U-502 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
18 December 1941
Lorient
22 December 1941
 5
Lorient
19 January 1942
Lorient
16 March 1942
57
       
62

 

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
16 Feb 42
09.44
11°51'N, 70°27'W
TIA JUANA
2,395
British
16 Feb 42
10.28
11°57'N, 70°39'W
MONAGAS
2,650
Venezuelan
16 Feb 42
11.50
12°03'N, 70°27'W
SAN NICOLAS
2,391
British
22 Feb 42
01.59 - 03.04
12°21'N, 72°45'W
J.N. PEW
9,033
American
23 Feb 42
10.32 - 12.33
12°50'N, 70°39'W
THALIA
8,329
Panamanian
23 Feb 42
16.43
12°57'N, 70°15'W
SUN (damaged)
9,002
American
     
 Total = 33,800
   
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.

 

The first section of this KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                  
           
           
           
              K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
            =======================  
           
                  of Unterseebootes  "U  502"  
               ======================  
           
                           2nd War Patrol.  
           
                Beginning:     10.11.1941.  
                Concluding:    16.3.1942.  
                           
                       Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant v. Rosenstiel.  
           
                       Annotations:  All times in D.G.Z.  
           
                       Distribution: 2 x O.K.M.  
        1 x B.d.U.  
        1 x 2.A.D.Uboote,  
        1 x 2.U.-Flottille  
           
           
      Boat made 6 copies    
           
           
                                       
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
                      U-502 B.Nr.Gkdos 909 of 16.3.42.     - 1 -  
           
           
           
           
    1941      
    10.11.41
Lorient
Cleared the boat in Berth A 4.  
    11.11.41
"
Ammunition- torpedo offload.  
    12.11.41
"
B.d.U. - Muster.  Began shipyard period.  
    13.11 - 08.12.41
"
Boat lay on the slip.  
    08.12.41
   
    20.15
"
Boat from the slip.  
    21.05
Made fast Berth A 2.  
    09.12.41
"
Water loading, battery charging.  
    10.12.41
"
Fuel loading.  
    11.12.41
   
    09.45
"
Shifted to B 5.  Ammunition loading.  
    12.12.41
Torpedo loading.  
    17.15
"
Shifted to S 2.  
    13.12.41
   
    11.10 - 12.50
"
Degaussing.  Afterwards made fast A 3.  
    14.37
Cast off for sea trial.  
    14.52
Collision with tug HAFENBAUAMT II without consequences.  Tug cut across from port coming before the bow of U-502.  He only saw U-502 when he was already 30° to starboard.  Then suddenly (startled) turned hard to port and then came just before the bow of U-502 from starboard and stopped. Back AK could no longer help.  Collision, however without consequences.  
    15.43
Dive test, oil trace.  
    16.07
On the bottom.  
    16.25
Surfaced.  
    17.46
Made fast A 2.  Fuel oil offload.  
    14.12.41
"
Provisions loading.  
    15.12.41
"
   
    10.23
Shifted to S 3.  
     
Took over the boat and loaded the remaining provisions.  
    16.12.41
   
    09.10
"
Shifted to Berth B 5.  Fuel loading.  
    15.05
Sea trial.  
    15.43
Dive attempt.  
    15.57
Surfaced, oil trace.  
    18.10
Made fast A 4.  
    17.12.41
"
Took over the boat.  Loaded fresh provisions.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    19.41      
    18.12.41
Lorient
   
    17.00   Boat ready for remote patrol.  Muster by Flottillenchef.  
    17.15   Cast off A 4.  
    17.25   Joined harbor escort vessel.  
    18.17   Released harbor escort, joined Sperrbrecher.  
    19.05 Wind calm, misty, Vis. moderate Point L 2.  
    19.08   Trim test.  
    19.26   Dived.  To periscope depth.  
    19.42   Surfaced.  Released escort.  
    19.45   Headed outbound on Route Rosabella.  
    20.00 SbyE 1-2, Sea 1, misty, very dark, strong marine phosphorescence    
    21.12   Passed Point Rb. I.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    19.12.41 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 SE 2, Sea 1, misty, Vis. bad    
    00.12   Passed Point Ceder.  
    02.27   Passed Point Tanne.  Came to course 270°, HF.  
    04.00 BF 5595    
      W 2, Sea 1, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 BF 5545    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    09.12   Morning navigation fix.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 347°T, 4 nm.  
    09.37   Dived,  Deep dive test.  
    10.00   Depth T = 40 meters. [actual depth 80 meters]  
    10.22   Depth T = 77.5 meters. [155 meters]  
    10.40   Depth T = 20 meters [40 meters], proceeded submerged.  Port E-motor LF.  Starboard clutch disengaged.  
    12.00 BF 5486 Day's run = 174.7 nm  Surfaced  
                              5.0 nm  Submerged  
                           179.7 nm  
    16.00 BF 5485    
    19.25   At periscope depth.  
    19.40   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 5484 Port diesel 2 x HF charging.  
      SbyW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 19.12.41
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.12.41      
    23.50   Both diesels HF.  
    24.00 BF 4694    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    20.12.41 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 4674    
      SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 BF 4576    
      SbyE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
    10.20   Dived.  Proceeded submerged depth T = 20 meters [40 meters], KF.  
    12.00 BF 4494 Day's run = 155.7 nm  Surfaced  
                            18.3 nm  Submerged  
                           174.0 nm  
    16.00 BF 4494    
    18.48   At periscope depth.  
    19.12   Surfaced.  Oil trace, oil coats the bridge, streams from the drain of the pressure water high reservoir.  
        I departed, although 40 cbm loss on the 1st patrol remained unexplained by the shipyard.  The shipyard and Flotilla had no ideas.  
        Now the same phenomena, as after the aircraft bombs on 11 October 1941.  
    19.20   LF.  
    19.55   Dived.  Depth T = 15 meters [30 meters].  KF.  Want to check my findings once more on surfacing.  
    20.00 BF 4485    
    20.30   Surfaced.  Pitch-dark.  All bunkers bled while submerged, no air.  
        Starboard LF, port diesel charging.  
        The Chief Engineer was at a loss.  
    21.33   Outgoing Radio Message 2100:   von Rosenstiel  
        1.  Departed despite 40 cbm unexplained loss on the 1st patrol.  
        2.  After surfacing today oil trace, oil coats the bridge, 10 min oil streaming from the drain of the pressure water high reservoir.  Cause unexplained.  
        3.  Renewed oil loss likely.  
        4.  Request orders.  BF 4484.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 20.12.41
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.12.41      
    22.35   Incoming Radio Message 2223:  Rosenstiel run in to Lorient.  
    22.48   Came to course 90°, 2 x HF, charging.  
    23.15   Fire in E-motor.  Only warm resistors.  
    23.48   Outgoing Short Signal:  Will be off return harbor in 36 hours.  
                                                            Rosenstiel  
    24.00 BF 4485    
      EbyS 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    21.12.41 Bay of Biscay    
    00.13   Incoming Radio Message 0001:  Rosenstiel on 22 December 12.00 hours off Lorient.  
    04.00 BF 4576    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    04.23   GF.  
    04.40 - 07.45   Starboard clutch slips and stops.  
    08.25 - 08.00   Starboard clutch slips and stops.  Light oil trace.  
    08.00 BF 4675    
      E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    09.10   Starboard diesel cam shaft ate a bearing.  
        Starboard diesel stopped.  
    10.57   Dived.  Periscope depth no oil trace.  
        Depth T = 20 meters. [40 meters]  
    12.00 BF 4694 Day's run = 159.0 nm  Surfaced  
                           18.3 nm  Submerged  
                           177.3 nm  
    12.00 - 12.30   Periscope depth, no oil trace observed.  
    16.00 BF 4695    
    18.20   Surfaced.  Oil trace, oil coating on the bridge.  Observed no oil steaming overboard.  
    18.52   HF.  
    19.00   GF.  
    20.00 BF 5475    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    21.39   Outgoing Short Signal:  Request Transmitter I for running into Lorient.    Rosenstiel.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 21.12.41
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.12.41      
    22.33   Incoming Radio Message 2207:  Bearing transmitter I runs.  
    24.00 BF 5574    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 1-2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    22.12.41 Bay of Biscay    
    00.46   Incoming Radio Message 1128:  1.  Rosenstiel and Borchert on 22 December at 10.00 hours be at Point L 2 for intake by escort.  2.  . . . .  
    01.55   Passed the 200-meter line.  
    04.00 EbyN 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.15   Passed Point Tanne.  Ran in  on Route Rosabella.  
    06.15   Passed Point Ceder.  
    08.37   Passed Point Rb 1.  
    09.41   Passed Point L 2.  Intake by Speerbrecher.  
    11.22   Made fast Lorient A 4.  Report to Flottillenchef.  
        Remaining day's run = 209.1 nm  Surfaced  
                                            11.0 nm  Submerged  
                                           220.1 nm  
    Afternoon   Fresh provisions offload.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    23.12.41
Lorient A 4
Torpedo offload.  
   
   
    24.12.41
"
   
    09.05
Cast off A 4 and shifted to the slip.  
    09.55
On the slip.  
        Afternoon Christmas party.  
           
    25.12.41                         "     Slip Pressurized the fuel bunkers in the slip.  
         
    26.12.41
"
   
    12.10   From the slip.  
    12.55   Negative pressure test.  Search for oil trace in the over deck.  
    13.25   Diving test with oil trace check afterwards.  
    13.46 - 14.28   Made fast "E 2" for fuel offload.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.12.41
Lorient
   
    13.24   Shifted from E 2 to the slip.  
    14.05   On the slip.  
           
    28.12.41 -      
    06.01.42                          "        Slip Pressurizing of the furl bunkers and their closures.  
    20.25   Shifted from the slip to S 4.  
    21.34   Made fast S 4.  
           
    07.01.42                          "        S 4 Fuel loading.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    08.01.42 Isle de Groix    
    09.08   Negative pressure test.  
    09.13   Cast off S 4.  
    09.27   Port forward diving plane caught on the S 4 outer floating bollard.  
    09.54   Trim test in the harbor.  
    10.22   Surfaced.  
    10.38   Passed Port Louis with harbor escort.  
    11.27   Joined Speerbrecher at L 5.  
    12.10   L 2.  Headed outbound on Route Rosabella.  
    12.22   Test dive.  
    12.24   Grounded at depth A -20 meters.  
    13.20   Surfaced.  
    13.40   Dived.  
    14.22   Put the boat on the bottom depth A -21 meters.  
    15.45   Raised the boat from the bottom.  
    16.03   Surfaced, light oil trace.  
    17.20   Ran in from L 2 with Sperrbrecher.  
    17.56   L 5.  
    19.32
Lorient
Made fast S 3.  
     
                                             
     
                                                Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    09.01.42
Lorient slip
   
    09.57   Shifted from S 3 to the slip.  
    11.25   On the slip.  Diving plane repair.  
    to      
    12.01.42      
    13.55   Shifted from the slip to S 1.  
    15.05   Made fast S 1.  Torpedo loading.  Battery charging.  
           
 
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.01.42
Lorient
   
    13.13 - 14.50
Magnetic compass calibration and radio direction finder calibration at Kernevel.  
    15.03 - 15.44
Trim test.  
    16.32
Made fast S 3.  
     
   
    14.01.42
Lorient S 3
Took over 2 additional over deck torpedoes.  
    16.35
Shifted to S 4.  
    19.30
Turned over all Etos due to new acid level.  
     
   
    15.01.42
Lorient S 4
   
    08.00
Torpedo loading.  
    15.19 - 15.38
Shifted from S 4 to A 4.  Drinking water, water and remaining fuel oil loading.  
     
   
    16.01.42
Lorient A 4
Final adjustments.  
   
   
    17.01.42
Lorient A 4
Took over the boat, remaining provisions loading.  
   
   
    18.01.42
Lorient A 4
Exchange of 4 Etos due to incorrect battery.  
   
   
    19.01.42
Lorient A 4
Fresh provisions loading.  
     
Gave up quarters.  
     
Boat is ready to depart.  
     
                                             
     
                                                Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    still
   
    19.01.42
Lorient A 4
   
    18.20   Report to Flottillenchef.  
    18.32   Cast off A 4.  
    18.50   Joined harbor escort.  
    19.32   L 5 joined Sperrbrecher.  
    20.00 SbyW 3, Sea 2, misty, rain, Vis. bad    
    20.13   L 2, course 145°, both diesels HF.  
    20.27 - 20.56   Trim test.  
    20.56   Proceeded outbound on Route Rosabella.  
    22.05   Rb 1, course 177°, both diesels HF.  
    24.00 WSW 3, clearing, Vis. moderate    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.01.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.10   Passed the 100-meter line.  
    01.08   Point Ceder, course 239°.  
    04.00 WbyS 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. quite good Point Tanne.  
    08.00 BF 5829    
      W 4, Sea 3, clearing, Vis. quite good    
    09.14   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 225°T, 3 nm.  
    09.45   Dived.  Proceeded submerged, course 270°, both E-motors KF.  Tauchretter and life jacket check.  Depth = A -40 meters.  
    12.00 BF 5843 Day's run = 145.2 nm  Surfaced  
                               5.5 nm  Submerged  
                           150.7 nm  
    16.00 BF 5842    
    19.22   Surfaced.  Both diesels HF.  
    20.00 BF 5763    
      NW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell    
    24.00 BF 5743    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    21.01.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 4953    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BF 4863    
      WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, Vis. good    
    09.27   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 307°T, 8 nm.  
    10.25   Dived.  Proceeded submerged depth = A -40 meters.  Both E-motors KF.  
    12.00 BF 4851 Day's run:    158.0 nm  Surfaced  
                            18.8 nm  Submerged  
                           176.8 nm  
    16.00 BF 4842    
    19.30   Surfaced.  
    19.45   Course 270°, both HF.  
    20.00 BF 4841    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 BF 4751    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    22.01.42 Atlantic    
    01.24   Course 260°.  
    02.15   Both diesels LF.  
    04.00 BE 6962    
      NbyW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers, medium Swell, Vis. bad    
    08.00 BE 6955    
      NNW 4, Sea 3-4, half overcast, medium Swell, Vis. medium    
    09.41   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 290°T, 13 nm.  
    10.44   1 diesel LF, course 230°.  
    12.00 BE 6868 Day's run:   130 nm  Surfaced  
      NbyW 3, Sea 2, little overcast, Vis. very good, medium Swell                     15 nm  Submerged  
                         145 nm  
    13.00   Course 225°, course east of Sao Miguel.  
    16.00 BE 6889    
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. very good, medium Swell    
    20.00 BE 9216    
      NW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell    
    20.18   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 285°T, 4 nm.  
    22.08   Outgoing Short Signal outside the zero gap on Circuit Plan Bl:  My position is BE 92.    U-502.  
    24.00 BE 9166    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    23.01.42 Atlantic    
    02.55   Outgoing Short Signal on Coastal Circuit because the previous one was not acknowledged:  My position is BE 92.  
                                                                          U-502.  
    03.36   Incoming Radio Message 0319:  Position report received from Rosenstiel from naval square BE 92 with Volume 5.  
    04.00 BE 9194    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 BE 9425    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.01.42      
    08.00 SW 3, Sea 2, half overcast, light Swell, Vis. 2 nm    
    10.43   Crash dive for training with malfunctions inserted.  
    11.48   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 9443 Day's run:   138 nm  Surfaced  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good                       3 nm  Submerged  
                         141 nm  
    16.00 BE 8693  
      WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, medium Swell    
    20.00 BE 8697    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. bad, medium Swell    
    24.00 BE 8928    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, misty    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    24.01.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 8946    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, misty    
    08.00 BE 8972    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, misty    
    09.57   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 68°T, 7 nm.  
    12.00 BE 8977 Day's run:   108 nm  Surfaced  
      WbyS 5, Sea 4, overcast, low clouds, misty, 1033 mb, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    16.00 CF 3136    
      W 5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    20.00 CF 3161    
      W 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.01.42      
    24.00 CF 3151    
      W 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, Vis. bad    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    25.01.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CF 3176    
      W 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium    
    08.00 CF 3411    
      W 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. bad, low cloud deck    
    11.15   Crash dive for training with malfunctions inserted.  
    11.28   Surfaced.  
    11.34   Crash dive for training.  
    12.00 CF 2638 Day's run:   93 nm  Surfaced  
      WbyS 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm                      2 nm  Submerged  
                         95 nm  
    12.15   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CF 2664    
      W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    20.00 CF 2684

As yet I have not met my planned day's run due to weather, because in my opinion, at both diesels LF, I have not gained the expected nautical miles for the fuel consumed.  Despite the steady high barometer there has been no weather improvement.  Henceforth I will proceed at both LF, because I have not made enough distance and do not know if I can still make up the accumulated day's run deficit later at both LF.

 
      W 5, Sea 4, half overcast, Vis. very good  
    20.42   Both LF.  
    24.00 CF 2914    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.01.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CF 2859    
      WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 CF 5213    
      W 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    10.00   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 169°T, 17 nm.  
    12.00 CF 5193 Day's run:   169 nm  Surfaced  
      WSW 2-3, Sea 3, half overcast, high clouds, Vis. 12 nm                     0.5 nm  Submerged  
                       170.0 nm  
    16.00 CF 5425    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 CF 5447 Course 240°.  
      SWbyW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    24.00 CF 4689    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    27.01.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CF 4915    
      SWbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 CF 4856    
      SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    10.30   "Sao Miguel" in sight bearing 300°T.  
    10.49   Crash dive.  Steamer in sight bearing 250°T, estimated bow left 20°, range 11000 meters.  Comes out quickly in the advanced twilight.  Am positioned favorably.  Nothing distinguished at depth 13 meter, no sound bearings.  
    11.19   Surfaced.  Nothing seen.  Therefore must have had target angle bow right 160°.  Ran after.  
    11.30   "Santa Maria" in sight bearing 200°T.  After surfacing initially thought to be my supposed steamer.  
    11.35   HF.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.01.42      
    11.58   Cross bearing:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 155°T, 4.8 nm.  
    12.00 CF 4878 Day's run:   190.5 nm  Surfaced  
      SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm                      1.0 nm  Submerged  
                       191.5 nm  
    12.05   Course 258°.  
    12.30   LF; steamer hunt forbidden!  I would have to hunt for at least 12 hours.  He must be far ahead.  
    13.10   Smoke feather bearing 270°T.  There it is again.  Probably course 270° speed about 12 knots.  Lights were not observed.  
    15.05   Course 250°.  
    16.00 CE 9323    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, quite clear, horizon partly rain clouds, Vis. 12 nm    
    20.00 CE 9341    
      S 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.05   "Santa Maria" out of sight.  
    20.30   "Sao Miguel"     "        "  
    20.44   Incoming Radio Message 2213:  1.)  . . . . . . . .   
        2.)  Heinicke, Müller, Rosenstiel, Hartenstein 28 January 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit . . . . . . .  
    24.00 CE 9257    
      SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    28.01.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CE 9195    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm, bright moon    
    08.00 CE 9413 Switched to Greenland Circuit.  
      SbyE 3, Sea 2, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 2-3 nm, very dark    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.01.42      
    12.00 CE 8637 Day's run:   215.4 nm  Surfaced  
      SbyE 4, Sea 3, quite overcast, rain showers, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    15.00   1 diesel LF, have made up the day's run deficit from the previous days.  
    16.00 CE 8643    
      SE 5, Sea 4, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    17.30   Noon navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 46°T, 15 nm.  
    20.00 CE 8641 Course 245°.  
      SSE 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 CE 8564    
      SbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    29.01.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 CE 8581    
      S 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 CE 8574    
      SbyE 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    11.07   Crash dive for training.  
    11.55   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CE 8497 Day's run:   124.2 nm  Surfaced  
      SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm                      2.7 nm  Submerged  
                       126.9 nm  
    16.00 CE 8715    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, rain showers, Vis. up to 8 nm    
    16.19   Noon navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 68°T, 8 nm.  
    18.17   Incoming Radio Message 1741:  To Rosenstiel, Hartenstein and Müller: outbound and inbounder must be expected in accordance with Operations Order 50 Paragraph Arabic # 14.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.01.42      
    20.00 CE 7961 The Radio Messages from Forster and Uphoff of 28 and 29 January and their observations prompted me to remove the safety wire of the torpedo pistols contrary to the issued orders. The tubes were pulled and the safety wires removed.  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, rain showers  
    24.00 CE 7948    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2-4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    30.01.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 CE 7886 1 diesel LF.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm however milky, bright moon behind the thin clouds    
    08.00 DG 1113    
      SEbyS 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, very dark    
    12.00 DF 3336 Day's run:   174 nm  Surfaced  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 7 nm    
    16.00 DF 3352    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 11 nm    
    16.31   Noon navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 148°T, 7 nm.  
    20.00 DF 3345    
      SEbyS 4, Sea 3, nearly overcast, rain showers, Vis. up to 12 nm    
    22.09   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 130°T, 8.5 nm.  
    24.00 DF 3296    
      SEbyS 4, Sea 3, half overcast, bright moon, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    31.01.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 3523    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 DF 3519    
      EbyS 3, Sea 3, clear, rain showers, Vis. 3 nm    
    10.47   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 0°T, 11.5 nm.  
    11.35   Crash dive for training.  
    12.00 DF 3439 Day's run:   138.7 nm  Surfaced  
      SE 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 4-7 nm                      1.3 nm  Submerged  
                       140.0 nm  
    12.04   Surfaced.  1 diesel LF.  
    16.00 DF 3456    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 5-7 nm    
    20.00 DF 3472 Duty roster shifted 4 hours later.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm         08.00 = 12.00 hours.  
      However times remain the same.  
    22.34 - 23.07   Speed set to both GF to blow out the exhaust.  At GF strong spark formation even though ran for over 15 minutes at GF.  Condition worse than on the previous patrol despite cleaning during the shipyard period.  
    24.00 DF 2932    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, bright moon, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    01.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 2928    
      SSE 4, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 DF 2945    
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, bright moon    
    12.00 DF 2868 Day's run:   144 nm  Surfaced  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, nearly overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm Instead of the Trade Winds, the wind is from the west.  Made only 4 knots.  The Swell also comes from the west.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.02.42      
    16.00 DF 2886    
      WbyN 3, Sea 2, nearly overcast, medium Swell, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 DF 2888    
      WbyN 4, Sea 3, clear, medium Swell, Vis. 10-11 nm    
    22.39   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 270°T, 4.7 nm.  
    24.00 DF 5212 Passed 40°W. Still have 190 cbm.  
      WbyN 3, Sea 2, half overcast, bright moon, medium Swell, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    02.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    02.07   Outgoing Short Signal:  My position is square DF 52.  Still have 190 cbm fuel oil.    Rosenstiel.  
        Incoming Radio Message 0209:  Rosenstiel reports by Short Signal in square DF 52 and fuel inventory 190 cbm.  
    04.00 DF 5136    
      WbyN 2, Sea 1, quite overcast, bright moon, Vis. 4 nm, medium-high Swell    
    08.00 DF 5153    
      NWbyW 3, Sea 2, clear, bright moon, medium-high Swell, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.25   All three boats gave passing reports in the evening twilight.  Therefore we must be close together.  Müller still has 10 cbm more.  But from his statement will also require 8 cbm more.  
    11.12   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 205°T, 11 nm.  
    12.00 DF 5175 Day's run:   117 nm  Surfaced  
      WbyN 3, Sea 1, overcast, medium-high Swell, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    12.31   Crash dive for training.  
    13.03   Surfaced.  Both diesels LF.  Weather has abated substantially, must catch up with the day's run.  
    16.00 DF 4632    
      N 3, Sea 2, overcast, medium Swell, 10-12 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.02.42      
    18.37   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 1726:  1.)  Mexico and South American states with the exception of Argentina and Chile have broken off political and economic relations  
        2.)  It is intended, to avoid declaring a state of war with all names states or postpone as long as possible, therefore ordered weapons use restrictions remain.  
        3.)  Special protection for Argentinian and Chilean ships are very important politically.  
        4.)  Countries are reminded of the need to mark their ships perfectly as neutral.  
    20.00 DF 4628    
      N 2, Sea 1, medium-high Swell, clear, Vis. 11 nm    
    22.46   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 4°T, 6.8 nm.  
    24.00 DF 4566    
      N 1, Sea 0, clear, bright moon, light Swell, Vis. 2-4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    03.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 4585    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm, bright moon    
    08.00 DF 4738    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2-4 nm    
    11.19   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 139°T, 15.8 nm.  
    12.00 DF 4783EbyS 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm, misty 1 diesel LF.  
      Day's run:   195.3 nm  Surfaced  
                             1.3 nm  Submerged  
                         196.6 nm  
    16.00 DF 4779    
      SEbyS 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 DE 9336    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, high Cirrus layer    
    23.05   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 273°T, 10 nm.  
    24.00 DE 9352    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, half overcast, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, very dark                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DE 9347    
      SEbyS 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, rain showers    
    08.00 DE 9295    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 DE 9522 Day's run:   154.5 nm  Surfaced  
      SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    13.19   Crash dive for training.  
    13.56   Surfaced.  
    14.00   1 diesel LF.  
    16.00 DE 9516    
      SbyW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    17.34   Incoming Radio Message 1714:  To Hartenstein, Müller, Rosenstiel.  Neuland 176, Attack area in accordance with Operations Order Paragraph 10.  
    20.00 DE 9541 Want to make 180 nm daily, to have enough reserve.  Hopefully the promised Trade Winds will come soon.  At the moment the opposite!  
      SbyW 5, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 4-6 nm  
    24.00 DE 9465    
      SbyW 6-7, Sea 4-5, overcast, very dark, Vis. 1-2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    05.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DE 9459    
      WNW 6, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 1 nm    
    05.45   Both LF, It has abated strongly.  
    08.00 DE 9484    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.36   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 290°T, 6 nm.  
    11.45 - 12.15   1 E-motor KF.  Boat held into the wind.  The dinghy cover in the over deck broke open, was secured.  
    12.00 DE 8933 Day's run:   114.8 nm  Surfaced  
      WNW 3, Sea 3, nearly overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm                       1.3 nm  Submerged  
                         116.1 nm  
    12.17   Both LF.  
    16.00 DE 8928    
      NWbyW 4, Sea 4, half overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.42      
    18.05 - 18.47   Gyro compass out of service, steered by magnetic compass.  
    20.00 DE 8945 Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 is empty.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4 put in service.   
      NbyW 5, Sea 4, nearly overcast, Vis. 8 nm  
      Oil trace!  
    22.55 - 23.10   Main rudder out of service.  
    23.26   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 135°T, 2 nm.  
    24.00 DE 8895    
      NbyW 2-4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    06.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DQ 1232    
      NEbyN 2, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 DQ 1243    
      NEbyN 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, light Swell    
    12.00 DQ 1191 Day's run:   179 nm  Surfaced  
      NEbyN 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, light Swell    
    12.88 - 12.43   1 diesel LF.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 flushed.  
    13.04   Crash dive for training.  
        Port regulating and reserve fuel oil tank had 8 kg pressure, seal on the water level glass burst.  Pressure mostly into the boat.  Spray causes a short in Switchboard 3 (control room).  Failure of all rudders and diving planes for a short time.  Failure of the main drain pump and stove for a longer time, because they were not switchable.  
    13.55   Surfaced.  Both diesels LF.  Finally we have the Trade Winds, however still an easterly current.  
    16.00 DQ 1178    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 3, nearly overcast, rain showers, Vis. 8-10 nm, light Swell    
    20.00 DP 3629    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.02.42      
    23.59   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 73°T, 8.5 nm.  
    24.00 DP 3647    
      NEby E 1, Sea 1, quite overcast, light Swell, rain showers, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    07.02.42 Sargasso Sea    
    04.00 DP 3588    
      NbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 1-2 nm, light Swell    
    08.00 DP 3739    
      NEbyE 1, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 5 nm, light Swell    
    12.00 DP 3749 Day's run:   192.4 nm  Surfaced  
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, nearly overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm                       2.1 nm  Submerged  
                         194.5 nm  
    14.30   Noon navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 68°T, 5.7 nm.  
    16.00 DP 2995 Light oil trace.  
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm, bright sun    
    20.00 DP 5316    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 12 nm, bright sun    
    23.58   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 295°T, 9.9 nm.  
    24.00 DP 5252 Now also the westerly current sets in!  
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 8-12 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    08.12.42 Sargasso Sea    
    02.28   Course 233°.  
    04.00 DP 5193    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 DP 5422    
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1-2, nearly overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.12.42      
    11.53   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 268°T, 4 nm.  
    12.00 DP 4662 Day's run:   199 nm  Surfaced  
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    13.37   Crash dive for training with inserted malfunctions.  
    14.27 - 14.45   Surfaced in a stopped condition for an oil trace check.  No oil trace.  
        Individual diesels LF.  
    14.45   Both diesels LF.  No oil trace.  
    15.09   Course 230°.  
    16.00 DP 4682    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear, bright sun, Vis. 15 nm    
    20.00 DP 4833    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, cloudless, bright sun, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 DP 4854    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, clear, cloudless, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    09.02.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.10   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 210°T, 3.5 nm.  
    00.50   Diesels raised to 2 x GF to blow out the exhaust.  Strong continuous surge of sparks.  
    04.00 DP 7132 1 Diesel LF; want to pass through the Anegada Channel in the night of 10/11 February and still have time.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm  
    08.00 DP 7128    
      SE 3, Sea 1, clear, bright half moon, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    12.00 DP 7147 Day's run:   183.0 nm  Surfaced  
      EbyS 1, Sea 1, clear, cloudless, Vis. 7 nm                       1.9 nm  Submerged  
                         184.9 nm  
    12.03   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 269°T, 6.8 nm.  
    16.00 DO 9622    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, bright sun, Vis. over 12 nm    
    20.00 DO 9642    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, bright sun, Vis. over 12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.42      
    24.00 DO 9591    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    10.02.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.26   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 310°T, 1 nm.  
    04.00 DO 9821 Course 237°.  
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 DO 9763    
      SEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, bright moon    
    12.00 DO 9759 Day's run:   165 nm  Surfaced  
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.07   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 262°T, 5 nm.  
    13.58   Crash dive.  Aircraft bearing 250°T comes just over the horizon.  Could not have seen us.  Remained submerged because we are 30 nm off Sombrero.  Want to pass through by night.  
        Proceeded submerged at KF at depth A -20 meters.  
    16.00 DO 9776    
    20.00 DO 9777    
    23.30   At periscope depth.  
    24.00 ED 2331 Fuel consumption Lorient - Anegada = 62.4 cbm = loss on the 1st patrol.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    11.02.42 Anegada Channel    
    00.11   Sombrero Lighthouse in sight bearing 264°T distance about 5 nm.  
    00.15   Cross bearing:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 248°T, 7.5 nm.  
    00.18   Course 230°.  
    01.00   Lighthouse on Sombrero burns with the correct identifier.  
    01.05   Surfaced.  Distance from Sombrero about 3.5 nm to starboard.  
    01.13   Port diesel LF.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.02.42      
    01.15   Port diesel HF strong spark development.  
    01.37   Both diesels HF.  
        No patrols except for the reconnaissance aircraft in the morning.  
    04.00 ED 2343 Course 205°.  
      Wind and Sea 0, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm "Santa Cruz" lighthouse also burns with the correct identifier.  
    08.00 ED 2535 Course 225°.  
      NE 1, Sea 0, clear, Vis. 2 nm    
    12.00 ED 2573 Day's run:   137.8 nm  Surfaced  
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, half overcast, Vis. 5 nm                     29.5 nm  Submerged  
                         167.3 nm  
    12.14   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 243°T, 7.3 nm.  
    12.28   Both diesels LF.  
    13.06   Crash dive.  Aircraft bearing 45°T with NW-course.  Again the reconnaissance aircraft from yesterday, however 1 hour earlier.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  Both E-motors KF.  
    16.00 ED 2733    
    19.55   Sound bearing in 245°T.  
    20.00 ED 2734 At periscope depth.  Steamer bearing 272°, Enemy course 45°, enemy speed about 6 knots, range = 3000 meters.  About 3800 GRT, 5 cargo hatches, 2 slim masts and 2 king posts before the bridge, high slim smokestack, gray with black upper part.  Aft 2 king posts. One goal post mast with a slim high mast.  On the stern about 3.7 cm cannon.  Deck cargo.  Therefore on opposite course through the Anegada Channel.  No flag.  
    20.23   Went to depth A -20 meters.  
    24.00 ED 2729    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    12.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.30   Surfaced.  
    04.00   1 diesel LF.  
    00.51   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 221°T, 11 nm.  
    01.02   1 diesel HF, charging.  
    02.51   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 1324 of 11 February:  
        1.)  From report of reliable agent main harbor in area "Innsbruck" open, not mined, no darkening.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.02.42      
        Steady presence of 20-25 large nearly exclusively enemy tankers is expected.  Protection only a few outdated coastal batteries, a few armed fishing trawlers and one motor torpedo boat with 3 torpedo tubes.  East of the main harbor there is a bay only accessible to English ships.  
        2.)  Main harbor in area "Graz".  No mines, no darkening.  In the harbor an American cruiser, 2 destroyers, a few "Mosquito boats".  In main harbor up to 25 ships.  Strong in and outbound traffic.  No convoys observed.  
        3.)  Report seems believable, but not verifiable here.  
    04.00 ED 2775    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    06.35   LF.  
    07.15 ED 4334 Steamer bearing 240°T, dimmed, course about 110°, probably "Martinique".  
    07.35 ED 4334 2nd steamer in sight bearing 330°T, same course.  Both about 5000 GRT.  Distance about 7000 meters.  Accept that here lies a traffic concentration point, Anegada - Curacao and Mona - Martinique (or Trinidad).  
    07.54   Shadow out of sight.  Came to course 225°, both diesels LF.  
    08.00 ED 4337    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 ED 4373 Day's run:   124.9 nm  Surfaced  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm                      23.5 nm  Submerged  
                         148.43 nm  
    12.23   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 200°T, 6 nm.  
    13.15   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters, 1 E-motor KF.  
    15.05 ED 4533 Sound bearing 110°T.  
        At periscope depth, large modern tanker.  
        Range = 6500 meters, course 240°, unloaded.  
        Direction Aruba!  
    15.27   To depth A -30 meters.  
    16.00 ED 4533    
    20.00 ED 4536    
    23.25   To periscope depth.  
    23.45   Surfaced.  
    23.52   1 diesel HF, charging.  
    24.00 ED 4535    
      EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 12 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.54   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 286.5°T, 11.5 nm.  
    01.54 ED 4527 Steamer bearing 215°T on opposite course, direction Anegada!  Fully loaded, large tanker.  
    02.30   Came to course 225°, 1 diesel HF, charging.  
    04.00 ED 4543    
      EbyS 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 ED 4495    
      SEbyE 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 ED 4727 Day's run:   116.5 nm  Surfaced  
      EbyS 2-3, Sea 1-2, clear, misty, Vis. 4 nm                      11.2 nm  Submerged  
                         127.7 nm  
    12.26   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 263°T, 13.5 nm.  
    13.09   Dived.  Proceeded submerged 1 E-motor KF at depth A -30 meters.  
    16.00 EC 6966    
    20.00 EC 6966    
    24.00 EC 6968    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    14.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.30   At periscope depth.  
    00.45   Surfaced.  
    00.50   1 diesel HF, charging.  
    01.08   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 230°T, 24.5 nm.  
    04.00 EC 9318    
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    05.53   Incoming Radio Officer-Only Message 0511:  American radio station gave instructions to a steamer on the way through the Florida Strait to stay 9 nm from navigation aids.  
    07.05   Colorado lighthouse (Aruba) in sight.  
        Correct identifier.  
    07.25   Steered course 210°.  
    08.00 EC 9283    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.02.42      
    08.45   Course 200°.  
        Aruba is not darkened.  All brightly illuminated.  Tanks on NE-coast are seen clearly.  
    09.47   Colorado lighthouse abeam to starboard, distance 3-4 nm.  
    10.50   Course 308°.  Both diesels LF.  
    10.56   Cape San Roman lighthouse in sight with correct identifier.  
    12.00 EC 9272 Day's run:   135.8 nm  Surfaced  
      E 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm                     12.8 nm  Submerged  
                          148.6 nm  
        Traffic situation off Aruba:  
        3 small tankers passed Cape Roman in the direction of Curacao.  10 small tankers course Aruba from Maracaibo.  1 small tanker from Aruba course Maracaibo, all well-lit, no neutrality markings.  1 dimmed large, unloaded tanker off Cape San Roman course west, assume for Bahia Boca de las Piedras.  
    12.04   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at KF with objective observing traffic abeam Macolla.  
    13.02 [Punta Cardon?] 2 small tankers anchored off Punta Chanri.  No name.  Flag not recognized.  Tonnage about 1200 GRT.  Radio direction finder.  
    14.00   Fast land-based aircraft overflies the tankers and turns toward.  Went to depth 30 meters quickly.  
    16.00 EC 9433    
    19.40   Course 220°.  Strong westerly current. Good sounding checks.  
    20.00 EC 9436 Cross bearings La Macolla - Mt. Ripara.  
    20.50   Sound bearing in 350°T, Venezuelan gunboat bow left target angle 10°, with course 180°, low speed.  Flag recognized.  Range = 1000 meters.  
    24.00 EC 9461                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    15.02.42 Gulf of Venezuela    
    01.17   Course 40°.  Large tanker bearing 60°T about 8000 GRT, bow left, target angle 90°, range = 8000 meters, fully loaded, course 330°, silver-gray paint, white superstructure.  Forward vertical colors blue-white or yellow-blue.  Therefore neutral.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.02.42      
        Suspect coming from Las Piedras.  
    01.37   Surfaced.  La Macolla lighthouse burns with the correct identifier.  
    01.41   1 diesel LF, 1 diesel uncoupled charging.  
    02.52   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 2131 of 14 February:  
        To Neuland boats:  
        1.)  Main task is attack on ship targets.  
        2.)  If such an attack has taken place, artillery action against land targets is authorized as early as the morning of Neuland Day, if favorable.  
        3.)  If no ship targets are encountered, artillery action against land targets authorized from evening of Neuland Day.  
        Course for Bahia de las Piedras.  Not specified in  Operations Order.  According to the Nautical Handbook oil pier for seagoing ships.  
    04.00 EC 9425    
      E 4, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    06.00   Off the entrance.  Las Piedras is brightly illuminated.  Beacons burn.  1000 meter oil pier.  One large tanker nearly full, about 6000 GRT.  Suspect the same one as yesterday dimmed off Cape San Roman, and one smaller tanker 1500 GRT, harbor Saturday-Sunday atmosphere.  Oil facilities and oil tanks easily recognized, valuable target!  
        Range 2000-3000 meters.  
    06.07   Moved off, to meet conveyors coming from Maracaibo.  
    08.00 EC 9439 Am positioned on the assumed conveyor route Maracaibo - La Macolle.  Up to twilight 2 inbound, 5 outbound conveyor tankers with course 240° or 55°.  At high water in Maracaibo just a few came out.  "Sunday!".  Apparently a small respite.  General observation conveyors not in groups, instead individually, distributed over the entire day.  Large intervals.  
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 3 nm  
    12.00 EC 9468 Day's run:     86.4 nm  Surfaced  
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 4-5 nm                         38 nm  Submerged  
                          124.4 nm  
    12.07   Dived.  
    12.50 EC 9461 Put the boat on the bottom depth A -20 meters.  
        Saved the battery to have full maneuverability in the coming night.  
    16.00 EC 9461    
    20.00 EC 9461    
    24.00 EC 9461                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.02.42 Gulf of Venezuela    
    01.01   Raised the boat from the bottom.  
    01.40   Surfaced.  Both diesels LF.  
    03.50   Illuminated vessel, bearing 130°T, course about 50°.  
    04.00 EC 9474    
      NEbyE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    04.30   Vessel comes about abeam of Macolla to course 230°.  Speed 5 knots.  Again a Venezuelan gun boat.  
    07.57   Attack free, however have no target.  Bahia Bocade Las Piedras is empty.  Yesterday's tanker departed just in time.  The 1st conveyor can arrive as early as 09.30 hours.  
    08.00 EC 9571    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.05   Tanker torch in the direction of Aruba.  
    08.50   A well-lit vessel bearing 300°T, course 50°.  
        Gunboat in sight again bearing 280°T.  
    09.10   To Action stations.  
    09.44   Tube III shot at conveyor 1500 GRT.  Bow right target angle 90°, target speed = 8.2 knots, depth 1 meters, range = 1000 meters, hit forward 20 meters.  High column of fire, entire ship burns with heavy smoke development and sinks.  
        Apparently the gunboat extinguished its lights, there is nothing more to see.  
    09.45   Next illuminated vessel in sight bearing 230°T is also a conveyor  
    09.55   Shadow bearing 200°T behind the illuminated vessel. Attack initiated immediately.  Not a gunboat, instead a dimmed conveyor  
    10.12   Received Radio Message on 600 meter wavelength from Coastal Radio Station Aruba:  To all ships.  U-boat in the vicinity of Aruba.  
    10.28 EC 9453 Tube I shot, bow left target angle 90°, 1500 GRT.  Target speed = 6.5 knots, depth 1 meters, range = 1400 meters.  Hit engine room, turns toward, stops.  Must use a 2nd torpedo otherwise cannot get to the other before sunrise.  
    10.42 EC 9453 Tube II shot coup de grâce.  Torpedo ran correctly the first 300 meters.  Then made a bayonet to the left and still hit the stern.  Depth 1 meter.  
        Tanker floats with a list to port, lies deeper astern.  However still seems to float.  
    10.46   Incoming Radio Message on 600 meter wavelength from Curacao Radio Station:  All ships, U-boat at Aruba.   
        Pursued the well-lit tanker.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.02.42      
    11.34 EC 9438 Tube V shot, tanker bow left target angle 95°, target speed = 7.5 knots, range = 800 meters, depth 1 meter, miss unexplained, assume under ran.  
    11.50 EC 9436 Tube IV shot, the same settings, range = 600 meters, target speed = 9 knots.  Hit center.  The tanker flies completely into the air.  
        Came to course 270°, looped back because of dawn.  
    12.00 EC 9435 Day's run:  116 nm  Surfaced  
      NE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.30   Light sighted bearing 220°T.  Ran towards it.  
    12.35   Crash dive.  Aircraft bearing 100°T.  
        To depth A -30 meters.  
    13.15   To periscope depth.  Empty conveyor course 230°, 7000 meters away, target angle 90°.  
        Enemy zigzags about 12°.  
    15.16   Empty conveyor in sight bearing 165°T.  
    15.50 EC 9429 Tube VI shot, bow left target angle 85°, target speed = 7 knots, depth 1 meter, range = 800 meters, unexplained miss. Suspect under steered.  Decide not to shoot any more torpedoes on empty conveyors.  Artillery is not advisable by day due to air surveillance.  
    16.00 EC 9429 Course 150°.  
    16.50   Gun boat bearing 340°.  
    19.30   5 detonations far off.  
    20.00 EC 9469    
    22.30   Positioned off Bahia Boca de las Piedras.  
        Pier is empty.  
    22.50   Course 300° again on the conveyor route.  
    24.00 EC 9469                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    17.02.42 Gulf of Venezuela    
    01.29   Surfaced.  Nothing seen.  
        Am positioned under the coast north of Piedras.  
    02.00 - 03.00   Ran along the coast (distance 1 nm) from Estanques to Piedras.  All well dimmed.  
    02.27   Incoming Radio Message 1757 of 16 February:  
        1.  Rosenstiel latest at darkness go into operations area "Bregenz" and if there is the opportunity use artillery on tank installation.  
        2.  Müller in area "Innsbruck" also strive for artillery operation against tank installations.  
        Moved away from Piedras and on the conveyor route  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.42      
    03.20   at GF into Operations area "Bregenz".  On the way here I observed the tank installations on the north coast.  I don't know the location of other storage tanks. If the Sea State allows shelling the NE-coast is intended.  
    03.35   Course 0°.  
    04.00 EC 9466 La Mallorca lighthouse burns.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    05.50   Course 70°.  
    06.00 [Puenta de Chaure] Illuminated vessel anchored off Punta Chanre.  A small empty conveyor.  Apparently a navigation aid point for conveyors.  Half hourly light rockets in the direction of Cape San Roman. Lighthouse does not burn.  Apparently light rockets are a replacement.  
    06.10   Aruba is completely darkened.  No lights, no beacons.  
    06.14   Course 60°.  
    06.36   Port diesel stopped, clutch slips.  
    07.35   LF.  
    07.40   Positioned off Nicalashafen. [San Nicholas]  
        Shadow in sight bearing 70°T.  Small patrol vessel.  Fishing trawler or tug.  Avoided.  
        Land is distinguished abeam to port.  Orienting is very difficult.  Strong current.  No beacons.  
    08.00 EC 9287 Course 90°.  
      EbyN 6, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 2-3 nm, very dark    
    08.29   Shadow bearing 0°T, very close, patrol vessel, avoided.  
    08.49   Course 140°. I am still not clear of the SE-headland of Aruba.  
    09.00   Clear of Aruba.  High short seas.  Artillery use impossible.  
    09.23   Course 270°.  
        Want to head for the NW-headland because I suspect departing traffic there.  
    11.06   Am positioned west of Manchebo.  Large oil slick.  Well-lit vessel outbound from Oranjestad.  Course about 230°.  Suspect an empty conveyor heading for Maracaibo.  Nevertheless turned and went after.  Suddenly extinguished his lights and zigzags to the east.  Dawn.  
    12.00 EC 9276 Aruba in sight.  Strong westerly offset.  
      EbyN 4, Sea 3, nearly overcast, very misty, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.17   Crash dive.  Aircraft bearing 120°T.  American bomber.  So [the well-lit vessel] went to the east.  It is gone.  Running up is no longer possible.  
    13.02   In the periscope tanker observed off Manchebo Pier.  Bow left, target angle 20°, range = 7000 meters; ran towards.  Aircraft holds over it.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.42      
    13.40   Tanker no longer distinguished in the mist.  Coast no longer recognized.  Suspect that the tanker also ran off to the east.  
    13.41   Aircraft observed again in the periscope.  
        At depth A -40 meters.  Ran towards Manchebo.  
    15.00   At periscope depth.  Bearing Hooiberg 102°T, range = 8 nm.  Otherwise nothing recognized on the coast.  
    15.45   Came to course 135°.  
        Want to go to the SE from deep to shallow water to put the boat on the bottom until darkness, because the current to the NW is stronger than 2.5 knots; i.e. at KF we are actually going astern.  Searched for the bottom at depth A -0 meters.  Sounder does not function.  Could not get to shallow water even at HF.  
    16.00 EC 9272    
    16.30   Course 90° KF to hold the boat against the current at depth A -40 meters.   
    19.05   Grounded.  Boat came higher quickly.  Back AK.  Depth 7 meters.  Boat can no longer be moved.  Periscope view:  exactly off the S-entrance of Oranjestad.  Impossible current offset.  
    19.08   Conning tower is out, blew.  Hard to starboard, AK ahead.  Both diesels start quickly and to AK.  Stb.Ob.Masch worked amazingly quickly and surely.  
        By blowing came free of the reef but ran into the port channel marker buoy.  Came clear with course 220°.  Machine guns ready, in case aircraft come.  No patrol vessel in the vicinity. Harbor at Oranjestad is empty.  At the Manchebo pier one small tanker.  With it 4-6 oil tanks.  My first involuntary view of Aruba.  
    19.16   Crash dive.  Am clear of the coast in 70 meters water.  Went to depth A -40 meters.  
    19.18   HF, course 260° must get away from land for sure.  
    19.23   2 aircraft bombs in the vicinity.  
    19.25   2      "           "    closer.  
    19.30   1      "           "    quite close.  
    19.31   1      "           "    very close.  
    19.35   1      "           "    far off.  
        Sound bearing 135°T.  Patrol vessel shifts through the wake and was fainter.  
    19.46   KF at depth A -10 meters.  
    19.50   Course 270°.  
    20.00 EC 9276    
    20.10   Course 200° to the S to shallow water to put the boat on the bottom, otherwise I will not have anything in the battery.  
    20.35   Course 100° headed for the bottom.  
    20.50   Boat lay on the bottom at depth A -13 meters, about 5 nm off the entrance to Oranjestad.  
        Running onto the sand bank off the reef at Oranjestad was only possible by a E-NE set current at depth A -0 meters to A -20 meters.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.42      
        which exists around the NW headland and west of the Bank in the deep channel and runs against the surface current on the SW-coast which runs to the NW.  
        Everything is ok.  
    24.00 EC 9276                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    18.02.42 Aruba    
    00.35   Raised the boat from the bottom.  Course 90° KF.  
    00.45   At periscope depth.  Sun has still not set.  
    00.48   Aircraft.  To depth 25 meters.  
    01.03   At periscope depth.  Aircraft patrols at the coast however can no longer see me.  Took land bearings.  Tank installation is SE of the airport.  
    01.15   Aircraft disappears in the twilight.  
    01.28   Surfaced.  
    01.30   1 diesel LF.  
    01.42   Came to course 270° into the setting moon.  It is still too bright however targets are no longer distinguished.  
    02.08   Steered course 55°.  
    02.27   Am 1 nm off the reef by plotting.  Targets of the tank installations are not distinguished.  I cannot go closer according to the plot.  
    02.30   Course 290°.  Moon sets.  I want to set off for Punta Gallinas.   
        Bombardment is not possible due to air surveillance and Sea State on the east coast.  Aruba needs to calm down.  No further traffic.  Aruba sends U-boat warning to all ships on 600-meter wavelength.  
        On the other hand I can catch traffic at Punta Gallinas or Cabo de la Vela.  
    04.00 EC 9274    
      E 3, Sea 2, clear, misty, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    06.10   Outgoing Radio Message 0504:  From Rosenstiel.  
        1.  "Saltzburg" 16 February sank 2 tankers 3300 tons, one tanker 1500 tons 2 hits in the engine room sinking not observed.  No further traffic.  
        2.  "Bregenz" from 17 February completely darkened.  3 patrol vessels, no traffic.  Day air surveillance.  Artillery use impossible.  
        3.  Set off for Punta Gallinas until "Bregenz" calms down.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.02.42      
        4.  Am missing Serial No. 237 from 13 February and 253 from 14 February.  
        5.  Square 9159, 145 cbm.  
    06.10   Course 270°.  
    08.00 EC 9186    
      E 5, Sea 4-5, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.29   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 1909:  
        During Prize Regulation Measures against Mexican and South American ships follow the Prize Orders exactly.  Sinking is only to be carried out when it is certain that the crew can reach harbor safely.  You are reminded once more of the fundamental Radio Message of 2 February.  
    09.20   Course 280°.  Safe course around Los Monjes.  
    10.35   Incoming Radio Message 0940:  To Rosenstiel, Müller.  The period of the morning and evening twilight seem favorable for artillery bombardment.  
        Morning twilight is not possible due to surprise by aircraft, which are already airborne at first light. Will attempt evening twilight  
    11.26   Incoming Radio Message 1004 with missing Serial Numbers.  
    12.00 EC 9171 Day's run:     77.3 nm  Surfaced  
      E 4, Sea 4, half overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm                     25.4 nm  Submerged  
                         102.7 nm  
    12.31   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 291°T, 26 nm.  
        Unusually large navigation offset!  
    13.09   Course 330° to get on the route north of Aruba - Sabanilla.  We constantly crossing large oil slicks.  The entire sea is oil streaked.  Apparently the waste of the Aruba refineries as pumped into the sea and drift to the west.  
    16.00 EC 8319 Up to now no air reconnaissance.   
      E 7, Sea 5-6, clear, very misty, Vis. 6 nm Therefore it only stays over Aruba.  
        Short steep seas.  Pooping seas!  
    16.17   Course 190° for Cabo de la Vela.  
    16.55   Incoming Radio Message 1544:  To Rosenstiel.  
        According to "Asso-Press" report 14 petroleum shipments for Maracaibo were recalled.  Petroleum shipment Venezuela are stopped until further notice.  B.d.U. accepts that traffic will resume again shortly.  Until then operate on traffic north of Maracaibo Bay on east-west traffic.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.02.42      
        On 16 February the first steamer would be at the level of Macolla at about 10.00 hours, because high water Maracaibo is so late.  Patrolling Venezuelan gun boat must have noticed events at Aruba.  After my first torpedoing the lights were extinguished and the other tankers held back, because after the first 3 nothing more came.  
    20.00 EC 8348    
      E 6, Sea 5, clear, very misty, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 EC 8377 Diesel compressor has been out of service for 2 weeks. Self repair has been unsuccessful up to now.  Very unpleasant.  
      E 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 5 nm, very misty  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    19.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.18   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 310°T, 21 nm.  So now clearly a NW-current.  
    01.40   Lighthouse at Cabo de la Vela in sight.  
        Correct identifier.  
    02.56   Incoming Radio Message 2216 of 18 February:  Hartenstein situation.  Traffic situation and surveillance in square ED similar to our determinations.  As for the Aruba situation, I also feel that the tonnage numbers of the small tankers in "Gröner" are right.  By this my 2 tankers were each 2200 GRT and one 2700-2800 GRT.  
    03.25   Course 250°.  
    04.00 EC 8523    
      E 4-5, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    06.45   Water depth decreases quickly from 80 meters to 23 meters.  
    06.53   Boat came to course 0° and after 15 minutes reached water over 80 meters deep.  
        The ships position was taken accurately by the evening navigation fix at 00.18 hours and by bearings from Cabo de la Vela at 03.25 hours.  At 06.53 the 20-meter line lay at 06.53 11 nm from the ship's position (12° 05.3'N, 72° 34.8W).  Because from the 20-meter line to the 80-meter line at 7 knots cannot have been crossed at this location in 15 minutes, there must be a hitherto unknown shoal at this location.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.02.42      
        In my opinion, an undetected current is not in question because the morning navigation fix at 12.50 hours gave an exact westerly offset at 15 nm.  
    07.15   Course 270°.  
    08.00 EC 8521    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 EC 8437 Day's run:  184.3 nm  Surfaced  
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, clear, very misty, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.50   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 270°T, 15 nm.  
    13.44   Course 225° for Cabo de la Aguja.  
    14.50   Incoming Radio Message 0612:  Müller situation report.  Curacao seems to have situation like Aruba.  
    16.00 EC 8441    
      E 4-5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 6 nm, very misty    
    18.45   Foothills of Sierra Nevada in sight bearing 165°T.  
    20.00 EC 7686    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 6 nm, very misty    
    20.30   Course 245° for Puerto Colombia, 10 nm to the north, arrival shortly after twilight.  
    22.45   Incoming Radio Message 1804  Officer-Only:  
        USA ships have received the following instructions:  
        1.  Do not arrive or depart important Caribbean harbors, except for during the day.  
        2.  Ships in the Caribbean sea are instructed to proceed completely darkened.  
        Now I am a little pessimistic for tonight!  
    24.00 EC 7913    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 6 nm, very misty    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    20.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.27   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 290°T, 8.1 nm.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.02.42      
    01.45   Incoming Radio Message 2336 of 19 February:  
        To Neuland Group.  
        At Aruba lies a Spanish tanker "ZORROZA" waiting on Navicert".  Exact position:  12°03'N, 70°15'W.  
        In Columbian harbors "COVENAS" and "CARTAGENA" each one Spanish tanker.  Do not attack these ships.  
        Nothing observed up to now at the exact location.  
    02.17   Abeam to port lighthouse off the Rio Magdalena mouth in sight.  
        Ran towards the mouth on course 170°  up to 3 nm off.  Beacon burns with the correct identifier.  
    03.10   Moved off 5 nm to the west.  
    03.40   Ran along 5 nm from the coast on course 230° up to abeam the entrance to Puerto Columbia.  Puents Hermosa Lighthouse shows 1 flash pause reccurance 18 seconds.  
        Puenta Hermosa lighthouse does not burn.  
    04.00 EC 7937 Nisperal beacon has the correct identifier.  
      NEbyN 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 3 nm No traffic.  
    05.47   On opposite course fan off Rio Magdalena mouth.  
    08.00 EC 7987    
      NEbyE 4-5, Sea 4, clear, very misty, Vis. 3 nm    
    10.00   Positioned off the Rio Magdalena mouth.  No traffic.  Moved off to the north.  
    11.45   Course 230°.  
    12.00 EC 7833 Day's run:  160.5 nm  Surfaced  
      NEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, very misty, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    12.40   Positioned 10 nm off on bearing 340°T from Rio Magdelena, no traffic.  
    12.45   Course 0° for the center between Puerto Columbia and Rio Magdelena, 1 diesel LF in order to be able to catch traffic in time in the morning off the ports.  Visibility 10 nm.  
    14.30   Steered to the east clear of Cabo de la Aguja.  Intend to cruise the traffic line Santa Marta and detect coastal traffic.  
    15.25   LF.  
    16.00 EC 7911    
      EbyN 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    19.13   Course 55°.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.02.42      
    19.00 - 21.00   Passed the coast from Cabo de la Aguja to Cabo de San Juan distance 10 nm.  No traffic.  
    20.00 EC 7689    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, misty, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.55   Course 70°.  
    21.30   Crash dive.  Aircraft probably passenger aircraft on opposite course over the coast.  
        Test dive.  
    22.15   Surfaced.  
    23.22   Incoming Radio Message 2222 Officer-Only:  To all boats.  
        American tanker received instructions early today to go to a point north of naval square DM 2710, to anchor and await further orders from Kommandant "Key West".  
    24.00 EC 8472    
      NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 7 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    21.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 EC 8464    
      NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, clear, misty, bright moon, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.23   Course 65°.  
    08.00 BC 8542    
      NEbyE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm, misty    
    10.38   Lighthouse Cabo de la Vela in sight bearing 78°T.  
    12.00 EC 8535 Day's run:   173.0 nm  Surfaced  
      NEbyN 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 3 nm, misty                       1.8 nm  Submerged  
                         174.8 nm  
    12.26   Course 0° to move off from land.  
    13.17   Course 65°.  
    16.00 EC 8375    
      E 5-6, Sea 3-4, clear, very misty, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    17.00 - 18.05   Gyro-compass transmitter out of service.  
    19.07   Smoke cloud in sight bearing 95°T.  Held onto it, recognized as a tanker.  Course 240° for Panama.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.02.42      
        Matched speed on parallel course and held contact until darkness, at the same time maneuvered ahead.  Large tanker.  
    20.00 EC 8358    
      E 4-5, Sea 3-4, clear, misty, Vis. 5-6 nm Holding contact is very difficult due to mist.  Mist is like fog.  
    24.00 EC 8286    
      NEbyE 4, Sea 3-4, clear, very misty, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    22.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.45   To Action stations.  
    01.59 EC 8279 Tube I and III fire.  Two-fan.  Target speed = 10 knots, target angle 110°, bow left, range = 800 meters. Bright moon. Expected artillery defense.  He must have been sleeping, had to have seen us.  Estimated 10000 GRT.  
        Hit at the bridge and aft 30 meters.  Tanker burns.  Two tanks were discharged immediately by the detonation.  The bridge burns out, however does not settle deeper.  Boats were launched.  Cannot use the cannon due to the Sea State.  The entire sea is full of crude oil.   
    02.35   1st coup de grâce from tube II, only observed to run a short time.  After 2 minutes 30 seconds a very heavy detonation under the boat.  Gushing effect [disturbance at the water surface] at the boat.  Probably detonated on the bottom.  No failures.  At first had the impression of a hit on our boat.   
    02.42   2nd coup de grâce from tube IV.  Aim point engine room bulkhead.  Hit aft 30 meters in the old hole.  No effect on the tanker.  
    02.54   3rd coup de grâce from tube V. Aim point forward edge of the bridge.  Heavy detonation, high column of fire.  Again a tank discharged.  Tanker still does not settle deeper.  
    03.04   4th coup de grâce from tube VI.  Aim point smoke stack.  Hit under the smoke stack.  Heavy detonation.  
    03.07   Tanker sinks over the stern post.  Gives the impression as if the forward tanks will hold the bow on the surface, however goes into the deep.  
        Expensive tanker, 6 torpedoes!  
        Silhouette exactly matches that of "GRETAFIELD" 10200 tons.  
    03.08   Moved off on course 90°.  
    03.25   Course 110° for Cabo de la Vela.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.02.42      
        Want to download from the over deck after moonset under land.  
    04.00 EC 8279    
      ENE 5, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    04.25   HF.  
    07.36   Came to course 125°.  
    08.00 EC 8535 Am in the protection of Cabo de la Vela.  
      E 1, Sea 1, clear, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, very dark 1 E-motor KF.  
    08.00 - 12.05   Down loaded Atos from the over deck.  Half an hour for each torpedo, preparations take the longest.  
    12.00 EC 8534    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, very misty, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    12.05   Course 290°, LF, route from the coast.  
    12.45 - 13.42   Negative pressure test and test dive.  
        Still have 6 Atos.  
    14.10   Course 50°, 1 diesel HF charging.  
    16.00 EC 8298    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 EC 8348    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 8 nm    
    22.00  

Course 90°.  Positioned on the line of yesterday's tankers to the east.

 
    22.22   1 diesel LF.  
    24.00 EC 8361 The sextants do not hold up.  All mirrors have flaked off or become dull.  Very problematic. Have already experimented with replacement mirrors from ordinary mirror fragments.  
      EbyN 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
 
- 41 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.16   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 337°T, 8.5 nm.  
    04.00 EC 8339    
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, half overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, bright moon    
    08.00 EC 9119 Steered course 50°.  
      E 3-4, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.52   Shadow in sight bearing 80°T.  Tanker empty, course 110°.  Matched speed and maneuvered ahead.  Course for Aruba.  
    09.37 EC 9153 Two-fan from tubes I and IV.  Range = 800 meters, bow right, target angle 90°, target speed = 9 knots, from my ordered depth 3 meters.  From Torpedo Officer depth 4 meters, miss, under ran.  No wonder.  Speed was also a bit too low.  Had stern and bow defense.  
        Maneuvered ahead again.  New attack.  
    10.32 EC 9153 Tube II single shot.  Bow right, target angle 70°, target speed = 11 knots, depth 2 meters, range = 600 meters.  Hit forward 20 meters.  Steamer stopped.  However remains on an even keel.  
    10.44 EC 9153 Tube III fire. Coup de grâce.  Hit center.  Range = 1000 meters.  Boats were made ready.  Steamer took a list to starboard.  
    11.04   Tube I fire.  Hit forward edge of the bridge.  The steamer seems a bit odd to me. It takes a little more list to starboard, otherwise it does not change its position. Stayed close.  2 lifeboats to weather.  
    11.51   Cannon ready.  
    11.54 EC 9153 Opened fire.  Range = 800 meters.  The boat rolls quite heavily.  First aim point the waterline on the deeper lying side.  Alternated incendiary and explosive ammunition.  In all 7 passes with 103 shots.  Bridge burns.  Last  pass only aim point the engine room.  Fire in the engine.  
    12.33   Ceased fire.  It is a sieve, however does not sink.  Estimated size 7500 GRT.  
    12.00 EC 9153 Day's run:   145.3 nm  Surfaced  
      E 3, Sea 2, a bit overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm                      2.0 nm  Submerged  
                         147.3 nm  
    12.58   Moved off on course 310°T, because it is sunrise. 1 diesel LF.  
    13.36 EC 9153 Tanker sinks.  Determined the following during artillery fire.  Stern and bow defense on raised platform caliber 10.2 cm.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42      
        2 anti-aircraft stands at the level of the bridge.  
        2          "            "    at the level of the smokestack.  
        All on pole masts.  Heavily armed.  
        Several rafts side tanks  
    13.40   2 lifeboats with sails in sight bearing 120°.  So they were just waiting to get back on board.  They first set sail when the tanker sank.  Until then they waited to windward of the ship.  
    13.49   Course 60°T.  
    14.20   Smokestack in sight bearing 336°T.  
        Tanker course Aruba.  Maneuvered ahead.  Zigzags heavily.  
    15.33   He has target angle 0°.  Dived for submerged attack.  
    15.35 - 15.59   Gyrocompass transmitter out of service.  
    16.00 EC 9217 Enemy zigzags very heavily.  No. 2 [Seemännische Nr.2 - a Bootsmannsmaat or Oberbootsmannsmaat] had reported a mast shortly after the sinking of the other tanker.  Ran towards  it.  Nothing seen.  It probably observed the sinking and ran off then proceeded on a strongly zigzagging course for Aruba (distance 25 nm) to wait for their escort aircraft.  
    16.43 EC 9217 Tube IV last torpedo fired.  Hit forward edge of the bridge.  Range = 1000 meters, bow left, target angle 100°, target speed = 10.5 knots, depth 2 meters.  
        Steamer stopped. Remains on an even keel.  
        Did not employ artillery due to air danger.  Low half open cloud deck.  20 nm from Aruba.  Want to observe steamer further.  Possibly I can sink it with artillery in the evening.  
    16.56   Course 0°, 1 E-motor KF.   
    17.50   To periscope depth.  Steamer bears 180°T, lies stopped.  
    17.54   Course 160°.  
    20.00 EC 9217    
    20.30   To periscope depth.  Steamer get underway at 80 RPM about 7 knots.  Course Aruba.  Has flag signal set.  Still cannot see aircraft.  Cloud deck is nearly continuous.  
    20.40   Kept the artillery crew ready.  Intention:  go for it with artillery.  
    20.50   Aircraft bearing 245°T. So they are here.  Stand down.  
    21.00   Moved off course 50°.  The steamer can get to Aruba by twilight.  
    24.00 EC 9217                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.05   Surfaced.  Steamer out of sight.  
    02.40   Course 100°T, 2 x HF with charging.  
        Still want to try once more, to bombard Aruba from the NE.  The seas are favorable.  However, the moon is positioned in the SW.  
    03.53   Incoming Radio Message 1630 of 23 February:  Rosenstiel and Müller:  Free to maneuver.  
    04.00 EC 9163    
      NbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 3 nm, bright moon    
    05.35   Course 150° for the SE headland of Aruba.  
    06.00   NW headland of Aruba in sight.  
    07.15   Under the SE headland, set off 2.5 nm.  Beacons do not burn, completely darkened.  Sounder jumps to depth 23 meters in 1000 meters distance.  In the direction of the coast heavy breakers.  Pointless.  
    07.24   Moved off on course 0°.  
    08.00 EC 9282    
      E 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.38   Course 10°, HF.  
    12.00 EC 6891 Day's run:   163.8 nm  Surfaced  
      NbyE 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm                     13.4 nm  Submerged  
                         177.2 nm  
    16.00 EC 6853    
      SbyE 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 9 nm    
    16.30   Course 270°.  Possibly something will still come before the cannon.  
    20.00 EC 6827    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.26   Incoming Radio Message 1441 Officer-Only:  To Neuland boats:  USA ships have instructions:  
        1.  Ships from "Aruba" and "Curacao" proceed so the last 50 nm are covered by day.  
        2.  Due to the U-boat situation is recommended not to use the eastern Caribbean to proceed to and from Trinidad, instead proceed on the east side of the island chain close under land.  
        3.  After passing through the "Mona Passage" course via point: 65°21'W, 16° minutes missing N and 62°40'W, 13° 30'N, then as ordered.  
    23.28   Steamer in sight bearing 315°T, comes out of the mist, grew larger quickly.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
 
- 44 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.02.42      
    23.29   Steered course 96°. Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy zigzags strongly, runs quickly, is a freighter.  
    24.00 EC 6843    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 8 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    25.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.10   Ran to meet in twilight.  Intend to surface ready to shoot artillery.  
    01.14   Dived.  
    01.20   Artillery men ready.  
    01.35   Steamer can barely be distinguished in the periscope.  However, comes closer in the listening gear.  
    01.37   Course 340°.  
        Sound bearing shifts astern to starboard.  
    01.44   Course 20°.  Nothing distinguished in the periscope.  
    02.08   Surfaced.  Pursued.  Course 100°.  
    03.19 -   Steamer comes in sight ahead.  
    06.30   Maneuvered ahead at GF.  
    04.00 EC 6869    
      E 2-3, Sea 1-2, clear, misty, bright moon, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    05.23   Outgoing Radio Message 0421:  Müller from Rosenstiel:  
        Square EC 6869 fast steamer zigzags around general course 110°, 14 knots.  
    06.35   Cannon ready.  Have noted his zigzags and position myself with my stern to the moon.  Want to let the steamer come on, turn with him with the next zigzag to port and shoot at enemy target angle 90°.  Everything works properly.  He is positioned in the bright moon and shortly after zigzags away 30°.  Distance was 2500 meters, target angle 90°.  
    07.09 EC 6956 Turned towards.  Opened fire.  
        Quite modern steamer.  Runs at 14 knots.  Range = 2500 meters (estimated).  1st salvo goes over the bridge.  Range adjustment had no effect.  3 salvos over the bridge, 4th salvo ahead of the bow.  
    07.10   Steamer turns away.  Target angle 180° and returns fire with stern cannon.  
    07.14    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 45 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.02.42      
        Bad salvo sequence by us, aiming was complicated by glare and Sea State.  Around the 7th salvo one located under the stern.  Hit possible.  The enemy passed out of sight quickly.  
        Attempted once more to pursue at increased speed.  Water washing over the forecastle was too much.  
    07.25   After the 14th salvo stopped. Ceased fire.  
        Enemy had fired about 6 salvos.  Located around the boat.  One 60 meters behind the stern.  It is a pity, unexplainable to me, even if range = 1000 meters, that the salvos could go over.  I believe that pursuit with the moon set is pointless.  He runs too fast.  Hit possibility with artillery is slight for the same reason.   
        Light weapons dazzle too much, could not be utilized.  
    07.26   Moved off on course 110°.  
    08.00 EC 6964    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.32   Course 270°.  
    09.21   Outgoing Radio Message 0730:  Rosenstiel to Müller:  
        Last steamer position square 6959.  After failed artillery bombardment course about north.  No contact, going west.  
        The first Radio Message could only be sent on Ireland Circuit due to wavelength difficulties despite over crowding there.  The second was sent on Greenland Circuit.  
    12.00 EC 6893 Day's run:   260.5 nm  Surfaced  
      E 1-2, Sea 1-2, quite overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    12.30   Steamer in sight bearing 220°T.  Empty tanker, course for Aruba.  Let go.  By the time I get ahead aircraft will be there.  
    12.34   Course 0°.  Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 271°T, 32 nm.  
    15.30   Course 270°, 1 diesel LF.  
    16.00 EC 6813    
      EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    18.00   Course 30°.  Began return transit through the Mona Passage.  
    20.00 EC 6576    
      E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, light Swell, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 EC 6543    
      EbyS 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 10 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 46 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    01.16   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 234°T, 10.5 nm.  
    04.00 EC 6524    
      E 0-1, Sea 0, light Swell, clear, misty, bright moon, Vis. good    
    05.23   Outgoing Radio Message 0320 and 0355:  From Rosenstiel:  
        1.)  Sank 22 February naval square EC 8279 type "GRETAFIELD" full, course for Panama.  5 hits, 1 bottom detonator beneath the boat.  23 February square 9153 "THALIA".  Bow and stern cannon, four anti-aircraft platforms.  Two-fan under ran.  Depth 4 meters.  3 hits, 100 shots 10.5 cm.  Last Ato hit tanker 6000 tons square 9217.  Artillery use impossible due to air.  Both empty course for Aruba.  25 February square 6956 brief unsuccessful combat with fast freighter type "ATHEN" course for Trinidad.  
        2. According to "Gröner" 3 conveyors total 8400 tons.  
        3.  Strong independent traffic "Windward" - "Aruba" in square 67.  
        4.  Failure of diesel compressor since 10 February.  Compressor Stage 1 cracked.  Refrigerator since 24 January.  
        5.  Out of torpedoes.  Return transit via "Mona", square 6524, 115 cbm.  
        6.  Am missing Serial No. 283 of 24 February.  
    08.00 EC 6283    
      EbyS 1, Sea 1, light Swell, lightly overcast, Vis. good, bright moon    
    12.00 EC 6263 Day's run:   169.3 nm  Surfaced  
      EbyS 1, Sea 1, lightly overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.29   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 172°T, 4 nm.  
    12.47   HF, want to pass through the Mona Passage this evening.  
    16.00 EC 3979    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1-2, nearly overcast, rain showers, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 EC 3931    
      NNE 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.31   Crash dive, aircraft bearing 0°T, light land-based bi-plane.  Remained submerged until darkness, otherwise I will have to dive immediately again.  I'll make the break through anyway.  
        KF.  
    24.00 ED 1477                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42
 
- 47 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.02.42 Mona Passage    
    00.33   Surfaced.  
    00.43   HF.  
    00.52   2 x HF.  
    01.07   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 62°T, 15 nm.  
    01.15   GF.  
    04.00 ED 1423    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. 4-5 nm, bright moon    
    04.20   Mona Lighthouse in sight.  
        However, must just have been lit. Was already high out.  
    05.00   Beacon is extinguished.  
    05.20   Beacon burns again, seemingly only a failure.  
    05.30   Mona abeam.  Course 15°.  Distance 5 nm.  No patrol vessels.  
    08.00 DO 7799 We finally get a decent long swell and thus also a change of air. We are out of the hothouse.  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, bright moon, clear, Vis. good  
    12.00 DO 7579 Day's run:   268 nm  Surfaced  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 3 nm                       8 nm  Submerged  
                         276 nm  
    12.10   1 diesel HF.  Propulsion system checks.  
    13.00   Course 48°.  On the Great Circle for home.  
    15.00   Crash dive!  Watch Officer orders Crash dive on his own and reports destroyer bearing 50°T, bow right, target angle 30°.  Comes just out of the horizon.  
    15.10   Sound bearing in 83°T shifts astern slowly to starboard.  At the same time went to periscope depth.  
    15.25   Periscope depth.  By sound bearings he is now positioned in the sun.  Cannot be distinguished in the periscope.  
    15.56   Surfaced.  Nothing seen.  
    16.00 DO 7558    
      E 2, Sea 1, medium-high Swell, half overcast, misty, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    16.05   1 diesel HF.  
    20.00 DO 7539    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, medium-high Swell clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 DO 7385    
      SEbyS 2, Sea 1, medium-high Swell, clear, Vis. 10 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.02.42
 
- 48 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.02.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.48   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 348°T, 7.5 nm.  
    00.50   Steered by magnetic compass, gyro-compass was overhauled.  Both diesels 250 RPM.  
    04.00 DO 8114    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, clear, bright moon, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 DO 5783    
      SEbyS 1, Sea 1, half overcast, bright moon, Vis. 5 nm    
    11.30   Gyro-compass in service again.  
    12.00 DO 5812 Day's run:   207 nm  Surfaced  
      SbyE 1-2, Sea 1, nearly overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm                       2 nm  Submerged  
                         209 nm  
    12.06   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 188°T, 3.9 nm.  
    14.44   Steamer in sight bearing 350°T, bow right, target angle 80°, enemy course 145°.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steered course 145°.  Enemy speed 9 knots.  
    16.00 DO 5838    
      S 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.03   Crash dive. To periscope depth.  
    17.50   Artillery men get ready.  
    18.15   Steamer recognized as neutral.  
        "RIO TEUCO", Buenos Aires.  There is nothing suspicious about the steamer.  
    18.50   Surfaced.  Course 151°, 250 RPM.  
        Steamer and shipping line markings were not in "Gröner" or "Merchant Ships".  By his condition it can only be Argentinean.  Prescribed markings.  About 5000 GRT.  
    20.00 DO 5941    
      SbyW 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 DO 5694    
      SW 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.02.42
 
- 49 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.35   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 14°T, 12.8 nm.  
    00.36   Steamer in sight bearing 150°T.  Enemy course 250°, seems to be very fast.  Comes out quickly in the evening twilight.  Course for "Bermuda".  
    00.37   Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer runs at least 14 knots.  Bright moon.  Believe attack by artillery alone is pointless.  1.  Steamer is too fast, 2.  Night is too bright, 2.  Sight is out of adjustment.  
    02.37   Came to course 51°.  Steamer is passenger freighter about 8000 GRT.  
    04.00 DO 5626    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, half overcast, bright moon, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 DO 6175    
      SbyW 2, Sea 1, half overcast, bright moon, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    12.00 DO 6161 Day's run:   226.4 nm  Surfaced  
      NWbyN 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm                     3.8 nm  Submerged  
                         230.2 nm  
    16.00 DO 3884    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, short medium-high Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 7 nm    
    18.17   Steamer in sight bearing 170°T.  Enemy course 310°, course for Hatteras.  Maneuvered ahead.  Can barely make it.  Enemy runs a minimum of 14.5 knots exactly against the Swell.  Maneuver ahead broken off:  1.  Steamer too fast.  
                                                     2.  Short high Swell, can only run at LF to shoot.  
                                                     3.  Swell too heavy for exact shooting.  
                                                     4.  Sight is out of adjustment.  
    19.40   Course 51°.  
    19.46   Port diesel cooling water pump failed.  
        Stopped.  Starboard diesel HF.  That is the limit.  
    20.00 DO 3829    
      N 2, Sea 1, short medium-high Swell, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 DO 3678    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, short medium-high Swell, half overcast, Vis. 8 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.03.42
 
- 50 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    03.15   Both diesels 250 RPM.  
    04.00 DO 3656    
      NNW 1-2, Sea 1, short high Swell, overcast, bright moon, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 DP 1413    
      N 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.52   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 210°T, 21 nm.  
    12.00 DP 1193 Day's run:   221.4 nm  Surfaced  
      NbyW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 DP 1229    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 DD 9798    
      NbyW 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 DD 9843    
      NbyE 1, Sea 1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 10 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    03.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.13   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 245°T, 4.5 nm.  
    01.18 - 02.54   Lunar eclipse.  A unique attack opportunity in this period!  
    02.37   Starboard cooling water pump failed.  Now only the spare cooling water pump is operable.  
        Port HF.  
    04.00 DD 9831    
      NbyE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 DD 9671    
      NbyE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    11.30   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 92°T, 5 nm.  
    12.00 DD 9628 Day's run:   216 nm  Surfaced  
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1-2, half overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    14.21   Starboard cooling water pump in operation again.  Both diesels 250 RPM.  
    16.00 DE 7174    
      E 2, Sea 1, light Swell, nearly overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42
 
- 51 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.03.42      
    20.00 DE 7152    
      SE 4, Sea 3, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    24.00 DE 7133    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    04.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    00.55   Course 52°.  
    04.00 DE 4857    
      SE 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, bright moon    
    08.00 DE 4835    
      SbyE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.00 DE 4676 Day's run:   214 nm  Surfaced  
      SEbyE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    13.00 - 13.56   Test dive.  
    16.00 DE 4659    
      SE 3, Sea 4, half overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 DE 4639    
      SEbyS 5, Sea 4-5, half overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    23.49   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 38°T, 5 nm.  
    24.00 DE 5182    
      SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.03.42
 
- 52 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    04.00 DE 5138    
      SEbyS 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, bright moon    
    08.00 DE 5213    
      SbyE 6, Sea 4-5, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.00 DE 2859 Day's run:     188.0 nm  Surfaced  
      SbyW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, medium Swell                         2.3 nm  Submerged  
                          190.3 nm  
    16.00 DE 2917    
      WNW 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm, medium-high long Swell    
    20.00 DE 2685    
      SW 3, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm, medium-high, long Swell    
    23.36   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 55°T, 29 nm.  
    24.00 DE 3425    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, high long Swell    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    06.03.42 Sargasso Sea    
    04.00 DE 3196    
      NWbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, high long Swell    
    08.00 DE 3227    
      NW 5, Sea 4, clear, bright moon, Vis. 4 nm, high long Swell    
    12.00 CC 9999 Day's run:  245 nm  Surfaced  
      NNW 4, Sea 3, half overcast, Vis. 8 nm, high long Swell    
    13.45 - 17.21   Dived to fill the battery.  
    14.32   Course 55°.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42
 
- 53 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.03.42      
    16.00 CD 7748    
    20.00 CD 7753    
      NWbyN 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, half overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    23.26   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 228°T, 10 nm.  
    24.00 CD 7578    
      NbyW 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    07.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CD 7558    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 CD 7641    
      NWbyN 1, Sea 1-2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 CD 7386 Course 59°.  
      WbyN 2, Sea 1, light Swell, nearly overcast, Vis. 8 nm Day's run:     177.7 nm  Surfaced  
                              7.2 nm  Submerged  
                            184.9 nm  
    16.00 CD 8145    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 CD 8131    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, light Swell, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 CD 5884    
      SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.03.42
 
- 54 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CD 5863    
      SWbyS 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 CD 5922    
      NW 5-6, Sea 5, clear, misty, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 CD 6448 Day's run:    238 nm  Surfaced  
      WbyN 8, Sea 7, half overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 CD 6438    
      SW 8, Sea 7, light overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    20.00 CD 6285    
      W 10, Sea 8, half overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    22.45   Heaved to.  Course 0°, 1 diesel 250 RPM since the stern seas were too heavy and washed over the entire bridge.  
    24.00 CD 6268    
      NW 11, Sea 8-9, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    09.03.42 Azores    
    04.00 CD 6235    
      WbyN 11-12, Sea 8-9, changing cloudiness, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.00 CD 3897    
      WbyN 12, Sea 9, changing cloudiness, hail showers, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    12.00 CD 3861 Duty roster shifted again.  
      WNW 8-10, Sea 8-9, overcast, rain and hail showers, lightening, Vis. 3-4 nm 12.00 hours is the same as 12.00 hours again.  
      Day's run:    165 nm  Surfaced  
    15.30   Course 20°T.  It is slowly abating.  
    16.00 CD 3829    
      NWbyN 8, Sea 7, squalls, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    18.45   Course 40°.  It continues to abate.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42
 
- 55 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.03.42      
    20.00 CD 3599    
      NW 4-5, Sea 4, high long Swell, nearly overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    20.55   Course 65°.  Both diesels 250 RPM.  Continued on course for home, 1 day lost.  
    24.00 CD 3681    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, medium-high, long Swell, nearly overcast, rain showers, Vis. 1 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    10.03.42 Azores    
    04.00 CD 3663 Barometer falls further.  
      NNE 3-4, Sea 2, medium-high long Swell, nearly overcast, rain showers, squalls, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 CE 1426    
      NEbyE 3-4, Sea 3, light Swell, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    10.56 - 11.44   Test dive.  
    12.00 CE 1277 Day's run:     166 nm  Surfaced  
      N 4, Sea 3, light Swell, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 8-10 nm                         2 nm  Submerged  
                          168 nm  
    13.05   Noon navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 14°T, 24 nm.  
    16.00 CE 1231    
      NEbyN 3, Sea 2-3, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.08   HF.  
    17.07   Course 77°.  
    19.35   Incoming Radio Message 1900:  . . . . Rosenstiel . . . on 11 March report weather by Short Signal between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
 
- 56 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.03.42      
    20.00 BD 8877    
      NW 3, Sea 1, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    22.30   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 109°T, 5.4 nm.  
    24.00 BD 8895 Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4 converted and flushed.  
      NWbyN 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 4 nm  
      Barometer rises again.  
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    11.03.42 Atlantic    
    00.17   Sent Short Signal weather report:  43°N, 31°W, rising 996 mb, +13°C, N 1, 1/10-5/10, clear to cloudy, good weather Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, low W-Swell.  
                                                               Rosenstiel.  
    04.00 BD 8981    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 BD 9744    
      SWbyS 0-1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    09.30   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 85°T, 12.7 nm.  
    12.00 BD 9739 Day's run:     291 nm  Surfaced  
      SW 3, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    16.00 BD 9823    
      SSW 4-5, Sea 4, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.40   Shot MG/C30 one magazine.  
    19.43   Incoming Radio Message 1847:  1.)  . . . . 2.)  Switch to Ireland Circuit on 12 March at 08.00 hours . . . . . . Rosenstiel . . . . . . . .  
    20.00 BD 9679    
      SWbyE 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 BD 9693    
      SbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, half overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm                                              
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.03.42
 
- 57 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.03.42 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 7455    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 BE 7542 Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 3 nm    
    09.14   Morning navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 109°T, 21 nm.  
    09.35 - 10.14   Test dive. Flushed main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4.  
    12.00 BE 7617 Day's run:     271.6 nm  Surfaced  
      SSW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, clear, Vis. 12 nm                        1.4 nm  Submerged  
                          273.0 nm  
    16.00 BE 7631    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, half overcast, light Swell, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 BE 8185    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    21.45   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 198°T, 6.8 nm.  
    23.00   Course 75°.  
    24.00 BE 8272    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, clear, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    13.03.42 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 8266 Barometer slowly falls again.  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, half overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 BE 8329    
      SSW 3, Sea 1-2, half overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 BE 9116 Day's run:    279 nm  Surfaced  
      ESE 5, Sea 4-5, light Swell, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.03.42
 
- 58 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.03.42      
    12.30   Both diesels 250 RPM.  Sea was too high.  Lookout comes first in the air endangered area.  
    16.00 BE 6798    
      SE 7, Sea 5, overcast, squalls, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm    
    20.00 BE 6876    
      SbyW 6, Sea 5-6, half overcast, rain showers, Vis. 8 nm    
    21.21   Evening navigation fix:  difference between dead reckoning and actual position = 92°T, 12.3 nm.  
        Incoming Radio Message 2041:  Return harbors are:  Lorient for Rosenstiel . . . . ., boats use Route Uhunest.  
    21.30   GF.  
    22.30   Course 85°.  
    24.00 BE 6973    
      SSE 5, Sea 4, light Swell, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    14.3.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 4749    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, half overcast, rain showers, light Swell, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.00 BF 4845    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, light Swell, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    08.37   Starboard diesel stopped.  Inner exhaust gas valve cannot be closed.  
    09.20   Dived.  Proceeded submerged KF, depth A -40 meters.  
    12.00 BF 4655 Day's run:     277.0 nm  Surfaced  
                               5.3 nm  Submerged  
                            282.3 nm  
    16.00 BF 4856    
    20.00 BF 4865    
    20.40   Surfaced. No navigation fix.  
    20.45   Course 115°, GF.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
 
- 59 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.03.42      
    21.32   Sent Short Signal:  Position in 36 hours off return harbor.  
                                                             Rosenstiel.  
        Afterwards switched to Coastal Circuit.  
    22.00   Course 90°.  
    24.00 BF 4958    
      S 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    15.03.42 Bay of Biscay    
    01.32   Incoming Radio Message 2203:  Rosenstiel will be off Lorient on 16 March at 09.00 hours. Run in via Uhunest.  
    04.00 BF 5758    
      SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    06.21   One diesel GF.  Starboard inner exhaust gas valve can only be closed after a long cooling time.  
    08.00 BF 5857    
      SbyE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, half overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.30   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at KF, depth A -40 meters.  
    09.10   Distant depth charge detonation to starboard.  
    09.25 - 09.45   Gyro-compass repairs.  
    11.00 - 12.00   At periscope depth for very long wavelength Program time.  
    11.08   Incoming Radio Message 1034:  Escort for Rosenstiel position on 16 March 1942 at 09.00 hours at Point Lucie 2.  
    12.00 BF 5859 Day's run:     164.5 nm  Surfaced  
                              24.3nm  Submerged  
                            188.8 nm  
    16.00 BF 5867    
    17.00 - 18.00   At periscope depth for very long wavelength Program time.  
    20.00 BF 5868    
    20.32   Surfaced.  
    20.45   Sent Short Signal:  Request Radio Beacon Group 2.  
                                                             Rosenstiel.  
    20.50   GF.  
        Because it has been 3 days since a navigation fix, must seek ships position with the aid of soundings and radio bearings.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42
 
- 60 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.03.42      
    21.42   Incoming Radio Message 2103:  Rosenstiel requests Radio Beacon Group 2.  
    23.42   Incoming Radio Message 2320:  Rosenstiel from 7.U-Flottille.  Radio Beacon Group 2 runs from now until lightness.  
    24.00 Off Point UHU    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, heavy rain, very dark, Vis. 1-2 nm    
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
    16.03.42 Bay of Biscay    
        No or misleading bearings from Radio Beacon Group 2 except for St. Nazaire.  
        Penmarch gives good bearings (Group 1).  
    03.30   Shadow bearing 315°T, took astern.  
    03.45   Ship's position by Isle d'Yew Lighthouse coming in sight.  Course 45°.  
    04.00 BF 6467    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, misty, very dark, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    04.21   Course 318°T.  Ran in on Route Rosa.  
    08.00 BF 5857    
      SbyE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.20   Reached Point L 2.  
    08.43   Joined Sperrbrecher.   
    09.05   Joined harbor escort.  
    10.17   Made fast Berth A 3.  
        Muster with the Flottillenchef.  
           
           
           
                                                     
                                                        Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.03.42

 

Enclosures to U-502's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart Track chart of entire patrol
SketchA Combat sketches of attacks on conveyor tankers on 16 February 1942
   
SketchB Combat sketches of artillery attack on tanker 25 February 1942

 

 
 
     
 
Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
 
 
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on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 502" from 10.11.41 - 16.3.42

 
 
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
 
     
 
A well executed patrol.
 
     
     
 
Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  
            for correctness:  
            
  Leutnant z,S. and Adjutant.  
     
     
 

 

 
 
     
     
 
I.) The views of the Ob.d.M. on page 27/28.
  The Operations Order for the first operation of U-boats in the West Indies area envisaged the mission as a surprise simultaneous attack on traffic immediately off the West Indies islands.  The core of the mission lay in the surprise and the simultaneous appearance off the main points of Aruba and Curacao.  U-502 was assigned among other boats for this mission.  By keyword, 16 February was ordered for the first simultaneous attack of all boats.  The time prior to permission to attack was to be used by the boats to observe navigation and traffic conditions in the attack area.
  Therefore on 14 February U-502 was not to attack the tankers sighted off Aruba.
   
II.) Ob.d.M. Chef 1./Skl. was informed of both the facts and explaination.
   
III.) On the K.T.B. U-502 from 10 November to 16 March   =  1./Skl. 8261/42 gK.
 
     
     
     
 
Iu
 
     
     
     
 


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