U-373 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
La Pallice	18 May 1942	La Pallice	8 July 1942	52

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
24 Jun 42	20.05	38°45'N, 74°57'W	JOHN R. WILLIAMS	396	American
			Total = 396
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				"  U  373  "
				= = = = = =
			Beginning:                   27.4.1942                    Ending      :                   8.7.1942                      Kommandant:             Oberleutnant zur See  L  o  e  s  e  r
				Distribution:   9. U-Flottille Copy No. 1, 2. A.d.U-Boote Copy No. 2, B.d.U. Copy No. 3. 4. 5.
				Enclosures: To Copy No. 1 and 3:   3 Track charts   1 List of incoming and outgoing Radio Messages   3 Firing reports   1 Mine List To Copy No. 2 ,4, 5:   3 Track charts   1 List of incoming and outgoing Radio Messages   1 Mine List
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 2 -
		17.04.42	La Pallice	Torpedo and ammunition offload.
		18.04.42	"	Boat cleared.
		19.04.42	"	Begin shipyard period.
		23.04.42	"	Dry docked.
		08.05.42	"	Undocked
		11.05.42	"	Pier-side trial.
		13.05.42	"	Sea trial and shipyard trim test.
		14.05.42	"	Boat taken over.
		15.05.42	"	Torpedo and provisions loading.
		16.05.42	"	Magnetic compass and radio direction finder calibration.
		18.05.42
		21.19	La Pallice	Cast off for transit to St. Nazaire.
		21.xx		Made fast in the lock
		21.xx		Cast off in the lock.
		21.50		Incoming Radio Message 1758/10/18:
				To U-373:  19.05.42 at 03.30 escort will be at N 1.
				7. U-Flottille.
		22.00		Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher.
		22.25		Passed mine gap.
		23.50	Point P 1	Released Sperrbrecher.
		19.05.42
		00.35	Point 35 c	Reached
		02.05	Point 35	Reached.
		04.47	Point 34 n	Reached.
		06.04		Escort vessels in sight.
		06.23	Point N 1	Convoy intake by 2 patrol boats.
		07.xx		Convoy intake by Sperrbrecher.
		08.50		Made fast in the lock.
		09.20	Repair Pier	Made fast.
		10.00 - 16.20		Loading of 15 TMB.
		19.13	St. Nazaire	Cast off on 5th war patrol.
		19.40		Made fast in the lock.
		19.57		Cast off in the lock.
		20.02		Convoy intake by Sperrbrecher.
		22.10	Point N 1	Reached.
		22.20	"      "	Dived for test dive.
		22.35	"      "	Surfaced.
		22.40		Released Sperrbrecher.
		23.43	Point 34 n	Reached
		20.05.42
		00.10		U-boat bearing 355°R (206°T).  Because no answer followed giving recognition signal 2 times turned away and moved off.  U-boat passed out of sight, possibly had dived.  I believe that is was one of our

	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		20.05.42		own inbound boats (U-136 or U-402)
		00.24		Came to old course.
		02.x0		Parachute flares.  Cannon fire and tracer ammunition bearing 180°R (310°T) suspect air attack on St. Nazaire.
		03.05	Point URU	Reached.
		04.00	BF 6746
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		05.25		Passed the 200-meter line.
		06.15	BF 5866	Dived after dawn.
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, medium, in some places low cloud deck, Vis. medium
		06.25	BF 5866	Detonation of a bomb in the vicinity of the boat.  I believe that is was an aircraft bomb that was thrown at the diving location of the boat because this could be seen for a long time in this calm weather.
		08.00	BF 5865	Torpedo work, proceeded submerged.
		12.00	BF 5864	Day's run:  Surfaced        37.0 nm
				Submerged    11.8 nm
				48.8 nm.
		16.00	BF 5856
		20.00	BF 5854	For tightness test went to depth A +40 meters.
		22.49	BF 5854	Surfaced.
			WSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, at times rain, Vis. medium
		24.00	BF 5845
			WSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy-clear, Vis. good
		21.05.42
		04.00	BF 5755
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. medium
		06.20	BF 5744	At dawn dived to proceed submerged.
			WSW 5, Sea 4, low hanging clouds, Vis. medium
		08.00	BF 5744
		11.05 - 11.10		7 distant detonations (probably aircraft bombs).
		12.00	BF 4965	Day's run:  Surfaced        77.0 nm
				Submerged    32.9 nm
				109.9 nm.
		12.55	BF 4964	Brief surfacing to ventilate the boat.
			W 3-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. medium
		13.00	BF 4964	Dived.
		13.00	BF 4956	[typo 16.00]
		20.00	BF 4955
		22.45	BF 4954	Surfaced.
			W 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		21.05.42
		24.00	BF 4954
			W 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium
		22.05.42
		04.00	BF 4864
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		06.32	BF 4846	Dived to proceed submerged.  Drills.
			SW 4, Sea 3, low cloud deck, Vis. bad
		08.00	BF 4845
		12.00	BF 4844	Day's run:  Surfaced        84.3 nm
				Submerged    33.6 nm
				117.9 nm.
		12.30	BF 4844	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		12.55	BF 4844	Dived.  Fire control training.
		16.00	BF 4766
		20.00	BF 4765
		23.00	BF 4764	Surfaced.
		24.00	BF 4755
			SSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium
		23.05.42
		04.00	BE 6966
			WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain
		05.30		After passing 12°W steered on the Great Circle to CC 53 to avoid the fog area off the Newfoundland Bank.
		08.00	BE 6954
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain
		12.00	BE 6945	Day's run:  Surfaced        93.7 nm
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5, fair, Vis. good, rain squalls	Submerged    23.1 nm
				116.8 nm.
		16.00	BE 6917
			WbyN 6, Sea 5, fair, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 6835
			W 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. good
		22.57	BE 6826	Sent position Short Signal.
		23.26		Incoming Radio Message:
				From naval square BE 68 Loeser reports his position with volume 2-3.
		24.00	BE 6825
			W 6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.05.42
		04.00	BE 6815
			W 3-4, Sea 3, starry clear, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 6735
			W 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		24.05.42
		12.00	BE 6724	Day's run:  Surfaced  104.4 nm
			W 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		14.15	BE 6715	Crash dive for training, test dive, drills.
		15.27	BE 6715	Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 6714
			W 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 5939
			WSW 6, Sea 6, overcast, misty
		24.00	BE 5929
			WSW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. medium
		25.05.42
		04.00	BE 5977
			WSW 7, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. bad, rain
		08.00	BE 5917
			WSW 7, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. bad
		12.00	BE 5838	Day's run:  Surfaced      96.7 nm
			WNW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium	Submerged     2.5 nm
				99.2 nm.
		16.00	BE 5817
			WNW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain
		20.00	BE 5817
			WNW 5, Sea 6, overcast, rain
		24.00	BE WNW 5, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad
		26.05.42
		04.00	BE 5752
			WNW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		08.00	BE 5743
			WNW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, misty
		12.00	BE 4963	Day's run:  Surfaced  113.6 nm.
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, misty
		14.15	BE 4961	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		14.59	BE 4961	Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 4956
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, misty
		19.42		Incoming Radio Message 1845/26/187/256:
				1.)  . . . .
				2.)  Additionally report weather between 01.00 and 05.00 hours: Suhren, Reeder, Loeser and U-98.
				3.)  . . . .

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

	- 6 -
		continued
		26.05.42
		20.00	BE 4954
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		24.00	BE 4866
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium
		27.05.42
		02.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BE 4864
			W 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		08.00	BE 4857
			WNW 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		12.00	BE 4847	Day's run:  Surfaced      114.8 nm
			WNW 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. medium	Submerged     1.5 nm
				116.3 nm.
		16.00	BE 4792
			WNW 8, Sea 7-8, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 4782	Ship clocks set back 1 hour.
			NW 6, Sea 6, fair, Vis. good
		24.00	BE 4775
			NW 5-6, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good, high Swell
		28.05.42
		04.00	BD 6995
			NW 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	BD 6988
			NW 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 9275	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  239°T, 87.0 nm
			W 3-4, Sea 4, cloudy, at times rain showers, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced  199.4 nm.
		14.16	BD 9166	Crash dive for training.  Test dive.
		15.15	BD 9165	Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 9165
			W 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	BD 9187	Ship clocks set back 1 hour.
			WNW 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	BD 8399
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		29.05.42
		04.00	BD 8621
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	BD 8536
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, rain, overcast, Vis. medium

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

	- 7 -
		continued
		29.05.42
		12.00	BD 8528	Day's run:  Surfaced      159.2 nm
			SW 3, Sea 4, overcast, in a few places rain, Vis. bad	Submerged     2.3 nm
				161.5 nm.
		16.00	BD 8463
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	BD 8455
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		24.00	BD 7693
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, fog
		30.05.42
		04.00	BD 7685
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, rain
		08.00	BD 7687
			SSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		12.00	BD 7831	Day's run:  Surfaced  165.5 nm.
			SSW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain
		16.00	BD 7821
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty
		17.58	BD 7815	Crash dive for training, test dive.  Repairs to rudders.
		18.45	BD 7815	Surfaced.
		20.00	BD 7817
			SW 5-6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, at times rain, otherwise Vis. good
		21.46		Incoming Radio Message 2112/30/143/245:
				1.)  . . . .
				2.)  On 31 May at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit:  "U-129, 67", Loeser, Degen and Berger.
		24.00	BD 7762
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		31.05.42
		04.00	BD 7758
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	BD 7272
			WSW 6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		11.45		U-boat on parallel course bearing 270°R (164°T).  Recognized as German.  After recognition signals exchanged came close. "U-701" (Degen),  After greetings and experience exchange continued transit.
		12.00	BC 9999	Day's run:  Surfaced      123.1 nm
			SW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. bad	Submerged     1.9 nm
				125.0 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		31.05.42
		16.00	BC 9997
			SSW 7, Sea 7, overcast, rain
		20.00	BC 9987
			SW 7, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		24.00	CD 2321
			W 4, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
		01.06.42
		04.00	CD 2233
			WNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		05.59		Incoming Radio Message 0420/1/271:
				Enemy convoy BC 8257, course west, low speed.
				Müller-Edzards
		06.11		Incoming Radio Message 0544/1/272:
				Contact lost after depth charges.  Very bright moon, large Sea, pursuing.
				Müller-Edzards
				Due to special task, weather situation, lost contact and too great range did not operate on the convoy.
		08.00	CD 2228
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain
		10.18		Incoming Radio Message 0938/1/277:
				To Degen, Loeser and Berger:
				Do not operate on convoy, continue slow westerly transit.
		12.00	CD 2166
			W 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain
		15.34	CD 2183	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		16.00	CD 2182
		16.18	CD 2182	Surfaced.
			WNW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	CD 2174
			W 5-6, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	CD 1398
			WNW 6, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good
		02.06.42
		04.00	CD 1621
			WNW 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	CD 1614
			W 5, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	CD 1537	Day's run:  Surfaced      135.1 nm
			W 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged     1.5 nm
				136.6 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		02.06.42
		16.00	CD 1547
			W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	CD 1485
			W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		24.00	CC 3933
			WNW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		03.06.42
		04.00	CC 3917
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	CC 3859
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	CC 3796	Day's run:  Surfaced  204 nm.
			NNW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. good
		16.00	CC 3789
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. good
		16.52	CC 6122	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		17.45	CC 6122	Surfaced.
		20.00	CC 6111
			N 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		21.00	CC 5374	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  241°T, 49 nm.
		24.00	CC 5291
			N 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		04.06.42
		04.00	CC 5274
			N 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. bad
		08.00	CC 5185
			N 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	CC 4387	Day's run:  Surfaced      239.6 nm
			SSW 1, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged      2.4 nm
				242.0 nm.
		16.00	CC 4379
			SSE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	CC 4298
			SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		24.00	CC 4279
			SSE 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, rain showers
		05.06.42
		04.00	CC 4199
			S 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		05.06.42
		08.00	CC 4187
			SSE 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, rain
		12.00	CC 4177	Day's run:  Surfaced  177.4 nm.
			S 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		16.00	CB 6397
			SSW 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain
		17.23	CB 6621	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		08.08	CB 6621	Surfaced.
		20.00	CB 6613
			WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		24.00	CB 6532
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good
		06.06.42
		04.00	CB 6513
			SSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		08.00	CB 6433
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	CB 6423	Day's run:  Surfaced      126.6 nm
			WSW 5, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. medium	Submerged      2.8 nm
				129.4 nm.
		16.00	CB 6412
			WNW 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium
		20.00	CB 5632
			NW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium
		24.00	CB 5621
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, rain showers
		07.06.42
		04.00	CB 5533
			NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	CB 5522
			WNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	CB 5514	Day's run:  Surfaced 144 nm.
			W 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		16.00	CB 5426
			W 1-2, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		19.10	CB 5415	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		20.00	CB 5415
		20.06	CB 5415	Surfaced.
			W 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		21.15	CB 5414	Mastheads bearing 315°R (223°T).

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

	- 11 -
		continued
		07.06.42
				Steamer, bow left target angle about 60°.  Maneuvered ahead.  After 2-hour hunt the steamer has pulled ahead by 30°.  Steamer proceeds with violent and frequent zigzags.  General course 65°.  Judging by the masts and the speed (estimated:  17 knots) it is Type "CLAN MACARTHUR".
		23.22	CB 5189	Hunt broken off and came to old course.
		23.38		Incoming Radio Message 2245/7/215:
				Square CB 4931 sighted:  URUGUAY Type, zigzagging, general course 60°, 18 knots.  High pressure weather.  CB 4937.        Degen.
				From the position it would seem this is the same steamer.  Therefore no radio message sent.
		24.00	CB 5421
			SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.06.42
		04.00	CB 4639
			SW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	CB 4613
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		11.30		Incoming Radio Message 1050/8/221:
				1.)  Berger and Loeser report position by Short Signal.
				2.)  . . . .
		12.00	CB 4614	Day's run:  Surfaced      191.2 nm
			SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	Submerged      2.9 nm
				194.1 nm.
		12.09		Sent position Short Signal.
		1x.50		Incoming Radio Message 1220/8/223:
				Loeser reports by Short Signal with volume 3-4:  My position is naval square CB 4006.
				Since this error is on the part of the Control Center when breaking the location in the Short Signal book and no further question arises, I suppose that B.D.U. correctly received the position message CB 46
		15.51		Position Short Signal received from Berger (CB 18), not acknowledged by Control Center.
		16.00	CB 4527
			S 1, Sea 1, overcast, fog in places
		17.42		Served as Radio Message Repeater and position Short Signal was acknowledged by Control Center.
		18.06		Berger sends another Short Signal  that was acknowledged by the Control Center.  Both Short Signals are incorrectly confirmed by the Control Center.
				Because in the mean time Berger was heard by the Control Center, I did not jump in as Radio Message Repeater.
		20.00	CB 4439
			W 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, heavy fog layer on the water surface to about 30 meters high

	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.06.42
		23.16		Incoming Radio Message 2223/8/233:
				To Loeser, Berger, Degen:
				Complete special task earliest in the night of 11 June.  Details follow on 9 June.
		24.00	CB 4418
			NNE 1, Sea 1, fog
		09.06.42
		00.49		Receive correct content confirmation of Berger's position (CB 17).
		04.00	CA 6637
			NNE 1, Sea 1, fog
		08.00	CA 6617
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, fog
		12.00	CA 6528	Day's run:  Surfaced  186.0 nm.
			NE 2, Sea 1, fog, rain
		16.00	CA 6439
			NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, at times fog
		20.00	CA 6444
			NE 2, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good
		21.55		Incoming Radio Message 2044/9/293:
				1.)  Degen and Loeser:
				Complete task as soon as situation is favorable no further restrictions.
				2.)  . . . .
		24.00	CA 5655
			ENE 1, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good
		10.06.42
		04.00	CA 5568
			ENE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		03.00		When is is dark mine loading completed.
		05.00	CA 5567	Passed the 200-meter line.
		08.00	CA 5549
			ENE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, fog
		10.28	CA 5468	Dived at dawn.  Proceeded submerged.
		12.00	CA 5468	Day's run:  Surfaced      199.1 nm
				Submerged      3.0 nm
				202.1 nm.
		13.50	CA 5467	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
			Thick fog
		14.00	CA 5467	Dived.
		14.15	CA 5467	Put the boat on the bottom depth A -42 meters.
		16.00)
		20.00)		On the bottom.
		24.00)
		11.06.42
				Before the boat is surfaced prepared for demolition.  Naval Enigma machine taken apart and the wheels distributed.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		11.06.42
		02.13	CA 5467	Raised the boat from the bottom.
		03.12	CA 5459	Surfaced.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, fog on the water's surface, starry clear
		04.00	CA 5458	On the basis of the low visibility weather intend an advance to examine the deployment area.  The last navigation fix on 9 June at 23.00 hours was perfect.  A series of soundings with noted depths and the radio bearing from Oberfalls Radio Beacon prove the exact navigation position of the boat.  In the belief that a more favorable opportunity will not arise, I decide to deploy.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, fog
		05.19	CA 5448	Crossed the limit of the deployment area (Overfalls site).
			SE 2, Sea 1, fog
		05.41	CA 5447	The first mine is deployed in the deployment area.  Deployment speed LF (10 knots).  The deployment area was divided in two by a deep channel (35-44 meters).  I intend to deploy most of the mines in the western part of the area at the ordered depth of 15 - 22 meters (intended for traffic from the south heading for the Overfalls Light Ship). A part of the mines are to be deployed in the eastern part for the traffic from Five Fathom Bank heading for the Overfalls Light Ship. Distance between the mines is about 1100 meters.  The mines all fall between depths of 14.5 to 22 meters.  While deploying the second mine according to plan Buoy 1 HC comes in sight momentarily, an indication that the fouling is performed at the ordered place.  Except for minor variations, the water depths on the map agree with soundings.  At the time of throwing still water prevailed so that current did not need to be taken into account.
		06.53	CA 5488	Last mine deployed.
			SE 3-4, Sea 2, fog	Ran off at high speed, to reach 50 nm away as soon as possible to sent the Short Signal.  Reloaded torpedoes.
		07.30	CA 5475	Suddenly it clears up momentarily.  A beacon is sighted ahead.  It is a newly set out lighted buoy that is not noted on the chart.  Position about:
				φ = 38° 35.7'N
				λ = 74° 51.0'W
				Perhaps there is new entrance buoyage in connection with the lighted buoys reported by "U-552" (Standing War Order No.493 Paragraph 4) whistle buoy 2 and 1.  Visibility deteriorates immediately thereafter.
		08.00	CA 5479
			SE 2, Sea 1, fog

Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42

	- 14 -
		11.06.42
		0x.16	CA 5487	With the sudden break up of fog a ship's position check by bearings is possible.
		ox.56	CA 5577	Sent the Short Signal:
				Fouling or "Overfalls Place" completed.
		11.00	CA 5577	Dived at dawn.
			SE 1, Sea 0-1, fog
		11.34	CA 5577	Put the boat on the bottom depth A -16 meters.
		12.00	CA 5577	Day's run:  Surfaced      100.8 nm
				Submerged     7.45 nm
				108.25 nm.
		16.00	CA 5577
		16.34	CA 5577	Raised the boat from the bottom.
		17.10	CA 5577	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
			SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, fair, Vis. medium
		17.1x	CA 5577	Dived.
		17.37		Put the boat on the bottom depth A -16 meters.
		20.00	CA 5578
		20.20 - 23.03		At various intervals and series 35 depth charges at medium range heard in the boat.  (Suspect U-boat hunt).
		24.00	CA 5578
		12.06.42
		02.23	CA 5578	Raised the boat from the bottom.
		03.11	CA 5578	Surfaced.
		04.00	CA 5579
			ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium
		04.49		Sent Short Signal:  Still have 55 cbm fuel.
		05.40		Incoming Radio Message:  0509/12/272:
				U-373 reports by Short Signal with volume 5 at 04.58 hours:  Still have 55 cbm fuel.
		08.00	CA 5599
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, starry clear, misty
		11.52		Incoming Radio Message 1116/11/272:
				Loeser reports at 10.57 hours by Short Signal with volume 4:  Have completed fouling in accordance with orders.
				B.d.U. Radio Control Center
		11.55		Incoming Radio Message 1152/11/273:
		[CA 54 = Delaware Bay, CA 79 = Cape Hatteras]		Loeser:  Well done.  During new moon period search for traffic between naval square 54 - 79.  If only proceeding by day and there is no prospect of attack, report this soon.
		12.00	CA 5689	Day's run:  Surfaced      71.2 nm
			SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged     2.2 nm
				73.4 nm.
		13.37	CA 5698	Executed new operational orders.  Headed for the coast.  (Delay due to overloading of the radio personnel and late reception of the 50 or so Serial Nos. caused by the convoy hunt in BC and BD).
		16.00	CA 5688
			Wind calm, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		12.06.42
		20.00	CA 5836
			WSW 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		24.00	CA 5827
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		13.06.42
		02.53		Outgoing Radio Message 0231/13/252:
				Question supply.  Serial Nos. 220, 223 from 10 June.  High pressure weather, CA 57.        Loeser.
				Intend to make an advance to the coast after the beginning of darkness and be on the surface at dawn on the 200-meter line to await the answer to the radio message.
		04.00	CA 5764
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, fog, sky is clear (starry clear)
		05.55		Incoming Radio Message 0344/13/254:
				Missing Serial Nos 220 and 223 from 10 June are settled for Loeser.
				B.d.U. Radio Control Center
		07.24	CA 5748	Lighthouse in sight, By plotting it is the replacement buoy for the "Winter Quarter" Lightship.  Identification is not however as per Standing Kriegsmarine Order 493 No. 8, Blinking Group 3, instead:
				Blink 1 second
				Pause 4 seconds
				Repeat 5 seconds
		08.00	CA 5747
			W 3, Sea 2, cloudy, lightening, Vis. medium
		08.09	CA 5747	Assateague Lighthouse in sight with peacetime identification.
		08.43	CA 5774	Set off from the coast.
		09.49		Incoming Radio Message 0855/13/266:
				To Loeser:  Contents Serial No. 223 from 10 June:  In Radio Message from 9 June to Degen and Loeser should have said: Complete task as soon as situation is favorable no further time restrictions.
		11.26		Incoming Radio Message 1243/13/269:
				1.)  Fuel inventory is very low.
				2.)  Supply of 25 cbm is to be expected.
				Fuel consumption of the boat on a percentage basis is very high.  This has also been observed in previous patrols. This is also shown by the comparison with "U-87", which departed from St. Nazaire on the same date, was located on the same longitude and reported  a fuel inventory of 74 cbm by message today.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		13.06.42
				Even taking into account that Berger might have had better weather and with the hunt for the steamer on 7 June included in the calculation, there is still a significant unexplained difference in fuel inventory, since the boat is mostly driven at the most economical cruising speed.
		12.00	CA 8126	Day's run:  Surfaced  206.4 nm
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good
		15.55	CA 8186	Crash dive for flying boat bearing 120°R (300°T) probably a Consolidated, two-engined.
			S 3, Sea 2, fair, Vis. medium
		16.00	CA 8186
		18.55	CA 8186	Surfaced.
			SbyW 4, Sea 2-3, fair, misty
		20.00	CA 8189
			SbyW 4, Sea 2-3, fair, misty
		20.22	CA 8189	Crash dive for flying boat bearing 100°R (280°T) probably the same type.
		22.15	CA 8423	Surfaced. Headed for the coast.  Intention is again to carry out an advance north of the net barrier reported by Forster at Cape Hatteras and in the morning be on the 200-meter line.
		24.00	CA 8427
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
		14.06.42
		04.00	CA 8447	Despite the new moon night the visibility is so good that vessels could be detected at very long range.
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, starry clear, Vis. good
		05.37		Wreck buoy according to Standing War Order 493/13 abeam.  With the assistance of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, that burns as in peacetime, an exact navigation fix is possible. Contrary to previous information it lies:
				φ = 36° 3.4'N
				λ = 75° 18.8'W
				Identifier: Blinking green.
		07.36		Abeam Bodie Island Lighthouse Wimble Shoals whistle buoy burns and lies as in peacetime.
		08.00	CA 7699	At dawn again passed the 200-meter line.  Also in this night traffic was not seen despite the good visibility.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	CA 8722	Day's run:  Surfaced      149.8 nm
			W 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged      8.7 nm
				158.5 nm.
		16.00	CA 8486	Intended to send a radio message that in the ordered area there are no attack opportunities, when
			WSW 4, Sea 3, fair, Vis. medium, misty
		17.15	CA 8483	a steamer was sighted bearing 280°R (280°T) in target angle 0°.  Since during this time, just the starboard diesel

	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		14.06.42		was out of service for repairs (exhaust valve cylinder I out of service) and the steamer was already very high out from the haze, it is no longer possible to turn away and determine the enemy speed and possibly general course on the surface.  Therefore
		17.16 17.33	CA 8483	Crash dive!  Quickly balanced the boat and made the tubes ready.  In an all around sweep through the periscope the steamer comes in sight at target angle 0°.  Enemy course 107°.  Moved off to gain distance abeam.  Steamer is camouflaged.  He has 1 cannon each on raised platforms forward and aft.  Smokestack is thick and not too high (probably a motor vessel).  Forward and aft two especially heavy  not very high goal post masts with reinforced cross braces, on the gaff flies an unrecognized flag.  Estimated size 4000 - 4500 GRT.  I believe that it is a large patrol vessel of type like our Sperrbrecher.  Therefore I decide on a two-fan.
		17.55	CA 8491	Fan shot from tubes I and III, set depth 4 meters, enemy speed 10 knots, target angle 101°, set range 1000 meters.  Torpedoes were heard perfectly in the listening gear.  After 98 seconds an impact was heard in the listening gear and also in the boat.  No detonation also in the periscope there were no observation made.  Patrol vessel continued on his old course.
		18.36		When the steamer could barely be seen in the periscope surfaced.  Steamer is still in sight directly ahead.  Because the starboard diesel is still not in operation, while blowing the steamer passed out of sight.  Pursuit is not possible with a highest speed of 10.4 knots.  5 minutes after torpedo firing it was determined that the torpedo in tube II ran slowly.  All tubes were made ready and flooded for the attack.  The firing rod of tube II was not activated.  After surfacing the torpedo was pulled and it was found that water entered the engine compartment caused a complete burn through of the motor.  The cause can only be determined by a thorough investigation.
		20.00	CA 8496
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, fair, Vis. medium
		20.34	CA 8574	Steamer bearing 60°R (170°T).  Smokestack, mast and bridge are seen in the mist, therefore initially turned away.  Steamer had target angle bow right about 60°.  It is probably the same patrol vessel, now on inbound course (290°).  Steamer zigzags up and was gradually grew larger.

Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		14.06.42
				It seems to run faster than before, a thin smoke cloud is visible at the smokestack.  Vessel continues to zigzag around a course from 270 to 310° and in so doing comes closer.  Because the starboard diesel is still not operable and moving off is no longer possible,
		2x.xx	CA 8493	Crash dive!  A maneuver ahead is no longer possible due to too great range and target angle.
		2x.xx	CA 8547	Surfaced.  For now the starboard diesel not fully operational.
		2x.xx		Outgoing Radio Message 2213/14/201:
				No night traffic.  Today CA 8491 two-miss on 4000 GRT patrol vessel, of this a pistol failure, heard perfectly.  One tube runner.  Still 4 + 2 torpedoes.  Intend tonight to download.  47 cbm.  Request orders.        Loeser.
				On the basis of the favorable weather situation I intend to download both Atos from the over deck canisters after darkness.
		24.00	CA 8549
			W 2, Sea 2, fair, Vis. medium
		15.06.42
		0x.xx		Starboard diesel is again in operation.  At the beginning of darkness, about . . .
		0x.xx		went onto the over deck to begin preparations for downloading when at . . .
		xx.xx	CA 8559	a shadow was sighted bearing 355°R (85°T).  All preparations were put back and maneuvered on the shadow.  It is a steamer with course about 310°, speed 8 knots.
		xx.xx		Unfortunately the starboard diesel fails (cause:  the same damage to the exhaust valve cylinder IV).  Boat can only make a speed of 10 to 11 knots
		04.00	CA 8555
			NW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium
		xx.xx		The enemy starts zigzagging violently.  General course is 290°.
		xx.x4	CA 8546	Shot from tube IV.  Enemy speed 8 knots, bow left, 98°, range 1000 meters, depth 3 meters.  Shot passed ahead.  Probably because the target angle was already too broad at the shot.  Nevertheless, I decided to shot, as the boat was severely hampered due to the failure of the starboard diesel and it was not expected that the boat would reach shooting position again with the strong defensive movements of the enemy.  Steamer was estimated at about 5,000 GRT. After the failed shot began a new maneuver ahead.
			NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		xx.x7		Starboard diesel is again in operation, so the maneuver ahead goes faster now.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		15.06.42
		07.18	CA 8544	The boat is now in shooting position and the shot is fired from tube V.  Enemy speed 8 knots, enemy target angle left 72°, range 800 meters, depth 3 meters.  After 66 seconds hit.  Steamer stops briefly, however after a moment continues on after he has turned away.  From the detonation nothing is seen, so that I suspect that the torpedo had hit deep.  In the boat and on the bridge the detonation is perfectly determined.  Ran after and prepared artillery.  Many attempts to approach the enemy were skillfully outmaneuvered so that artillery can not be brought into action.  The enemy probably sees the boat by the marine phosphorescence causing a bright bow and stern wake.
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	CA 8541
			WNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium	Because all attempts go amiss, . . .
		08.32	CA 8429	turned away.
		09.36		Outgoing Radio Message 0900/15/212:
				With the last Eto a hit on 5000 tonner, course 290°, CA 8544.  Have not down loaded.  Request delayed return transit.
				Loeser.
		11.00	CA 8527	Dived.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	CA 8527	Day's run:  Surfaced      175.4 nm
				Submerged      5.7 nm
				181.1 nm.
		16.00	CA 8529
		17.10	CA 8529	Surfaced.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		20.00	CA 8539
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. medium
		22.59		Incoming Radio Message 0956/18/218
				1.)  . . . .
				2.)  Loeser download and remain in ordered operations area.
		24.00	CA 8619
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		16.06.42
		03.16		Outgoing Radio Message 0255/16/235
				Due to weather situation downloading not possible today.  N 5, Sea 5, overcast, 1014 mb, CA 82.
				Loeser.
		04.00	CA 8299
			N 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	CA 8291
			N 3-4, Sea 3-4, fair, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		16.06.42
		11.33		Incoming Radio Message:  Loeser.
				Return transit without supply.
		12.00	CA 5993	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  80 nm, 65°T.
			NNW 2, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced      184.7 nm
				Submerged      8.7 nm
				192.4 nm.
		16.00	CA 8757
			NW 3-4, Sea 3-4, fair, Vis. good
		20.00	CA 6769
			NW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. good
		22.42		Received the following warning on the 600-meter wave:
				War Warning:
				Hatteras anchorage closed to navigation.  All U.S. Government vessels and merchant ships.        Danger.
		24.00	CA 6855
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
		17.06.42
		03.00		Converted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks 2 and 4 [for use as ballast tanks].  With the fairly favorable weather situation carried out downloading of both over deck torpedoes.
		04.00	CA 6944
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium
		04.06		Forward torpedo was struck below.  Transfer was accomplished without difficulties.
		05.20		While striking down of the loading trough in the stern room a small water intake occurred.  Despite the careful packing, the I K.V.A. converter failed.  (Was later in service by drying).
		05.41		Stern torpedo was struck below.  (No difficulties).
		06.55		Transfer gear is stowed again.  Over deck clear for diving.
		08.00	CA 6973
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		10.37	CA 6991	Dived at dawn to balance the boat and maintain the torpedoes.
			NNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		12.00	CA 6992	Day's run:  Surfaced        160 nm
				Submerged      3.2 nm
				163.2 nm.
		15.45	CA 6993	Surfaced.
		16.00	CA 6993
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. medium, high Swell
		20.00	CB 4749
			N 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, high Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		17.06.42
		24.00	CB 4767
			NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, high Swell
		18.06.42
		04.00	CB 4847
			SE 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	CB 4858
			SE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	CB 4869	Day's run:  Surfaced        114.4 nm
			SSE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good	Submerged      6.3 nm
				120.7 nm.
		16.00	CB 5853
			S 5, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	CB 5942
			SSE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	CB 5961
			SE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		19.06.42
		04.00	CB 6743
			SSE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis, good
		08.00	CB 6762
			SSE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium
		12.00	CB 6851	Day's run:  Surfaced        181.0 nm
			SSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good	and   110.0 nm  navigation fix offset
				291.0 nm.
		16.00	CB 6863
			S 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	CB 6951
			SbyW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		20.17		Incoming Radio Message 1905/19/136/234
				1.)  Hoffmann, Loeser report weather, Mohr radio bearing signals.
				2.)  . . . .
				3.)  . . . .
		24.00	CB 6963
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, rain
		20.06.42
		03.00		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	CC 4743
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, fair, Vis. good
		08.00	CC 4739	Ship clocks set forward 1 hour.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 3, starry clear night, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		20.06.42
		12.00	CC 4599	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 40 nm, 50°T
			N 2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced        169 nm
				40 nm  navigation fix offset
				209 nm.
		15.00	CC 4688
			NW 2, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good
		16.45	CC 4688	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		17.50	CC 4688	Surfaced.
		20.00	CC 4698
			NW 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		24.00	CC 5487
			NW 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		21.06.42
		04.00	CC 5499
			NW 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		08.00	CC 5584
			E 1, Sea 1, misty, in places fog
		12.00	CC 5596	Day's run:  Surfaced        177.0 nm
			SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged       3.0 nm
				180.0 nm.
		17.30		Incoming Radio Message 1530/21/98/152/281
				1.) Ites, Loeser report weather.
				2.)  . . . .
				3.)  . . . .
		18.00	CC 5695	Came to Great Circle course.
		20.00	CC 6471
			WSW 1, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		24.00	CC 6428
			WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		22.06.42
		02.14		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	CC 6512
			S 1, Sea 1, starry clear, Vis. good
		08.00	CC 6295
			SSW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. medium
		12.00	CC 6346	Ship clocks set forward 1 hour.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium	Day's run:  Surfaced 187.3 nm.
		16.00	CC 6338
			WNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		17.00		Check fired MG C 30.  Completed without incident.
		20.00	CD 4112
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42

	- 23 -
		continued
		22.06.42
		24.00	CD 7788
			NNW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		23.06.42
		04.00	CD 1795
			NW 0-1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	CD 1848
			NNE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	CD 1855	Day's run:  Surfaced 145.0 nm.
			N 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 1838
			NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		17.30	CD 1836	Check fired the 2nd M.G. followed by crash dive completed without incident.
		19.53	CD 1914	Surfaced.
		19.54		Incoming Radio Message 1907/23/227
				Berger, Degen, Loeser:  All three harbors have issued special warnings.  Success probable everywhere.
		20.00	CD 1914
			NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	CD 1921
			NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.06.42
		04.00	CD 1699
			ENE 0-1, Sea 0-1, misty, Vis. medium, fair
		08.00	CD 2475
			N 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. medium
		12.00	CD 2459	Day's run:  Surfaced        127.3 nm
			NW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. medium	Submerged       3.1 nm
				130.4 nm.
		16.00	CD 2462
			NW 0-1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	CD 2519
			NW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	CD 2531
			NE 0-1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		25.06.42
		04.00	CD 2611
			NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. medium
		08.00	CD 2388
			NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42

	- 24 -
		continued
		25.06.42
		12.00	CD 2396	Day's run:  Surfaced  139 nm.
			NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. good
		16.00	CD 3158
			E 1, Sea 0-1, fair, Vis. good
		20.00	CD 3244
			ESE 1, Sea 0-1, fair, Vis. good
		2x.x0		Incoming Radio Message 2037/25/128/284
				1.)  . . . .
				2.) . . . .
				3.)  Rehwinkel, Loeser 26 June 08.00 switch to Ireland Circuit.
		24.00	CD 3237
			ESE 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		26.06.42
		04.00	CD 3312
			ESE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	CD 3332	Switched to Ireland Circuit.
			S 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 7984	Day's run:  Surfaced  155 nm.
			S 1-2, Sea 1-2, fair, Vis. good
		16.00	BD 7994
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1-2, fair, Vis. good
		1x.xx	BD 7994	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		1x.xx	BD 7992	Surfaced.
		20.00	BD 7969
			ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		2x.xx		Incoming Radio Message 2012/26/22/140/202
				Return harbors are:
				. . . .
				La Pallice for Hinsch and Loeser.
		24.00	BD 8754
			ESE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		27.06.42
		04.00	BD 8753
			SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	BD 8814
			SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 8821	Day's run:  Surfaced       136.0 nm
			SE 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good	Submerged       2.5 nm
				138.5 nm.
		16.00	BD 8597
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	BD 8674
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		27.06.42
		24.00	BD 8684
			SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
		28.06.42
		04.00	BD 8683
			ESE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	BD 8669
			SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 9449	Day's run:  Surfaced  128.2 nm
			E 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good
		14.47	BD 9456	Dived (Crash dive for training).
		15.35	BD 9456	Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 9464
			E 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	BD 9541
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	BD 9551
			Wind 0, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. good, slight Swell
		29.06.42
		04.00	BD 9528
			E 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. medium
		08.00	BD 9615
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 9625	Day's run:  Surfaced       142.5 nm
			NE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged      2.0 nm
				144.5 nm.
		14.42	BD 9631	Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		15.32	BD 9631	Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 9632
			NE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		19.17		Incoming Radio Message 1849/29/176/270
				1.)  Liebe, Mohlmann, Loeser, report weather.
				2.)  . . . .
		20.00	BE 7177
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good
		24.00	BE 7188
			ESE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		30.06.42
		01.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BE 7198
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, starry clear, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 7278
			ENE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 27.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.07.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		30.06.42
		12.00	BE 7286	Day's run:  Surfaced       129.8 nm
			ENE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good, medium Swell	Submerged      2.2 nm
				132.0 nm.
		14.33	BE 7295	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		15.01	BE 7295	Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 7296
			NE 1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good, medium Swell
		18.26		Incoming Radio Message 1752/30/189/293
				1.)  Report weather:  Loeser, Diggins, Gelhaus.
				2.)  . . . .
		20.00	BE 7373
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		22.25	BE 7357	In 300°R (64°T) an oil slick with bubbles sighted.  Came to AK and turned towards it.  Initially ran along at highest speed, in the belief that it may have been a torpedo track.  Neither a periscope or a further bubble track was sighted.  From the statement of the Second Watch Officer . . . the oil slick lay in a straight line neither in the direction of the wind or the Swell.  At the time of the sighting the bubbles were already at the water surface.   It could not have been a wind track because the iridescence of the oil was seen plainly.  Because no further explanation for the presence of a straight oil slick can be found.  I believe that it was a submerged U-boat, that has left an oil slick.  I do not believe a torpedo track because there are no further indications.  Therefore,
		23.30		Outgoing Radio Message 2208/30/192:
				In BE 7357 probable dived U-boat oil trace sighted.
				Loeser.
		24.00	BE 7367
			ENE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. medium
		01.07.42
		02.00		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BE 7379
			Wind 0, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. medium
		08.00	BE 8154
			WSW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. medium
		12.00	BE 8164	Day's run:  Surfaced      150.0 nm
			SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged      1.0 nm
				151.0 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		01.07.42
		14.16	BE 8163	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		14.58	BE 8217	Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 8219
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 8253
			SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy to fair, Vis. good
		24.00	BE 8263
			WSW 3, Sea 3, fair, Vis. good
		02.07.42
		04.00	BE 8351
			SW 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 8361
			SW 4, Sea 4, misty, Vis. medium
		12.00	BE 8363	Day's run:  Surfaced       146.5 nm
			SW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, misty, at times rain	Submerged       1.5 nm
				148.0 nm.
		14.36	BE 9142	Crash dive for training, test dive.
		15.00	BE 9142	Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 9143
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		20.00	BE 9161
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		24.00	BE 9254
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		03.07.42
		04.00	BE 9267
			SW 4, Sea 4, fair, Vis. medium
		07.04	BE 9347	On reaching 13°W dived to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	BE 9347
		12.00	BE 9349	Day's run:  Surfaced       115.5 nm
				Submerged     15.0 nm
				130.5 nm.
		13.20	BE 9357	Surfaced briefly to ventilate.
			SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, misty
		13.25	BE 9357	Dived, proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		16.00	BE 9358
		19.30		With an all around sweep determined that visibility and cloud have not improved, therefore decided to charge during darkness.
		20.00	BE 9351
		23.42	BE 9368	Surfaced to charge the battery.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		03.07.42
		24.00	BE 9368
			WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium to misty
		04.07.42
		0x.xx	BF 7168	Dived after ending charging
			WSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, misty
		xx.xx	BF 7168	Surfaced to ventilate.
		xx.xx	BF 7168	[Dived]
		04.00	BF 7168
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	BF 7169
		12.00	BF 7247	Day's run:  Surfaced       57.3 nm
				Submerged    44.4 nm
				101.7 nm.
		16.00	BF 7249
		20.00	BF 7255
		2x.xx	BF 7268	Surfaced again at the beginning of darkness to charge due to weather situation.
		24.00	BF 7269
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		05.07.42
		04.00	BF 7369
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		0x.xx	BF 8147	Dived after ending charging.
		08.00	BF 8148
		12.00	BF 8157	Day's run:  Surfaced        74.3 nm
				Submerged    38.6 nm
				112.9 nm.
		xx.xx	BF 8158	Surfaced to ventilate, due to cloud formation did not remain on the surface.
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		xx.xx	BF 8159	[Dived]
		16.00	BF 8167
		20.00	BF 8168
		xx.xx		Surfaced at darkness to charge.  Several small sailing vessels in sight at medium range.
		24.00	BF 8245
			WSW 2-3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		06.07.42
		xx.xx	BF 8256	Aircraft searchlight bearing 300°R (30°T) at low altitude.  Boat is immediately illuminated in the searchlight beam, therefore remained on the surface to trpel the aircraft initiallt with MG C 30 and MG 34 which were both ready to shoot on the bridge.  Both weapons have stoppages and do not shoot.  In the mean time the aircraft had started a gliding approach and overflew the boat at low altitude with secured engines.
			WSW 2-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, haze on the horizon otherwise very clear, moon still not set

	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		06.07.42
				Aircraft is a two-engined land-based aircraft with single tail, probably type Wellington.  After the aircraft flies off, shooting with the stern MG, 4 bombs detonate on the starboard side.  The last detonating bomb lies closest (about 10 meters abeam of the cannon) and has the greatest effect (possibly the greatest delay).  The combined water column falls on the conning tower, in addition a flare is thrown which burns on the water.  After the immediately requested report from the Engineering Officer that there was no water intake in the boat, Crash dive!
				Went to depth A meters.  A further attack did not follow.  Except for the failure of the I K.V.A. converter, some light bulbs and fuses, no further damage occurred.  Judging by everything, the aircraft located the boat before approaching.
		02.42	BF 8264	Surfaced to transmit Radio Message 0131/6/82/145
				Just now naval square 8256 was surprised by an aircraft.  No damage. On 8 July at 06.00 hours will be at Point P I via Route Handgepãck.        Loeser.
				On surfacing the flare thrown by the aircraft was still faintly visible bearing 170°R (260°T).
		03.02	BF 8264	Dived.
		04.00	BF 8265
		05.00		Detonation of 6-7 bombs at great range heard in the boat.
		08.00	BF 8266
		10.30	BF 8344	Surfaced, because the battery is driven very empty, decide to charge despite the cloud formation.
			W 3, Sea 3, medium cloud formation, Vis. good
		11.25		2 sailing vessels in sight to starboard.
		12.00	BF 8354	Day's run:  Surfaced        53.2 nm
			W 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Submerged    44.3 nm
				97.5 nm.
		14.41	BF 9148	Dived after ending charging.
			WSW 3, Sea 3, fair, Vis. good
		16.00	BF 9148
		20.00	BF 9157
		23.00 - 23.04	W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced.  Due to the cloud formations put off the attempt to get a stellar navigation fix.
		24.00	BF 9158
		07.07.42
		04.00	BF 9159
		05.42 - 05.57	W 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good	Surfaced to take a stellar fix.
		08.00	BF 9167
		10.24	BF 9168	Surfaced to charge.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, fair to cloudless, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42

	- 30 -
		continued
		07.07.42
		11.55		Incoming Radio Message 1026/7/2:
				Escort "U-373" positioned 8 July at 06.00 hours at P I own patrol boats located at Point 36.
				3. U-Flottille.
		12.00	BF 9248	Reached.    Day's run:  Surfaced        56.6 nm
			W 2, Sea 2, fair, Vis. good	Submerged    34.0 nm
				90.6 nm.
		12.41	BF 9257	Dived.
		16.00	BF 9258
		20.00	BF 9283
		20.03	BF 9283	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  Sailing vessel bearing 6°R (155°T) at medium range.
			E 0-1, Sea 1, fair, Vis. good, long Swell
		20.15	Point "Hand"	Reached.    Day's run:  Surfaced       10.3 nm
				Submerged     9.2 nm
				19.5 nm.
		21.25		Smoke cloud in sight bearing 62°R (109°T).
		22.20
		23.38		4 shadows directly ahead, turned away and distinguished as patrol boats.  After recognition signals proceeded on.
		08.07.42
		01.50	Point 36	Reached.
				Shadow bearing 260°R (329°T).  It is the two announced patrol boats.
		01.58		Questioned if they would take in convoy to Point P I.  This is denied on the basis that they have no orders therefore proceeded on.
		05.25		Sperrbrecher 16 in sight.
		06.00	Point P I	Reached.  Convoy intake by Sperrbrecher 16.
		07.35		Passed barrier gap.
		07.50		Released escort.
		09.05		Made fast in the La Pallice lock.
		09.46		Cast off in the lock.
		10.00		Made fast Bunker 2.
				Oberleutnant zur See
				and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.42

	Enclosures to U-373's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Orders	Mine laying Orders for U-373 (excerpt from F.d.U./B.d.U.'s War Log  16 - 31 May 1942  Pages 77-79)
Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol
Mine Report	Mine report
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboot
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-373" from 17.4. to 8.7.1942
	1.) Well executed mine task. 2.) Subsequent operation on sighted targets was affected by engine damage.
		Signed in draft: Dönitz
		For correctness:
		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

---

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