U-47 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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
25 Mar 40	05.40	60°08'N, 3°42'W	BRITTA	1,146	Danish
			Total = 1,146
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
			=======================
			of the Unterseebootes  "U  47".
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    P  r  i  e  n  .
				Beginning:  18 December 1939.
				Concluding:  29 March 1940.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		18.12.39	Kiel, Tirpitz Mole	Boat prepared for shipyard period.
		19.12.39	Kiel, Germaniawerft	Began shipyard period.
		xx. - 27.12.39	Kiel, Germaniawerft	Shipyard period, Christmas leave.
		xx. - 31.12.39	"	Shipyard period, New Years leave.
		xx. - 06.01.40	"
		07. - 13.01.40	"	Shipyard work.
		14. - 26 01.40	Kiel, DWK Dock XI	Dry-docked.  The damage to the internal fuel tank II was repaired.  Icing began.
		27.01.40	Kiel, Germaniawerft	Un-docked for further shipyard repair work.
		xx.01.40	"	Shipyard work
		xx.01.40	"	When pressurizing internal fuel tank II again a further leak was found. The view of the shipyard is that the internal fuel tank was damaged by depth charges.
		xx.01.40	"	The G.H.G. is out of service.  Probably crystals were cracked from icing and there are short circuits in the system.

	- 2 -
		31.01. - 06.02.40	Kiel, Germaniawerft	Shipyard repair work.
		07.02.40	"	The regulating and reserve fuel oil tank was pressurized according to instructions to 14 kg/cm².   The port aft [illegible word] bulkhead of the port regulating and reserve fuel oil tank bent aft from the pressure.
		08. - 11.02.40	"	Shipyard repair work.  Part of the crew on leave.
		12.02.40	"	Dry-docked to repair the G.H.G. and the regulating and reserve fuel oil tank.
		13. - 20.02.40	"	Docked period.
		21.02.40	"	Un-docked.
		22. - 24.02.40	"	Completion of the shipyard period.
		24.02.40	Kiel, Kriegsmarinewerft	Made fast at the flying crane for outfitting.
		25.02.40	"	Provisions loading.
		26.02.40	"	Torpedo loading.
		27.02.40	"	In readiness.
		28.02.40	"	In readiness.
		29.02.40	Kiel, Kriegsmarinewerft	Cast off with the assistance of a tug.
		07.15

	- 3 -
		continued
		29.02.40
		08.39	Holtenau Lock	Made fast
		09.10 - 19.12	"	Cast off.  Canal cruise behind tug "MONSUN".
				The tug's seamanship not exactly great, but the ice was pretty thick and plentiful.
		01.03.40
		08.00		Cast off from Brunsbüttel
		09.32	On the Elbe	Am stuck in the ice.  The tugs have really put us in it.  The tug "SEEADLER" is completely useless, because he only has 2 propeller blades and so the boat can be towed at most at 4 knots.  Because the Kommandant of "U-49" is ill, I lead both boats.  Therefore gave the tug "LOEWE" to "U-49" and went with own engines without a tug close behind the Sperrbrecher through the ice barriers.
		10.30		Passed Cuxhaven.
		12.20		Passed Elbe I.
		13.44		Entered Helgoland, made fast alongside "SAAR".
		02.03.40	Helgoland	Handed over the ice protector to the Helgoland Shipyard Department.
		08.00	Wind calm, Vis. clear
		08.50		Put to sea.  Independent training.  The transmitter for the daughter gyro-compasses is out of service again.
				Carried out trim test, afterwards crew and boat exercised.  Navigation personnel are still very weak in their knowledge.
		15.28	W 2-3, clear, Vis. good	Made fast alongside "SAAR".
				The potatoes are already very bad,  so far 2 zentner [100 kg] had to be sorted out and thrown outboard from the 12 sacks.
				I do not like lying in large packs of 4-5 boats here . . .

	- 4 -
		continued
		02.03.40		in the harbor with the many aircraft visits.  This has to invite attack.  It would be better to dispense with the heating and lie individually at the pier, where they would not bunch up.
		03.03.40	Helgoland
		09.00	W 2, Vis. medium	Ready for sea.  Cast off for radio direction finder calibration.
		11.00		Due to fog radio direction finder calibration broken off, and rain.
		11.45
		15.00		Tour of the fortress by the crew.
		04.03.40	Helgoland
		08.00	W 4, Vis. medium	Departed for independent training..  The transmitter to the daughter gyro-compasses does not work, therefore ran in and requested new parts from The Naval Shipyard Wilhelmshaven.  Because it is not certain these parts will arrive before departure due to the bad weather conditions, exchanged the transmitter to the daughter gyro-compasses with "U-49".  Outbound Orders for 5 March 1940 to patrol Atlantic 29 were received.  Outfitting and fuel were supplied.
		18.00		Outbound orders were canceled by telephone.
		23.17	NW 7, cloudy Sea 7	Due to swells in the harbor departed and lay on the bottom in 52 meters water, at the same time deep diving test.  The Sea State effect is even felt down here.  With the sudden departure from Helgoland Ob.Strm. Müller, Ob.Btsmt. Dziellas and Masch.Hpt.Gfr. Hölzer did not get on board.

	- 5 -
		05.03.40	Helgoland Lighthouse No. xx
		08.20	Bearing 0°T, 3.5 nm away	Surfaced.  In accordance with telephone instructions by B.d.U. due to weather conditions began transit to Wilhelmshaven.
			NW 7, Sea 6, cloudy
		09.53		Passed Lightship F.
				The M.S.S. Wangerooge sleeps a blissful sleep!  Calling for 22 minutes was unsuccessful.
		12.40		Entered the III Entrance.
		13.11		Made fast at the U-boat Base.
		06.03.40	Wilhelmshaven, U-boat Base	Training service.  The 3 sailors left in Helgoland arrive in Wilhelmshaven with "U-62".  No particular events.
		07.03.40	As above	Boat lays in readiness.
		11.45		On orders from B.d.U. announced to the crew: 24-hours readiness, and that no assumptions were to be made about the cause for readiness.  Boats' berths are re-distributed.  Boats lie ready to dive at the berth with a sufficient watch to dive.  The shore clothing is to be brought from Kiel.  Oblt.z.S. v. Varendorf was sent to Kiel for this purpose.
		14.00		Kommandanten with B.d.U.
		08.03.40	Wilhelmshaven, U-boat Base, Brügge Mole, Berth 12	At 08.30 hours ready for sea.  Cast off for diving training in Schillig Roadstead.  Return 14.00 hours.
			Schillig Roadstead	In Schillig Roadstead the new MG C/30 was fired.  The gun finally shoots continuous fire even after diving, despite the fitted and unsealed barrel when diving.  The new sight fogged naturally after surfacing, all settings are still stiff, but otherwise the sight seems to be very usable.
		14.00	Wilhelmshaven, I Entrance	Entered.

	- 6 -
		09.03.40	Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base	Several dived practiced at the pier.  Boat dives just deep enough, so that the bridge is flooded over.
				During the training cruise on 8 March it was observed that the boat had a strong steam cloud behind arising at speed settings over HF.  The cause is the new annular duct, which should prevent the sparking of the diesel "perfectly".  After consulting with the shipyard a flap can be installed, which will block the annular duct for driving by day, which can be released at night. For this the boat is to be in the shipyard on 11 March at 08.00 hours.
		10.03.40	Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base	Sunday service.
				Mech.Gefr. Stüpe was ordered away due to steeling from his comrades, Mech.Gefr.(T) Hermann came back on board.
		11.03.40	Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base
		07.40		From 08.00 hours two hour readiness.
				Cast off for the Westwerft.  Provisions loading.  Fuel and water filled.
		11.50		Ended shipyard work.  Conference with the U-boat Base.  Outbound Orders received.
		14.25	SW 2-3, calm sea, Vis. moderate, cloudy	Put to sea, by agreement with Kommandant "U-46" and Kommandant "U-49" I ran ahead to gain a lead, I ran at GF leaving Entrance III.
		15.55 - 16.14		Test dive in the Schillig Roadstead.
		17.01	Lightship F	Passed outbound.
		18.45	AN 9584	Course change to 320°.  In accordance with Radio Message 789 of 11 March:  To all boats.  "U-14" has run in.  U-boats 30, 46, 47, 49 departing on Route II north of the centerline, "U-29" inbound south of this line.    B.d.U.
			WSW 3-4, rain showers, Vis. moderate
				I stay 3 nm north of the centerline.
		23.00	AN 6689	Entered Route II.
			WSW 4, Sea 3, rain showers, Vis. moderate

Sun and Moon Data 11.03.40

	- 7 -
		12.03.40	AN 6297	"U-29" must have passed by my estimation.
		04.00	WSW 4, Sea 3, rain showers, misty
		06.22 - 06.54		Dived due to morning twilight and visibility conditions.
		07.33	AN 6246	Dived.
			W 2, Sea 1, rain, fog	From 08.02 hours sound bearing, which passed from 220°T to 335°T and disappears there, apparently a destroyer.  It throws 39 depth charges in the period from 08.29 hours to 12.30 hours, some closer some farther from the boat.
		14.56	AN 6243	. The destroyer threw 12 depth more charges, however was not heard any longer.  Despite the fog I ran on the surface.
			E 2, fog, drizzle
		16.00	Vis. improving, E 4-5	Course change to 355°.
			AN 6217 center-right edge	In AN 6243 and 6242 several drifting mines and an explosive buoy sighted.
		20.00	AN 4961	April weather.  No traffic.
			Overcast, passing showers, squalls, hail, snow, mist	At 21.50 hours three steamers come in sight with course for England.  Brilliantly illuminated.
		13.03.40	AN 4659
		00.00	NE 5-4, overcast, passing showers, hail, Vis. good
		00.45	AN 4656	Course change to 35°.  Incoming Radio Message 2217/12/36:  To U-47, U-49 from B.d.U. Take up waiting stations:  U-47 off Skudesnesfjord, U-49 off Selbjörnsfjord. Be sure and observe 3 nm territorial limit.
		05.30	AN 3177	Moved off from 3 fishing trawlers.
			NE 3
		06.42	AN 3147	)  due to fishermen in accordance with orders.
		12.22	AN 3145 upper-right	. )
			E 3, driving snow, otherwise Vis. good
		13.41		)  as above!
		19.32	AN 3143	. )
				The entire day hardly any traffic observed, 2 steamers to the north, one to the south except for fishermen.
		21.06	Geitungen Lighthouse	An outbound steamer with SSW-course, set lights.
			50°T, 5 nm away

	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		13.03.40
		21.45	Geitungen Lighthouse
			5°T, 4 nm away
		24.00	Feistein bearing 80°T, 5.5 nm away	Two steamers running to the north, on dimmed.  Course change to 330°.
			Vis. very good, NW 3, Sea 2-3
		14.03.40	Utsire 0°T, 7 nm away	Course change to 150°.
			NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. very good, lightly cloudy
		05.22	AN 3126 center-right edge	Shadow in sight bearing 70°T.  Closed.
		05.32		Crash dive.  The shadow has no sound bearing and I see in the periscope when it's light that it looks like a rock.
		05.49 05.59		Surfaced and determined that indeed it is an island (Revingen?), the appearance like a destroyer, bow right, target angle 80°.  Moved off and .
		12.26	AN 3128	.  Ventilated the boat.  No traffic is observed.  11.55 hours heard an enormous detonation, which must have been quite far away because not the slightest thing was seen.
			N 3-2, Sea 2, Vis. very good, lightly cloudy
		12.44		.  Course 50°.
				Little traffic.  Small steamers close under land.
		19.49	Kvitsøy 90°T, 6 nm away	Two dimmed steamers on S-courses.  One steamer outbound from Kvitsøy - navigation lights extinguished after passing the lighthouse and turning to the south.
		21.45	Feistein 80°T, 4 nm away	Came to course 340°.  Today traffic is lively.  There were 2 northbound steamers, one of these dimmed, one out of Håsteinsfjord turning to the south (3000 tons).
			Moonshine

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.40

	- 9 -
		15.03.40	Utsire 355°T, 6.2 nm away	Incoming Radio Messages 1606 and 1632:  B.d.U. to all large boats:  43 and 44 on 13 March outbound to relieve U-49 and U-47.  The latter continue on 15 March evening.  They occupy in Vestfjord outside the 3 nm territorial limit.  U-46 east of a line Moholmen-Flatøy.  Southwest therefrom U-51 up to line Svinöy-Malöyskarholm, U-47 up to 67°39'N, U-49 south therefrom.  Task in accordance with Operations Order.
		03.53	Feistein 80°T, 4.5 nm away	Traffic has again decreased somewhat.  A total of 3 steamers were observed, of these 1 dimmed on a northerly course.
			SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
				In the morning out of the Feistein Channel two fishing trawlers.  The first vessels to leave home waters.
		05.21		. From the Skudesnesfjord come 2 dimmed steamers.  Both southerly courses.  The first is very handsome, 3000 tons, 12-14 knots, modern construction.
		07.13	Kvitsøy 75°T, 5.8 nm away	Several small vessels close under land.  One propeller sound from 300°T, course change to 270°.
			SE 2-3, Sea 1-2
		10.45	Kvitsøy 84°T, 12 nm away	The steamer ran south outside the territorial limits and is gaudy with neutrality markings.  I cannot make out the nationality, however the lad seems odd to me.
		12.25	AN 3122 upper-right	.  Ventilated the boat.
			SE 6, Sea 4
		12.45		.
		19.30	AN 3122 upper-center	.  Nothing significant occurred.
			SE 7-8, Sea 5, overcast, snow and hail showers	One fisherman departed.
				Course 340° to new position.
		16.03.40	AN 2913 upper-left	No particular events.
		00.00	SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, abating	From 01.00 hours in accordance with orders came to 9 knots.  Radio Message 0748 of 15 March received 16 March 00.43.  All large boats proceed at 9 knots.  B.d.U.
		04.00	AN 2414 center	From Bergen departing large steamer passed astern.
			SSE 4
			AF 8782
			SSE 2

	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		16.03.40
		10.24		. Crash dive, aircraft!  At 10.38 hours the aircraft turned away to the west, large long range flying boat.  10.51 hours aircraft out of sight.  Because main drain pump had failed and is being repaired, remained submerged until repairs are completed.
		11.54	AF 8729	.
			SE 5-4
		16.00	AF 8467	A lot of current against.
			SSE 3
		20.00	AF 8515	Recognition signals exchanged with U-49.
			S 4
		21.58	AF 8729 lower-center	Incoming Radio Message 1917 of 16 March  To U-47 and U-49  Stop.  Take up waiting station.  U-47 AF 8700 U-49 AF 8400.
			S 4-5, lightly cloudy, Sea 4, Vis. very good
				Came to course 205°.
		17.03.40	AF 8512	Came to 7 knots, because otherwise no lookout can be maintained.
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, moderately cloudy, Vis. very good
				Course 215°.
		05.33	AF 8417	.  Course 220°.
		12.17	AF 8441	.  Boat ventilated.  Nothing heard on Very Long Wavelength.
			S 7-8, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good
		13.12		.
		19.43	AF 8465 lower-right	.  Course 210°.
			S 8, Sea 6
		18.03.40
		01.25	AF 8731 upper-left	Incoming Radio Message 1156 of 17 March:  Urgent to U-38, U-43, U-44, U-47, U-49 from B.d.U.  Occupy operations area west of the Orkneys.  Highest speed.
			S 8-9, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. medium
				It is incomprehensible, why my radio operators get this just now.
				New course 255°.  Came to GF.
				However at 01.32 due to overcoming seas must come to 2 x HF and at 01.40 hours to HF.
		05.30	AF 8714	Incoming Radio Message 1228 of 17 March:  All boats from B.d.U.:  Boats on Atlantic Circuit from 18 March 00.00 hours switch to North Sea Circuit except for U-30, U-34, U-46, U-51.
			S 8, Sea 7, cloudy, Vis. medium
		09.20	AF 7951	.  Steamer on SE-course.
			S 8, Sea 7, Vis. moderate

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.40

	- 11 -
		continued
		18.03.40
		10.02		.  Steamer is still in sight, however we must continue.
				It is really wet on the bridge.  I have chosen the route north of the Shetlands, to be able to run faster, however despite this over 2 x HF it does not work.  If I had received the Radio Message sooner, I would already be close.
				At about 06.30 hours received garbled Radio Message 0022/29
		13.40	AF 7867	Radio Message 0022/29 of 18 March reads:  To U-boats west of the Orkneys:  Occupy:  U-38 AN 1370, U-43 AM 3650, 3880, U-47 AN 1520, 1550.  Surveillance to the west of Pentland.  U-49 AM 3660.    B.d.U.
			S 8, Sea 7, Vis. moderate, cloudy
		14.21 - 15.57	AF 7882	Dived for patrol vessel.  Fishing trawler "AGATE" Class.  Patrol vessels passed out of sight in the south.  So it should stop blowing, at least from the same hole. The worst thing about the weather is that you can not force your own will upon it.
			SSE 8-9, Sea 7, Vis. moderate
				Since the task is directed to the west, our late arrival is unlikely to be as much of a tactical disadvantage as I supposed when I was still calculating with an easterly direction. Boat comes free of land cover, so must go to HF.
		23.00	AN 1254
			SSE 9, Sea 7, cloudy
		19.03.40	AN 1414
		03.00	SE 10-9, Vis. medium
		06.02	AN 1369	due to morning twilight and to service the torpedoes.
			SE 8-7
		08.37	SE 5, Sea 4, misty	.
		14.24	AN 1522 upper-center edge
			SE 3-2, Sea 2, long Swell	for fishing trawler and Sule Skerry Lighthouse.
				Several sound bearings were observed, however nothing was seen, the new crystals of the G.H.G. system are outstanding
		17.23		Destroyer in sight, distance 10000 meters, course about 330°, high speed.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		19.03.40
		17.34		Still a destroyer.
		17.47		Unbelievably loud noises in the boat, however nothing seen.
		17.57		Battleships in bearing 30°T, distance 10000-12000 meters.  Course about 315°, high speed.
		18.21		to hold contact.
			WSW 2	Radio Message 1806/19/61 sent:  Enemy in sight, 3 battleships, square AN 1522.  High speed, NW-course.
				U-47.
				I inadvertently gave our own position, it should have been square 1385 instead of 1522.  The error was first noticed after losing contact.
		18.43		Radio Message αα 751 sent:  Enemy changed course to starboard, steers northerly course.
				Boat ran at AK at the limit of visibility after the enemy.  It is 1 NELSON, 2 QUEEN ELIZABETH's.
		19.08	Sunset in about 280°T	Radio Message αα 019 sent:  Enemy runs 15 knots, enemy position square AN 1359, course 10°.    U-47.
		19.46		Radio Message αα 017/1930 sent:  Enemy position square 1356, left half.
		19.30	AN 1382 lower-center	Destroyer comes in sight on opposite course.  Turned away.  Attempt to get back to the destroyer fails, the boat can only escape by operating in the dark horizon.
			WSW 2, momentary drizzle shower
		19.58	AN 1383 center-left	Radio Message αα 777/1953 sent: Can no longer hold my position because of a destroyer.    U-47.
				Tried to close again, contact is broken.
		20.22		Radio Message report αα 627:  Have lost contact.
				Damn.
		22.10		Incoming Radio Message 2127/19/69:  B.d.U. to U-boats west of the Orkneys.  Again take up operations areas west of the Orkneys.
				In accordance with orders with southerly courses back to the operations area.
				In my opinion, the enemy came out of Hoy Sound.

Sun and Moon Data 19.03.40

	- 13 -
		20.03.40	AN 1529	Dunnet Head Lighthouse in sight.  Identifier 6 flashes, repeats 30 seconds, bearing 124°T.
		04.00	W 3-4, drizzle, cloudy
		05.59	AN 1553 lower-center edge	.  There are quite a few fishermen and similar things to see.
		06.10		Sound bearing in 34°T.  By stopwatch it was determined that the vessel locates every three minutes for about 35 seconds with a beat every second.  The vessel itself was not seen, stayed on the dark horizon, the sounds like a destroyer.
		06.34		The boat turned towards.  Sounds shift slowly out to the right.  Boat keeps a sharp target angle.  Bearing is steady, sounds were louder quickly, own course 105°.
		06.38	[actual depth 20 meters]	Boat first went to depth T = 10 meters [actual depth 20 meters], then depth T = 20 meters [actual depth 40 meters], then depth T = 30 meters [actual depth 60 meters] and finally depth T = 40 meters.  [actual depth 40 meters] Since passing depth T = 30 meters [actual depth 260 meters] the sounds were fainter and the clicking no longer heard.  Came to course 270° and took the sound bearing astern.  Enemy passed by to the south and throws 2 depth charges at a fair distance.
		06.50		Moved off on course 340°.
		09.33		This procedure was successfully applied again.  5 depth charges in the area, depth T = 40 meters [actual depth 80 meters] seems to have a great layer today.
		12.45	AN 1526 lower-center edge	.  Boat ventilated.  All around you can see slightly smoky fishermen and their smoke traces.
			NE 3, cloudy
		13.04		.
		15.30 - 17.25	AN 1526 upper-center edge	The same game with an armed fishing trawler, this time at periscope depth and always moved off at right angles to the opponent course.  The other procedure works better
			Changing wind strength 1-2
				.  With changing courses back and forth in the operations area.

Sun and Moon Data 20.03.40

	- 14 -
		21.03.40	AN 1521 upper-center	Changing courses in the operations area.
		00.00	Wind calm, drizzle, Vis. moderate
		05.51		.  In the course of the morning several fishing trawlers.
		13.55	AN 1523	.  Boat ventilated.
		14.15		.
		20.35	AN 1531 upper-center	.  No particular events.
		22.03.40	AN 1556 upper-center edge	Changing courses at waiting station.
			Moonshine, N 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good	I have the impression, as if the enemy has vacated Scapa again, and his large ships lie in the Shetlands, not in the west harbor.  This impression I gained through the departure, which I witnessed the other day, and the disproportionate calm here in this area.  In addition, there is almost no traffic through the Pentland Firth.
		05.58	AN 1521 center-right	.  From 02.46 hours to 04.50 hours operated on two supposed shadows, which turned out to be fishing trawlers and their smoke traces.
			NNW 2, Sea 1, drizzle, Vis. medium
				All fishermen are suspicious.  Sometimes they have lights, sometimes no lights, sometimes top lamps, then only side lights.
		10.22	AN 1522 lower-right	On SE-courses under a search formation of 6 fishermen.  Strange, that they hear nothing!
		12.00	AN 1531 center	Laboe Memorial on Mainland bearing 81°T, 7 nm away.
			[presumably a feature on the mainland that resembles the Laboe memorial]
		15.12		.  Boat ventilated, in so doing 15.14 hours aircraft alarm.
		15.41		until 15.31 hours.  At 15.41 hours again an aircraft.  .
				16.20 hours presented Radio Message 1243/22/27 of 22 March:
				Boats west of the Orkneys from B.d.U.  U-44, U-43, U-49, U-38, U-47 with transit speed 10 knots take up patrol line from AE 9660 to AF 7870.
		16.48	AN 1253 upper-center	Thereupon set off on course 0°, speed 10 knots.  Orkneys are easy to see, the sea is empty.
		17.28 - 18.05		for aircraft.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.40

	- 15 -
		continued
		22.03.40
		18.21		.  Surprised by aircraft out of the sun.  When closing the conning tower hatch the aircraft banked to attack.  Went to depth 50 meters, course change to 270°.  Moved off.  10 minutes at GF, course change to 315°, HF, afterwards listening speed.  At 18.52 hours sound bearings from destroyers from 270°T.  Destroyers stopped in the vicinity of the boat.  Boat came to course 270°, destroyer bore 15°T.  At low speed the destroyers continued on to the east.  At 20.40 hours no further visual and sound bearings.  In the process of surfacing, the destroyers came up and returned to the west.  Again went to depth 20 meters.  When the destroyers bore 0°T, came to course 0°.  Destroyers ran slowly on to the west.  About 23.00 hours the enemy came about, sound bearing steadied, shifted slowly ahead (bearing 272°T).  Boat changed course to 270°.  Destroyers ran by so close by the boat ahead that sounds were heard in the entire boat.  Again came to course 0°.
		19.28	AN 1386 center-right
		22.18	AN 1385 center
			Bright moonshine, lightly cloudy
		23.03.40	AN 1382 center	.  Moved off on course 0°.  At 00.30 hours came to course 35°, 10 knots.  At 00.46 hours the destroyers were in sight again bearing 80°T.  Moved off on course 300° and 14 knots.
			NE 2-3, Sea 1, Vis. very good, moonshine
		01.15	AN 1355 center-right	We are loose! ! !
				Following observations:  1.)  Apparently the aircraft threw unarmed bombs, he certainly threw, because a sound was heard.
				2.)  The destroyers listened badly.
				3.)  The sounds observed earlier (gravel thrown against sheet metal) were observed again.  However, these are apparently condensers - or cooling water sounds, because they occur only when the destroyers run at high speeds.
				4.)  The hunting group consisted of 2 destroyers and 2 other vessels, apparently . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.40

	- 16 -
		continued
		23.03.40		"Kingfisher".  Possibly there was one S-Boot.
				5.)  The English have recently been saving depth charges, he did drop one bomb the entire hunt.
				6.)  One should not be so cocky.
		06.18	AN 1248 lower-left corner	.  Calm until surfacing for the crew.
			ENE 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.20	AN 1245 lower-right	.  On surfacing the boat ran to escape danger.  On the order "All men forward" Unteroffiziere remained lying asleep in the Unteroffiziere-room.  They were punished immediately.  Punishment was announced to the crew at the next appropriate quiet moment for instruction.
			NE 6-7, Sea 5, short and rough, Vis. moderate, rain showers
		16.00	AN 1225
			ENE 6, Sea 5, Vis. medium, drizzle, showers
		17.56 - 19.53		for fishermen and twilight.
		21.45	AF 7799	Course 70°.  Presented Radio Message 1922/23/54:  All boats west of the Orkneys from B.d.U.   Occupy waiting stations U-44 AM 3400 - U-38 AM 3200, U-47 AN 1100, U-49 AF 7700, U-43 AM 3500.  Warfare free in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Orders.
			ENE 6, weather as at 16.00 hours
				General joy in the boat, hopefully we will find something soon.  New course 260°.
		24.03.40	AF 7797
		00.00	E 6, Sea 5, rain showers
		06.14	AN 1123	.  Course 140°.  Due to visibility deterioration to 1000 meters remained submerged.  Neither sound- or visual bearings.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5-4, Vis. medium
		12.02	AN 1134 lower-right corner	.  Visibility has gotten better.
			EbyS 5-4, Sea 4, misty, rain showers	Course 200°.  M.G. C/30 test fired successfully.  The new sight is flooded.
		13.32	AN 1161	.  At 16.12 hours two "AGATHE" Class fishing trawlers. . .

	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.40

	- 17 -
		continued
		24.03.40
			Vis. 500 meters, rain, Vis. greatly changing	passed.  Distance about 700 meters.  Set war ensign, quite high speed, course 300°.  They never drive alone!
				The morale of the crew is excellent despite the long wait.
		19.57	AN 1163	.  On southerly courses through the waiting station.
			E 5, Vis. changing, rain showers	Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank IV blown out.
		21.30	AN 1165	Shadows astern.  2 destroyers.  Attempt to attack fails.  Destroyers zigzagged towards us.
		21.52		.  Crash dive.
		22.52		.
		25.03.40	AN 1168 lower-center
		00.00	ENE 6, Sea 4-5, rain
		04.30	AN 1167	Steamer in sight.  Go!  I am in Zone A in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Orders.
		05.19	ENE 6, Sea 5	Shot from tube IV.  Miss.  Too high speed.  Enemy course is 235°, speed 9.5 knots.  Due to an order transmission failure the speed calculated while matching speed was one level too high.
				The settings:  Torpedo speed = 40 knots, target speed = 12 knots, target angle = 90°, torpedo course 163°, lead angle 17.6°, range = 1200 meters, depth 5 meters, Zone 0.  Shot from tube I, hit forward 20 meters.  Impact hit.  Enemy size was underestimated.  Settings as for the missed shot:  only target speed = 10 knots, range = 1000 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, lead angle = 19.2°, torpedo course 159°.  Steamer was initially estimated at 3000 GRT, however was larger, 5000 GRT.  No recognizable neutrality markings.  Steamer sank slowly.  No radio signals.
		05.40	AN 1194 center-left
			φ 60°08'N, λ 3°42'W
			ENE 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain
		05.58	Sinking observed
				Moved off on course 340°.
		06.25	1186 upper-right	.  Because at 07.43 hours already the first depth charges exploded, surfaced and ran another 10 nm.
		08.05
		08.49	AN 1159 center-left	.  At 10.49 hours there were 5 unusually hard and loud depth charges.  There followed at 11.30 hours 2 further individual charges, with them far distant destroyer . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.40

	- 18 -
		continued
		25.03.40
				sounds from at least 3 destroyers. At the approach of the destroyers went to depth T = 50 meters.  [actual depth 100 meters] At 15.30 hours once again 4 nasty dept charges.  This variety is new and dreadful. After that all sounds are over.  .  Ventilated the boat, pumped and from 19.11 hours to 21.00 hours once again with NW-course through the waiting station.
		15.30	AN 1164 center-left
		18.46	AN 1153 lower-right
			NE 6-7, cloudy, rain
		26.03.40	AN 1121 center-left
		00.00	NE 6, Sea 5, cloudy, rain, Vis. moderate	Through the waiting station on SE-course.
		05.30	AN 1139 center-right	Came to N-course.
		05.47		. )  While submerged multiple depth charges (8-10)
		12.22	AN 1136 upper-right	. )  at great range.
		12.40		.
		15.47 - 16.01	AN 1132 upper-right	to shoot the sun.  Flying weather.
			NE 7, Sea 6, lightly cloudy
		20.27	AN 1133 center-right	.  Because a Radio Message (1853/26/3) was presented, from which it is evident that U-52 should occupy our area, first moved east out of the danger zone, until the instructions for U-47 arrive.
		23.40	AN 1218	Incoming Radio Message 1914/26/2 follows:  To all boats:  1.  U-30, U-34, U-44, U-47, U-49 return transit at highest speed protecting engines to Wilhelmshaven.  Attack free in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Orders. Send passing report by Short Signal.
			NE 7-8, lightly cloudy, squalls, snow squalls
				2.  U-51 occupy area off entrance to Trondheim.  U-46 area Vestfjord.  Attack permission and territorial limits as before.
				3.)  Occupy U-43 AM 3500, U-38 AM 3400, U-52 AM 1100.  Attack permission on warships, troop transports and merchant ships over 5000 tons.
				4.  U-51 and U-52 report moving off.
		23.45		Began return transit on course 60° and 2 x HF.  Much water comes over, however if we . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.40

	- 19 -
		continued
		26.03.40
				want to get around Muckle Flugga before dawn, we have to hurry.  Through the Fair Passage is not advisable because we would be in the Passage exactly in the morning twilight.
		27.03.40	AF 7879 lower-left	Course 90°.
		04.00	NE 7-8, Sea 6, squalls
		06.24	AN 2122	.  The port fuel oil pump failed and was replaced submerged.
		11.40	AN 2131 center-left edge	.  Course 130°, GF.
		16.00	AN 2276 lower-center	Course 140°.
			N 8, Sea 7, strong snow squalls, Vis. changing
		20.00	AN 2796 upper-center	Course 142°.
			NW 8, Sea 7-6
		28.03.40
		00.00	AN 4398 lower-center edge
			NW 8, Sea 7, cloudy
		04.00	AN 3488 center
		04.55		Short Signal passed 57°30'N sent.
		06.07	AN 3728	for aircraft.  Likewise at 09.13, 10.15, 12.57, 15.11 and 16.57 hours.  However there was always one aircraft.
		08.00	AN 3753
			NW 6, abating.
		12.45	AN 3796 lower-center
			NNW 4
		16.00	AN 6334	No particular events.
		20.00	AN 6392
		29.03.40
		01.30	AN 9512	Incoming Radio Message 0101/29/63:
			NW 6, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. good	To U-47, U-49:  Break off return transit, resume aircraft search.    B.d.U.
				Came about  Radio Message 0130/29/65 sent:
				To B.d.U. position 9512.  Have come about, going to

	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.40

	- 20 -
		continued
		29.03.40
				search for aircraft.    U-47.
		03.20	AN 6869	Incoming Radio Message 0254/29/66:  Urgent  To U-47, U-49, run in.  U-44 go on aircraft search.
			NNW 4
		08.00	AN 9584
		10.30		Passed Lightship F.
		12.50		Made fast Wilhelmshaven Entrance I.
		13.36		Made fast Westwerft.

Sun and Moon Data 29.03.40

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