
				Came to westerly course, to monitor the passage between square AC 1742 and Bear Island.
		24.00	AC 1786
			N 0, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. up to 20 nm, 1024 mb
		26.05.43
		04.00	Northeast of Bear Island
			NE 0-1, Sea 0, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, sunshine, 1024 mb
		08.00	NE 0-1, Sea 0, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1025 mb
		11.05		Test dive.
		11.54		Surfaced.
		12.00		Day's run:    141.1 nm  Ice drifts to the south.
				1.6 nm
				142.7 nm
		16.00	NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, low hanging clouds, Vis. 13 nm, 1029 mb
		19.17		Hull valve cooling water exit starboard diesel leaks.  Valve group removed, ground in and installed again.
				Began work.
		19.35		Boat clear to dive.
		21.00		Boat unclear to dive.
		21.30		Boat clear to dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		26.05.43
		22.25		Both diesels in service again, work has ended.
		24.00	NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. up to 20 nm, 1030 mb
		27.05.43
		04.00	East of Bear Island	Ice limit drifts strongly to the south.
			N 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1030 mb
		08.00	NWbyW 2-3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1031 mb
		12.00	NbyE 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 20 nm, 1032 mb	Day's run:    163.8 nm
		13.30		Test dive to depth A +0 meters.  Cooling water exit valve holds tight.
		14.00		Surfaced.
		16.00	N 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1032 mb
		20.00	Wind calm, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1032 mb, falling
		24.00	NWbyW 1, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm, 1031 mb
		28.05.43	Northeast of Bear Island
		04.33	SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, a few openings in the clouds, 1028 mb	Crash dive for aircraft.  Went to depth A +0 meters.  Aircraft course about 90°, south edge of Bear Island seaplane fuselage, but not a Sunderland.
		05.04		Surfaced.
		08.00	NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1028 mb
		12.00	NWbyN 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1027 mb, falling	Day's run:    128.2 nm
				1.2 nm
				129.4 nm
		16.00	NWbyN 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1026 mb
		20.00	NNW 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, otherwise brief light snow squalls1024 mb	Ice drifts further south.  Ice barriers form, between them however lie large ice free sea areas.  With the coming south wind in a short time the ice will be north of Bear Island again.
		24.00	NWbyW 4. Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1022 mb
		29.05.43	East of Bear Island
		04.00	NWbyW 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1020 mb
		04.50		Crash dive for aircraft.  Suspect "Ju 88".
		05.27		Surfaced.
		08.00	NW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, light snowfall, 1020 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		29.05.43
		12.00	NW 1, Sea 0, half overcast, fair, Vis. 15 nm, 1019 mb	Day's run:    167.2 nm
				0.5 nm
				168.0 nm
		16.00	NbyE 0-1, Sea 0, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. up to 15 nm, 1019 mb
		30.05.42	East of Bear Island
		04.00	NE 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1020 mb
		08.00	N 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1020 mb
		12.00	NNE 0-1, Sea 0, 1/4 overcast, sunny, Vis. 20 nm, 1020 mb	Day's run: 161.7 nm
		16.00	E 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1028 mb
		20.00	SEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb
		24.00	ESE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1015 mb, falling
		31.05.42	East of Bear Island
		04.00	SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, except in snow showers, 1012 mb
		08.00	SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 8 nm, 1010 mb
		11.45		Test dive.
		12.00	Wind 0, Sea 0, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1011 mb	Day's run:    185.6 nm
				0.2 nm
				185.8 nm
		12.25		Surfaced.
		16.00	EbyN 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1012 mb
		20.00	ENE 5, Sea 4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1015 mb
		24.00	NE 4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1017 mb
		01.06.43
		04.00	East of Bear Island
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1018 mb
		08.00	NbyE 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1018 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		01.06.43
		12.00	NEbyN 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1018 mb	Day's run:    172.4 nm
				0.5 nm
				172.9 nm
		16.00	EbyS 3, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1016 mb
		20.00	SEbyS 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1014 mb
		24.00	ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10-15 nm, 1012 mb
		02.06.43	Northeast of Bear Island
		04.00	E 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, light snow showers, otherwise Vis. up to 8 nm, 1012 mb
		08.00	ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1010 mb
		11.32		Test dive.
		12.00	SbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, freshening, Vis. 15 nm, 1009 mb	Day's run:    179.2 nm
				2.2 nm
				181.4 nm
		12.10		Surfaced.
		16.00	SW 3, Sea 2-3, light Swell, heavy fog, overcast, Vis. 50 meters to 1 nm, 1011 mb
		20.00	WbyN 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. 200 meters, 1012 mb, rising
		24.00	WNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, 1014 mb
		03.06.43	Northeast of Bear Island
		04.00	NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. 8 nm, 1016 mb
		08.00	NWbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1017 mb
		12.00	NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. up to 15 nm, 1019 mb	Day's run:    174.0 nm
				0.2 nm
				174.2 nm
		16.00	NNE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1019 mb
		20.00	NEbyE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, light snow showers, otherwise Vis. up to 8 nm, 1020 mb
		24.00	EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 1-10 nm, 1021 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.43

	- 15 -
		04.06.43	East of Bear Island
		04.00	EbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, otherwise Vis. 8 nm, 1021 mb	Passage iced-up.  Before reporting by Radio Message will await south wind because then I believe the passage will be ice free again.
		08.00	EbyN 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. 3-8 nm, 1020 mb
		12.00	EbyN 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 2-10 nm, 1020 mb	Day's run:  186.5 nm
		16.00	EbyN 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1019 mb
		20.00	ENE 6, Sea 5, freshening, misty, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1018 mb
		24.00	E 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, misty, Vis. 2-5 nm, 1011 mb
		05.06.43	Northeast of Bear Island
		04.00	SE 6-7, Sea 6-7, increasing, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 4 nm, 1007 mb
		08.00	E 8, Sea 7, squall, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3 nm, 1005 mb
		11.47		Test dive.
		12.00	SEbyE 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-4 nm, 999 mb	Day's run:    157.6 nm
				0.3 nm
				157.9 nm
		13.10	Ship thick fog, Vis. 20 meters	Surfaced.  Thick fog. Vis. 20 meters, so dove again.
		13.47		Dived.
		19.19		Surfaced.
		20.00	SE 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, 1/4 overcast, sunshine, Vis. 12-14 nm, 1001 mb
		24.00	S 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1001 mb
		06.06.43	East of Bear Island
		04.00	SbyE 5-6, Sea 5, half overcast, sunny, Vis. 8 nm, 1000 mb
		08.00	SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 998 mb	Because despite strong south winds the passage remains iced, I decide to report on this.
		08.58		Outgoing Radio Message 0858/744 ßß
				Passage not possible.
				"U-354"

	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		06.06.43
		12.00	SSW 6-7, Sea 5-6, high Swell, Vis. 2-10 nm, misty, rain, 998 mb	Day's run:    115.2 nm
				2.3 nm
				117.5 nm
		16.00	SWbyW 7-8, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1004 mb
		20.00	WbyS 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, long high Swell, Vis. 7 nm, 1008 mb
		21.54		Outgoing Radio Message 2154/784 ßß
				998.
				"U-354"
		24.00	SWbyS 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1011 mb
		07.06.43	East of Bear Island
		04.00	SWbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1009 mb
		08.00	WSW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, misty, otherwise 8-10 nm, 1008 mb
		11.45		Test dive.
		11.55		Incoming Radio Message 1042/704:
				Herbschleb:
				Determine ice limit trend west of Bear Island to South Cape Spitzbergen.  Short Signal report, is passage is possible, otherwise report results only on request.
				"F.d.U."
		12.00	WSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. 2-15 nm, 1010 mb	Day's run:    153.8 nm
				0.2 nm
				154.0 nm
		13.16		Surfaced.  Came to westerly course.  Boat is 15 nm east of the northeast corner of Bear Island.
		16.00	AB 3999
			SW 5-6, Sea 5, in squalls 7, overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1010 mb
		20.00	AB 3958	The passage between the ice limit and Bear Island is only narrow and choked by drift ice.
			WSW 8, Sea 6-7, overcast, foggy, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1010 mb
		20.11		Outgoing Radio Message 2011/724 ßß
				Passage clogged by drift ice, however possible for ships and boats.
				"U-354"
		24.00	AB 3922
			WSW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 3-10 nm, 1010 mb
		08.06.43
		04.00	AB 3684
			WbyS 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1007 mb
		08.00	AB 3684
			WbyS 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1007 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		08.06.43
		12.00	AB 3615	Day's run:    136.5 nm
			E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 2-10 nm, 1004 mb	1.4 nm
				137.9 nm
		16.00	AB 3538
			E 4, Sea 3, overcast, snow showers, Vis, 2-20 nm, 998 mb
		20.00	AB 3593
			ENE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, snow shower, Vis. 2-4 nm, 993 mb
		24.00	AB 3914
			N 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow shower, Vis. 2 nm, 993 mb
		09.06.43
		04.00	AB 3948	The passage is completely free again, the ice was driven to the north within 24 hours.
			NbyW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1000 mb
		08.00	AB 3965
			WbyN 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1001 mb
		11.40		Test dive.
		12.00	North of Bear Island	Day's run:    164.2 nm
			Monitoring the passage	0.4 nm
			W 4, Sea 4, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1006 mb	164.6 nm
		13.15		Surfaced.
		16.00	NWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, fair, sunshine, Vis. 15 nm, 1006 mb, rising
		20.00	W 5-6, Sea 5, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1007 mb
		24.00	W 3-4, Sea 3-4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1008 mb
		10.06.43	Northeast of Bear Island
		04.00	NW 5, Sea 4-5, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1011 mb
		08.00	NW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb
		12.00	NWbyW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1016 mb	Day's run:    149.2 nm
				2.3 nm
				151.5 nm
		13.10		Incoming Radio Message 1159/799:
				Sickel relieves Herbschleb 11 June 00.00 hours, Herbschleb return transit Hammerfest.  After passing 73°N send ice limit trend between Bear Island and Spitzbergen and report if overhaul in Hammerfest is not sufficient.
				"F.d.U."

	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		10.06.43		After receiving the Radio Message once more checked the ice limit in the area of Bear Island.
		16.00	NWbyW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb
		19.35		Test dive.
		20.00	NNW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1018 mb
				Surfaced.  Went in the vicinity of Bear Island and checked navigation.
		24.00	WNW 6, Sea 5, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1020 mb	Began transit to Narvik on course 200°.
		11.06.43
		04.00	AB 6392
			NW 5, Sea 4-5, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1022 mb
		08.00	AB 6658
			WNW 4, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1025 mb
		09.58		Outgoing Radio Message 0936/736:
				Ice 746, 937, 686, 648, 298.  Hammerfest not sufficient.
				"Herbschleb"
		11.40		Incoming Radio Message 1103/741:
				Herschleb return transit Narvik Andfjord, report arrival schwarz 25 immediately.  Sickel monitor ice free passage northeast of Bear Island.
				"F.d.U."
		11.58		Outgoing Radio Message 1158/742 ßß
				08.00 hours.
				"U-354"
		12.00	AB 6919
			WbyN 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1026 mb
		16.00	AB 6919
			SWbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1026 mb
		20.00	AB 9291
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1025 mb
		22.05	AB 9552	A float pair (cutter boards), painted red, about 1.50 meters long, sighted shape of aircraft bombs.
		23.50		Test dive.
		24.00	AB 9552
			Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1022 mb
		12.06.43
		00.15 - 01.25		In the west strong detonation sounds heard, which were not picked up in the G.H.G.
				Artillery fire was accepted.
		01.50		Surfaced.  Came to course 180°.
		04.00	AB 9891
			SSE 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 14 nm, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		12.06.43
		08.00	AB 9891
			SSW 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1019 mb
		08.55	Andenes abeam to starboard	Recognition Signals exchanged with barrier vessel.
		11.25	Harstad	Entered Harstad.  Supplied with provisions and embarked pilot.
		12.00	Harstad	Day's run:    278.6 nm
				1.2 nm
				279.8 nm
		13.05		Departed Harstad  for transit to Narvik.
		13.10	Lødingen abeam to starboard	Disembarked pilot.
		17.05	Narvik	Arrived Narvik, made fast "STELLA POLARIS".
		13.06.43	Narvik
		11.00		Cast off "STELLA POLARIS".
		11.15		Alongside "AVISO GRILLE".
				Transit Orders "U-354".
				1.)  Depart Narvik on the morning of 13 June through Vestfjord.
				2.)  Transit 50 nm from the coast to Trondheim via Point "Gustav Richard 2".
				3.)  Radio Circuit "Anton".
				On behalf of.
				Signed in draft Reche.
		12.00		Cast off "AVISO GRILLE" for transit to Trondheim.
		14.07	Barøya abeam
		15.24	Brennesct abeam
		16.00	Point "Schwarz 10"
			NNE 1, Sea 0, 1/4 overcast, sunny, Vis. 15 nm, 1005 mb
		20.05	Fog, Vis. 50 meters	Suddenly fog set in.  Squall up to Wind Strength 7-8.
		21.00	Skomvær abeam
				Radio Message received at Volume 0-1.  The Short Signal concerning arrival at objective point was not acknowledged, so not heard.  Also on other wavelengths (Norw.-) sending fails for the same reason.
		24.00	AF 3728
			NSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1000 mb
		14.06.43
		01.15		Came to course 210°.
		00.43		Incoming Radio Message "Timm":  Report carrying out test by Short Signal "Yes".  Transfer of Ob.Fkmstr. to "U-354" at sea intended.
				"F.d.U."
		04.00	AF 2999
			WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1006 mb
		06.18		First now sending of Radio Message 0006/608 possible:
				22.00 hours at meeting point.
				Herbschleb.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		14.06.43
		08.00	AF 5358
			SWbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 13 nm, 1007 mb
		08.12		Test dive.
		08.50		Surfaced, continued transit.
		12.00	AF 5644	Day's run:      321 nm
			WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 12 nm, 1008 mb	0.6 nm
				321.6 nm
		12.42	AF 5566	Heavily encrusted lead cap mine (3 caps visible) type E.M.A.)
		14.11	AF 5592	Incoming ßß:  Yes. square AF 5564.
				Timm
		14.35		Outgoing ßß: Meeting point square AF 5568.
				Herbschleb
				Came to course 0°.
		15.13		"U-Timm" in sight.  Recognition Signals exchanged.
		15.20		Mail delivered and took over Oberfunkmeister.
		15.33		Continued transit to Trondheim.
		15.39		Outgoing ßß:
				Have carried out transfer.
				Herbschleb.
		16.00	AF 5592
			SWbyW 1, Sea 1, Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1008 mb
		17.03	AF 5597	Came to course 160°.
		18.20		Incoming Radio Message 1227/14/689:
				"U-354"
			[= Point GR 2]	"M 204" be at intake point 14 June at 22.00 hours 63°16N and 7°35E.
				Adm. Nordküste.
		20.00	AF 5863
			NEbyN 1, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm, half overcast, 1008 mb
		23.56		Outgoing ßß:   Arrival at designated meeting point anticipated 3 hours later.
				"U-354"
		24.00	AF 8311
			NEbyN 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 15 nm, 1006 mb
		15.06.43
		01.10	Gripp Lighthouse abeam	Taken in convoy.  Speed 10 knots.
		02.19	Langh abeam

	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		15.06.43
		03.38	Tyrhaug abeam
		07.45	Beian abeam
		08.19	Agdanes abeam
		10.30	Trondheim outer harbor	Released escort.
		11.10	Trondheim	Made fast Trondheim.
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.
			Kriegstagebuch - Evaluation.
			1.) When monitoring the passage between the ice limit and the island, provision of an alternative area is suggested in the event of short-term passage icing. 2.) No people were sighted on Bear Island.  Shooting up the radio station on the northeast coast of the island would have been possible without difficulty, but it was not known if this would be desirable from a leadership point of view.  Believe annihilation of the station feasible in the near future. 3.)  Bearings from Ingøy very good.  Bearings from Bodø were not possible.  The identifier for Bodø reported by Radio Message KDW on 562 kHz was not sent, instead different irregular times WWW heard. On 521 kHz XXX was heard, but this bearing ray fell about 60 nm too far to the west.
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.

Sun and Moon Data 15.06.43

	Enclosure 1 to F.d.U. Norwegen Gkdos 2188
	Comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen
	on the K.T.B. of "U-354" from 5.4. - 15.06.43
	On the conclusions in the K.T.B. as well as subsequent similar reports.
	1.) All observations of radio stations, houses and on foreign coasts can be of value for our own operations and are to be included in the K.T.B., even if probably already known.  If possible telephoto with the on board camera with location, bearing and distance. 2.) In the meantime the destruction of the former radio station on the northeast side of Bear Island was carried out by the Luftwaffe and "U-212 (Vogler). 3.) Otherwise nothing to note.

On board 10 July 1943
	To
	Oberkommando der Kriegsmarins -2.Skl/B.d.U. Op.- (Copy No. 3)
	Kommandieren Admiral der Unterseeboote                 (Copy No. 4)
	Admiral Nordmeer                                           (Copy Nos. 1 and 2)
	Führer der Unterseebootes-Ausbildung                       (Copy No. 6)
	27. Unterseebootsflottille                                            (Copy No. 7)
	Subject:  Report "U-354"
	Action  : 13. Ufl. B.Nr. Gkdos 630 of 23.6.43
	Enclosed is the K.T.B. of "U-354" from 5.4. - 15.6.43 with corresponding enclosures and the comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen are submitted and sent.

	Admiral Nordmeer
	B.Nr. Gkdos. 0827 A1                                                         On board 19 July 1943
	To
	Marinegruppenkommando Nord/Flottenkommand
	Forwarded in the Enclosed is the Kriegstagebuch of "U-354" for the period from 5.4. to 15.6.1942 with corresponding Enclosures as well as the comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen.
	There is nothing to note.
	signed in draft    K  l  ü  b  e  r

	Marinegruppenkommando Nord
	and Flottenkommand                                                    Headquarters 3 August 1943.
	B.Nr. Gkdos.3944/43  Aop
	To           Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - Skl. -
	Presented.
	Nothing to note.
	On behalf of

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