U-354 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Narvik
22 October 1943
Tromsø
23 October 1943
2
Tromsø
25 October 1943
Hammerfest
6 December 1943
26

 

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.


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
   
       
K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h   for  "  U  354  "
==================================
 
 
 
Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Herbschleb
 
 
                                      6th War Patrol.  
           
           
        Beginning:  23 September 1943  
           
        Ending:         6 December 1943  
           
           
                                       Distribution:  
           
       
1st Copy B.d.U. for O.K.M.
2nd Copy B.d.U. for O.K.M.
3rd Copy B.d.U.
4th Copy Kom.Adm. U-Boote
5th Copy F.d.U. Norwegen
6th Copy F.d.U. - Ausbildung -
7th Copy 27. U - Flottille
8th Copy 13. U - Flottille
 
           
     
                              Enclosures:  
           
        1 Track chart  
           
                          
         
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.09.43 Narvik Boat cleared and prepared for overhaul and maintenance work by depot ship "HUASCARAN".  
    to Alongside depot ship "HUASCARAN"  
    25.09.43      
    08.00   Boat shifted to dry-dock in Bogen Bay.  
    09.50 Bogen Bay Dry-docked.  
           
    26.09.43      
    17.05   Un-docked and shifted to "HUASCARAN".  
    18.20 Narvik Alongside "HUASCARAN".  
           
    27.09.43 Narvik Overhaul and maintenance work by "HUASCARAN".  
    to      
    19.10.43      
           
    20.10.43   Torpedo loading.  
    21.10.43 Skjomenfjord Provisions loading from "KÄRNTEN" afterwards trim and deep diving test to depth A +40 meters.  
    16.10 Narvik Alongside "HUASCARAN".  
           
        Operations Order for " U-354 " (Herbeschleb).  
           
      1.)  Depart Narvik 22 October 10.00 hours for radio direction finder calibration at Rotvaer.  Afterwards with district pilot from Lødingen for Harstadt and on 23 October 07.00 hours further to Tromsø  
  [probably a typo KHA = Küstenhorchanlage = Coastal Listening Equipment] 2.)  On passing the HKA-Tromsø-South about 30 minute sound run in accordance with special task.  (See Serial No. 738-741 of 18 October).  
  3.)  In Tromsø report to A 1 Adm,Polarküste and confer concerning escort.  No leave.  Take over weather radio station "Svartisen" from Airbase Tromsø  
  4.)  Report departure from Tromsø by Short Signal with the addition of sea duration in days.  With escort to "SR 1" further to Hopen Island.  [says Hoüeninsel but propably a typo]  
      5.)  Task:  Transport of weather station "Svartisen" to Hopen Island and if necessary assist in construction and establishment of the hut on the east coast.  Remain at Hopen Island until radio station is established and ready to receive and transmit.  Remain unnoticed during outbound and inbound transit.  Only report, if necessary to complete task.  
      6.)  Short Signal "Task completed" from AC 17, afterwards to relieve U-360 (Becker) in attack area AB 3973, depth 30 nm.   
      7.)  Own warships:  Group "Eisenbart":  U-360 AB 3973 to 3568, U-713 (Gosekakob) AB 3917 to 3523, shift of the attack area with irregular courses and uniform advance beginning in the north at 23 October 00.00, arrival in the south at 24 October 00.00 hours, to the north 25 October 00.00 and so forth every four days.  U-956 (Mohs) monitoring Isfjorden.  U-355 (La Baume) with fishing trawler (Kreuzritter) on return transit via AB 2249 to Hammerfest.  U-737 (Brasack) approaching Andfjord 23 October.  Daily weather reconnaissance by 1 Ju 88 to Spitzbergen.  
      8.)  Operational Order No. 1 for Nordmeer U-boats, U-boats Nordmeer Circuit.  2 sketches from U-703 as enclosure.  
                                             Signed in draft Peters.  
           
    22.10.43 Narvik    
      NEbyE 4-5, Sea 1, misty, Vis. 5 nm, +2°C Cast off "HUASCARAN" for transit to Harstadt.  
           
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.10.43 Narvik    
    12.15 - 13.15 Rotvaer Radio direction finder calibration.  
    14.00 Lødingen Pilot taken on board.  
    17.45 Harstadt Made fast alongside steamer "ALSTER".  
           
    23.10.43 Harstadt    
    07.05 NE 4-5, Sea 2, 1/3 overcast, Vis. 10 nm Cast off for transit to Tromsø.  Pilot is on board.  
    10.30 Kloeven abeam    
      Snow showers    
    12.00 Rødbergodden    
      Abeam to starboard Day's run:  114 nm.  
    12.35 - 13.05 Kvalnes Sound run for Listening station Tromsø-South  
      Heavy snow shower.    
    15.30 Tromsø Sea Plane Base Made fast alongside Aircraft Support Ship "CARL MEXER".  
      NE 6, Sea 4  
           
    24.10.43 Tromsø    
    07.45   Shifted to the pier at the Sea Plane Base.  Weather station "Svartisen" loaded.  
    14.00   Shifted alongside "CARL MEXER", to be ready to leave during the ebb tide (at the pier at flood about 5.5 meters deep)  
           
    25.10.43      
    06.00 E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10 nm Departed Tromsø with escort for transit to Hammerfest and Point SR 1 further according to Operations Order.  
    07.06   Outgoing Short Signal 0707/25/728:  
        06.00 hours outfitted for 6 weeks.  
                                                         U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    07.12 - 07.35   Trim test.  
    10.00 Lyngstuva abeam to starboard    
    12.00 Brynilen to starboard Day's run:  63.0 nm    0.6 nm = 63.6 nm  
    14.06 Arvik to starboard    
    16.50 Passed Hammerfest    
    18.55 Point "SR 1"    
      SbyE 2, Sea 1 Released escort.  Came to course 8° and 15 knots.  
    20.00 North Cape    
      AC 7272    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, snow showers    
    22.10   Went to diesel-electric 8 knots.  
           
    26.10.43 Norwegian Sea    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.10.43 Norwegian Sea    
    00.00 NE 3-4, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, snow showers, otherwise Vis. up to 10 nm, 1022 mb, +0°C    
    04.00 AC 4588    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2    
    08.00 AC 4552    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 1/4 overcast, 1024 mb    
    12.00 AC 4291 Day's run:  256.4 nm  
      N 4-5, Sea 3-4, squally, Vis. 8-10 nm, 1025 mb, -1°C    
    16.00 AC 4232    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 6 nm    
    20.00 AC 1863    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2    
           
    27.10.43      
    00.00 AC 1671    
      NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. 5-8 nm, 1027 mb, -4°C    
    04.00 AC 1615    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2    
    06.00   Hopen Island in sight.  
    06.20   Dived, to make the boat ice free.  
    06.34 Hopen Island Surfaced.  
    08.00 AC 1269 Headed for Hopen Island.  All weapons manned.  One shot 8.8 cm fired.  Island is unoccupied.  Main ballast tank 5 pre-flooded and headed for the coast.  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, 1027 mb, -4.5°C  
    09.15   Anchored 350-400 meters off Hut No. 2.  Before the boat surf is caused by the long swell.  Sounding shows 5 meters under the keel.  
        The three rubber boat were prepared, in so doing it turns out that the boats are very fragile, were torn while being launched and so out of service.  
    09.30 Hopen Island Boat has shifted at anchor and hits rocks so that is must be shifted 100 meters to sea.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.10.43 Hopen Island    
    12.00 NbyE 2, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, long Swell, Vis. 4-5 nm, 1027 mb, -4.5°C Day's run:  178.8 nm    0.5 nm = 179.3 nm  
        The boat now lies about 500 meters from the coast, which at the landing location off hut No. 2 has a stony beach about 500 meters long and enclosed everywhere by the surf. The 8-man inflatable which could hold 4 boxes is broken through after 3 crossings due to the absence of a wood flooring in the bottom so that only water-insensitive goods can be transferred with it.  The lifeboat lying ashore which leaks heavily is provisionally patched and put into use.  This boat which is often half full of water, holds about 5 boxes and some light goods.  However, the boat repeatedly pounds in the powerful surf, leaks and must be sealed with difficulty. Thus wooden and rubber boats are completely unsuitable, however thick-walled sheet metal boats similar to the assault boats, alone comply with the requirements of such a landing.  
    16.18   Incoming Radio Message 1437/705:  
        Herbschleb:  Expedite completion.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    20.00 NE 2, Sea 1-2, driving snow On the last crossing 100 meters from land, the lifeboat encountered rocks and sank while landing. The waterproof cargo and the boat were taken ashore by the crew.  Over the next few hours, the heavily leaking and battered boat fails. The last rubber dinghy must cease trips because a tough water-ice slurry has formed, in which the boat can no longer proceed. Not quite one-third of the cargo has been transferred.  
        A part of the crew remains ashore to make the hut, which is completely filthy and in need of improvement, habitable again.  
           
    28.10.43      
    06.30 NNE, Sea 1, light driving snow, Vis. about 3 nm, -5°C The cutter is ready again, the unloading will continue.  Also the rubber boat can be used again because the slush has cleared.  
    12.00 NNE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell Approximately 2/3 of the cargo has been transferred. The cutter has again sprung a leak and must be repaired. The ice slurry thickens, the dinghy proceeds with difficulty.  
    17.30 NNE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 2-3 nm, long Swell The surf has strengthened so that the cutter can only carry half the normal cargo.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.10.43 Hopen Island    
    22.00 NE 2, Sea 1-2, increasing, long Swell Except for one battery, several wood fiber boards and two little boxes all has been transfered, but the cutter cannot return board due to strong surf.  Must wait on weather improvement.  
           
    29.10.43      
    00.00 EbyS 4, increasing, long Swell, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1019 mb, -5°C    
    09.10 SSE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 7 nm, 1013 mb, -5°C Boat drifts towards land while at anchor.  Anchorage was shifted 1000 meters to sea.  
    12.55 SSE 5, Sea 4 Boat is again driven towards land, anchorage was shifted seaward.  (depth 15 meters, chain 150 meters).  
    22.00 SbyE 7, Sea 6 Weighed anchor, shifted the boat to 60 meters water depth and put the boat on the bottom.  
           
    30.10.43 Hopen Island    
    05.00   Raised the boat from the bottom.  
    05.25 SbyE 3, Sea 2, high long Swell, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1011 mb, -5°C Surfaced and went under land.  
    06.30   Anchored 1500 meters from hut No. 2.  High swell and surf still do not allow transfer.  
    12.00 SbyE 2-3, Sea 2 Flag signals from land, that during a launch attempt of the boat in the surf there were new leaks/damage.  Surf is temporarily not passable.  
    20.00 SWbyW 3-4, Sea 3, driving snow    
           
    31.10.43      
    00.00 SW 2, Sea 1-2, high long Swell, overcast, misty, 1008 mb, -2°C Flag signals from land, that for the time being transfer is not possible due to the surf.  Gave orders for immediate readiness.  
    00.30   Incoming Radio Message 2256/746:  
        "Herbschleb" after completing task relieve "Mohs" in AB 3523, depth 30 nm.  Report anticipated arrival by Short Signal.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    08.30 N 1, Sea 0-1, long Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1004 mb, -1.5°C Flag signal from land "Cutter launches".  
    08.40   The completely decrepit and swamped to the brim  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.10.43 Hopen Island cutter arrives with the rest of the boat's crew.  The cutter is no longer usable.  Gave flag signal that fliers come alongside with the rubber boat to take over the remaining goods.  
    10.00   Rubber boat comes alongside with all four fliers.  
    10.32   Outgoing Short Signal  1129/31/750:  
        Have completed task.  
        1st day of the following month.  
                                                                   "U-354" (Herbschleb)
    12.30 EbyN 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, snow showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1008 mb, -1°C Rubber boat with the fliers casts off.  "Svartisen" is ready to receive and transmit, hut and gear were transfered from us in order, all equipment is stacked in front of the hut.  
        Boat weighed anchor.  
    13.34 Southern tip of Hopen Island Came to course 230°, 8 knots.  
    14.30   Incoming Radio Message 1235/751:  
        Herbschleb joins Group "Eisenbart"  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    16.00 AC 1284    
      EbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1000 mb    
    17.50   Came to course 270°.  
    20.00 AC 1431    
      SSW 4, Sea 4, rain, Vis. 1 nm    
    22.30   Crash dive for training.  
    23.05   Surfaced.  
           
    01.11.43 Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
      AB 3632    
      SWbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, freshening, rain, Vis. 1 nm, 979 mb, +1°C    
    04.00 AB 3612    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 5, misty, rain, Vis. 1 nm    
    08.00 AB 3523    
      In attack area, southern tip of Spitzbergen    
      N 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, 972 mb Back and forth in position in attack area.  
    11.05   Crash dive for training.  
    11.25   Surfaced.  
    11.30   Crash dive for training.  
    11.40   Surfaced.  
    11.57   Crash five for training.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.11.43 South of Sørkapp    
    12.00 NW 8, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 981 mb, +0.5°C Day's run:  161.2 nm    1.5 nm = 162.7 nm  
    12.54   Surfaced.  
    16.00 NW 7-8, Sea 7, in squalls 8, hail, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    20.00 NW 6, Sea 6, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    02.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 NWbyN 6, Sea 5-6, snow showers, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1002 mb, -4.5°C    
    04.00 NNW 4-5, Sea 4    
    08.00 NW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 WNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1019 mb, -5°C Day's run:  69.0 nm    0.3 nm = 60.3 nm  
    13.05   Crash dive for training.  
    13.30   Surfaced.  
    16.00 EbyS 2-3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, Vis. 3 nm    
    20.00 WSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, misty, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    03.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 SbyW 5, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1012 mb, -1.5°C    
    04.00 SW 3-4, Sea 3    
    08.00 WSW 2-3, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm, misty    
    12.00 NW 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1008 nm, +1°C Day's run:  140.6 nm    0.5 nm = 141.1 nm  
    16.00 NbyE 2, Sea 1-2, misty, Vis. 1 nm    
    17.40   Crash dive for training.  
    18.05   Surfaced.  
    20.00 SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 1 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 SSW 5, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1000 mb, -1°C    
    04.00 WSW 5-6, Sea 4-5    
    08.00 SW 6-7, Sea 6, 998 mb, falling    
    12.00 SWbyW 8, Sea 7, squalls, overcast, misty, Vis. 3-4 nm, 994 mb, -2.5°C Day's run:  116.0 nm    0.5 nm = 116.5 nm  
    16.00 W 8-9, Sea 8    
    20.00 WbyN 6-7, Sea 6-7, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    05.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 WbyN 5, Sea 5-6, overcast, hail showers, Vis. 500 meters to 2 nm, 998 mb, -1.5°C    
    04.00 WbyN 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 1 nm    
    08.00 N 3, Sea 2-3    
    12.00 NE 6, Sea 5, increasing, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm, 996 mb, -2.5°C Day's run:  80.4 nm  
    16.00 NE 6, Sea 5-6, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.00 NNE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.31   Crash dive for training.  
    21.03   Surfaced.  
           
    06.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 NEbyE 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 996 mb, -8.5°C    
    04.00 EbyN 2, Sea 1-2    
    08.00 NbyE 2, Sea 1-2    
    09.04   Crash dive for training.  (propulsion system checks)  
    12.00 NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm, 1002 mb, -8°C Day's run:  105.0 nm    1.4 nm = 106.4 nm  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.11.43      
    12.25 Boat has drifted about 10 nm to the northeast. Lightly grounded.  Depth A -50 meters.  
    12.30 5 nm South of Sørkapp Surfaced.  
    16.00 NW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.00 NNW 5, Sea 4, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    07.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 WbyN 4-5, Sea 3-4, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1009 mb, -8°C    
    04.00 NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 N 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm    
    09.55   Crash dive for training.  
    10.20   Surfaced.  
    12.00 W 5, Sea 3, overcast, hail showers, Vis. 6 nm, 1011 mb, -5°C Day's run:  116.3 nm    1.5 nm = 117.8 nm  
    16.00 SW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.00 WSW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    08.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
      WbyS 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, sleet showers, Vis. 1-4 nm, 1011 mb, -2.5°C    
    04.00 Sea 2-3, WbyS 3-4, Vis. 1000 meters -3 nm    
    08.00 N 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.00 NbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1018 mb, -6°C Day's run:  147.7 nm   
    14.30   Crash dive for training.  
    15.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.00 ENE 2, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm, -6°C    
    04.00 SW 1, Sea 1, Vis. 1 nm    
    08.00 WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.00 WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 1023 mb, -2°C Day's run:  150.5 nm    10.8 nm = 151.3 nm  
    16.00 N 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.00 ENE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    10.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1024 mb, -4°C    
    04.00 E 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.00 EbyS 5, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.43   Crash dive for training.  
    12.00 E 6, Sea 5, long Swell, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1013 mb, -2°C    
    12.45   Surfaced.  
    16.00 E 5-6, Sea 5, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.00 ENE 6, Sea 5, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    11.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.00 ENE 7, Sea 6, overcast, sleet showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1003 mb, -4°C    
    04.00 NE 8, Sea 6-7, hail showers, Vis. 1 nm    
    08.00 NE 8, Sea 6-7, hail, Vis. 500 meters to 1 nm, boat heavily iced, 995 mb, -4°C    
    09.25 Hail and snow showers, Vis. 300 meters Dived, manned the G.H.G.  
    12.00   Day's run:  54.5 nm    0.8 nm = 55.3 nm  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    15.05 NE 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, 992 mb, -2°C Surfaced.  
    16.00 NE 5-6, Sea 5, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.00 NNE 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    22.18   Incoming Radio Message 2046/11/744:  
        1.)  New attack areas from 12 November 04.00 hours:  
              Büchler          AB 3523  
              Herbschleb    AB 3568  
      2.)  Becker and Herbschleb 12 November 09.00 hours hand over war reporter in AB 3598.  
      3.)  Becker report longest endurance by Short Signal in days.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    22.45   Came to course 245°.  
    23.18   Dived, because the boat is heavily iced.  
           
    12.11.43 South of Sørkapp Spitzbergen    
    00.13 AB 3534 Surfaced.  
      NEbyN 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 50 meters - 2 nm, fog banks, 995 mb, -14°C    
    04.05 AB 3554 Came to course 145°.  
      NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 1000 meters    
    09.00 Meeting point Back and forth in position at meeting point.  
      AB 3598    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 1-2, high Swell, Vis. 5 nm    
    10.25   Incoming Short Signal 1008/12/749:  
        Positioned at ordered meeting point, have not met U-boat, I send bearing signals in accordance with War Order.  
                                                                   U-360 (Becker)  
    11.38   Have heard no bearing signals and U-Becker has not been sighted.  Navigation checked by soundings.  Therefore gave the following Short Signal:  
        Outgoing Short Signal 1140/12/751:  
        Up to now no bearing signals heard.  I send bearing signals in accordance with War Order.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    12.00 Bear Island Narrows Day's run:  82.4 nm    1.3 nm = 83.7 nm  
      AB 3598    
      NNW 4, Sea 3-4, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1004 mb, -10°C    
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    13.55   Dived for all around listening.  Heard clear diesel sounds at depth A -50 meters bearing 330°T.  Sound shifted out to starboard.  
    14.10 Vis. 1-2 nm Surfaced and ran on course 340° at increased speed.  
    15.00   Nothing sighted, therefore dived once more.  
        Indistinct sounds bearing 270°.  
    15.15 Vis. 1 nm Surfaced and came to course 270°.  Darkness descends, a meeting is only by luck.  
    15.48   Outgoing Short Signal 1550/12/753:  
        Suggest meeting point tomorrow 09.00 hours.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    16.00 Wind 0, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. 1000 meters    
    20.00 NbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    13.11.43 Attack area Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 AB 3561    
      NbyW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1007 mb, -3°C    
    04.00 AB 3678    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm, moonshine    
    08.00 Meeting point Back and forth in position at meeting point.  
      AB 3598    
      NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    09.48   U-Becker not sighted, therefore sent bearing signals.  
        Outgoing Short Signal 1035/13/758:  
        I send bearing signals in accordance with War Order.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    09.50   Crash dive for aircraft.  Type probably DO 18.  Short Signal transmission is interrupted.  
    10.10 Vis. 5-6 nm, fog obscuration of the horizon Surfaced.  Short Signal repeated and confirmed.  Bearing signals sent.  
    11.50   Dived for all around listening, nothing heard.  
    12.00 NW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 1-6 nm, 1011 mb, -5.5°C Day's run:  165.4 nm    1.2 nm = 166.6 nm  
    12.05   Surfaced.  
    14.35   Sent Short Signal 1441/13/761:  
        Positioned at meeting point since 08.00 hours have not met U-boat.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.11.43      
    17.00 AB 3677 U-Becker met.  
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. 1 nm The attempt to hand over the reporter using a one-man rubber lifeboat failed because the rubber boat line tears.  Strong darkness and swell interfere with each maneuver, so that transfer attempt was put off until the following morning at the same position.  
    19.31   Incoming Radio Message 1839/13/768:  
        Herbschleb, Becker attempt to meet daily at 09.00 hours.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    20.00 NNW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    14.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 Attack area AB 3561    
      NbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 500 meters - 3 nm, 1013 mb, -7°C    
    04.00 NNW 5, Sea 4-5, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 AB 3677    
      Meeting point with U-Becker    
      NNW 3, Sea 1-2, Swell, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    09.00   Met U-Becker.  The first attempt to transfer the reporter from bow to bow fails due to the swell.  During a second attempt the rubber boat line tears again at U-Becker.  The third attempt with the rubber boat is finally successful, although for the forty year-old man it is extremely difficult and dangerous because he lacks any seamanship training. His attitude, however, is excellent.  
    10.35   Reporter transferred to U-Becker.  
        Went back into the operations area.  
    10.36   Outgoing Short Signal 1046/14/779:  
        Have completed transfer.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    11.15   Test dive.  
    11.35   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AB 3568 Day's run:  133.8 nm    0.5 nm = 134.3 nm  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, long Swell, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1017 mb, -6°C    
    16.00 NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.11.43      
    20.00 NNE 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    15.11.43      
    00.00 Bear Island Narrows    
      Attack area AB 3561    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1020 mb, -6.6°C    
    04.00 ENE 2, Sea 1, Vis. around 4 nm    
    08.00 NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    11.50   Test dive.  
    12.00 NEbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1018 mb, -7°C, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 24°T, 18.2 nm Day's run:  138.0 nm    0.3 nm = 138.3 nm  
    12.55   Surfaced.  
    16.00 NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 3 nm    
    20.00 NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    16.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
      Attack area AB 3561    
      NEbyE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/2 overcast, high Swell, Vis. around 3 nm, 1019 mb, -7°C    
    04.00 E 3-4, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 EbyN 3, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 NEbyE 3-4, Sea 2,-3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 1022 mb, -5°C Day's run:  149.5 nm    1.5 nm = 151.0 nm  
    16.00 NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    20.00 ENE 1-2, Sea 0-1, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    17.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 Attack area AB 3561    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1028 mb, -7°C    
    04.00 NbyE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 Wind 0, Sea 0, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.11.43      
    12.00 NWbyW 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, hail-, snow showers, Vis. 50 meters to 1 nm, -2°C, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 14°T, 6 nm Day's run:  167.6 nm   
    12.05   Dived.  G.H.G. manned.  
    15.55 W 2, Sea 1, Swell, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 1 nm Surfaced.  
    20.00 NNE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    18.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
      Attack area AB 3561    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 5 nm, 1026 mb, -2°C    
    04.00 SWbyW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 SSW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1023 mb, -2°C Day's run:  145.3 nm    2.0 nm = 147.3 nm  
    12.45   Dived.  The cooling water piping leaks in two places beneath the storage area for the reserve torpedo for tube V and was repaired.  
    16.45 SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 1 nm Cooling water piping is operable again.  
        Surfaced.  
    20.00 SSE 5-6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    19.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
      Attack area AB 3561    
      SEbyS 6, Sea 5, overcast, snow showers, Vis. around 300 meters, 1009 mb, -1°C    
    04.00 SSE 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 1 nm, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 352°T, 25 nm    
    12.00 SbyW 3, Sea 3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1000 mb, +0°C Day's run:  32.5 nm    1.5 nm = 34.0 nm  
    16.00 SW 2, Sea 1, high Swell, Vis. 2 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.11.43      
    20.00 ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    20.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
      Attack area AB 3561    
      NE 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1002 mb, -1°C    
    04.00 NE 7-8, Sea 7, high long Swell, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.09 ENE 5, Sea 4, high Swell, Vis. 2 nm Dived.  Propulsion system checks.  
    12.00   Day's run:  50.0 nm    1.8 nm = 51.8 nm  
    13.55 EbyN 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1007 mb, -1°C Surfaced.  
    16.00 ENE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.00 SSE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 500-1000 meters    
           
    21.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 Attack area AB 3561    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, light snow showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1007 mb, -2°C    
    04.00 NWbyW 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    12.00 SEbyS 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1003 mb, -2°C Day's run:  145.0 nm    1.4 nm = 146.4 nm  
    16.00 NEbyE 5-6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 1 nm    
    20.00 ENE 6, Sea 5, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    22.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 Attack area AB 3561    
      ENE 8-9, Sea 7-8, squally, overcast, Vis. 500 meters, 1003 mb, -2°C    
    00.51   Dived.  G.H.G. manned.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.11.43      
    06.55 NE 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 500 meters Surfaced.  Boat ventilated.  
    07.35   Dived.  G.H.G. manned.  
    12.00   Day's run:  66.0 nm    1.2 nm = 67.2 nm  
    14.00 NE 7-8, Sea 7, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1007 mb, -1°C Surfaced.  
    15.53   Incoming Radio Message 1517/22/757:  
        Group "Eisenbart".  
        Attack areas immediately shift two positions to the south at increased speed.  New attack areas:  AB 6352 and 6397.  
    16.00 AB 3564 Steered course 160° at increased speed.  
      NE 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    19.02   Boat heavily iced, therefore dived.  
    19.50 ENE 9, Sea 7-8, squally, overcast, spray rain, Vis. 100-200 nm, 1003 mb, by soundings boat shifted strongly to the southwest Surfaced, came to course 100°.  
    20.00   Boat works heavily and was heavily shaken, slowed to one diesel slow ahead.  
    21.53 AB 3837 Incoming Radio Message 2010/22/761:  
        Group "Eisenbart" at highest speed form patrol line from AC 1968 lower-center to 4365 center.  Old order.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
           
    23.11.43 Bear Island    
      AB 3861 assumed position    
      EbyN 8-9, Sea 7-8, overcast, misty, Vis. 500 meters, 1001 mb, -4°C    
    04.00 AB 3863    
      NEbyE 8, Sea 7-8, Vis. 200 meters    
    08.00 AB 3945    
      NEbyE 7, Sea 7, Northern Lights, Vis. 200 meters    
    12.00 AB 3954 Day's run:  67.5 nm    2.2 nm = 69.7 nm  
      NEbyE 8, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. 300 meters - 1 nm, 1002 mb, -4°C    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.11.43      
    15.27 AB 3956 Boat is heavily iced, dived.  G.H.G. manned.  
      NEbyE 8, in squalls 9, Sea 8, Vis. 200 meters    
    20.20 AB 3967 Surfaced.  
      ENE 8, in squalls 9, Sea 7-8, Vis. 1000 meters    
    23.52   Incoming Radio Message 2107/23/779:  
        1.)  New attack areas 24 November 08.00 hours:  
        Büchler AC 1968, Herrle AC 4368, depth 30 nm.  Focal point center.  
        2.)  Herbschleb, Lübsen remain in line AC 1998 center to 4338 upper-center.  
        3.)  Outbound from Hammerfest Hildebrandt to AC 4635, Gosejakob AC 1932, depth 30 nm,  
                                                                   U-Bootsfürer  
           
    24.11.43      
      AB 3869    
      ENE 8 in squalls 9, Sea 7-8, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, 997 mb, -7°C    
    00.50 Vis. 200 meters Advanced to the ice limit.  Got free again on southwesterly courses.  
    01.30   Continued along the ice limit and moved off to the south.  
    04.00 AC 1748    
      NEbyE 7, Sea 6-7, Vis. 200 meters    
    08.00 AC 1758    
      ENE 5, Sea 4, high Swell, Vis. 1000 meters    
    12.00 AC 1793 Day's run:  65.5 nm    2.0 nm = 67.5 nm  
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. 500 meters - 2 nm, 990 mb, -5°C    
    16.00 EbyN 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. up to 1 nm    
    18.28   Incoming Radio Message 1157/24/790:  
        1.)  U-360 (Becker) transit Andfjord via AC 1670 to attack area AC 1665, depth 30 nm.  Report ice interference.  
        2.)  Following boats form Group now Group "Eisenbart" from AC 1665 to 4635:  
        Becker, Gosejakob, Büchler, Herbschleb, Lübsen, Herrle and Hildebrandt with focal point AC 4332.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    20.00 AC 1885    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.11.43      
    21.21   Incoming Radio Message 2037/24/794:  
        "Eisenbart"  
        25 November 00.00 hours advance 10 knots to attack areas, depth 30 nm.  
        Gosejakob              AB 3523  
        Becker                           3568  
        Büchler                          3914  
        Herbschleb                    3973  
        Lübsen                           6352  
        Herrle                            6397  
        Hildebrandt                     6666  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
           
    25.11.43      
      AC 1896    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 984 mb, +1°C    
    04.00 AC 1874    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 AC 1775    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. around 1 nm    
    12.00 AB 3984 Day's run:  205.0 nm   
      NbyE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 2-5 nm, 987 mb, -4°C    
    16.00 In attack area AB 3973 back and forth in position    
      NbyE 5-6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    20.00 NNW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.13   Dived.  
    20.50   Surfaced.  
           
    26.11.43 In attack area AB 3973 back and forth in position    
      NbyE 2, Sea 1, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, 992 mb, +0°C    
    04.00 NbyW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 NW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.00 NbyW 5, Sea 4, overcast, sleet showers, Vis. around 4 nm, 993 mb, -1°C Day's run:  126.3 nm    0.5 nm = 126.8 nm  
    16.00 NW 5-6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.11.43      
    20.00 NW 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    21.05   Dived due to icing.  
    21.20   Surfaced.  
           
    27.11.43 Attack area Bear Island Narrows  AB 3973    
      NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, sleet showers, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1001 mb, -4°C    
    04.00 NW 6, Sea 5, Vis. 1000 meters to 2 nm    
    08.00 WbyN 5-6, Sea 5, driving snow, Northern Lights, Vis. 500 meters to 1 nm    
    08.55   Test dive.  
    09.20   Surfaced.  
    12.00 WbyN 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, 1003 mb, -5°C Day's run:  105.0 nm    1.4 nm = 106.4 nm  
    15.13   Incoming Radio Message 1157/27/724:  
        Group "Eisenbart"  27 November advance:  
        1.)  Becker via AB 3840 to Andfjord-Narvik.  
        2.)  Gosejakob via AB 3650 for special task north coast of Bear Island and Tunheim.  
        3.)  Büchler, Herbschleb, Lübsen for mobile monitoring of attack areas AB 3568, 3914 and 3973 from 29 November 03.00 hours to AB 3523, 3568 and 3914, arrive there 09.00 hours.  Return transit 12.00 hours and so forth every 9 hours.  
        4.)  Herrle to AB 6352, Hildebrandt to AB 6397 all depth 30 nm, irregular courses.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    20.00 AB 3973 advance to AB 3914    
      WNW 5, Sea 4, Vis. around 2 nm    
           
    28.11.43 Attack area Bear Island Narrows  AB 2943    
      WNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1003 mb, -2°C    
    03.00 AB 3914 advance to AB 3568    
      NW 6, Sea 5, Vis. 1000 meters up to 3 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.11.43      
    08.00 WNW 6, Sea 5-6, Vis. 2 nm    
    09.00 AB 3569    
    11.32   Test dive, boat heavily iced.  
    12.00 AB 3592 advance to AB 3914 Day's run:  146.5 nm    0.7 nm = 147.2 nm  
      NWbyW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1007 mb, -6°C    
    13.22   Surfaced.  
    16.00 WNW 6-7, Sea 5-6, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    18.00 AB 3916    
    20.00 NW 5, Sea 4, high Swell, Vis. 2 nm    
    21.00 AB 3839 advance to AB 3568    
           
    29.11.43 Attack area Bear Island Narrows  AB 3596    
    00.00 NNW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1010 mb, -5°C    
    03.00 AB 3583    
    04.00 NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 1 nm    
    04.45 AB 3593 Encounter with German U-boat, suspect Lübsen.  Recognition signals exchanged.  
    06.00 Transit to AB 3914    
    08.00 AB 3813    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.00 AB 3836 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 182°T, 16 nm Day's run:  140.5 nm    0.8 nm = 141.3 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm, 1012 mb, -3°C    
    12.52   Test dive.  
    13.50   Surfaced.  
    15.30   Incoming Radio Message 1355/29/747:  
        1.)  "Eisenbart" occupy northern attack area,  Remain there.  
        2.)  Gosejakob AB 3973, depth 30 nm.  
        3.)  Becker runs out of Andfjord for AB 6666.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    16.00 AB 3914 Came to course 330°.  
      NbyE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 1 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.11.43      
    19.54 AB 3567 Incoming Radio Message 1828/29/751:  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2-3 nm 1.)  Büchler, Herbschleb, Lübsen continue mobile monitoring, 00.00 hours southward.  
        2.)  Gosejakob continue special task.  
        3.)  Reported aircraft was a weather Ju 88.  
                                                                   F.d.U. Norwegen.  
           
    30.11.43 Bear Island Narrows    
    00.00 AB 3569    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1007 mb, -3°C, transit to AB 3914    
    04.00 AB 3833    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. 500 meters to 2 nm    
    08.00 AB 3839    
      Wind 0, Sea 0, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    12.00 AB 3596 Day's run:  158.5 nm    1.0 nm = 159.5 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, 1016 mb, -2°C    
    16.00 AB 3914    
      WSW 4-5, Sea 3, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.00 AB 3595    
      WbyN 4, Sea 3, Vis. 500 meters to 2 nm    
           
    01.12.43 Bear Island narrows    
    00.00 AB 3564    
      WbyS 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 500 meters to 3 nm, 1014 mb, -1°C    
    04.00 AB 3832    
      WbyN 5, Sea 4, Vis. around 1 nm    
    08.00 AB 3836    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, sleet showers, Vis. 500 - 1000 meters    
    12.00 AB 3593 Day's run:  152.6 nm  
      W 5, Sea 4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 2-5 nm, 1015 mb, -1°C, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 342°T, 14 nm    
    12.50   Incoming Radio Message 1143/1/772:  
        Büchler, Herbschleb, Lübsen, Hildebrandt head for AB 6189 at highest speed.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    12.55   Came to course 210° at highest speed.  
    16.00 AB 3827    
      W 4-5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.12.43 AB 3799 Incoming Radio Message 1810/1/77:  
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 2-3 nm Group "Eisenbart"  
        If no contact 2 December 07.00 hours be in patrol line from AB 5573 to AB 8319, named order:  Büchler, Herbschleb, Lübsen, Herrle, Gosejakob, Hildebrandt.  Expect own air reconnaissance.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    23.09 AB 6185 Dived and all around listening, faint diesel sounds bearing 280°T, suspect U-Büchler.  
    23.28   Surfaced, steered course 238° at highest speed.  
           
    02.12.43      
    00.00 AB 6179    
      SbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, freshening, overcast, Vis. 500 meters to 3 nm, 1014 mb, +0°C    
    04.00 AB 5652    
      S 5, Sea 4, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    05.00   The pressurized water piping from bunker 1 and 2 is clogged.  Dived, to undertake repairs.  
    08.20 AB 5649 Clog in the pressurized water piping is freed, so that pressurized water passes through the test line.  
      S 6, Sea 5, Vis. 2-3 nm  
    12.00 AB 5589 Day's run:  256.2 nm    3.2 nm = 259.4 nm  
      SSE 6, Sea 5-6, squally, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, 997 mb, +1°C    
    12.25   Incoming Radio Message 1127/2/781:  
        Group "Eisenbart"  
        2 December 12.00 hours shift patrol line 20 nm in direction 330°, 7 knots.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    12.30   Came to course 330°, 7 knots.  
    15.00 In patrol line AB 5575    
    15.29   Incoming Radio Message 1459/2/786:  
        "Eisenbart"  
        16.00 hours course 80°, 7 knots.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    16.00 AB 5575 Came to course 80°, 7 knots.  
      SbyW 5-6, Sea 4-5, rain showers, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.52   Incoming Radio Message 2009/2/792:  
        "Eisenbart"  
        Enemy carrier was suspected in the sea area northeast of Jan Mayen.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    21.52   Incoming Radio Message 2028/2/793:  
        "Group Eisenbart"  
        If no contact, 22.00 hours remain in patrol line  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.12.43      
    21.52   If no contact, at 22.00 hours remain in patrol line.  3 December 04.00 hours set off for patrol line from AB 5531 to 5967, old order.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    22.00 In patrol line AB 5593    
           
    03.12.43 In patrol line AB 5593    
      NWbyW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 500 meters to 2 nm, 993 mb, +1°C    
    04.00 In patrol line AB 5593 Began advance to new patrol line with own position AB 5563.  
      WNW 8, Sea 6-7, Vis. 1-2 nm  
    08.00 In patrol line AB 5563    
      WSW 8, Sea 7, Vis. 1 nm    
    12.00 NWbyW 10-11, Sea 8, in squalls 9, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, 100 mb, rising, +1°C Day's run:  98.5 nm  
    14.05   Outgoing Short Signal:  1412/3/710:  
        Still have provisions up th the 5th day of the current month.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    16.00 In patrol line AB 5563    
      WNW 9, Sea 8, Vis around 1 nm    
    20.00 In patrol line AB 5563    
      NW 7, Sea 6-7, high Swell, Vis. 1000 meters    
    21.19   Incoming Radio Message 1836/3/718:  
        Group "Eisenbart"  
        1.)  3 December 20.00 hours advance, course 70°, 7 knots.  
        2.)  4 December 23.00 hours Herbschleb and Büchler return transit to Hammerfest for supply.  Büchler rounds Bear Island.  New attack areas:  
        Lübsen            AC 1755  
        Herlle                     4123  
        Gosejakob             4167  
        Hildebrandt            4435  
        All depth 30 nm.  Report ice hindering by Short Signal.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    21.25   Came to course 90°, 9 knots, to take up position in patrol line.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.12.43 Norwegian Sea    
    00.00 AB 5616    
      WNW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 1005 mb, +1°C    
    00.35 Assumed position in patrol line Came to course 70°, 7 knots.  
    04.00 AB 5399    
      NbyW 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 AB 6185    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, high Swell, 1000 meters    
    08.51   Test dive.  
    08.53   Aft diving plane failed.  
    08.58   Aft diving plane in service again.  
    09.18   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AB 6169 Day's run:  105.0 nm    0.5 nm = 105.5 nm  
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 2-5 nm, 1005 mb, +1°C    
    16.00 AB 6255    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 1000 meters up to 2 nm    
    20.00 AB 6317    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    23.00 AB 6326 Began return transit to Hammerfest, on course 90° for the purpose of soundings.  
           
    05.12.43 Bear Island    
      AB 6334    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1004 mb, +1°C    
    00.45   Came to course 160°.  
    02.58   Outgoing Short Signal  0414/5/752:  
        Will be off return harbor in 30 hours.  
                                                                   U-354 (Herbschleb)  
    04.00 AC 4144    
      NNE 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.00 AC 4413    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm    
    12.00 AC 4458 Day's run:  166 nm   
      SSW ?, Sea 1-2, high Swell, overcast, Vis. 4-6 nm, 1004 mb, +2°C    
    15.12   Incoming Radio Message 1215/5/757:  
        1.)  After supply in Hammerfest immediate departure again.  U-387 to relieve U-713.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.12.43   Report passing Point Sophie Richard One by Short Signal.  
        2.)  Replacement provided by new boat shortly, thereafter return transit to Andfjord Narvik.  
                                                                   F.d.U.  
    16.00 AC 4726    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    20.00 AC 4792    
      SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1002 mb, +3°C    
    20.30   Dived.  
           
    06.12.43      
    03.00 SbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 200 meters, 995 mb    
    03.30   Surfaced.  Ventilated the boat.  
    03.50   Dived.  
    06.00 SSE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 300 meters Surfaced.  
    08.40   Recognition Signals exchanged with escort R-Boat.  
    08.55 Passed Point Sophie Richard One    
    11.23 Hammerfest Made fast in Hammerfest alongside "BLACK WATCH".  Began taking over supplies and the most urgent repair work.  
                                              
                                      Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant  
           
     
Evaluation.
 
              For the landing of the extensive equipment of weather radio station "Svartisen" two inflatables (one each an 8-man and a 4-man boat) of yellow rubber and a 4-man boat of black rubber were used; the latter proved far more durable.  The 8-man boat chafed through on the bottom after a short time due to the perpetual surf, while the 4-man boat failed right at the beginning due to leakage. A flat boat built from sheet metal is considered to be appropriate for such undertakings, where there is enough room under the upper deck.  If the beach was within 300 meters, an outboard motor would mean a big time savings.  
              The pieces of cargo were totally inadequately packed from seafaring point of view.  Delicate goods such as radios, gages, pipes etc. were partly loosely cased and poorly covered, some stowed in Persil boxes [cardboard boxes from Persil laundry detergent]. It is proposed that an appropriate Petty Officer from the command (Senior Boatswain No. 1 or 2) check the packing of goods beforehand, so items stored elsewhere and can be taken on board at short notice, as in this case.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
           
              Through unremitting zeal and relentless commitment of the entire crew the landing was carried out successfully despite difficult conditions. Several men lay in the water three times in one day, others spent 3 days and two nights in a cold, drafty hut in a confined space when suddenly arising bad weather made return impossible.  
              Apart from a few festering fingers, caused by splinters and cracks in contact with seawater, there were no cases of illness despite the toughest conditions.  
           
                                              
                                      Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

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

 
 
     
     
     
 

                      Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
to the K.T.B. of "U354" (Herbschleb) from 23.9. - 6.12.43.
 
 

 

 
 
The comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen are approved.
 
     
     
   

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
    - The Chief of the Operations Department -  
                           
     
     
     
 


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