U-402 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
La Pallice	21 April 1943	La Pallice	26 May 1943	36

 

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 Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
11 May 43	20.04	41°27'N, 35°58'W	GRADO	3,082	Norwegian	SC-129
11 May 43	20.08	41°27'N, 35°58'W	ANTIGONE	4,545	British	SC-129
			Total = 7,627
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

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				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				"  U-402  "
			Kommandant:	Korvettenkapitän Baron v.  F  o  r  s  t  n  e  r  .
			Beginning: 23.2.43                      Ending: 26.5.43
				Distribution: B.d.U. Copy No. 1,2,3,   Kom.Adm.Uboote   4,   F.d.U.-West   5,   3. U-Flottille   6,   F.d.U.-Ausbildung   7,   27. U.-Flottille   8,                 Enclosures: 3 Track charts Copy No. 1,3,4,5,6   1 Outbound Orders   3,   2 Firing reports   3,4,5,6   1 Summary of the Radio Log 1-8,   6 Barograph strips   5,
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
			Kriegstagebuch of U-402 from 23 February to 26 May 1943.
		23.02.43 -
		20.04.43	La Pallice	Shipyard time, sea trial and equipping.
		Wednesday
		21.04.43
		18.15		Cast off La Pallice lock.
		18.45 - 19.45		Radio direction finder calibration.
		19.55	BF 6862	Taken in convoy.
		21.51	SSW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1020 mb	Port diesel was hot, a blind flange was found in the cooling water piping.
		23.30	BF 6852
		24.00	BF 6851	Port disel again clear.
			SSW 3, Sea 3, 6/10, 1021 mb
		Thursday
		22.04.43
		01.00	BF 6846	Released Speerbrecher.
		02.30	BF 6848
		04.00	BF 6793
		07.40	BF 9131	Released from convoy.
		07.45	BF 9131	Dived to proceed submerged.
			SSW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1023 mb	Came to westerly course.
		12.00	BF 9122	Day's run:  Surfaced 107 nm, Submerged 18.3 nm.
		16.00	BF 9113
		20.00	BF 9111
		21.25	BF 9111	Surfaced, surface transit at high speed.
		22.00	BF 8333
			SW 1, Sea 0, 3/10, 1015 mb
		24.00	BF 8322

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43

	- 2 -
		Friday
		23.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		02.45	BF 8232	Turned away before supposed shadow, was rising clouds below the horizon.
		04.00	BF 8231
			SW 1, Sea 1, 2/10, 1015 mb
		06.25	BF 8212	Detection, dived.
		08.00	BF 8212
		12.00	BF 8133	Day's run:  Surfaced 100.6 nm, Submerged 38 nm.
		16.00	BF 8131
		20.00	BF 8122
		22.30	BF 8121	Surfaced.
		22.36	BF 8121	Detection, dived.
		23.15	BF 8113	Surfaced.
		23.20	BF 8133	Detection, dived.
		24.00	BF 8116
		Saturday
		24.04.43
		00.20	BF 8116	Surfaced.
		02.00	W 4, Sea 4, 3/10, 1027 mb, medium marine phosphoresence
		04.00	BF 7335
		06.00	SW 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10, 1028 mb
		07.00	BF 7321	Dived at twilight.
		08.00	BF 7321
		12.00	BF 7315	Day's run:  Surfaced 49.7 nm, Submerged 44 nm.
		16.00	BF 7236
		20.00	BF 7234
		22.40	BF 7226	Surfaced.  Continued transit at LF.
		24.00	BF 7224
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1029 mb
		Easter Sunday
		25.04.43
		04.00	BF 7135
			Weak marine phosphoresence
		07.00	BF 7116	Dived.
			W 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1028 mb
		08.00	BF 7116
		12.00	BF 7114	Day's run:  Surfaced 66 nm, Submerged 39.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		25.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		16.00	BE 9335
		19.29		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . . Forstner . . . . head for square AJ 99.  2.)  . . . .
		20.00	BE 9331
		22.50	BE 9326	Surfaced, LF.
		24.00	BE 9325
			S 3, Sea 3, blue sky, 1032 mb
		Monday
		26.04.43
		04.00	BE 9236
		07.05	BE 9225	Dived to proceed submerged.
			NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1034 mb
		08.00	BE 9225
		09.00	BE 9224	Port forward E-motor bearing has failed.
		12.00	BE 9216	Day's run:  Surfaced 69 nm, Submerged 39.5 nm.
		16.00	BE 9215
		20.00	BE 9136
		23.00	BE 9135	Surfaced, 1 diesel HF.
		23.20 - 23.40	BE 9135	1 E-motor HF, diesel clutch rasping, was adjusted.
		24.00	BE 9135
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1036 mb
		Tuesday
		27.04.43
		00.37		Short Signal sent:  "My position is square BE 91.  U-402."
				Confirmation of contents takes place at 01.32 hours with Serial No. 0046.
		04.00	BE 9116
		06.50	BE 8336	Dived to continue repair of the bearing.
			NW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1035 mb
		08.00	BE 8335
		12.00	BE 8334	Day's run:  Surfaced 59.7 nm, Submerged 40.5 nm.
		12.46		Switched to Ireland Circuit.  First Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 190, last Serial No. on Coastal Circuit: 99.
		16.00	BE 8326
		20.00	BE 8324
		20.30	BE 8324	Surfaced after ending repairs to the E-motor bearing, LF until the end of charging.
		21.00	BE 8316	Headed for AJ 99.
		24.00	BE 5899
			WSW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1032 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43

	- 4 -
		Wednesday
		28.04.43	North Atlantic
		04.00	BE 5881	Went to economical transit speed.
		08.00	BE 5766
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1028.5 mb
		12.00	BE 5753	Day's run:  Surfaced 119.0 nm, Submerged 21.5 nm.
		16.00	BE 5715
		20.00	BE 4932
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1026 mb
		24.00	BE 4684
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), 1025 mb
		Thursday
		29.04.43
		04.00	BE 4671
		08.00	BE 4556
		12.00	BE 4543	Day's run:  Surfaced 154 nm.
			NNE 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 1029 mb
		13.30 -	BE 4518	Test dive, drills
		15.05	BE 4514
		15.20		Starboard diesel clutch slipping, during repairs port diesel 240 RPM.
		16.00	BE 4436
		20.00	BE 4189
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1032 mb
		24.00	BE 4176
		Friday
		30.04.43
		04.00	BD 6393	Clutch again in service, continued running on diesel-electric.
		08.00	BD 6356
			W 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1035.5 mb
		10.30	BD 6343	Starboard diesel clutch again out of service, had to be completely rebuilt, transit with 1 diesel 240 RPM.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		30.04.43	North Atlantic
		11.22		Radio Message:  "Staudinger, Kruschka, Forstner, Heydemann and Luis after Engineering officer transfer head for square AK 29, day's run 200 nm.
		11.45	BD 6342	Set course for square AK 29, HF with port diesel.
		12.00	BD 6318	Day's run:  Surfaced 130.2 nm, Submerged 8 nm.
			W 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1037 mb
		14.00	BD 3899	Port thrust bearing running hot, came to LF, work on the starboard clutch still in progress.
		15.37		Radio Message:  "Staudinger, Kruschka, Forstner, Heydemann and Luis after Engineering officer transfer head for square AK 77, day's run 200 nm.
		16.00	BD 3892	Course set for AK 77, proceeded on a trial basis with port diesel at HF.
		20.00	BD 3854
			W 4, Sea 3, 3/10, 1034 mb
		24.00	BD 3758
			W 4, Sea 3, 3/10, 1032 mb
		Saturday
		01.05.43
		04.00	BD 3713	Thrust bearing hot again, LF.
		06.00	BD 3712	Again went to HF.
		08.00	BD 2699
			S 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1025 mb
		12.00	BD 2682	Day's run:  Surfaced 178 nm.
			S 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1025 mb
		16.00	BD 2648
		20.00	BD 2561
			WNW 4, Sea 4, 3/10, 1034 mb
		22.45	BD 2552
			NW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, (rain), 1037 mb	Port thrust bearing out of service, until the end of repairs to the starboard clutch, running on E-motors at LF.
		24.00	BD 2552
			NW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, (rain), 1037 mb
		Sunday
		02.05.43
		04.00	BD 2527
		05.15		Starboard diesel clutch again in service, transit with starboard diesel, various drive settings with regard to repair of the port thrust bearing.
		08.00	BD 2511
			NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1038.5 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		02.05.43	North Atlantic
		11.58		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  . . . .  3.)  Staudinger, Kruschtka, Forstner, U-575, Luis head for square BD 26 with economical transit speed, today at 12.00 hours switch to Hubertus Circuit. [typo BD 26 = BC 26]
		12.00	BD 2189	Day's run:  Surfaced 119.6 nm.
			WNW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1039 mb	Switched to Hubertus Circuit.  First Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit: 296, last Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 132.
		12.50	BD 2188	Headed for square BC 26
		16.00	BD 2177
		20.00	BD 1398
			SSW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 1036 mb
		24.00	BD 1388
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast, 1034 mb
		Monday
		03.05.43
		04.00	BD 1379
		05.45	BD 1612	Port thrust bearing in service.  With slowly rising speed settings broke in the new bearing.
		08.00	BD 1533
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast 1030 mb
		12.00	BD 1522	Day's run:  Surfaced 126.9 nm.
			S 6, Sea 6, overcast, 1031 mb
		16.00	BD 1433
		19.00	BD 1423	Inspection - AK cruise.
		19.30	BD 1424	Went to economical transit speed.
		20.00	BD 1424
			W 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1034 mb
		20.50		Radio Message:  Sub Groups Amsel 1 to 4 with economical transit speed occupy new patrol line:
				Amsel 1:  Staudinger, Kruschka, Forstner, U-575, Luis from AJ 7933 to 8837.
				Amsel 2:  . . . .   3: . . . . 4:. . . ., more to follow.
		21.30	BD 1415	Headed for AJ 8735
		24.00	BC 3632
			W 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1036 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43

	- 7 -
		04.05.43	North Atlantic
		04.00	BC 3387
		08.00	BC 3292
			NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1038 mb
		12.00	BC 3254	Day's run:  Surfaced 184 nm.
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1042 mb
		13.00 - 14.10	BC 3246	Headed into the sea for work on the over deck.
		14.10 -	BC 3246
		15.20	BC 3245	Test dive, drills.
		16.00	BC 3244
		20.00	BC 3129
			NNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, 1043 mb
		22.50		Radio Message:  "Groups Amsel 1 and 2 operate on Hasenschar convoy, located at 20.20 hours in square AJ 6271 with southerly course.  Also operating on it is Group Fink with 27 boats.  Immediately switch to America 1 Circuit."
		23.00		Switched to America 1 Circuit.  First Serial No. on America 1 Circuit:  298, last Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit:  824.
		23.10	BC 3116	Operating on Hasenschar report.
		23.15		Port thrust bearing with higher speed again worn out, highest speed with starboard diesel 9.5 knots.
		23.10		Radio Message:  "Gretschel 22.28 hours convoy detected square AJ 6196, course 200°, 7 knots.
		23.30		Assumption that the convoy steers west was confirmed, operated on enemy course 270° and 7 nm (course 325°).
		23.30		Radio Message:  "Group Fink, I am sure that you will fight with the toughest dedication.  Do not overestimate the enemy, but strike him dead. Other boats immediately report contact, so that Hasenschar can also attack.  Ob.d.M and B.d.U."
		23.45		Radio Message:  "Enemy 22.55 hours from Hasenschar sighted in square AJ 6275 with course 200°.
		24.00	BC 3112
			NNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1042 mb

Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

	- 8 -
		Wednesday
		05.05.43	North Atlantic
		01.00	AJ 9879	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after navigation fix from 9878 to 9879.
				Repeated attempts to send Radio Message on other circuits fails, therefore sent on the operational frequency:
		03.47		"Port thrust bearing has failed twice.  Request meeting to take over thrust part.  Position 5 May at 04.00 hours square AJ 9766, course, 325°, highest speed 9.5 knots.  Sea 0, NNW 1, 1042 mb steady, long NE-swell.  100 cbm.  Forstner."
		04.00	AJ 9766	Various contact keeper reports show general course approximately 210°, because I will first be positioned at the meeting place with convoy at 20.00 hours, individual contact keeping reports are not taken into account.
		08.00	AJ 9489
			NNW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1039 mb
		12.00	AJ 9443	Day's run:  Surfaced 181.7 nm, Submerged 4 nm.
			NNW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1038 mb
		12.23		Radio Message:  Contents for Hasenschar-convoy:  Strive for day attack, if possible be positioned ahead of the convoy before the beginning of darkness, the battle will not last long so make the most of each opportunity.
		13.51		Incoming Radio Message:  "Forstner today at 12.00 hours wait briefly in AJ 9442.  If no boats arrive for transfer of thrust part, continue convoy operation and report.  Meeting will then be scheduled."
				Due to bad reception, message is received just now.
				A new correct thrust part can no longer be expected, the thrust part for "Reverse" drive is moved and put in place for "Forward" drive and for the other direction of rotation "Reverse" spare part for the starboard bearing is used.
				Since the bearing is already at hand, expect to be ready at about 22.00 hours.
		14.20		Radio Message:  1.)  "Enemy located at 13.21 hours square AJ 6743 course 200°, reported from Purkhold.  2.)  . . . .

Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		05.05.43
		14.21	AJ 9411	Short Signal sent:  "Have not met U-boat at meeting point continuing transit."    U-402.
				Contents confirmed at 18.03 hours.
		15.36		Radio Message:  Heinsohn sighted enemy 13.39 hours in square AJ 6748. . . . "
		16.00	AJ 8399	According to last report particularly from Purkhold and Heinsohn believe that the convoy steers a little bit more to the east.
				Intention:  To move back and forth in position at intercept point for new convoy course in square AJ 8356 at 18.54 hours.
		17.51		Radio Message:  "Löwe has detected enemy at 17.09 in square AJ 5995 course 240°."
		18.17		Radio Message:  "Smoke clouds in square AJ 6771, course 180°.  Purkhold."
		18.35		Radio Message:  "Luis sighted enemy at 17.21 hours in square AJ 5996 and Purkhold at 17.32 hours in 8352.  Speed 7 knots.
				Purkhold square is unlikely.
		18.52	AJ 8356	Short Signal:  "Enemy in sight square AJ 8331 - h i."
		18.54	AJ 8356	I decide that because of recent reports, especially from Löwe, and assuming that the enemy seeks the coast and therefore steers a southwesterly course, continued running on old course.
		19.55		Radio Message:  Löwe, Luis, Köhler report at 18.50 hours convoy course 180° in square AJ 8331."
		20.00	AJ 8352	Came to easterly course for intercept point with reported enemy course in square 8361 back and forth in position, because I am still positioned ahead of the convoy.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 1033 mb, Vis. very good
		20.27		Radio Message:  "1.)  Looks had contact on convoy,  2.)  Convoy 19.15 hours, square 9111, signature not resolved."
		20.55	AJ 8361	U-boat ahead in sight, steers approximately south course, then turns toward me to run off soon afterwards approximately on course 200°, is lost from sight at 21.29.
		21.07		Radio Message:  Location Purkhold 8351 improbable.   Boat which had contact at 23.00 hours send bearing signals.

Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		05.05.43	North Atlantic
		21.08	AJ 8361	Short Signal:  "My position is AJ 8361, course 210°, speed 7 knots."  Looks.
				Probably means Convoy position.
		21.30	AJ 8361	Came to opposite course 270°.
		21.33		Radio Message:  "To Hasenschar-convoy.  Opportunities may be in no case thwarted by aircraft before darkness falls. It is therefore ordered: boats whose anti-aircraft armament remains operational will remain on the surface and shoot.  The aircraft will soon stop their attack."
		21.41		Radio Message:  "Jessen had sighted convoy at 20.19 hours in AJ 8361 on course 180°."
		21.54		Radio Message:  "AJ 8361 apparently partial convoy, course 210°, 7 knots, visibility deteriorating, rain.    Looks."
		21.55		Port thrust bearing ready, shaft knocking obviously, was hot from LF, highest speed with full charging to starboard 11 knots.
		22.00	AJ 8361	Operating on Jessen report.  The convoy was seen in my current square at 20.19 hours.
		22.41		Short Signal:  My position is square AL 8367, course 200°.    Looks."
				Convoy position!!!??
		23.00	AJ 8367	Bearing signals not received.
			Fog, Vis. about 4000 meters
		23.22	AJ 8367	Crash dive for American destroyer type: "BALCH" bearing 95°T, bow left, target angle 90°, comes from a fog bank at about 4000 meters.
			S 1, Sea 1, mist (rain), 1030 mb
				At periscope depth after oscillating through, destroyer approximately 3000 meters away, bow right, target angle 20°, operating on 4-fan.
		23.40		Several scare depth charges.
		23.50		Destroyer turns to starboard, bow left, target angle 60° and passes out of sight.
		23.54	AJ 8367	Again bluff depth charges, bright sound as if the conning tower were shot.

Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43

	- 11 -
		Thursday
		06.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.04	AJ 8367	Surfaced.
		00.05	AJ 8367	Crash dive, destroyer about 4000 meters off bearing 90°T, partly in fog.
		00.18	AJ 8367	Surfaced, again pursued.
			SE 1, Sea 1, mist (rain), 1029 mb
		00.33		Short Signal sent:  "23.22 hours 1 destroyer square AJ 8367.  U-402.
		01.23		Radio Message:  "Convoy square 8365, course 170° in columns, not a deception group.  Over 20 vessels observed.  Witzendorff.
		01.32		Radio Message:  "To Hasenschar-convoy.  "Convoy possibly broken up into small groups.  If no more steamers remain to shoot, then shift to escorts.  In so doing, M.Z.-on.
		02.00	AJ 8397	Operating on Witzendorff report (course 123).
		02.20	Further visibility deterioration, Vis. changing, mostly under 1 nm	Radio Message:  "Contact lost in rain.  Last sighting square AJ 8364.  Suspect southeasterly zig zag. . . . Purkold.
		02.42		Radio Message:  "Look was forced off and lost contact."
		02.46		Radio Message:  "Witzendorff send bearing signals.  Heinsohn.
		03.31		Radio Message:  "AJ 8634 forced off by destroyer while operating on last report. . . . Luis."
				(date/time group 0104)
		03.37		Radio Message:  "Hasenschar convoy immediately report contact."
		03.40	AJ 8636	Intercepted course line of Witzendorff convoy, search continued up to intercept point for enemy course 165°.
		03.58		Radio Message:  "Heinsohn reports 02.47 hours convoy located by sound bearings 290°T, AJ 8637"
		04.05		Radio Message:  "1.)  Witzendorff contact lost.  2.)  . . . .   3.)  Sträter requests bearing signals from contact keeper."
		04.15	AJ 9414	Dived to listen.
				Because of multiple orders to send bearing signals did not request sending, continued standing by for bearing reception, nothing heard.

Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		06.05.43	North Atlantic
		04.30	AJ 9414	Surfaced.
				On reports from Luis and Heinsohn continued search for enemy course 220° (course 230°) can first be at the intercept point with my low speed at 09.30 hours.
		07.17		Radio Message:  "Have been rammed, not clear to dive, square AJ 8652.  Request assistance.  Course 90°.  Folkers.
		07.30	AJ 8659	Am positioned only 10 nm away, came to opposite course and reported intentions.
		07.50	AJ 8656	Radio Message sent:  "Position AJ 8656.  Going to Folkers.  Up to 09.00 hours in 8662.   Searching at 10 knots highest speed on easterly course.  Forstner."
				Bearing signals are requested from Purkhold, positioned like Popp about 40 nm away, Poel 20 nm.
		08.00	AJ 8656
			SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), 1024 mb
		08.47		Radio Message sent:  "Request position, speed, bearing signals from Folker.
		08.55	AJ 8661	Continued search on easterly course.
		09.02		Radio Message:  "To Hasenschar convoy, No boats other than Popp, Pückler, Poel, Purkhold go to Folker.  Sträter continue operations.
				My Radio Message of 07.50 hours was obviously not yet available.  Because I am the nearest boat to Folkers, at 08.47 hours I again report my intentions, initially I decide not to continue [to search for the convoy]. Contact keeper reports are not at hand at the moment.
		11.40		Radio Message:  "1.)  Folkers immediately report position, course and speed, for 09.00 hours.
				(date/time group 0642)
		12.00	AJ 9451	Day's run:  Surfaced 224 nm, Submerged 2.9 nm.
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, 1023 mb, Vis. changing 3-5 nm

Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		06.05.43	North Atlantic
		12.30	AJ 9452	U-381 (Pückler) bearing 190°, 3000 meters off, on about parallel course, gives as his position square 9451 (6 nm west of me)
				Transferred thrust part for my port thrust bearing, afterwards again operated on convoy.
		13.40	AJ 9452	(course 225°).
		14.23		Sent Radio Message: Thurust part taken over from Pückler.  Position square AJ 9452.  Continuing operations. 94 cbm.    Forstner.
		14.50		Radio Message:  "Boats at Hasenschar convoy operation broken off.  Group Amsel 1 and 2 head for square BC 33.  Remaining boats set off in easterly direction.
		15.00	AJ 9454	Headed for square BC 33 at transit speed. (course 121°).
		15.35		Radio Message:  1.)  . . . .  2.)  . . . .  3.)  "Forstner, Neckel report when there is substantial visibility improvement."
		15.42	AJ 9457	U-264 (Looks) bearing 180°T, 6000 meters off, closed, gives position in square 9442 (15 nm northwest of me), is still searching for Folkers.
		16.00	AJ 9457	Continued transit.
		17.30	AJ 9458	Diesel operated at high speed for testing.
		19.10	AJ 9494	Again went to transit speed.
		20.00	AJ 9495
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1026 mb
		23.40	AJ 9812	Signal traffic with U-231 (Wenzel).
		24.00	AJ 9812
			WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1028 mb
		Friday
		07.05.43
		04.00	AJ 9829
		07.30		Radio Message:  "1.)  . . . .  2.)  . . . . U-402, Uter, Holtfreder promoted to Oberfähnrich.
		08.00	AJ 9947
			W 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, 1029 mb
		12.00	AJ 9985	Day's run:  Surfaced 163.9 nm.
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, (rain), mist, 1029 mn

	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43

	- 14 -
		continue
		07.05.43	North Atlantic
		12.29	AJ 9989	Radio Message:  "Boats at Hasenschar convoy:
			[this message is greatly summarized for full text see U-575 KTB]	Contents:  Experiences from the operation, attacking as early as possible, the element of surprise and possible visibility deterioration as happened.  Appreciation for the hard battle, especially in the second night. Hasenschar is the sharp shooting king."  Ob.Bef. u. B.d.U.
		13.20		Radio Message:  "As new Group " E l b e" in named order: Dahlhaus, Heydemann, Deecke, Witzendorff, Sträter, Jessen, Hennig, Wenzel, Auffermann, Tinschert, Kruschka, Wächter, Luis, Köhler, Gelhaus, Forstner.  On 8 May at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 9421 to BC 6246.  Interval between boats 20 nm.  More to follow."
		13.53		Radio Message:  "Groups Rhein and Elbe:
				1.)  On 8 May fast and slow convoys on easterly to northerly courses are expected.
				2.)  In bad visibility monitor assigned area according to fuel with higher speed and/or brief listening dives.  Forstner report weather tomorrow depending on situation.
				3.)  . . . .  4.)  Rhein und Elbe switch Hubertus Circuit on 8 May at 04.00."
		14.30	BC 3232	Headed for square BC 6246 at my highest speed (course 189°).
		16.00	BC 3261	Position comparison with U-223 (Wächter), position by own navigation fix in 3239 (11 nm to the northeast).
		20.00	BC 3526
			WSW 1, Sea 1, fog, 1029 mb
		24.00	BC 3822
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1029 mb
		Saturday
		08.05.43
		00.16		Radio Message:  "New patrol line for 8 May 12.00 hours:
				Group Rhein from BC 6894 to CD 2377.  Group Elbe without Jessen from BC 3141 to 6859.  Distance 20 nm.  No reports concerning late arrival.  From tomorrow noon expect eastbound convoy."

	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		08.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.45	BC 3825	Headed for square BC 6859 (course 178°).
		04.00	BC 3885	Switched to Hubertus Circuit.  First Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit: 860, last Serial No. on America I Circuit: 290.
		08.00	BC 6282
			S 1, Sea 1, mist, 1023 mb
		11.30		Starboard diesel stopped during work on the starboard clutch.
		12.00	BC 6552	Day's run:  Surfaced 258.4 nm.
			S 2, Sea 2, mist, 1021 mb
		12.27	BC 6555	With starboard diesel once more went to at 2 x GF.
		16.00	BC 6826
		18.30	BC 6859	Reached ordered square.  Back and forth in position along the patrol line on courses 160° and 340° (diesel 2 x HF).
		19.55	BC 6859
			SW 2, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1019 mb
		20.50	BC 6883
		21.50		Radio Message:  "If there is no prior contact, groups Elbe and Rhine from 24.00 hours advance in reconnaissance line with course 60° and speed 8 knots on the basis of Kommandant's Handbook paragraph 571.  Tomorrow at 09.00 hours stop in the reached position line as patrol line. Arrival of the convoy can be expected, pay attention."
		24.00	BC 6859	Came to course 60°.
			W 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1019 mb
		Sunday
		09.05.43
		00.26		Short Signal sent:  46°N, 41°W, 1020 mb, steady, nearly completely overcast, shower weather with moderate wind from the SW, Vis. good, SW 4, +14°C.  U-402.
				Was repeated correctly, with previous transmission Short Signal was incorrectly repeated and not deciphered.
		01.02		Radio Message:  "Officer-Only.  Group Rhein awaited convoy . . . . patrol line from BD 7687 to CE 4154 must therefore be taken up by 9 May 20.00 hours. . . ."

	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		09.05.43	North Atlantic
		01.35		Radio Message:  "1.)  Forstner joins Group Rhein and extends new ordered patrol line by 20 nm to the north.
				2.)  Group Elbe from 01.00 hours course 120°, speed 10 knots over ground.
				To new position in BD 7637 is still about 270 nm, this can not be accomplished by me in barely 18 hours.  I report that I cannot implement approach order and remain until the arrival of new orders with group Elbe.
		02.30	BC 6865	Came to course 130° to position, because from 01.00 (Radio Message of 01.35 hours) course was changed to 120° for Group Elbe.
		02.40		Short Signal sent:  Can not carry out approach order due to engine damage.  Speed 10 knots.    U-402."
				Was correctly confirmed at 03.12 hours.
		04.00	BC 6947
		07.24	BC 9322	Position of course line 120° from 01.00 hours, came to general course 120°.
		08.00	BC 9326
			SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1014 mb
		12.00	BD 7145	Day's run:  Surfaced 251.7 nm.
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, mist, 1011 mb
		16.00	BD 7194
		16.35		Radio Message:  "Group Elbe from 18.00 hours course 150°, speed 12 knots over ground."
		17.25	BD 7199	Am somewhat ahead, came to course 150°.
		17.25	To Group Elbe:	Radio Message:  "1.)  On the evening of 10 May patrol line must be achieved absolutely from BD 8111 to CE 1849.  Another convoy, running a day behind the one detected today, is expected.   Pay close attention tomorrow by day on the advance and tomorrow by the night in the patrol line.
				2.)  Forstner return to old position in the south of the Elbe line.
				3.)  Boats low in fuel . . . . ."
				Headed for square CE 1849
		19.00	BD 7518	Port diesel must be stopped, because the chain jumped off the RPM indicator.
		19.25	BD 7518	Port diesel again in service, LF.

Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		09.05.43	North Atlantic
		20.00	BD 7542
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, 1013 mb
		24.00	BD 7826
			W 4, Sea 4, overcast, mist, 1015 mb
		Monday
		10.05.43
		00.30	BD 7844	Difference in dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix from 7829 to 7844 (30 nm, 108°T) since 5 May 01.00 hours.
			Heavy marine phosphorescence
		01.30	BD 7972	Port diesel stopped for replacement of the explosion plate [Pressure relief blow out disc in case of explosion]
		02.15	BD 7975	Port diesel again in service, LF.
		04.00	CE 1124
		08.00	CE 1194
			SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist, 1017 mb
		12.00	CE 1469	Day's run:  Surfaced 256.9 nm.
			SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1019 mb
		16.00	CE 1842
		17.22	CE 1849	Reached square 1849, test dive.
		18.20	CE 1849	Surfaced, back and forth in position with north and south courses, diesel stopped for engine inspection.
		20.00	WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1018 mb
		21.40		Radio Message:  "1.)  As new Group Elbe 1:  Dahlhaus. . .  11 May 10.00 hours be in patrol line from BD 5711 to 8747.
				2.)  As group Elbe 2:  Jannsen, Kruschka, Dauter, Thäter, Wächter, Hackländer, Luis, Forstner, Köhler, U-359, Gelhaus, Kremser, Hesemann on 11 May at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from square BD 8777 to CE 4219.
				3.)  Slow convoy expected tomorrow with certainty, pay strict attention.
				4.)  From 11 May 08.00 hours Ireland Circuit for Elbe 1 and 2."
		22.05	CE 1849	Headed for square CE 1576 (course 0°).
		24.00	CE 1843
			WSW 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1015 mb
		Tuesday
		11.05.43
		00.10	CE 1843	Steered various courses for conversion of the main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		11.05.43
		01.22 -	CE 1843	Test dive.
		01.38	CE 1819	Surfaced continued towards square CE 1576.
		04.00	CE 1813
		07.15	CE 1576	Reached ordered position in patrol line.  Back and forth in position on north and south courses.
		08.00	CE 1576	Switched to Ireland Circuit.  First Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 101, last Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit: 815.
			WSW 2, Sea 3, overcast (rain), 1012 mb
		10.42	CE 1576	Smoke cloud bearing 250°T.  Despite turning away and highest speed masts come out quickly and grow larger.
			W 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1013 mb
		10.44	CE 1576	Dived.  In spite of driving crosswise to the sea the boat is difficult to hold at periscope depth, is thrown out a little at depth over 14 meters, in the periscope nothing can be seen, in order to listen went to depth 20 meters, nothing distinguished.
		11.24	CE 1576	Surfaced.  Approximately 6000 ton freighter with 3 masts bearing 150°T, 4000 meters away, bow left, broad target angle.  Due to moderate visibility set flag is not recognized, possibly there are neutrality markings on the hull.
		11.25	CE 1576	Again dove.
		12.00	CE 1576	Surfaced.  Steamer is already out of sight, pursued with my restricted speed of advance is hopeless.
			W 6, Sea 6, 2/10, 1015 mb
				Day's run:  Surfaced 150.5 nm, Submerged 6.2 nm.
		18.35	CE 1573	Short Signal:  "Convoy square CE 1543 k.k. (Luis)
		18.40	CE 1573
			W 6, Sea 6, 5/10, 1017 mb	2 smoke clouds in sight bearing 270°T, came to easterly course, speed increased, shortly thereafter a mast comes out, quickly becomes larger, destroyer mast, the pre-prepared Short Signal is not transmitted, because Luis has just reported, and for me there is still an opportunity for a surprise submerged attack.
		18.45	CE 1573	Dived on northerly course, proceeded athwart the sea, approached the suspected convoy at a sharp target angle, bow right.

Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		11.05.43	North Atlantic
				Below HF the boat can not be held at periscope depth, cuts in spite of GF frequently cuts under, depth keeping characteristics seem to have deteriorated from the conversion.
		19.36	CE 1573	First sighting after diving, destroyer masts bearing 312°T.
		19.40		Destroyer bears 335°T, bow right, about 2800 meters away.
		19.50		New bearing destroyer 75°T, bow right, target angle about 90°, therefore am positioned between him and the convoy.
		19.53		In spite of continuous all around sweeps only now the first 2 steamer masts in sight bearing 240°T.
		19.58	CE 1549	Recognize target angle bow left, about 90°, came to course 160°.
		20.04	CE 1549	Single shot from tube I.  (depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow left, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots).
				Target is an about 5000 GRT freighter with two masts and one smoke stack, bridge positioned free.
				After 47 seconds (730 meters) torpedo detonation heard, due to under cutting of the periscope no observations.
		20.08	CE 1549	Single shot from tube II. (depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow left, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots)
				Target is an about 4000 GRT freighter with 2 masts and one smoke stack.
				After 41.2 seconds (640 meters) torpedo detonation heard, again no observations, due to under cutting.
		20.14		With an all around sweep 5 steamers recognized, my first torpedoed lies stopped with heavy list to port forward.  Second torpedoed steamer not made out with certainty, periscope again cut under.
		20.21	CE 1549	Sound gear reports approaching destroyer from 80°T, had probably been covered by a steamer, went deep to avoid being sighted and on convoy course.  Failure of the port thrust bearing at GF (for the third time).  Port motor stopped.
		20.23		First depth charge series at depth 40 meters.
				Sound and depth charge pursuit with noticeably a lot of Asdic sounds.  In spite of over running depth charges are badly placed.
				Flooding [drain pump] equipment set in operation at 20.30 and 21.12 hours, various course changes, at silent running, remained so as much as depth keeping allowed.
				Sinking sounds were heard at 20.05, 09 and 14 hours, the last especially strong.

Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		11.05.43	North Atlantic
		21.15		Flooding equipment out of service.
		21.25	CE 1549	Order given to slowly raise the boat.
		21.35		Due to newly detected destroyer sounds and Asdic, again went deep.
		22.03		Last sound bearing of the destroyer.
		23.25		New order to raise the boat given.
		23.42	CE 1573	Distant depth charge series, boat rises further.
		23.45		Knocking and strong vibration in the boat, believe at first that it is a depth charge nearby, No. 1 Seaman in the conning tower says he heard strong propeller sounds.  Can not rely on the sound gear, because it did not even register the steamers at 700 meters, now by the knocking of the starboard shaft and higher speed settings, even more unfavorable conditions, besides our own propeller noises strong other self noise.
		Wednesday
		12.05.43
				Again went deep.
				Because the boat falls quickly at A +40 meters main ballast tank 5 then all tanks are blown, at A +100 meters boat is halted, main ballast tanks 1 and 5 are flooded, boat can be held well.
				Port regulating and reserve fuel oil tank indicates outboard pressure, has torn, likely the cause of the strong bang and negative buoyancy of the boat.
			[this is not exactly clear to me]	Venting of ballast tank 3 via the blowing piping is not possible, because it under pressure probably by the leaking of one blow valve by which the main blow valve cannot be opened.
				The auxiliary drain pump can not be used to pump the bilge water because it is under pressure from a leaking hull valve.
		01.18		Boat raised again, from A +20 meters pumping, boat rises, with only quite brief flooding of main ballast tank 3 boat settles again strongly must be blown again.
		01.55	CE 1573	Surfaced, headed for shooting location.
			SW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, 1018 mb	Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 port has a 3 meter long tear, works hard, at first due to the weather situation work on the over deck is not possible.
		02.08 -		Work on the supercharger clutch of the starboard diesel is not successful.  I decide to first complete repair of the port thrust bearing, because the starboard diesel must be stopped during work on the clutch, I must have at least the port diesel in service.
		03.50

	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		12.05.43	North Atlantic
		03.17		Radio Message sent on Coastal Circuit, because I was not heard on America I at 02.28 hours.
				"Hit on 5000 tonner, sinking probable.  Hit on 4000 tonner heard, depth charge pursuit.  Convoy position 20.00 hours square CE 1547, course 85°.  Port thrust bearing again worn out, because shaft knocks, main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 and regulating and reserve fuel oil tank port torn, preparing.  SW 5, Sea 4, 1018 mb steady, 10+2 torpedoes, 61 cbm.  Am missing Serial No. 242 and 243 of 6 May.  Forstner."
		04.52	CE 1549	Reached shooting location, searched on changing courses without results.
		05.15		Pursued convoy on course 90°.
		06.02		Radio Message:  "Group Elbe 1 and 2 without Sträter and Deecke go on Luis report.  Suspect ENE-course."
		06.15		Radio message:  "To Elbe boats.  1.)  up to darkness . . .  2.)  Elbe boats from 00.00 hours switch Diana Circuit."
		06.30		Switched to Diana Circuit.  First Serial No. on Diana Circuit:  724, last Serial No. on Ireland Circuit: 144.
		08.00	CE 1567
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1014 mb
		09.30		Short Signal:  "Convoy CE 1397, course 30°. o.k. (Hesemann)
		10.00	CE 1569	Continued running on Hesemann report on course 40°.
		12.00	CE 1642	Day's run:  Surfaced 92.2 nm, Submerged 16.5 nm.
				Ran at various drive settings for work on the thrust bearing.
		16.00	CE 1621	Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 port is completely open to the sea.  Parts of the deck and the piping knock heavily.
		17.25	CE 1388	Due to hot running now also of the starboard thrust bearing slowed to 240 RPM.
		20.00	CE 1386
			NW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, passing showers, 1016 mb
		24.00	CE 2172	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position from 1368 to 2172 (17 nm, 128°T).
			NW 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1018 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		13.05.43	North Atlantic
		04.00	CE 2154
		08.00	CE 2129
			W 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1022 mb
		11.35	CE 2131	Work on the port shaft (thrust bearing) ended, to break in went to diesel-electric.
		12.00	CE 2131	Day's run:  Surfaced 112 nm.
			NW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1026 mb
		16.00	BD 8975
		20.00	BD 8954
			W 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1030 mb
		20.37 -	BD 8954	Test dive.
		21.45	BD 8951	Surfaced.
		23.00		Starboard supercharger clutch again in service.
		23.15 -		Steered various courses during work on the over deck.
		24.00	BD 8926
			W 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1032 mb
		Friday
		14.05.43
		04.00	BD 8698
		08.00	BD 9447
			SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1034 mb
		08.30 - 10.40		Various courses and speed settings during work on the over deck, removal of rattling parts by cutting torch, sealing of the compressed air piping to the lost bottle of air group 2.  Strong knocking in regulating and reserve fuel oil bunker cannot be removed.
		12.00	BD 9442	Day's run:  Surfaced 116.6 nm, Submerged 2.9 nm.
		14.06		Radio Message:  "Group Elbe.  1.)  Operation on convoy broken off.  Boats, if not specifically listed, remain in reached area.  2.)  . . . .   3.)  . . . .   4.)  . . . .  5.)  More to follow after incoming reports.
		16.00	BD 9421
		16.45		Radio Message sent:  "Both shafts knocking, thrust bearings get hot, highest speed 10 knots, main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 port lost.  Request thrust plate as spare and return transit after fuel exhausted.  Square BD 9427, 53 cbm.  Forstner.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		14.05.43	North Atlantic
		20.00	BD 9183
			NE 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1038 mb
		21.15 - 21.35		Various courses steered for artillery exercises.
		22.21		Radio Message:  "1.)  . . . .  2.)  Forstner take over spare thrust part from Wilamowitz and return transit.  Switch Hubertus Circuit.  3.)  . . . .   4.)  . . . .  5.)  New supply square for Wilamowitz is from 15 May about 12.00 hours BD 9175."
		22.30		Switched to Hubertus Circuit.  First Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit 882. last Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 781.
		23.00	BD 9164	Headed for square BD 9175.
		24.00	BD 9164
			NNE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, 1039 mb
		Saturday
		15.05.43
		01.30	BD 9156	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position from 9159 to 9156 (7 nm, 20°T).
		04.00	BD 9157
		06.20	BD 9175	Reached ordered square, changing courses and speed settings.
		08.00	BD 9175
			NE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1038 mb	Signal traffic with U-454 (Hackländer).
		08.45		Signal traffic with U-466 (Thäter).
		12.00	BD 9175	Day's run:  Surfaced 132.7 nm.
			NE 3, Sea 3, 2/10, 1037 mb
		13.39 F)		Signal traffic with U-103 (Janssen).  15.55 hours out of sight bearing 110°T.
		20.00	NE 4, Sea 3-4, 2/10, 1035 mb
		20.15		U-Hackländer out of sight bearing 350°T.
		24.00	W 4, Sea 4, 2/10, 1035.5 mb
		16.28 F)		Radio Message:  "All boats now on Hubertus Circuit switch to Diana Circuit on 16 May at 20.00 hours."

	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43

	- 24 -
		Sunday
		16.05.43	North Atlantic
		08.00	BE 9175	Steered various courses on squares BD 9175 and 9178.
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, 1031 mb
		12.00	NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1030 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 24 nm.
		20.00	NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1026 mb	Switched to Diana Circuit.  First Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 792, last Serial No. on Hubertus Circuit: 812.
		23.10		Signal traffic with U-436 (Seibicke)
		24.00	NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1024 mb
		Monday
		17.05.43
		08.00	NE 2, Sea 2, 1019 mb, overcast	Continued waiting for supplier.
		10.25		Thäter requests bearing signals from supplier.
		11.15		Signal traffic with U-650 (Witzendorff).
		12.00	NW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1029 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 24 nm.
		13.54 - 15.17		Test dive and drills.
		16.20		U-459 (Wilamowitz) and U-448 (Dauter) in sight bearing 210°T.
		16.30		Signal traffic with U-569 (Johannsen).
		17.50	BD 9175	Thrust part taken over from Wilamowitz.
		20.00	BD 9175
			NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 1018 mb
		21.00		Began return transit with U-Thäter.  Economical transit speed diesel-electric, course 88°.
		24.00	BD 9185
			W 1, Sea 1, 9/10, passing showers, 1018 mb
		Tuesday
		18.05.43
		04.00	BD 9196
		08.00	BD 9276
			NE 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 1019 mb
		12.00	BD 9294	Day's run:  Surfaced 109 nm, Submerged 3.8 nm.
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1020 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		18.05.43	North Atlantic
		13.20 -	BD 9295	Test dive.
		14.00	BD 9296
		16.00	BD 9375
		18.50		Radio Message:  "1.)  . . . . Forstner tonight report weather by Short Signal.
				2.)  . . . . Switch at 19 May 08.00 hours . . . . Forstner . . . Coastal Circuit.
		20.00	BD 9366
			WNW 1, Sea , 3/10, 1023 mb
		24.00	BE 7175
			WNW 1, Sea 1-0, 3/10, 1025 mb
		Wednesday
		19.05.43
		02.31		Sent Short Signal weather report on Diana Circuit could not be received.
		02.51		Short Signal weather report sent on Coastal Circuit, was correctly repeated:  45°N, 24°W, 1026 mb, rising, isolated cumulous clouds, weak wind shower weather, Vis. up to 5 nm however no fog, NW 1, low NW-swell, +16°C, water temperature 1°C lower than air temperature.    U-402."
		04.00	BE 7186
		08.00	BE 7272	Switched to Coastal Circuit.  First Serial No. on Coastal Circuit: 59, last Serial No. on Diana Circuit: 734.
			WNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, 1025 mb
		12.00	BE 7291	Day's run:  Surfaced 185.3 nm, Submerged 2 nm.
			WNW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, 1026 mb
		16.00	BE 7372
		20.00	BE 7382
		24.00	BE 7393
			W 1, Sea 1, 5/10, 1028 mb
		Thursday
		20.05.43
		04.00	BE 8181
		08.00	BE 8193
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1027 mb
		12.00	BE 8251	Day's run:  Surfaced 171.6 nm.
			S 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1024 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		20.05.43	North Atlantic
		16.00	BE 8268
		16.48		Radio Message:  "Return harbors: Pallice for Franke, U-402, Thäter . . . ."
		20.00	BE 8349
			SSE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1025 mb
		23.00	BE 8359	Dived to proceed submerged, very unfavorable weather situation, low cloud deck.
		24.00	BE 8367
		Friday
		21.05.43
		04.00	BE 8568
		07.55	BE 9147	Surfaced to charge.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers, 1025 mb
		11.25	BE 9167	Dived.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1026 mb
		12.00	BE 9167	Day's run:  Surfaced 122.5 nm, Submerged 28.7 nm.
		16.00	BE 9165
		19.55	BE 9244	Surfaced to charge.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1018 mb
		20.23	BE 9244	Dived.
		24.00	BE 9246
		Saturday
		22.05.43
		04.00	BE 9254
		07.55	BE 9256	Surfaced.
		08.05	BE 9256	Detection, dived.
		08.55	BE 9256	Surfaced, proceeding on the surface in favorable weather.
			W 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1025 mb
		12.00	BE 9345	Day's run:  Surfaced 40 nm, Submerged 55 nm.
			W 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1025 mb
		16.00	BE 9366
		18.30	BF 7145	Dived for land-based aircraft bearing 0°, about 9000 meters away.
		20.00	BF 7146
		22.45	BF 7153	Surfaced to take navigation fix and ventilate.
			SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1026 mb
		23.08	BF 7153	Dived.
		24.00	BF 7161

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

	- 27 -
		Sunday
		23.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 7163
		08.00	BF 7218	Surfaced.
			SE 1, Sea 1, mist, rain, 1024 mb
		09.20	BE 7227	2 vessels bearing 0°T, coming quickly closer, apparently a search group, dived.
		12.00	BE 7251	Day's run:  Surfaced 75.5 nm, Submerged 42.9 nm.
		14.00	BF 7252	Surfaced to charge, U-Thäter not found again.
			SE 1, Sea 1, mist, rain, 1022 mb
		15.12	BF 7237	Detection, dived.
		16.00	BF 7237
		20.00	BF 7239
		24.00	BF 7317
		Monday
		24.05.43
		04.00	BF 7319
		07.30	BF 7328	Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 7329
			W 3, Sea 3, 6/10, 1023 mb
		09.43		Short Signal sent:  "Positioned 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  U-402."
				Was confirmed at 10.05 hours.
		12.00	BF 8128	Day's run:  Surfaced 64.5 nm, Submerged 45.2 nm.
			W 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1024 mb
		12.06		Radio Message:  "Escort U-402 and U-466 will be on 26 May at 10.00 hours at Point Pilz  3.-U.Flottille."
		16.00	BF 8227	Dived.
		20.00	BF 8229
		22.30	BF 8237	Surfaced for navigation fix and to ventilate.
		22.45	BF 8237	Dived.
			W 2-3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1025 mb
		24.00	BF 8238
		Tuesday
		25.05.43
		04.00	BF 8317
		08.00	BF 8318	Surfaced to charge.
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1027 mb
		08.35	BF 8319	2 fishing trawlers bearing 318°T, about 9000 meters away, evaded.
		09.02	BF 8327	Came to old course.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43

	- 28 -
		continued
		25.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		11.30	BF 8336	Dived.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 1032 mb
		12.00	BF 8336	Day's run:  Surfaced 91 nm, Submerged 42.1 nm.
		16.00	BF 9115
		20.00	BF 9124	16.15 hours Radio Message:  Luis, Thäter, Forstner radio beacon group runs . . . .
		22.25	BF 9125	Surfaced for navigation fix.
		22.40	W 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1030 mb	Dived.
		24.00	BF 9126
		Wednesday
		26.05.43
		03.45	BF 9131	Surfaced, headed for Point Pilz.
		04.00	NW 2, Sea 2, mist, 1030 mb
		08.00	BF 6847
		09.00	BF 6857	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position from 6846 to 6857 (9 nm, 160°T)
		09.40	BF 6854	Sighted escort bearing 340°T, 5 nm off, headed towards.
		10.15	BF 6854	Taken in convoy.
		11.30	BF 6852
		12.00	BF 6862
			NW 2, Sea 2, mist, 1031 mb
				Made fast in the La Pallice lock.
				Total:  4987.8 nm       36 sea days
				Experiences:
				1)  At night boats must send bearing signals immediately on gaining contact, do not wait for orders to do so, or stop delivery of the announcement.
				2.)  If possible execute no radio circuit changes during convoy operations, substantial additional pressure on the personnel, and above all, strong delay of contact keeper reports is possible.  By diving and thereby late receiving of the order to change circuit I remained on the old circuit at the "Elbe" convoy on 12 May for over 6 hours.
				On board, 26 May 1943
				Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-402" (v. Forstner) from 23.2.43 - 26.5.43.
	A patrol of the tried and tested Kommandant who was rewarded with a clear victory for his tough and aggressive effort.   Possibilities for success for the boat were impaired by the accumulation of machinery malfunctions and failures.
	Otherwise nothing to note!
	Accredited successes:
	1 Freighter                     5000 GRT  sunk.
	1 Freighter                     4000 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department

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