U-48 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
10 Feb 40	18.40	49°26'N, 6°49'W	BURGERDIJK	8,941	Netherlander
14 Feb 40	16.39	48°46'N, 9°10'W	SULTAN STAR	12,306	British
15 Feb 40	13.59	48°15'N, 7°57'W	DEN HAAG	8,971	Netherlander
17 Feb 40	20.36	49°17'N, 8°15'W	WILJA	3,396	American
			Total = 31,526
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
				Unterseeboot  "U  48"
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    S  c  h  u  l  t  z  e
			Beginning:  21.  12.  39                   Concluding:  26.  2.  40.             Distribution:   "U  48: Copy No. 1 7. U-Flottille     "      "    2 B.d.U. Op.     "      "    2   O.K.M.     "      "    2
				Enclosures: 1 Track chart (Only for B.d.U. Op.) 1 Attack sketch   "      "       "      " 6 Shooting reports General and Officer-Only Radio Logs (only for copy No. 1) 1 Encrypted Radio Message (only for B.d.U. Op.) 1 Sketch of the mine operation  "      "       "      " 1 Table concerning sighted patrol vessel   "      "       "      " 1 [illegible handwriten entry - probably ship's papers for BURGERDIJK
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		21.12.39	Tirpitz Mole	Torpedo and provisions offload.
				Cleared the boat.
		22.12.39		Shifted to Germania Werft.
		23.12.39		Germania Werft overhaul.
		20.01.40		Morning sea trial, afterwards made fast Tirpitz Mole.  Final adjustments.
		21.01.40		Final adjustments.
		22.01.40		Morning Tirpitz Mole.  Took over the boat.  Afternoon Mine Arsenal 8 Torpedo Mines loaded.
		23.01.40		Morning torpedo loading at "MEMEL".  Afternoon provisions loading.
				4th Remote Patrol from 24.1.40 - 26.2.40.
		24.01.40		Morning ice protector installed in the Deutschen Werken.
				Afternoon free time.
		22.00		Cast off Kiel Tirpitz Mole.
		23.30 - 08.30		Cruise through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  In some places ice was so thick and closed that "WOTAN" itself had difficulty getting through.
		25.01.40
		08.30		Made fast in the Brunsbüttel Lock.
				Morning work service.
				Afternoon free time.  Walk in the village
				We must wait until the morning for ice escort.  Telephone call with Wilhelmshaven, that the ice escort will first be ready in the morning!
		26.01.40
		08.00		Cast off Brunsbüttel under ice escort by a Sperrbrecher.  Up to Elbe II towed by the tug "LÖWE".  Transit to Helgoland.  The engines do not get over 300 RPM.  Probably the propellers are smashed by ice.
		17.20		Made fast Helgoland alongside "U-41".

	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.40

	- 2 -
		27.01.40
				Morning diver on board to examine the propellers.  Severe damage to both propellers determined.  Results reported to B.d.U.
		12.45		Departed Helgoland.  Transit to Wilhelmshaven for repairs.
		15.00		Pilot for the Jade taken aboard at Lightship "F".
		19.27		Made fast Wilhelmshaven Entrance 3.
		20.45		Made fast alongside "DONAU" at the U-boat Base.
		28.01.40
		07.45		Cast off the U-boat Base.  Shifted to the Shipyard.
		12.30		Dry-docked.  Supplied with lubricating oil.
		29.01.40
		13.00		Un-docked.  Trim test, afterwards made fast at the U-boat Base.
		16.30
		30.01.40
		08.00		Cast off Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base.
		09.15		Cast off from Entrance III.  Very heavy ice on the Jade.  Transit to Helgoland under ice escort by a Sperrbrecher.
				I flood main ballast tank I, so that stem comes out higher forward and the ice protector holds on better.
		16.08		Passed Lightship "Fritz" abeam to port.
		18.00		Made fast Helgoland U-boat Harbor.
		31.01.40	08.00	Fuel supply on the West Mole.
				Ice protector removed.
		15.00	Deutsche Bucht	Cast off Helgoland for 4th remote patrol.
			E 6, Sea 5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good	Put to sea.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.40

	- 3 -
		continued
		31.01.40
		20.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position :  2833 L lower-center.
			E 7, Sea 6-7, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium to good
		24.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position :  138 K upper-center.
			E 7, Sea 6-7, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium to good
		01.02.40
		04.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position :  445 K upper-center.
			E 7, Sea 6-7, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position :  2233 E.
			EbyS 5, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		07.58		Dived.  Independent training to break in the Chief Engineer.
		12.25		"               "              "                 "                  "
		12.00		Position :  2165 E.
				Day's run:  31.01. - 1.2.:  240 nm
		12.25		Surfaced.
		16.00	Central North Sea	Position :  1871 E.
			EbyS 6, Sea 6-7, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Central North Sea	Position :  1579 E.
			EbyS 6, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		24.00	Central North Sea	Position :  1462 E.
			EbyS 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		02.02.40
		04.00	Northern North Sea	Position :  1227 E.
			ESE 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.40
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.40

	- 4 -
		continued
		02.02.40
		07.05 - 07.50		2 illuminated patrol vessels (fishing trawlers) sighted on E-W course.  Avoided on the surface.
		08.00	Northern North Sea	Position :  1052 E upper-left corner.
			ESE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. medium to good
		11.15		Patrol vessel sighted.  Fair Isle in sight.  Dived, to pass through the passage at night.
		12.00	Northern North Sea	Position :  997 E.
			Weather not observed, because	Day's run:  1.2. - 2.2.:  234 nm
		16.00	Northern North Sea	Position :  999 E lower-left corner.
			Weather not observed, because
		20.00	South of the Shetland Islands	Position :  699 E lower-center.
			SE 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Fair Isle passed to the north.  Lighthouse at Sumburgh Head and Skroo [Fair Isle North] are not burning.
				No patrols in the North Passage.
		24.00	Southwest of the Shetland Islands	Position :  338 E lower-left corner.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		03.02.40
		04.00	North of Orkney	Position :  2916 D.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad
		08.00	North of Orkney	Position :  2495 D.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	Northwest of Orkney	Position : 2 436 D.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  2.2. - 3.2.:  181 nm
		16.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position :  1952 D.
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position :  1769 D lower-center.
			EbyS 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.40

	- 5 -
		continued
		03.02.40
		24.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position : 1585 D.
			EbyS 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell
				From 4 February 00.00 hours all times M.G.Z.    [GMT]
		04.02.40
		04.00	West of the Hebrides	Position : 1400 D upper-right corner.
			ESE 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, low rain clouds, heavy Swell, Vis. medium-bad
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position : 1216 D.
			ESE 5-6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, heavy Swell, slowly clearing
		12.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position : 1091 D lower-center.
			SE 5, Sea 5, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium, heavy Swell	Day's run:  3.2. - 4.2.:  210 nm
		16.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position : 965 D.
			SSE 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium-good, medium Swell
		20.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position : 2099 Jot.
			S 3-4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		20.45 - 21.25		Test dive and trim test.  Deep dive to depth T = 55 meters. [actual depth 110 meters]
		21.25		Surfaced.  Continued transit.
		23.10		Lighted vessel sighted.  Closed the vessel, it is Norwegian.
		05.02.40		Position : 2048 Jot.
		00.10	West of Ireland	Steamer stopped by Morse signal.  It is the Norwegian steamer "ST. VILLA" (900 tons) on the way to Bergen.  Neutral and too small a ship with neutral cargo.  Not sunk!  By signal lamp I sent to his
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.40

	- 6 -
		continued
		05.02.40		question: "British patrol boat - Good voyage".
		00.30		Continued transit.
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2099 J.
			SW 3-4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2188 J.
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good, rain showers
		12.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2235 J.
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  4.2. - 5.2.:  165 nm
		16.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2331 J.
			SbyW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2426 J.
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, heavy Swell
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2522 J.
			SW 5-6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad, heavy Swell
		06.02.40
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2617 J.
			SbyW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad, heavy Swell
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 2713 J.
			SbyW 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad, heavy Swell
		12.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 2608 J.
			SbyW 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, heavy Swell	Day's run:  5.2. - 6.2.:  186 nm
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 2354 J.
			SE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty,

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.40

	- 7 -
		continued
		06.02.40	Vis. bad, slowly clearing, medium Swell	Position : 2354 J.
		16.30		Steamer sighted.  Stopped on the surface by Signal. It is the Danish steamer "ANNA" (1200 tons) on the way from Norway to Genoa with animal feed.  His course checks!
		17.00		Steamer released.
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 2152 J.
			SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 999 Otto.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, at times misty, rain showers, Vis. bad
		07.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1246 O.
			SWbyS 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1443 O lower-center.
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear. Vis. good
		10.40		Fishing trawler sighted, avoided on the surface.
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1641 O upper-left corner.
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, medium-heavy Swell	Day's run:  6.2. - 7.2.:  188 nm
		12.30		Steamer in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.
		12.40		Dived.  Armed merchant steamer, probably an auxiliary cruiser, 7000-8000 GRT and steers 240°.  I recognize perfectly in addition to a large stern cannon still one radar antenna above the bridge.
		13.05		Torpedo shot from tube II, range about 700 meters.  Miss because too large lead angle.  By mistake, I accidentally set the lead angle slide to 332° instead of 322° and thereby shot 10° wrong lead angle.  Otherwise it was a classic B 3 approach - bow - with target angle 90°, speed 14 knots and would have hit center!!
				Position : 1641 Otto lower-right corner.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		07.02.40
		13.52		Surfaced.  New maneuver ahead is not possible due to the strong Swell and the high speed of the steamer (14-15 knots).  Continued transit.
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1888 O.
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, medium Swell
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 2184 O upper-right corner
			W 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		24.00	Western part of the Channel	Position : 2486 O.
			W 2, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.02.40
		01.30		Avoided a patrol vessel (fishing trawler) on the surface.
		04.00	Western part of the Channel	Position : 2788 O.
			WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		07.10		Dived at lightness.  For preparations for the torpedo mine deployment and rest for the crew put the boat on the bottom depth T = 36 meters. [actual depth 72 meters]
		11.30		Raised the boat from the bottom 1st because it rubbed on the sandy bottom in the current and 2nd propeller sounds of patrol vessels came very close.
		11.30 to 18.20		Proceeded submerged - avoided several patrol vessels.
		12.00	English Channel	Position : 89 Paula.
			Weather not observed, because	Day's run:  7.2. - 8.2.:  205 nm
		16.00	English Channel	Position : 139 P upper-right corner
			Weather not observed, because
		18.20		Surfaced.  Began transit to torpedo mine deployment at St. Albans Head in accordance with Operations Order.
		20.00	English Channel	Position : 341 Paula.
			WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, low rain clouds, very dark night

	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.40

	- 9 -
		continued
		08.02.40
		24.00	English Channel	Position : 696 P upper-left corner.
			WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, low rain clouds, very dark night
				I considered the execution of the mine task as urgent, in order to be able to get rid of the torpedoes afterwards completely unencumbered. The following reasons have encouraged me to accelerate execution, even with the additional expenditure of fuel:
				1.  New moon night on 8 and 9 February.
				2.  The trim condition of the boat and the way it lays in the seas has turned out to be so bad that I must suspect incorrect ballast stowage.  Checking shows that the compensating ballast of about 900 kg for the outer tube door fairings removed after the 2nd patrol was not taken out again when reassembling.
				3.  Therefore, I proceed  quickly emptying the main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks and want to get rid of the mines, to finally lay reasonably in the seas.
				4.  The weather, with westerly winds is favorable to enter the Channel and the new moon brings light weather changes!
				5.  I have only 8 torpedoes and calculate 5 cbm per torpedo, so I have ample fuel to run at more than transit speed.
				Execution of the mine task:
				After I had to stay submerged all day until just off the start point, at 18.30 hours I ran at GF on course for Portland, to be able to deploy the mines on the surface that night if possible.  The night is so pitch black that there is no horizon.  The stem of the boat can no longer be recognized.  I just run on a hunch in the unknown blackness.  In a ramming one would only have felt and heard the other - so eerie, black-murky, without a horizon!  At 23.15 hours by plotting we should have the Anvil Point Lighthouse.  However is seems not!  What now? Pitch dark!  Mist, apparently also fog! So again sounding check - according to the Channel sounding series, we are about right, but there is always doubt.  I believe the English have extinguished their beacons.  Should I stay for another whole day, risking with new moon that the weather, which is now so favorable,

Sun and Moon Data 08.02.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		08.02.40		will change?  Also, I don't like watch for a long time. 1 day under water is bad enough!  No, so a way out - a sudden thank you: I drive a 3 nm square on the sides and diagonals sounding and searched for a distinctive bottom contour.  The sounder fails on the 3rd side- a destroyer and patrol vessel interfere temporarily - the sounder operable is again thanks to excellent Chief Engineer work, now finally I have the feeling we are in the correct position.  The test is:  will the bar come correctly?!  Course 270° - "1 minute over", "2 minutes over" reports the Ob. Steuermann - Heads hanging - long necks - cursing!  Now "Flashing Group 1 - 265°T very weak ahead". Now we are right - so we had been wrong.  Great.  Now!  Let's go.  Ready for mine deployment!  The bar is now correctly sounded and passed a brightly lit vessel - Dutch flag - apparently at anchor, at a distance 150-200 meters with E-motors GF.  Then with intervals according to plan the mining is is executed.  I intentionally throw 2 more TMC in the first English Warning Area, because on the basis of the Pilot Instructions - "5 nm clear of Shambles Lightship" - apparently the first English Warning Area is abolished and the ships come closer to the east.  If the lightship did not change its position! The bearings of the mine positions are clear, so that further mine operations are still possible. Then off at GF and turn our back to the scene of the crime quickly and unnoticed.  And lo and behold, there is a favorable wind from the east, slowly rising and blowing stronger and stronger, until it reaches full strength 7-8.  Then the dawn shows and we go into the cellar for the day and sleep soundly.
		09.02.40
		03.00		Beacon at Anvil Point made out.  The visibility range of the beacon is greatly reduced.
		03.35 - 04.15		Torpedo Mine deployment in accordance with Operations Order Task Schultze 1. Interval 790 meters changing courses.  See Sketch!
		04.00	English Channel	Position : 596 Paula.
			WbyS 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, very dark night, rain showers, wind strongly freshening	Transit into the operations area.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.40

	- 11 -
		continued
		09.02.40
		07.15		Dived.  Rest for the crew.  Proceeded submerged!
		08.00	English Channel	Position : 190 Paula.
			EbyN 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad
		12.00	English Channel	Position : 140 Paula.
			Weather not observed, because	Day's run:  8.2. - 9.2.:  172 nm
		16.00	English Channel	Position : 90 Paula.
			Weather not observed, because
		18.40		Surfaced, continued transit.
		20.00	English Channel	Position : 2990 Otto lower-center.
			E 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, low rain clouds, very dark night
		20.05		An illuminated vessel in sight astern.  Observed the steamer.  It is a small Dutch freighter (approximately 1000 tons).  Steamer not stopped.
		24.00	Western exit of the Channel	Position : 2486 Otto.
			EbyS 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, low clouds, dark night
		10.02.40
		03.40		2 steamers sighted.  Both Dutch.  Did not stop.
		04.00	West of the English Channel	Position : 2285 Otto.
			ESE 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, low clouds, Vis. medium-bad
		08.00	Western exit of the Channel	Position : 2185 Otto.
			ESE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		09.20		Steamer sighted.
		09.30		Dived.  It is the Italian steamer "ETTEORE".  Did not attack.
		11.05		Surfaced.
		12.00	Western exit of the Channel	Position : 2036 Otto.
			SEbyE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium	Day's run:  9.2. - 10.2.:  196 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		10.02.40
		14.00		Steamer sighted.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer turned at 16.10 hours from course 85° to 140° and at 16.30 hours back to 85°.
		16.40	Western exit of the Channel	Dived.  Steamer recognized as Dutch.
			SEbyE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		17.03		Surfaced.  Steamer stopped by Signal.  Captain ordered on board with papers.
		16.25		4 detonations (shell impacts?) heard.
		17.40		1st Navigator von Deyjk on board with papers.  Steamer is destined for Amsterdam.  Cargo soybeans, grain and piece goods.  I decide to sink the steamer "BURGERDYK" for the following reasons:
				1.  Steered zigzag course.  So suspicious.
				2.  My question if the steamer had instructions to touch at an English check point was answered in the affirmative (the Downs).
				3.  Radio was probably used.  U-boat warning was issued.  At 17.36 a radio Message with encoded groups and encoded signature was received on 600-meter wavelength, 4 minutes after diving to attack therefore prepared at 16.44 hours (time group).  I believe this was sent by the steamer "BURGERDYK" and cite this suspicion as a reason for sinking the steamer.
				4.  Part of the cargo I see as absolute contraband - see enclosed "BURGERDYK" ship's papers.
		18.05		"BURGERDYK" transmitted on my decree "Collision sinking and position"  Crew abandoned the ship.  Radio Message was repeated by Lands End.  The Dutch steamer "EDAM", 110 nm away, transmitted, that he is coming to assist.
		18.40		Steamer "BURGERDYK", 6853 tons, torpedoed.  Continued transit.
				Position : 2134 Otto.
				φ = 49°26'N  λ = 6°49'W
		20.00	Western exit of the Channel	Position : 2034 Otto.
			SE 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, low clouds, Vis. medium-bad
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1735 Otto lower-right corner.
			S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, slowly clearing

Sun and Moon Data 10.02.40

	- 13 -
		11.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1485 Otto upper-left corner.
			WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium, Swell
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1186 Otto lower-center
			WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1338 Otto.
			W 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell	Day's run:  10.2. - 11.2.:  182 nm
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1389 Otto.
			W 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, long W-Swell	In view of the favorable weather I decide to download.
		19.00 - 21.00		Downloaded over deck torpedoes.  Blew main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank IV.  Boat with E-motors KF before the swell and flooded alternately aft and forward to facilitate the downloading work.  The new, according to my specifications, coaming made of sailcloth canvas facilitates the work and prevents water intake into the boat!  The torpedo rigging is still too unwieldy and heavy, especially the large trough.
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1288 Otto.
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1136 Otto.
			E 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		12.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1336 Otto.
			ENE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1439 Otto center-right edge
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium, misty	From "U-37":  "αα . . . suspicious steamer. . ." received.
		07.50		Convoy in sight on westerly course 260° about 15 steamers, 4 destroyers, one flying boat.
		08.05		Dived, because sighted and followed by a destroyer.  Convoy ran over us.  The boat . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.40

	- 14 -
		continued
		12.02.40		lay incorrectly for depth control purposes because it had still not been balanced after downloading, as a result settled through to depth 80 meters and only came back up laboriously, agonizingly.  The attack periscope optics are milk-glass fogged so I can see nothing.  Wiping off the mirror brought only minor improvement!  Reason:  The new control room Maschinist suddenly used the periscope heater according to his "U-45" memories, resulting in the mist.  The former control room Maschinist strictly forbade periscope heating after bad experiences.
		09.25		After frantic balancing efforts I still reach attack position with the milk-glass periscope.  According to the torpedo calculator - on being questioned the shot angle receiver indicates incorrectly - curse - now shows  correctly - but already a large broad target angle.  Shot despite this.  Passed ahead!!
		10.00		Surfaced.  Sent a Radio Signal (See Radio Log).  Now sent continuous contact keeper reports.
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1289 Otto.
			NE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. medium	Day's run:  11.2. - 12.2.:  162 nm
		[From U-37 KTB 12 Feb 21.15:  Officer-Only Radio Message "Wespe" first to Boats 26, 48, 37 from B.d.U.:  Take up attack disposition on line "Lizard Head" - "Les Sept‑Iles" U-40 N of 49°40' and U-29 S of 49°18' and U-37 center.  Anticipate passage to the east "ARC ROYAL" 13 Feb early.  RENOWN, Exter 14 Feb early.]		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. - Attack disposition in the Channel!  A sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon on the roof.  Nothing can be done against the easterly wind.  I decide to hold contact and stay close to the convoy by day and attack at night, I believe it is correct, to try everything to bring up the other boats "U-37, 26, 28 and 29" whose presence I suspect in this area.  My attack periscope is also out of service for day attack.  It could be the day of the convoy attack! - About 15-20 steamers, 4 destroyers, 1 flying boat, speed 9 knots, an east wind to run ahead! Everything is favorable to destroy the convoy!  I have an exact navigation fix, report position regularly by latitude and longitude because there is no secret grid chart aboard.  Unfortunately, I do not know which boats area actually attacking or can!  The αα Signal from "U-37" was given in by secret grid chart.  Where is that??  !!  In Wilhelmshaven I specifically said that I would not have a secret grid chart because of the mining task and what would happen when other boats αα, reporting convoys by the secret grid chart. This should be converted immediately into open squares or latitude longitude and then transmitted again, what are the grid squares for, if it is well encrypted anyway??  Double redundant for the boats!  The signaling process must also be shorter. - ?
				I am well aware that it is difficult to keep in contact during the transition from day to night

Sun and Moon Data 12.02.40

	- 15 -
				- also explained this to my Watch Officer - went from the bridge for a moment.  That was a fatal error.  Suddenly - alarm bell - "Destroyer coming towards us" - "Crash dive".  Sound bearing - shifts out astern!  Surfaced - it is just getting dark - AK ahead on previous convoy course - and pursued into emptiness!
				Contact lost.  Initially searched on convoy course, then continued to the south.  Lights seen.  Held onto them.  Fishing trawlers as U-boat hunters.  Again other faint lights in the west.  Closed - again patrol boats and fishing trawlers.  Rubbish!  Despite 1000 and more meters water depth! -
				Realization:  Destroyers by day ahead and on the flank! - At twilight a sweeper astern.  In the meantime the convoy makes a hook.  If you are looking for contact on the old course, you will come across cleverly positioned patrol vessels and U-boat hunters with lights, which one initially takes for steamer lights, then suddenly you are in the middle of them!  An this whole community in the ocean at 49°50'N 11°25'W.  It is clear that these vessels are U-boat hunting groups dispersed on the convoy route, waiting for U-boat alarms and convoy attack reports like the fire department.  Moreover, making it look as though they are harmless fishing trawlers - a lot of working lamps.  On the mast above three-color light - including 2 white over the entire horizon - just like before on the Cockburn Bank.
				One day of work and effort seemingly unsuccessful!  I do not know if other boats got on my message?  The weather for the night attack was barely suitable, though visibility was very bad!  And freshening to Wind east 6 with haze.  Searching for contact on the dead reckoning course during the night remained unsuccessful.
	[The remainder of this page is coverd by an insert - entries for 16.00, 20.00 and 24.00 are covered over.]

		12.02.40
		12.00		In retrospective consideration of the context and after consultation with the B.d.U. the following fundamental knowledge arises for me, which I insert and preface:
				1.  I acted incorrectly when I did not follow the radio order for taking up the attack disposition in the Channel, but instead remained at the convoy.
				2.  At the latest after losing contact on the convoy, I should have started the transit to the ordered disposition, instead of searching again at night on vague courses.
				3.  That I did not have secret grid charts on board was of course known to the B.d.U. and my reflections and worries superfluous and only explained by that,
				[the remaining few lines are covered over by a fold of the insert]

Sun and Moon Data 12.02.40

	- 16 -
		13.02.40
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 186 Otto.
			E 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	λ = 14°10'W
			ESE 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium-good	φ = 49°28'N
		12.00	Southwest of Ireland	φ = 49°00'N
			ESE 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium to good	λ = 14°17'W
				Day's run:  12.2. - 13.2.:  152 nm
		12.10		Weather, fuel and torpedo inventory given to B.d.U.
		15.24		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to "U-26, 37, 48"
				New disposition for the boats.
		[From U-26 KTB:  Radio Message 0819/13/75:  B.d.U. to U-37, U-26, U-48.  U-37 and U-48 strive to take up ordered attack disposition.  Up to release from this disposition attack only on especially valuable targets.  U-26 occupy the old position square 3000 BE right hand and square BF 1000 left hand.]
		[At the same time Radio Message:  B.d.U. to U-26 and U-48.  U-26 operate north of 49°30'N.  U-48 south of the line.]
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 130 Otto center-left edge.
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 280 Otto.
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		24.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 480 Otto.
			SEbyE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		14.02.40
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position : 679 Otto.
			SEbyE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 878 Otto.
			ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1078 Otto lower-center.
			ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  13.2. - 14.2.:  156 nm
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1327 Otto.
			ESE 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.40

	- 17 -
		continued
		14.02.40
		14.05 - 14.22		Dived for flying boat.
		15.55		Steamer in sight.
		15.58		Dived to attack.  Steamer steered zigzag course.  Main course approximately 40°, St. George Channel.
		16.39		Initially I hold the steamer as a P.&.O. steamer.  Because black with brown-yellow superstructure. Proceeds under aircraft escort.  Additionally a 2nd sound was heard, that seemed to be from a destroyer or other escort vessel.  Torpedo shot from tube I by torpedo calculator, range = 1200 meters, running time 88 seconds.  Hit aft 40 meters.
				Steamer is about 13000 GRT (by radio report London "SULTAN STAR" (12306 tons).
		17.00		Position:  φ = 48°46'N  λ = 9°10'W
				Silhouette comparison yields confirmation.
		17.10		Steamer sinks over the stern.
				4 depth charges - thereafter went to depth T = 70 meters.  [actual depth 140 meters] Greatest depth reached = 75 meters. [actual depth 150 meters]
		18.45		Every 15 to 30 minutes depth charges.  Total 22.  No locating [Asdic] determined.
		18.45		Propeller sounds in the G.H.G. at first only faintly, later no longer heard at all.  Depth charge detonations were very close, however not so bad as at Cockburn Bank.
				I believe the U-boat hunter was a KINGFISCHER, because before going deep I could see the sharp silhouette and the bow wake.  Oddly enough, sounds were not heard!
		19.20		Surfaced.  Moved off on the surface.  Bright moonlit night!  At sinking location illuminated vessels are still seen.
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1426 Otto.
			ESE 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good	Each time, when a convoy or independent valuable ship appears, shortly before comes one of these thick Sunderland flying boats as close or remote escort ahead.
		20.15		Dimmed small vessel sighted, probably a U-boat hunter, avoided on the surface.
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1475 Otto upper-right corner.
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium	I am now leaving this area and want to see if there is anything to be had on the tanker routes to Quessant.

Sun and Moon Data 14.02.40

	- 18 -
		15.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1674 Otto.
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1721 Otto lower-center.
			S 3-4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. very good
		09.15 - 09.50		Tanker sighted.  Maneuvered ahead!  Tanker on course for the English Channel.
		10.46		Dived for flying boat.
		11.13		Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead.
		12.00		Day's run:  14.2. - 15.2.:  184 nm
		12.45		Dived for attack.  It is the Dutch tanker "DEN HAAG" 8971 tons.
		13.59		Torpedo shot from tube II.  Range estimated at 1400 meters.  Running time 112 seconds.  Hit center.
				φ = 48°15'N
				λ =   7°57'W
		14.23		Surfaced.  Ran on the surface in the sun bearing.  Tanker is broken in the middle.
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1619 Otto center-right edge.
			S 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1470 Otto.
			S 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1320 Otto center-right edge.
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		16.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1274 Otto.
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1179 Otto lower-right corner.
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. very bad
		10.35		Dived due to weather conditions (fog).

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.40

	- 19 -
		continued
		16.02.40
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1132 Otto lower-center.
			W 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, misty, Vis. very bad	Day's run:  15.2. - 16.2.:  155 nm
		16.00	Weather not observed, because	Position : 1082 Otto upper-left corner.
		16.20		Surfaced.
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1230 Otto.
			Sea 3-4, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, heavy Swell
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1383 Otto.
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, heavy Swell
		17.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1581 Otto lower-right corner.
			WNW 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1585 Otto.
			WNW 7-8, Sea 7, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		07.40		Steamer sighted.  Due to weather conditions no weapons use possible.
		07.48		Dived.  Recognized as Danish, did not attack.  Examination by Prize Rules not possible due to weather.
		09.38		Surfaced.
		11.25		Steamer in sight.  No weapons use possible.  Steers approximately 320-340°.  That seems odd to me.
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1635 Otto.
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good	Day's run:  16.2. - 17.2.:  162 nm
		14.00		Steamer in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer seemed suspicious, because I think I had already seen him at 11.00 hours on course 340°.  Now he steers 80°.  The weather abates and was better.
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1735 Otto upper-center.
			WNW 6, Sea 5, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		17.23		Dived to attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.40

	- 20 -
		continued
		17.02.40
		17.48		Surfaced, because the steamer is still not recognized in the periscope in the high Swell and twilight.
		17.49		Steamer astern to starboard.  Dived again.
		18.30		Position:             φ = 49°15'N
				λ =   8°32'W
				Torpedo shot from tube III.  Miss, because speed was over estimated.  During the hunt the steamer ran at about 8-9 knots, now seems to run less.  Sets no lights.  I decide to shoot him on the surface.
		18.40		Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead again.
		20.00	South of Ireland	A second vessel in sight.  Illuminated.  It was Dutch on an opposite course.  Additionally a patrol vessel appears to port ahead of me with dimmed lights.
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. very good, bright night
		20.36		Position : 1733 Otto center-left edge.
				φ = 49°17'N, λ =   8°15'W
				Torpedo shot from tube IV.
				Range estimated 2000 meters.  Hit aft 30 meters.
				Running time 108 seconds.  Torpedo velocity 40 knots.
				At the moment of the hit the steamer stands in bright flames.  Sky drenched blood red.  Apparently had cargo of gasoline in barrels or gunpowder.  Size about 6000-7000 tons.  The Dutch turned towards the burning steamer.
				Began return transit.
		23.10		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Have begun return transit.  1 stern torpedo.
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1535 Otto.
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, rain shower, Vis. bad	The Dutch - course west - does not transmit!  It seems he is afraid of making an enemy act and suffering the same fate.  I must now still avoid the patrol vessel or destroyer on the surface, which however, also does not go to the burning ship.
		18.02.40
		04.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1289 Otto.
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.40

	- 21 -
		continued
		18.02.40
		08.00	South of Ireland	Position : 1044 Otto lower-center.
			WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position : 798 Otto.
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad	Day's run:  17.2. - 18.2.:  250 nm
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position : 2452 Jot.
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2410 Jot.
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium-good
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2368 Jot.
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times heavy fog, Vis. medium
		19.02.40
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2326 Jot.
			SWbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2135 Jot.
			WSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		12.00	West of Ireland	Position : 2042 Jot.
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy-overcast, at times heavy fog, Vis. good	Day's run:  18.2. - 19.2.:  278 nm
		16.00	West of Ireland	Position : 1083 Dora lower-center.
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position : 1151 Dora.
			SSE 2, Sea 2, cloudy-overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		24.00	West of the Hebrides	Position : 1279 Dora.
			SSE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.40

	- 22 -
		20.02.40	West of the Hebrides
		04.00	SSE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium-bad	Position : 1705 Dora lower-left corner.
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position : 2071 Dora lower-center.
			SbyE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		08.44		Dived for aircraft.  Bomb detonation!
		09.05		Surfaced. Aircraft sighted again.
		09.06		Dove again.
		09.17		Surfaced.  Continued return transit.
		12.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position : 2197 Dora
			S 6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium to bad	Day's run:  19.2. - 20.2.:  325 nm
		16.00	West of Fair Isle	Position : 2738 Dora
			SbyW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		17.00		1 destroyer and 2 patrol vessels sighted.  Avoided on the surface.
		17.20		Dived, because avoiding on the surface is no longer possible.
		17.56		Surfaced, continued transit.
		20.00	West of Fair Isle	Position : 158 Emil.
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium to bad
		24.00	Northwest of Fair Isle	Position : 578 Emil.
			S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. good	North Passage not monitored.
				Beacons off Skroo and Sumburgh Head burn.
		21.02.40
		02.00		2 dimmed destroyers sighted 3 patrol vessels illuminated, avoided on the surface.
		02.30
		04.00	Southeast of Fair Isle	Position : 996 Emil lower-right corner.
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.40

	- 23 -
		continued
		21.02.40
		08.00	Northern North Sea	Position : 1349 Emil
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		10.40		Dived before aircraft.  1 aircraft bomb.
		11.00		Surfaced.  Continued transit
		12.00	Central North Sea	Position : 1763 Emil
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad	Day's run:  20.2. - 21.2.:  262 nm
		13.13		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Run in on Route II.
		14.07		Dived, because return transit on Route II is no longer possible in this night and the visibility is very bad.
		16.00	Central North Sea	Position : 1820 Emil upper-center.
			Weather not observed, because	At very long range on the port side from time to time several depth charges were heard.  3 units thrown in series.
		17.52		Surfaced.  Continued transit.
		20.00	Central North Sea	Position : 1937 Emil lower-left corner
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		24.00	Central North Sea	Position : 2109 Emil
			SSW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy - overcast, clear, Vis. very good
				From 22 February 00.00 hours all times M.E.Z.   [GMT +1]
		22.02.40
		04.00	Central North Sea	Position : 2283 Emil
			SbyW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good
		04.20		Dived due to fog.  Rest for the crew
				Proceeded submerged to the entrance of Route II.
		08.00	Central North Sea	Position : 2281 Emil lower-right corner.
			Weather not observed, because
		12.00	Central North Sea	Position : 640 Karl.
			Weather not observed, because	Day's run:  21.2. - 22.2.:  174 nm
		16.00	Central North Sea	Position : 598 Karl.
			Weather not observed, because
		20.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position : 446 Karl.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.40

	- 24 -
		continued
		22.02.40
		20.00		Proceeded on the surface on Route 2.
		23.35		2 aircraft sighted in Route 2.
		24.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position : 87 Karl.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		23.02.40
		04.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position : 2584 Karl.
			SSW 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. medium
		08.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position : 2385 Lucie.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, heavy fog, Vis. bad
		10.10	Helgoland	Entered Helgoland.  Made fast alongside "U-52".
		11.30		Cast off Helgoland for transit to Wilhelmshaven.
		12.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position : 2481 Lucie.
			S 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, heavy fog
		14.30		Anchored at Lightship "Fritz" due to heavy fog.
		20.15		Put the boat on the bottom.
		24.02.40
		07.45		Surfaced.  Always still heavy fog.
		10.20		Weighed anchor.  Continued transit to Wilhelmshaven under ice escort by a Sperrbrecher.
		11.45		Made fast in the III Entrance North Lock.
		12.50		Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base!
				Afternoon boat cleared and afterwards free time.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.40

	- 25 -
		25.02.40
		10.30		Greeting of the crew by B.d.U.
		11.20		Cast off Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base for transit to Kiel.
		18.15		Made fast Brunsbüttel, North Lock.
				Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal first early in the morning.
		26.02.40
		07.20		Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal under ice escort by "HASSEN" in tow of the tug "MONSUN".
		17.00		Made fast Germania Werft.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.40
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.40

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