U-505 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	11 February 1942	Lorient	7 May 1942	86

 

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

Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
5 Mar 42	23.07 - 23.47	6°09'N, 14°03'W	BENMOHR	5,920	British
6 Mar 42	11.31	4°57'N, 14°57'W	SYDHAV	7,587	Norwegian
3 Apr 42	21.32	2°39'N, 6°03'W	WEST IRMO	5,775	American
4 Apr 42	21.29	2°03'N, 8°03'W	ALPHACCA	5,759	Netherlands
			Total = 25,041
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.

---

	- 1 -
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			U-505
				2nd War Patrol
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    L  o  e  w  e
			B e g a n  :              04.02.42
			C o n c l u d e d :     07.05.1942.
			Time:                 D.G.Z.
			All naval squares.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.
				1 x 2.U.-Flottille.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 2 -
		04.02 - 08.02.42		Lorient.  Shipyard work.  15 tons ballast removed.
		09.02 - 11.02.42		Fitting out Lorient.
		11.02.42
		13.00		Trim test.
		18.00		Departed on 2nd war patrol, together with "U-68".
				Outbound orders read:
				"1.  Depart Lorient 11 February, 18.00 hours.
				2.  Operations Order 52 in effect.  In addition, take Operations Order 50 for information.
				3.  Proceed to the south.  At 35° North proceed to the south on a straight course:  U-505 between 22° and 24° West.  Afterwards make for naval square Emil Toni 50.  Attack area by Radio Message."
				In convoy to Lucie 2.
		19.45		Released from convoy.  Proceeding via Point Ceder and Tanne.
		20.00 and later		Anti-aircraft fire and aircraft parachute flares seen in the direction of Lorient.
		12.02.42
		00.00	BF 6481
		04.00	BF 5861
		08.00	BF 5786
		09.40	N 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. medium, few clouds, moonshine	Dived.  Proceeding submerged.
		10.25 and 10.28		A single distant detonation heard.
		12.00	BF 5759	Day's run:  192 nm, 7 nm.
		16.00	BF 5758
		20.00	BF 5781
		20.45		Surfaced.
		13.02.42
		00.00	BF 4994
			N 1, Sea 0, isolated rain showers, Vis. medium to good
		04.00	BF 4899
		08.00	BF 7226
		09.00		Dived.  Proceeding submerged.  Discovred the port shaft makes a steady knocking at 90 RPM.  Must be examined as soon as possible.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42

	- 3 -
		13.02.42
				Must be examined as soon as possible.
		12.00	BF 7219	Day's run:  148 nm, 21 nm.
		13.04	BF 7218	Through the periscope an aircraft is sighted 8000 meters awasybearing 190°T on a westerly course, altitude 500 meters.  Apparently a land-based aircraft.  Aircraft out of sight in the west.
		16.00	BF 7217
		20.00	BF 7139
		21.25		Surfaced.
		23.00		Short signal to B.d.U.:
				Position BF 71.
		23.11		Confirmed by B.d.U.
		For the outbound transit, decide to keep well clear of Finisterre because of U-boat danger and air surveillance and then to head for the point 35° North, 23° West by the shortest route.
		14.02.42
		00.00	BF 7151
		04.00	BE 9358
		08.00	BE 9267
			SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. very good, 6/10 cloudy
		09.20		Test dive.
		10.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	BE 9277	Day's run:  171 nm, 6 nm.
		15.45	BE 9450	"Crash Dive" for aircraft (Sunderland), comes into sight bearing 160°T, course 0°, 8000 meters distant.  Altitude 20 meters.  Was not seen.
		16.30		Surfaced.
		18.45	BE 9470	"Crash dive" for aircraft (Sunderland), comes in to sight bearing 270°T, on course 120°, about 10000 meters distant.  Low altitude.  Was not seen.
		19.15		Surfaced.
		20.00	BE 9470
		15.02.42
		00.00	BE 9710
		04.00	BE 8960

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42

	- 4 -
		15.02.42
		08.00	BE 8980
			SE 2, Sea 1, 10/10 overcast, Vis. good
		09.25		Test dive.
		10.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	CF 3210	Day's run:  145 nm, 4 nm.
		16.00	CF 3240
			S 3-4, Sea 2-3, Vis. very good, high closed cloud deck
		20.00	CF 3160
			Light rain
		16.02.42
		00.00	CF 3150
		04.00	CF 3150
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, medium swell from the SW, Vis. good, low cloud deck, scattered rain
		08.00	CF 3170
		09.45		Test dive.
		10.40		Surfaced.  For 2 days the boat has had a heavy oil trace from starboard forward, after surfacing each time the over deck and bridge are full of oil, reason not yet found.
		12.00	CF 3180	Day's run:  111 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	CF 3420
		20.00	CF 3450
		17.02.42
		00.00	CF 3480
		04.00	CF 3720
		08.00	CF 3750
		10.15		Test dive.
		10.45		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42

	- 5 -
		17.02.42
		12.00	CF 3780	Day's run:  96 nm, 2 nm.
			SSE 3-4, drizzle, Vis. 1-1/2 nm, overcast, low rain clouds, medium swells from the SW
		16.00	CF 3770
		20.00	CF 3770
		18.02.42
		00.00	CF 5550 [typo square crossed out probably transcribed from the 19.02.42 position below]
			S 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 3-5 nm, partial overcast, light SW swell
		04.00	CF 5320
		08.00	CF 5310
			Rain
		10.00		Test dive.  Completion of necessary work on the high pressure air installation.
		12.00	CF 5340	Day's run:  85 nm, 5 nm.
		12.30		Surfaced.
		16.00	CF 5290
		20.00	CF 5530
		19.02.42
		00.00	CF 5550
			S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, medium swell from the SW
		04.00	CF 5550
		08.00	CF 5550
		10.10	S 2-3, Sea 2, medium SW swell	Test dive.
		10.40		Surfaced.  Oil trace has become weaker.
		12.00	CF 5810	Day's run:  88 nm, 4 nm.
			SE 2-3, cloud deck breaking up
		16.00	CF 5810
		20.00	CF 8120
			SW 1-2, Sea 0, flat SW swell

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42

	- 6 -
		20.02.42
		00.00	CF 7390
		04.00	CF 7630
		08.00	CF 7660
		10.10		Test dive.
		10.40		Surfaced.
		12.00	CF 7680	Day's run:  171 nm (including 40 nm correction after a navigation fix.)
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium
				1 nm.
		16.00	CF 7920
		20.00	CF 7950
		21.02.42
		00.00	CF 7980
		04.00	DH 1120
		08.00	DH 1150
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5, Vis. medium, 6/10 high cloudiness
		10.35		Test dive.
		11.40		Surfaced.
		12.00	DH 1180	Day's run:  110 nm, 3 nm.
		16.00	DH 1450
			WNW 3-4, high swell
		20.00	DH 1480
		22.02.42
		00.00	DH 1480
			WNW 1-2, flat swell from the NW, Vis. 3 nm, high hazy cloudiness, moon shining through
		04.00	DH 1720
		08.00	DH 1780
		10.50 - 11.35		Test dive.
		12.00	DH 4150	Day's run:  143 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	DH 4180

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42

	- 7 -
		22.02.42
		20.00	DH 4450
			W 2-3, Sea 2, flat swell, 10/10 overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm
		23.02.42	Canary Islands Sea Area
		00.00	DH 4480
		04.00	DH 4750
		08.00	DH 7120
		12.00	DH 7150	Day's run:  167 nm.
			WNW 2, Sea 1, flat NW swells, Vis. 5 nm, 2/10 overcast
		14.40 - 15.20		Test dive.
		16.00	DH 7190
		20.00	DH 7430
		20.25		Dived to correct oil trace.
		20.50		Surfaced.
		24.02.42	West of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DH 7490
		04.00	DH 7730
		08.00	DH 7760
		12.00	DT 2330	Day's run:  141 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	DT 2360
		16.30	DT 3170	Smoke trail in sight to port.  Far off.  Held on to it.  Quickly shifts to the right.  While approaching recognized 4-6 smoke trails.  Convoy.
			9/10 overcast, NNE 1-2, Sea 0-1, old flat NW swells, Vis. very good
		17.25		Crash dive for aircraft (likely a Sunderland) which circles around the convoy and suddenly persistently flies in our direction.  Evidently, has not seen us.
				Submerged rear diving planes get stuck in position hard up because of failure of the limit switch.  Surfacing delayed because of depth control difficulties.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42

	- 8 -
		24.02.42
		18.13		Surfaced.  Convoy has shifted greatly, now positioned at 115°T.  Went to GF, then 2 x GF to maneuver ahead. Contact by smoke clouds, because aircraft are seen again and again.  Probably escort by 2 or 3 Sunderlands.  Convoy is located about 20 nm away.
		20.23		Evaded before an aircraft approaching suddenly from the west, went to LF.
		21.10		Out maneuvered an aircraft approaching from the convoy.
				That always costs ground.  The stern diving plane is again in service.
		21.30		At 16 knots, the boat can not go faster, have not gotten any further ahead.  The bearing to the convoy has not shifted.  He runs for sure at 15 knots.
				I wanted to report contact first when further details were determined and steamers were sighted.  However, I decide to report by radio message, because I suppose "U-68" is in the path of the convoy and I fear contact will be broken in the relatively short twilight under the given circumstances.
				"Radio Message 21.40:  From Loewe:  Convoy several fast steamers DT 3480, southerly course, 15 knots.  Aircraft escort.  Contact only by smoke clouds.  Forced off multiple times."
				I send a radio message deliberately in view of my later task and the enemy intercept service, because I believe it is more harmless than a radio signal.
		22.00		Smoke clouds out of sight.  Chased after at highest speed on the last bearing.  Given his speed it is possible he will slow down for fire cleaning [boiler cleaning/blowing tubes].  Otherwise I can not get him.
		23.25	DT 3750	Ahead initially clouds of smoke, then a great number of shadows in sight.
		24.02.42		Apparently he has just finished with fire cleaning, smoke quickly stops and he runs at his old speed.  Unfortunately, I am positioned exactly behind him.  Try at highest speed to maneuver ahead.  I come ahead quite slowly.  I maintain a distance of 4-5 nm.  Should have been closer.
		25.02.42	Southwest of the Canary Islands
		01.00	DT 3780	The convoy is suddenly out of sight.  Had sidestepped to port.  Chasing after gets nothing.
			10/10 overcast, NNE 2-3, Sea 2, moonshine, bright night, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42

	- 9 -
		25.02.42
		01.20		Stopped to listen.  No results.
			I consider:	If I steer searching courses now at high speed, I will never catch him with a one knot speed advantage.  Perhaps he zigzags in the course of the night again on or around his old general course 170° back.
			Therefore, decide to steer 160°, until dawn, in the hope of regaining contact.  At slightly less speed, because highest speed costs a lot of fuel and in this case success is very much in doubt.
				Radio Message 02.04:
				From Loewe:  Contact lost.  Last observed enemy position 01.00 hours DT 3790, southeasterly course, 15 knots speed.  In pursuit.  If by dawn no contact, continue transit.  Position DT 6132.  190 cbm.
		03.31 to		Dived to listen.  Sound bearing in 120°T.  Unfortunately far forward.
		04.00	DT 6160	Surfaced.  Continued on.
		08.00	DT 6510
		08.15		Cruising speed, course 190°.
			Conclusion: a one knot speed advantage given the circumstances was not enough.
			It was my mistake by to lose contact from 01.00 hours.
		12.00	DT 6640	Day's run:  264 nm, 4 nm.
		16.00	DT 6810
		20.00	DT 6760
		26.02.42	Northeast of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	DT 9130
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, clouds breaking up, moon shine, Vis. very good
		04.00	DT 9160
		08.00	DT 9420
		12.00	DT 9450	Day's run:  161 nm.
		16.00	DT 9720
		20.00	DT 9750

	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42

	- 10 -
		26.02.42
		21.55		Incoming Radio Message 2044/26 from B.d.U.:
				"To Loewe and Merten:
				Attack area in accordance with Operational Order 52 paragraph 20 first line and southeast there from.
				Amendment to paragraph 19a) in accordance with Radio Message Order from 15 February is to be understood as follows: border is a connecting line between naval square ER 3159 and square FD 3969.
		27.02.42	Northeast of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 3120
		04.00	EJ 3150
		08.00	EJ 3180
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, NE swell, Vis. very good, 10/10 overcast
		10.15		Test dive, depth control and fire control training.  Repairs.
		12.00	EJ 3420	Surfaced.  Day's run:  136 nm, 3 nm.
				Now the source of the continuing oil trace is found to be main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 starboard, from which the oil is probably leaking through the emergency shut off valve and shut off valve in the vent line through the vent drain and vent itself.
				Total loss of fuel oil 9.5 cbm.
				Oil trace has vanished.
		16.00	EJ 3480
		20.00	EJ 3720
		28.02.42	East of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 3750
		04.00	EJ 6120
		08.00	EJ 6150
			NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, Vis. good, cumulous clouds
		12.00	EJ 6190	Day's run:  148 nm.
		16.00	EJ 6460
		20.00	EJ 6570

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.42

	- 11 -
		01.03.42	West Coast of Africa
		00.00	EJ 6810
		04.00	EJ 6880
		08.00	EJ 9220
		12.00	EJ 9250	Day's run:  148 nm.
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. good, isolated high clouds
		16.00	EJ 9290	The boat is positioned close to the ordered operations area.
			Decision, initially to operate in the most favorable area from Operations Order 52 south and southeast of Freetown on courses across the suspected steamer courses to Cape Town, or the Ivory Coast - North America.  On the way there I'll make an advance to the east off the coast to the north of Freetown and steer a southerly course from there in the intended operations area.
		20.00	EJ 9610
			NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. good, cloudless
		02.03.42
		00.00	EJ 9650
			Moon shine
		04.00	EJ 9690
		08.00	EK 7470
		11.10 - 12.10		Test dive.
		12.00	EK 7480	Surfaced.  Day's run:  126 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EK 7490
		20.00	EK 7820
		20.25		Crash dive for aircraft astern 8000 meters distant on a northerly course.  Was unseen.
		21.20		Surfaced.
		03.03.42
		00.00	EK 7830	From 01.00 to 05.00 hours observed a toal eclipse of the moon.
		04.00	EK 7950
		08.00	EK 7950
			N 1-2, Sea 0, flat N swells, Vis. good, Alto stratus clouds

	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42

	- 12 -
		03.03.42	Northwest of Freetown
		10.15 - 11.20		Test dive.
		12.00	EK 7980	Day's run:  136 nm, 4 nm.
		16.00	ET 1350
		20.00	ET 1620
		04.03.42
		00.00	ET 1680
		04.00	ET 1920
		08.00	ET 1950
			NW 1, Sea 0, flat N swell, Vis. 8-10 nm, Alto stratus clouds
		12.00	ET 4330	Day's run:  174 nm.
		16.00	ET 5140
		20.00	ET 5180
		05.03.42	West of Sierra Leone
		00.00	ET 5540
		04.00	ET 5580
		08.00	ET 5830
			NW 1-2, Sea 0, confused swell, Vis. 8-10 nm, Alto stratus clouds 8/10
		10.05 - 10.40		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 5940	Day's run:  179 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 5950
		18.36	ET 5990	Steamer in sight in the extended periscope bearing 115°T.  General course to Freetown (about 15) zig-zagging heavily.  Running at 12 knots.  Fully loaded.  Maneuvered ahead for day attack, does not succeed, therefore initiated surface night attack.
		20.00	ET 6740
		22.52	NW 2, Sea 1, flat NW swell, Vis. very good, 9/10 overcast, high clouds	Steamer runs dimmed.  Matched speed.
				Double shot from tubes I and IV (Etos)  depth 3 meters.
				Both were unexplained misses.  Range = 600 meters.  Matched speed again at 800 meters abeam steamer ran at 16 knots.  Marine phosphoresence.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.42

	- 13 -
		05.03.42
		23.07		Shot from tube II (Eto).  Range = 400 meters, depth 3 meters.
				Hit amidships.  Steamer stopped, sets out boats and throws a large night rescue buoy.  Radioed wildly "SSS, torpedoed, position and name."
				"BENMOHR" 5920 GRT.  Settled very slowly deeper.
		23.24		Ato from tube III as a coup de grace, depth 4 meters, range = 300 meters.  Hit at the bridge.  Steamer settles deeper.
		23.47	ET 6480	Breaks in the middle, masts bend together, quickly sinks.
				When there was nothing else to see, ran off on opposite general course.  Shortly after the night becomes moonlit.
		06.03.42	Southwest of Sierra Leone
		00.00	ET 6480
		03.00	ET 6740	"Crash dive" for a "Sunderland" flying out of the moon.
			Bright night
		04.25	ET 6740	Surfaced.
		08.00	ET 5990
		09.30	ET 8320	From ahead out of a rain squall 8-10 nm distant a tanker comes into sight.  Zig-zagging heavily.  The bridge is completely above the horizon.  I quickly recognize I am positioned aheadon his base course line.  He heads for Freetown just like the previous steamer. Speed 10 knots. Tanker is full.
			Rain showers, Vis. good
		10.22	ET 8320	Dove for attack.  Textbook approach.  Shooting range was very low, because shortly before shooting position for a bow shot the tanker zig-zagged toward my stern.
				Tanker had no flag, no neutrality markings.  Type "BRITISH CONFIDENCE", apparently oil burning., estimated at 8000 GRT.
		11.31	ET 8320	Double shot from tube V and VI at 170 meters.
				The second shot takes place from target angle 130°.  Set depth 4 meters.  Tanker fills only a third of the periscope at small enlargement.  2 detonations heard.  Nothing observed because the periscope untercut.  When I look out after 2 minutes, the tanker has disappeared, an enormous, white cloud of smoke stands 4-500 meters high which remains for a long time.  In the sound locator detonations are heard for several minutes.  Evidently loaded with gasoline.
		12.18	ET 8320	Surfaced.  Prior to that minor work on port diesel clutch.  I approach the wreck location.  A very large lake of heating oil, in it wreckage, 2 rafts and a lifeboat

	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42

	- 14 -
		06.03.42
				with approximately 20 men, some burned, all thickly covered in oil.  When I approach them to help them as much as possible with provisions, water and bandages, and to ask for the name of the tanker, in the east, 8000 meters distant, a "Sunderland" comes into view.  Therefore, I rush off, showing a narrow silhouette, at high speed, to the southwest. The flying boat apparently saw neither us nor the oilslick with the survivors.
				Day's run:  187 nm, 3 nm.
			Decision, a few days on the recognized route to Freetown, also to operate in ET 80.
		16.00	ET 8350
		19.30	ET 8610	Crash dive for aircraft ahead 8000 meters distant.
		20.45		Surfaced.
		23.00	Heavy rain showers, thunderstorms
		07.03.42
		00.00	ET 8550
		04.00	ET 8580
		08.00	ET 8730
			ESE 2, Sea 0, flat swells, Vis. excellent, 9/10 overcast, altostratus, altocumulous
		12.00	ET 8810	Day's run:  182 nm, 3 nm.
			Isolated heavy rain showers, a water spout
		16.00	ET 8860
		20.00	ET 8980
		23.00	E 2-3, Sea 2, E-swell, heavy rain squalls, Vis. changing, 10/10 overcast	Began removal of over deck torpedoes from canisters 9 and 10 for transfer to the bow room.  For this purpose the boat is headed into the sea and swell with E-motors at KF.
		08.03.42
		00.00	ET 8990
			Several hours of steady rain
		03.45	ET 8980	Transfer ended.  Time required was very high, due to interruptions in rain squalls and new upper deck plates from the Lorient shipyard which hindered torpedo transportation

	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.42

	- 15 -
		08.03.42
				and after much difficulty work had to be broken off after 2 hours.
		08.00	ET 8980
		09.30 - 10.05		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 8970	Day's run:  98 nm, 1 nm.
			9/10 high cloudiness, Vis. very good, E 1-2, Sea 0
		16.00	ET 8840
		20.00	ET 8850
		20.14		Incoming Radio Message 1900:
				To Merten and Loewe
				1.)  As soon as presence is noticed, report situation.
				2.)  Gunboat "LA SURPRISE" with 4 steamers on 9 March from naval square EK 46 via ET 42, ET 94, EU 76 for EU 83.  Do not attack.
			I will not tranmit until 9 March at beginning of darkness, because then I want to leave the previous area.  Presence is noticed by transmission of "BENMOHR".
		09.03.42	South of Freetown
		00.00	ET 8830
			Wind calm, confused swell, 2/10 overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	ET 8910
		08.00	ET 8670
		12.00	ET 8590	Day's run:  195 nm (including correction after a navigation fix).
				Temperature conditions at 12.00 hours at sun culmination:
				Outside air + 30.5 Degrees Water temperature + 28° Control room + 30      "   Foreship + 31      "   Disel room + 36      "   E-motor room + 38 Celsius
				Diesel-electric drive 7 knots, diesel ventilation.  Living and working conditions well tolerable, crew at full efficiently. Temperatures in the boat 1-2 degrees higher with sun illumination, 1 degree lower at night .
		16.00	ET 8860
		20.00	ET 8890
			Decision, further operations in ET 90, because there is no traffic in ET 80.
		22.30 and		Radio Message 21.30 and 21.50 hours to B.d.U. concerning situation, success, weather, fuel and torpedo situation, radio reception, position and intentions.
		23.10

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42

	- 16 -
		09.03.42
				(for plain text see Summary of "Own Radio Messages")
		10.03.42
		00.00	ET 8850
		04.00	ET 8940
		08.00	ET 8950
		10.00 - 10.30		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 9710	Day's run:  167 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 9480
		20.00	ET 9570
		11.03.42
		00.00	ET 9550
		04.00	ET 9640
		08.00	ET 9620
		12.00	ET 9620	Day's run:  170 nm.
			Heavily shifting wind, short swell, heavily changing cloudiness, cumulous and nimbus, isolated rain showers, Vis. very good
		16.00	ET 9560
		20.00	ET 9550
		12.03.42	South of Freetown
		00.00	ET 9810
		04.00	ET 9730
		08.00	ET 9740
		09.30 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 9730	Day's run:  171 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 9820
		20.00	ET 9590

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.42

	- 17 -
		13.03.42
		00.00	ET 9690
		04.00	EU 7470
		08.00	EU 7460
			Weather as for 11 March
		12.00	EU 7470	Day's run:  168 nm.
		16.00	ET 9690
		20.00	ET 9920
		14.03.42
		00.00	ET 9910
		04.00	ET 9830
		08.00	ET 9850
		09.45 - 10.20		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 9860	Day's run:  138 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 9920
		20.00	ET 9930	Heard a special report concerning promotion of the Commander in Chief to Admiral on the occasion of sinking more than 1 million GRT during the last 2 months.
			Because there is no traffic in ET 80 and ET 90, I decide now to go to EU 70 and EU 80 under the coast.
		22.15		Incoming Radio Message 2013 from "U-68":
				No traffic for one week, apparently completely stopped. Request FC 70 and 80, still possible because of fuel conservation.  135 cbm, EU 8514.  Merten.
		23.21		Incoming Radio Message 2208 from B.d.U.:
				At suggestion of the Supreme Commander in Chief, the Führer has promoted me to Admiral.  In this promotion I see thanks to and appreciation for you, my U-boat men.
				Commander in Chief.
		24.00	EU 7470
		15.03.42	Southwest of Liberia
		00.37		Incoming Radio Message 1239:
				To Loewe and Merten.
				Gunboat "COMMANDANT DE LAGE" with 4 steamers 13 March from EU 8340 via 8470 via ET 9410, 1580 to 4630.  Do not detain.
		03.00	EU 7480	Several lights bearing 300°T. Closed.   It is the French reported by Radio Message on 8 March.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42

	- 18 -
		15.03.42
				French convoy, ADVISO and 5 steamers, as per regulations.
		04.00	EU 7490
		04.58		Incoming Radio Message 2319 from B.d.U.:
				Immediately report operations area and situation up to now.
		06.00		Radio Message 0531 to B.d.U.:
				On 7 March 4 days in ET 80, 4 days in ET 90.  No traffic no air.
				10 + 4, 146 cbm, EU 7450.
		07.20		French convoy out of sight.
		08.00	EU 7550
		09.30		French convoy on southern course in sight.
		10.56		Incoming Radio Message 0947 from B.d.U. (excerpt)
				To Loewe:
				1)  No change of operations area to FC for fuel and traffic reasons.
				2)  Merten to search along the coast to the east.
				2)  Loewe remain off ET 38.  Search for traffic.  Close up.
			I planned for the latter anyway.
		12.00	EU 7560	Day's run:  188 nm.
		16.00	EU 7290
		20.00	EU 7310
		16.03.42
		00.00	EU 4974
		04.00	EU 4859
		08.00	EU 4841
			Vis. very good
		08.05		A steamer emerges from a rain squall astern.  Dimmed. Course Freetown.  Unfortunately, it is already too bright to attack successfully on the surface.  Manruvered ahead.
		08.43		A smoke cloud is seen bearing 70°T, 10 nm distant.
		12.00	EU 4475	Day's run:  210 nm.
		13.27	ET 6695	Dived to attack .  Steamer zig-zags heavily.  Runs at 12 knots.
		14.52		Shortly before favorable shooting position the steamer turns off 40-50°.  Range was very large.  Double shot from tube II and I from range = 1500 meters, depth 5 meters missed.  The sea is like a mirror.
		16.34		Surfaced.  In a short time the steamer is in sight again.  Renewed maneuver ahead is

	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.42

	- 19 -
		16.03.42
		18.40		thwatred by an aircraft before which a crash dive must be done at 18.40 hours.  Probably not seen.
		19.20		Surfaced.  Ran behind the steamer for 1-1/2 hours, no further sightings.
		20.00	ET 6647	In the twilight operated on the course of the smoke cloud sighted previously.  Nothing found up to darkness.
		17.03.42
		00.00	ET 6654
		04.00	ET 6692
		08.0	EU 4479
			Weather like 11 March
		12.00	EU 4733	Day's run:  190 nm, 10 nm.
		16.00	EU 4739
		16.30		Crash dive for aircraft, 5000 meters distant flying from 270°T.
		17.30	EU 4739	Surfaced.
				While blowing two patrol vessels come into sight bearing 340°T (1 steam trawler, 1 corvette type with one mast) at about 10000 meters distance, southeast course, I avoid on the surface.
		18.15		Patrol vessel out of sight bearing 40°T.  Evidence of the presence of further merchant traffic.
		20.00	EU 4765
		18.03.42
		00.00	EU 4749
		04.00	ET 6965
		08.00	ET 6954
		12.00	ET 6925	Day's run:  156 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	ET 6691
		20.00	ET 6639
		20.30		African coast Cape Mount in sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.42

	- 20 -
		19.03.42	South of Freetown
		00.00	ET 6639
		04.00	ET 6622
		08.00	ET 6533
			Low clouds breaking up, rain showers
		09.00 - 10.10		Test dive.
				Unfortunately, regular night "air" - surprise weather. Therefore, I run at higher than economical speed (9 knots) to be able to dive quickly.
		12.00	ET 6521	Day's run:  166 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	ET 6432
		20.00	ET 6184
		20.03.42
		00.00	ET 6184
		04.00	ET 6184
		08.00	ET 5366
		12.00	ET 5328	Day's run:  178 nm.
		16.00	ET 2979
		20.00	ET 2943
		21.03.42
		00.00	ET 2678
		04.00	ET 2642
		08.00	ET 2538
		09.25 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 2647	Day's run:  158 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 2921
		20.00	ET 2957

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.42

	- 21 -
		22.03.42	Off Freetown
		00.00	ET 5321
		04.00	ET 5315
		08.00	ET 2893
		12.00	ET 2826	Day's run:  168 nm.
		16.00	ET 2581
		19.20		Incoming Radio Message 1851 from B.d.U.:
				Loewe free to maneuver including in Merten's attack area.
			Initially I intend to go to the area of ET 21 to find out whether northbound traffic passes through, then I will go again to the area south of Freetown.
		20.00	ET 2542
		23.03.42
		00.00	ET 2197
		04.00	ET 2156
		08.00	EK 8788
		09.20 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 2143	Day's run:  160 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	ET 1396
		20.00	ET 2149
		24.03.42
		00.00	ET 1368
		02.30		Transferred over deck torpedoes from canisters 3 and 4 to reserve storage in the bow room.  Boat at 7 knots into the swell and sea.
		04.00	ET 1367
		05.00		Transfer ended.
		08.00	ET 1369
		09.40 - 10.20		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 1336	Day's run:  154 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	EK 8775
		16.40	EK 8779	Steamer on northwesterly course in sight bearing 80°T.  Not zigzagging.  12 knots.  Maneuvered ahead.
			NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.42

	- 22 -
		24.03.42
		20.15	EK 8711	Dived to attack .
				Unfortunately, it is a Portuguese Liner, "QUANZA" from Lisbon.
		22.20		Surfaced after work on the high pressure installation.   Course south.
		25.03.42
		00.00	EK 8741
		04.00	EK 8772
		08.00	ET 2126
		12.00	ET 2127	Day's run:  161 nm, 6 nm.
		16.00	ET 2183
		20.00	ET 2511
		26.03.42
		00.00	ET 2554
		04.00	ET 2594
		08.00	ET 2917
		09.00	ET 2942	Steamer in sight bearing 200°T.  Not zigzagging.  Maneuvered ahead.  He steers 120°.
		12.00	ET 5323	Day's run:  196 nm.
		12.50	ET 5326	Dived to attack.
				Portuguese "PUNGUE".  Again nothing.
		15.00		Surfaced.
		16.00	ET 5338
		20.00	ET 6172
		27.03.42	South of Freetown
		00.00	ET 6422
		04.00	ET 6446
		08.00	ET 5696
		12.00	ET 5963	Day's run:  156 nm, 4 nm.
		15.40	ET 6771	Crash dive for Sunderland astern 8000 meters distant.  Westerly course.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.42

	- 23 -
		27.03.42
		16.00	ET 6771	Surfaced.
		20.00	ET 8335
		23.38		Incoming Radio Message 1543/27 from B.d.U.:
				To Loewe:  Report situation tonight.
		28.03.42
		00.00	ET 8338
		01.49		Reported situation to B.d.U. with Radio Message 0031/28   (See enclosure for text.)
				Radio message must be sent again at 05.21 hours because headquarters did not understand.
		03.53		Incoming Radio Message 0333/28 from B.d.U.:
				English landing at St. Nazaire.
		03.56		Incoming Radio Message 0331/28 from B.d.U.:
				To all boats east of 29° West:  Head for BF 6510 at highest speed.
		04.00	ET 8338	By the book, this unequivocal order also applies to me.  Nevertheless, I decide on a further inquiry, because:
				a)  at best it will take 10 days to arrive at the location,
				b)  can not oversee the situation from here,
				c)  suppose analogus interpretation is necessary,
				d)  because I must conserve every drop of fuel and above all must not proceed needlessly.
		05.44		Further inquiry transmitted in connection with the repetition of the situation Radio Message.
		06.26		This resulted in B.d. U.'s answer:
				To Loewe:  Remain in operations area.
			After this "transmission exchange" the "game" I expected at this location might be completey "upset".
		07.45		Incoming Radio Message:  0745/28
				English attack on Nazaire, conducted by destroyers and fast boats, defeated.
		08.00	ET 8338
		12.00	ET 8337	Day's run:  150 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 9151
		16.44	ET 9152	Aircraft in sight on southerly course distance 8000 meters bearing 300°T.
			Vis. very good, isolated cumulous clouds
				I try to avoid on the surface, however, I am sighted.
		16.48		"Crash dive".
		16.50		At depth 40 meters 2 mild, located above the boat, not specifically targeted aircraft bombs.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42

	- 24 -
		28.03.42
				Went to depth 80 meters.  No significant damage.  Aircraft was a two-engine coastal reconnaisance (type Anson?).
		19.00		Surfaced.
			It appears useless to me to remain in this area where I have been detected by direction finding and sighting.
		20.00	ET 9153
		20.30		"Crash dive" for aircraft bearing 0°T, 8000 meters, flying towards, doubtful whether we were noticed.
		21.05		Surfaced.
		21.16		"Crash dive" for aircraft bearing 180°T, passenger aircraft.
		21.56		Surfaced.
			Clear moonlit night, very bright	Shadow on the horizon bearing 90°T.  Triangular silhouette, perhaps a destroyer.  While maneuvering on it 2000 meters astern again an aircraft.
		22.46		"Crash dive".  In listening gear fast running machinery is heard.  Uncertain bearing.
		23.45		Surfaced.  Nothing more in sight.  Ran off to the south.
		29.03.42
		01.30	ET 9198	Shadow in sight bearing 180°T.  Under the cover of a weak rain squall a somewhat odd-looking freighter is identified.  It is light as day.  Maneuvered ahead for attack.  When I am of 6000 meters abeam, he turns towards me and stays at target angle 0°.  Was either seen or heard.
				Dived.  However, I do not shoot because of too strong zigzagging and late sighting through the periscope.  He runs at 7 knots.  Ran along submerged for 4 1/2 hours.  In the boat the humid heat is unbearable.
		04.00	ET 9165
		05.50		Surfaced, to attack after moonset (06.20 hours) on the surface. However, evidently he has seen me, and called for help, ahead an aircraft floodlight emerges, a little later an aircraft with set navigation lights passes 300 meters to starboard, signals with the steamer which maintains target angle zero always behind, and approaches me.
				I "Crash dive".  Attempt to torpedo the steamer submerged, however, it is getting too dark.  I go to depth 20 meters so as not to be rammed.
				Suddenly "Asdic" sounds and sound locating which causes me to go to depth 100 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.42

	- 25 -
		29.03.42		Impulses all 3 seconds, then 1.5 seconds.
		06.48		At depth 40 meters four depth charges or aircraft bombs.  Medium distance, no damage.
				Supposition, detection either from an aircraft set down on the water or from the steamer which had probably been a naval auxiliary vessel, or perhaps a U-boat trap.
				Asdic stops after 10 minutes, sounds become quieter.
				Ran off.
		08.00	ET 9162	Surfaced.  Set off to charge battery and pump up air.
			Crew and boat passed its baptism of fire with good behavior.  It's a pitty, the effort deserved success.  I want to continue operating further south on the known steamer route.   Here, for now, I have brought substantial defense on my neck.
		12.00	ET 9531	Day's run:  155 nm, 25 nm.
		16.00	ET 9567
		20.00	ET 9834
		30.03.42
		00.00	ET 9866
		04.00	ET 9894
		08.00	ET 9887
		12.00	FE 3136	Day's run:  150 nm.
		16.00	FE 3159
		20.00	FE 3199
		31.03.42	South of Freetown
		00.00	FE 3426
		04.00	FE 3469
		08.00	FE 3579	Briefly operated on the scattered convoy reported by "U-68".
			SE trade wind weather, Vis. medium
		09.30 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	FE 3818	Day's run:  152 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	FE 3857
		16.40		Passed south of the Equator.
		17.40		Passed north of the Equator.
			Further intention, to head for Cape Palmas and thereby intersect as many N-S courses as possible.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.42

	- 26 -
		31.03.42
		20.00	FE 3864
		23.52		Incoming Radio Message 1445/31 from B.d.U.:
				Contents:  Radio Intercept Service report about a convoy departing for the USA from Freetown between 1st and 3rd April.
			Unfortunately, I am currently 500 nm from Freetown.   In addition the port diesel will be out of service for about 6 hours due to repair of the cylinder heads.
			Decide not to operate on this convoy, but to continue heading for Cape Palmas.
			Rseaon: a) With high transit speed I can be in action off Freetown only by 3 April.   b) The Intercept Service report contains only general information on the time of departure and course ofthe convoy so that a systematic search is ruled out, particularly as the sea area to be searched is considerably large.   c) Consequently, the chance of meeting it is very slight, with high fuel consumption of my already limited fuel anyway.   d) I see the possibility of operating in EU with the existing fuel for 14 days as promising more success.
		01.04.42
		00.00	FE 3835
		04.00	FE 3679
		08.00	FE 3659
		12.00	FF 1442	Day's run:  153 nm.
		16.00	FF 1418	Conducted a Line crossing ceremony appropriate for combat conditions.
		20.00	FF 1425
		02.04.42
		00.00	FF 1190
		04.00	FF 1272
		08.00	FF 1256
		09.30 - 11.45		Test dive.
		11.57	FF 1262	Crash dive for Sunderland (northerly course) 10000 meters distant in the west.
				Day's run:  120 nm, 4 nm.
		12.10		Surfaced.
		16.00	FF 1316
		16.22	FF 1318	Steamer on southerly course in sight bearing 300°T.  Maneuvered ahead.
			Vis. very good, 10/10 overcast

	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.42

	- 27 -
		02.04.42		Maneuvered ahead.
				When the boat is positioned ahead on his general course line (general course 150°), steamer comes to course 90°, smokes noticeably and remains lying nearly stopped for approximately 1 hour.  To his left a cloud of smoke is in sight, am unable to distinguish anything with the periscope.
		18.20		Steamboat starts on course 90-100° again.
				Slowly maneuvered ahead again.
				Assume that this is a false course and that he will return to a southerly course after nightfall.
		20.50		Sunset.  Approached for  attack.
				While approaching mext to the steamer an escort vessel is distinguished.   Evidently he had stopped and waited for it.
		21.50	FF 1337	Double shot from tube II and IV (Etos)
				Depth 4 meters, range about 1000 meters.  The escort vessel is positioned ahead of the steamer, still steering 90°.  Speed 9 knots plotted.  Both shots miss.  Immediately afterwards the moon rises, full moon, it is getting very bright.
				Maneuvered ahead for attack.
		24.00	FF 2110
		03.04.42
		02.20		I am positioned ahead of him, for half an hour he steers 110°.  Visibilty is very good.  Ahead a dark bank of clouds quickly draws closer.  Now one rain squall follows another for two hours.  Visibility sometimes only 100 meters.  I run on, however, lose contact.
		04.00	FF 2160
		08.00	FF 2282
		08.20		It has become day.  I turn back.
		09.01		My steamer in sight again bearing 345°T.
				Maneuvered ahead.
		12.00	FF 2340	Day's run:  234 nm.
		13.30		The boat is positioned ahead.
				Very carefully match speed and general course.
		16.00	FF 2360
		17.00		Just when we were going to dive to attack, the steamer stopped, afterwards came to course 60° (steering for Cape Three Points).
				At the same moment another steamer on a reciprocal heading comes into sight in the north.
				Renewed maneuvering ahead, to attack in the first dark hour of the night on the surface.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.42

	- 28 -
		03.04.42
		20.00	EU 9788
		21.00		Initiated attack.
			8/10 overcast, dark night	Steamer is now protected by 2 escort vessels.  Dimmed.
		21.32	EU 9781	Shots from tubes I (depth 3 meters) and III (depth 4 meters) both Atos.  Range = 800 meters.  I am positioned 400 meters ahead the bow of one escort, turned hard to starboard, then shot from tube V (Eto) depth 3 meters, Range = 700 meters.  One hit forward of the bridge observed.  Steamer settles immediately heavily by the bow.
				In the boat, at the time interval for both Atos, 2 detonations are heard, reliably in the sound locator.  Steamer transmits SOS "SSS" position and name "WEST IRMO" 5775 GRT (American).
				I run off before the escorts and because of moonrise.   The steamer has quickly disappeared in the darkness.
			I believe a quick sinking is probable.  In the boat a total of 4 strong dull explosions were heard in irregular intels (2-5 minutes) after the 2nd torpedo detonation, perhaps boiler explosions. (No depth charges).
		04.04.42
			I am going on this route, which rounds Cape Palmas at a distance of 150 nm, one more time to the west.
		00.00	EU 9797
		04.00	FF 3121
		08.00	FF 2355
		10.00 - 11.30		Test dive.
		12.00	FF 2325	Day's run:  195 nm, 3 nm.
		14.07	FF 2319	Smoke cloud to the south.  Closed for 13 nm.
			Vis. excellent
		15.00		Steamer in sight on a westerly course.  So we saw him at 25 nm.
				Maneuvered ahead.  Very heavy zigzags and general course alterations.
		16.00	FF 2264	It is getting late so I decide on a night attack on the surface.
		20.00	FF 2242
		21.00	Twilight, getitng dark quickly	Initiated.
		21.29	FF 2242	Shot with Ato from tube I, depth 4 meters, range = 800 meters.  Hit aft 40 meters.  Steamer settles aft quickly deeper and sank with the bow up vertically.  Apart from hurried tuning lines he had not transmitted.  Afterwards I approached the lifeboats.   It was the Dutch "ALPHACCA" 5759 GRT.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.42

	- 29 -
		04.04.42		Dutch "ALPHACCA".
				Cargo wool from Cape Town to Freetown.
				The people thank us for help, apparently they made it to the boats without casualties.  Boats are well equipped.  At first conversation in English, then German!  At parting we mutually wish "good journey".  Irony of fate.  We fight against those that speak our own language.  Ran off, at first on a false course.
		05.04.42	South of Liberia
		00.00	FF 2219	Because "ALPHACCA" did not transmit, my operation on this east-west running steamer route is not detected.  I will remain for some days on this route.
		04.00	FF 2129
		08.00	FF 2119
		12.00	FF 2117	Day's run:  171 nm.
		16.00	FF 1329
		20.00	FF 1316
		22.00 - 24.00		Over deck torpedoes from canisters 7 and 8 are transferred to the bow room.
		06.04.42
		00.00	FF 1311
		01.50		Own Radio Message 0006 and 0056/6 sent concerning situation.
				(for clear text see enclosure).
		04.00	FF 1311
		08.00	FF 1321
		09.31	FF 1326	Crash dive for Sunderland approaching from ahead, 8000 meters away.
				While diving vent "one" did not open, the boat was quickly 40° down by the bow,  I had to stop, blow and remain lying stopped, bridge and stern out of the water for 5 minutes, until it succeeds in flooding "one".  A horrible situation. Thank God the aircraft saw nothing.
		12.00	FF 1334	Day's run:  120 nm, 5 nm.
		14.30		After repairing vent 1 surfaced.
		16.00	FF 1336
		20.00	FF 2127

	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.42

	- 30 -
		07.04.42	South of Liberia
		00.00 - 08.00	FF 2153	Back and forth on a line across the determined steamer route.
		09.00 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	FF 2166	Day's run:  130 nm, 7 nm.
		16.00	FF 2249
		20.00	FF 2265
		08.04.42	Ivory Coast
		00.00	FF 2344	I now steer for Cape Palmas.
		04.00	FF 2233
		08.00	EU 8892
		09.00 - 09.40		Test dive.
		12.00	EU 8826	Day's run:  146 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EU 8584
		20.00	EU 8553	A Spanish freighter on a westerly course passed.
		09.04.42
		00.00	EU 8611
		04.00	EU 8384
		08.00	EU 8395
		09.00 - 09.45		Test dive.
		12.00	EU 8355	Day's run:  161 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EU 8377	During the day the coast east of Cape Palmas in sight.
		20.00	EU 8526	Incoming Radio Message 1902/9 from B.d.U.:
				French gunboat"ANNAMITO" to depart Dakar with 4 steamers 10 April via EK 72, ET 42, 91, EU 76 for Tabou.  Do not detain.
		10.04.42
		00.00	EU 8542
		04.00	EU 8465
		08.00	EU 8458
		09.00 - 09.45		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42

	- 31 -
		10.04.42
		12.00	EU 8472	Day's run:  140 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EU 7694
		20.00	EU 7913
		11.04.42
		00.00	EU 7835
		04.00	EU 7828
		08.00	EU 7842
		09.00 - 09.45		Test dive.
		12.00	EU 7821	Day's run:  138 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EU 7559
		20.00	EU 7536
		12.04.42
		00.00	EU 7352
		04.00	EU 7321
		08.00	EU 4975
		09.00 - 09.30		Test dive.
		12.00	EU 4892	Day's run:  163 nm, 2 nm.
		16.00	EU 4853
		20.00	EU 4841
		13.04.42	Off Freetown
		00.00	EU 4756
		01.36		Incoming Radio Message 1205/12 from B.d.U. concerning 2 groups of Italian East Africa traffic.
		04.00	EU 4749
		08.00	ET 6969
		09.00 - 09.30		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 6982	Day's run:  142 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 6974
			Persistant heavy rain (4 hours), Vis. slight
		20.00	ET 6885
			10/10 overcast, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.42

	- 32 -
		14.04.42
		00.00	ET 6878
		04.00	ET 9131
		08.00	ET 9121
		08.03           10.30	ET 9152	Shadows in sight bearing 25°T.  Southerly course.  Sea is mirror flat.  Ran off, to maneuver ahead, because it is too bright to attack on the surface.  Target is positioned against the pitch-black horizon (as a result of thunderclouds), moves off quickly.  I am positioned very unfavorably on the bright clear horizon.  Target on the horizon is probably identified as a destroyer or gunboat, triangular superstructure forward long flat aftership.  A similar vessel was previously observed here on 29 March.  Runs at 12-14 knots.  Goes out of sight.  In the end, pursuit for 1 hour on the observed bearing produces nothing.  The enemy must have zigzagged off around 80°.  Pursuit broken off, due to fuel, no longer possibe.
				I draw myself gradually to the north to start the return transit.
		12.00	ET 9127	Day's run:  158 nm.
		16.00	ET 9117
		20.00	ET 8313
		20.32		Incoming Radio Message 1844/14 from B.d.U.:
				To Loewe.
				Report brief situation and return transit intentions.
		22.44		Reported by Radio Message 2157.
				(for clear text see enclosure).
		15.04.42
		00.00	ET 8315
		04.00	ET 8232
		08.00	ET 8222
		09.15 - 09.45		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 5875	Day's run:  122 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 5791
		20.00	ET 5749
		16.04.42
		00.00	ET 4961
		04.00	ET 4927
		08.00	ET 4911

	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.42

	- 33 -
		16.04.42
		09.30 - 10.00		Test dive.
		12.00	ET 4825	Day's run:  146 nm, 1 nm.
		16.00	ET 4582
		20.00	ET 4525
		17.04.42
		00.00	ET 4282
		04.00	ET 4252
		08.00	ET 4222
		12.00	ET 1855	Day's run:  144 nm.
			NNW 3, Sea 1, medium-swell, Vis. medium, iolated low clouds
		16.00	ET 1588
		20.00	ET 1555
		20.36		Incoming Radio Message 1936/17 from B.d.U.:  To Loewe:
				If fuel situation allows, return in legs at 25° West.
		18.04.42	Guinea Coast
		00.00	ET 1522
		04.00	ET 1258
		08.00	ET 1222
		09.00	ET 1222	Crash dive for flying boat (Sunderland or Lerwik) from directly ahead (from 0°T) at 2500 meters approaching directly.  Boat gets away against the swell very slowly.  Peculiarly no bombs.  Possibliy French reconnaissance?
		10.30		Surfaced.
		11.23	EK 7884	Crash dive for flying boat approaching from astern (from 179°T) at 6000 meters distant.  At depth 40 meters three well placed aircraft bombs of medium calibre.  No significant damage.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 2, hazy horizon, Vis. 6-8 nm, cloudless
		12.00	EK 7884	Day's run:  136 nm, 7 nm.
		15.00		Tried to surface.  Through the periscope 2000 meters abeam a flying boat is sighted.
				Now I will remain submerged until darkness.
		16.05	EK 7875	3 detonations (distant aircraft bombs)
		16.16		6 detonations (distant aircraft bombs)
				They seem to be meant for us.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42

	- 34 -
		18.04.42
		20.00	EK 7874
		21.30		Again a flying boat in sight the periscope.  Now I will wait until the moon has disappeared, and surface only then.  The sky is cloudless, a bright clear night.
		19.04.42
		00.10	EK 7795	Surfaced.  Set off to the west to charge the battery.
		04.00	EJ 9996
		08.00	EJ 9896
		08.45 - 10.45		Test dive.
		12.00	EJ 9881	Day's run:  132 nm, 30 nm.
			NNW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm, isolated clouds, variable cloudiness
		16.00	EJ 9769
		20.00	EJ 9752
		20.04.42	South of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 9486
		04.00	EJ 9461
		08.00	EJ 9198
		08.50 - 10.45		Test dive.
		12.00	EJ 9186	Day's run:  130 nm, 4 nm.
			N 3-4, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm, hazy horizon, isolated clouds
		16.00	EJ 9151
		20.00	EK 9112
		20.16		Incoming Radio Message 1635/20 from B.d.U.:
				Return harbor for Loewe is Lorient.
		21.04.42	Cape Verde Sea Area
		00.00	EJ 5993
		04.00	EJ 5936

	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42

	- 35 -
		21.04.42	Cape Verde Sea Area
		08.00	EJ 5669
		12.00	EJ 5635	Day's run:  150 nm.
			NNE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm, isplated clouds
		16.00	EJ 5393
		20.00	EJ 5336
		20.10	EJ 5335	Boa Vista Island of the Cape Verdes in sight.  Closest point of approach 7 nm at 22.30 hours.  Light house off Point Carreto is lit.
		22.04.42
		00.00	EJ 3775
		03.30		Passed Swedish steamer "FINN" on southerly course.
		04.00	EJ 3743
		08.00	EJ 3479
			It is now recognized that the transit back in legs about 25°W is not possible due to fuel reasons.  I must transit on the shortest possible route.  The NE-trade wind consumes more fuel than expected.
		09.00 - 10.15		Test dive.
		12.00	EJ 3454	Day's run:  154 nm, 3 nm.
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. good, low cloudiness breaking up
		16.00	EJ 3412
		20.00	EJ 3145
		23.04.42	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 3111
		04.00	DT 9744
		08.00	DT 9711
		12.00	DT 9444	Day's run:  160 nm.
			NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, Vis. good
		16.00	DT 8633
		20.00	DT 8366
		24.04.42

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42

	- 36 -
		24.04.42
		00.00	DT 8332
		04.00	DT 5968
		08.00	DT 5983
		09.30 - 10.30		Test dive.
		12.00	DT 5692	Day's run:  145 nm, 2 nm.
			NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. good, 10/10 overcast, rain showers
		16.00	DT 5638
		20.00	DT 5395
		25.04.42	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	DT 5337
		04.00	DT 2994
		08.00	DT 2961
		12.00	DT 2697	Day's run:  150 nm.
			N 2, Sea 1, NW-swell, Vis. excellent, 6/10 overcast
		16.00	DT 2664
		20.00	DT 2397
		26.04.42
		00.00	DT 2368
		04.00	DT 3114
		08.00	DH 7793
		09.20 - 10.45		Test dive
		12.00	DH 7845	Day's run:  139 nm, 3 nm.
			WNW 3-4, NW-swell, 1/10 cumulus, Vis. 12 nm
		16.00	DH 7813
		20.00	DH 7558
		27.04.42	Canary Island Sea Area
		00.00	DH 7534
		04.00	DH 7292

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42

	- 37 -
		27.04.42
		08.00	DH 7317
			WNW 3-4, medium-high NW-swell, 10/10 overcast, Vis. good, isolated rain showers
		12.00	DH 4975	Day's run:  150 nm.
		16.00	DH 4951
		20.00	DH 4689
		28.04.42
		00.00	DH 4691
		04.00	DH 4638
		08.00	DH 4399
		10.10 - 10.40		Test dive.
		12.00	DH 5148	Day's run:  131 nm, 1 nm.
			NNW 3-4, medium-high NW-Swell, Vis. medium, isolated cumulous clouds
		16.00	DH 5127
		20.00	DH 2788
		29.04.42	Madeira Sea Area
		00.00	DH 2767
		04.00	DH 2735
		08.00	DH 2574
		10.30		Incoming Radio Message 1002/29 from B.d.U.:  To Loewe:
			Report expected date of arrival by short signal.
		11.15		Report by short signal:  8 May and position.
		12.00	DH 2542	Day's run:  132 nm.
			SW 3-4. flat NW-swell, 10/10 overcast, Vis. medium
		16.00	DH 2513	In the course of the afternoon deteriorating visibility alternating between 2-4 nm.
		20.00	DH 2258

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42

	- 38 -
		30.04.42	Madeira Sea Area
		00.00	DH 2226
		04.00	CF 9792
		08.00	CF 9841
		09.00 - 11.00		Test dive.
		12.00	CF 9812	Day's run:  135 nm, 4 nm.
			W 1-2, Sea 1, short-swell, 10/10 overcast, heavy haze, Vis. 1 nm
		16.00	CF 9559	Visibility changing 3-6 nm.
		20.00	CF 9535
		01.05.42
		00.00	CF 9371
		04.00	CF 9315
		08.00	CF 6984
		12.00	CF 6956	Day's run:  158 nm.
			N 4, Sea 3-4, low clouds breaking up, Vis. good
		16.00	CF 6926
		20.00	CF 6695
		02.05.42	Sea Area West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 6638
		04.00	CF 6399
		08.00	CG 4147
		09.00 - 13.45		Test dive.  Work on the high pressure air installation.
		12.00	CG 4118	Day's run:  111 nm, 6 nm.
		15.30	CG 4112	Crash dive for aircraft approaching from 340°T, 8000 meters.
		16.20		Surfaced.
		18.20	CG 1775	Suddenly as a result of the swell, there is a warship bearing 340°T, target angle 50°, high out.  Distance approximately 6 nm.  The Watch Officer properly crash dives.  Went to periscope depth. Vesel quickly shifts and soon has target angle 90°.  In the periscope with magnification 6 is made our clearly as a fast English escort vessel type "ATHERSTONE" slight zigzags. Course approximately 120°, speed estimated at 15-18 knots.  Closest point of approach 6-7000 meters.
			N 2-3, medium-high NW-Swell, Vis. good, isolated clouds

	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42

	- 39 -
		02.05.42
		19.15		Out of sight in the periscope.
		20.30	CG 1775	Surfaced.
		03.05.42	West of Finisterre
		00.00	CG 1742
		04.00	CG 1478
		04.55		Short weather report sent in accordance with orders.
				41°N, 15°W, 1028 mb falling, N 1-2, low NW-Swell, fair weather cumulous clouds, +16°, Vis, over 10 nm.
		08.00	CG 1445
		09.30 - 12.15		Test dive.
		12.00	CG 1418	Day's run:  108 nm, 10 nm.
		16.00	CG 1175
		20.00	CG 1142
			NE 2, 10/10 overcast, Vis. very good
		04.05.42
		00.00	BE 9897
		04.00	BE 9871
		08.00	BE 9851
		09.00 - 12.00		Test dive.
		12.00	BE 9829	Day's run:  129 nm, 6 nm.
		16.00	BE 9675
			ENE 4, Sea 3, Vis. medium, cloudless
		19.20	BE 9665	Fishing vessel under sail.  Evaded.
		20.00	BE 9661
		05.05.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7184
		04.00	BF 7246
		06.25		Radio Message 0557/5 to B.d.U.:
				Position 7 May at 07.00 hours Luci two.  Proceeding via Bogenlampe. [Bogenlampe = arclamp = a return route]
				Loewe.
		06.35		Dived to proceed submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42

	- 40 -
		05.05.42
		12.00	BF 7239	Day's run:  216 nm, 12 nm.
		15.00	BF 7317	Surfaced, without blowing, to air the boat and measure the altitude of the sun.
		15.04	ESE 4, Sea 3, cloudless, hazy horizon, Vis. medium to moderate	Crash dive for 2-engined land-based aircraft, which was quickly close with the medium to moderate visibility.  9 badly placed aircraft bombs, small caliber.  A fragment was later found on the conning tower.
		16.00	BF 7314
		17.53		Incoming Radio Message 1659/5 from B.d.U. on longwave.
				To Loewe:  Enemy aircraft positioned at 15.25 hours over returning German U-boat naval square BF 7293.
				Really prompt work.
		19.15		Incoming Radio Message 1418/5 from B.d.U. (Very Low Frequency)
				Return route for Loewe is Bogenlampe.
		19.20		Incoming Radio Message 1251/5 from 2.U.-Flottille (Very Low Frequency)
				Escort for U-505 positioned 7 May 07.00 hour Luci 2.
		20.00	BF 7316
		22.40		Surfaced.
		06.05.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4978
		04.00	BF 4963
		05.50		Short signal:  Request Lorient bearing transmitter.
		06.05		Dived for transit.
		08.00	BF 5725
		12.00	BF 5722	Day's run:  104 nm, 37 nm.
		13.05		Several distant detonations.
		16.30	BF 5497	5 distant detonations heard, nothing seen.
		20.00	BF 5495
		22.30	E 1-2, Sea 0, Vis. 6 nm, hazy horizon, cloudless	Surfaced.  Returning via Route Bogenlampe.
		07.05.42
		00.00	BF 5573
		03.30	BF 5535	Dimmed vessel on southwest course.
		04.00	BF 5533
		05.21	BF 6175	Crash dive for 2 aircraft flying out of the moon.
				Ahead Ile de Croix in sight.
		06.41		Surfaced.
		06.50		Taken in convoy at Point "Luci two".
		08.50		Made fast at Lorient.  Day's run:  120 nm, 23 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42

	- 41 -
			A. Results of the patrol:     1.) Total distance travelled:                                               Surfaced       12937 nm                                               Submerged       316 nm                                               Total             13253 nm             2.) Successes:                         Sunk  1 tanker, 2 steamers = 19679 GRT       Probably sunk                     1 steamer =    5775   "                                       Total                          24454 GRT                           B. Lessons learned:     1.) Deballasting of 15 tons proven.     2.) Boat for two months in the tropics proven.     3.) Propulsion setup even in the greatest heat = diesel-electric, 200 RPM speed 6-7knots, consumption with calm weather 1.8 cbm/day.     4.) Could not reach highest speed in the tropics.  Exhaust gas temperature become too high.  Even when pursuing at GF there was repeated stopping of the diesels, because fuel pre vaporized.  Tactically useable highest speed = 16 knots in calm weather.     5.) In general provisions kept well, fresh potatoes, e.g., up to 60 days.     6.) State of health of the vew was good, relatively few heat skin rashes.     7.) In the operations area strong water layering, poor sound conditions.     8.) At night non switchable periscope crosshair lighting, interferes under water very much. Suggest development.     9.) Suggest giving the boat a collecting sail to stretch between the conning tower and cannon or machine gun platform and bridge.  With this water for a whole day could be caught in a single short tropical rain.

	- 42 -
			C. Of note     On outbound transit main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 starboard leaked, 9.5 cbm of fuel oil lost.                               Concluded

	Enclosures to U-505's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart A	Track chart covering entire war patrol                11 February to 5 May 1942
Chart B	Track chart covering the period 3 March to 18 April 1942

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the war diary of U-505 from 04.02.42 - 07.05.42.
	Well and thoughtfully conducted, first patrol of the commander in a new boat.  In spite of the long time in the operation area, light traffic allowed no greater success.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations Department -

---

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page