U-506 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
6 April 1942
Lorient
15 June 1942
71

 

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
3 May 42
08.19
25°15'N, 79°45'W
SAMA
567
Nicaraguan
 
10 May 42
09.31 - 10.57
28°33'N, 90°06'W
AURORA (damaged)
7,050
American
 
13 May 42
21.38
28°21'N, 89°34'W
GULFPENN
8,862
American
 
14 May 42
05.46
28°09'N, 90°22'W
DAVID MCKELVY (damaged)
6,821
American
 
16 May 42
11.01
28°27'N, 90°14'W
SUN
9,002
American
 
16 May 42
11.10 - 11.21
28°27'N, 90°14'W
WILLIAM C. MC TARNAHAN (damaged)
7,306
American
17 May 42
05.35
28°09'N, 89°50'W
GULFOIL
5,189
American
19 May 42
08.58
28°33'N, 91°02'W
HEREDIA
4,732
American
 
20 May 42
07.58
28°09'N, 89°58'W
HALO
6,986
American
 
28 May 42
03.12 - 04.22
29°51'N, 72°38'W
YORKMOOR
4,457
British
 
31 May 42
02.52 - 04.50
30°27'N, 61°18'W
FRED W. GREEN
2,292
British
 
     
 Total = 63,264
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                                  K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h   .  
                                 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  
                                                      of  
                            Unterseebootes       -        "  U  506  ".  
           
           
                             Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Würdemann.  
           
           
           
           
            Beginning:      26 March 1942  
            Concluding:       15 June 1942.  
           
           
           
                                    
           
           
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
        K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
                            of  
        Unterseebootes    "U - 506"  
        Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Würdemann  
                                     Beginning:    26 March 1942  
                                  Concluding:    15 June 1942  
    26.03.42   Shipyard repairs and outfitting.  
        to Lorient 03 April  Sea trial.  
    05.04.42   4 and 5 April  Degaussing.  
                                                
    06.04.42 Lorient    
    19.30   Cast off from Berth A 3 for war patrol.  
    20.00 SW 4, Sea 3, Vis. good Followed Sperrbrecher.  
    21.03 Point Lucie 2 Released Sperrbrecher.  
    22.02 Point Rb. 1 Transit on Route "Cedernland"/"Tannenadel".  
                                                
    07.04.42      
    00.30 Point Ceder Avoided many fishermen.  
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    03.00 Point Tanne    
    07.15   Dived.  
    11.15   Passed the 200-meter line.  
    12.00 BF 3370        46° 35'N Day's run:  142 nm      12 nm  =  154 nm.  
                             5° 07'W    
    16.00 BF 5570    
    20.00 BF 5490    
    21.26   Surfaced.  - Transit speed 12 knots. -  
                                                
    08.04.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5480    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good    
    04.00 BF 4690    
    08.00 BF 4680 Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    12.00 BF 4670        46° 31'N Day's run:        86 nm            35 nm  =  121 nm  
                             7° 55'W                       142  "              12  "   
                          228 nm        47 nm  
    13.30   Deep diving test.  Reached diving depth = A +32 meters.  
        - No issues. -  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.04.42      
    16.00 BF 4670    
    20.00 BF 4590    
    21.24   Surfaced.  - Transit speed 12 knots. -  
                                                
    09.04.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4580    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, short, heavy Swell, changing cloudiness, Vis. medium    
    04.00 BF 4570    
    07.25   Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    08.00 BF 4490    
    12.00 BF 4720        46° 26'N Day's run:        71 nm            34 nm  =  105 nm  
                           10° 21'W                       228  "              47  "   
                          299 nm        81 nm  
    13.30 - 15.10   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BF 4720    
    20.00 BF 4470    
    21.34   Surfaced.  - Transit speed 12 knots. -  
                                                
    10.04.42 Northwest of Spain    
    00.00 BF 4740    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. good    
    04.00 BF 4740    
    08.00 BE 6990    
    11.00   Dived.  
    12.00 BE 9350        45° 05'N Day's run:       103 nm            18 nm  =  121 nm  
                           12° 15'W                       299  "               81  "   
                          402 nm        99 nm  
    13.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 9370    
    20.00 BE 9530    
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.04.42      
    00.00 BE 9540 Short Signal sent:  "My position is square BE 94."  
      Shifting to the S 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell    
    04.00 BE 9490    
    08.00 BE 9720 Diesel-electric transit speed.  Changing RPM to determine the most economical power setting.  
    12.00 BE 9710        43° 40'N Day's run:       168 nm             3 nm  =  171 nm  
                           15° 36'W                       403  "                99  "   
                          571 nm        102 nm  
    16.00 BE 8930    
    20.00 BE 8920    
                                                
    12.04.42 West of Spain    
    00.00 BE 8940    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, long, large Swell, clear, Vis. good    
    04.00 BE 8860    
    08.00 BE 8850    
    12.00 BE 8870        42° 53'N Day's run:       148 nm             -  nm  =  148 nm  
                           18° 32'W                       571  "             102  "   
                          719 nm        102 nm  
    13.30   Proceeded submerged due to large Swell.  
    16.00 CF 2330    
    17.55   Surfaced.  - Proceeded on the surface. -  
    20.00 CF 2350    
                                                
    13.04.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 2380    
      WSW 4-5, slowly abating, Sea 3-4, long Swell, Vis. over 10 nm    
    04.00 CF 2610    
    08.00 CF 2530    
    12.00 CF 2550        41° 23'N Day's run:       116 nm            11 nm  =  127 nm  
                           20° 25'W                       719  "             102  "   
                          835 nm        113 nm  
    16.00 CF 2810    
    20.00 CF 2760    
                                                
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.04.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.04.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 5120    
      W 1, Sea 1, long Swell, totally overcast, hazy, Vis. low    
    04.00 CF 5140    
    08.00 CF 4390 Diesel-electric transit speed 8-9 knots.  
        (Diesel 230 RPM, E-motor 200 RPM)  
        Due to continual W-Swell decided to proceed south of the Azores.  
    12.00 CF 4650        38° 48'N Day's run:        197 nm               -  nm  =  197 nm  
                           22° 52'W                         835  "             113  "   
                          1032 nm        113 nm  
    16.00 CF 4670    
      Scattered fog    
    20.00 CF 4860    
                                                
    15.04.42 Azores    
    00.00 CF 7220    
      NW 1, smooth Sea, Swell, overcast, misty, fog banks    
    04.00 CF 7240    
    08.00 CE 9630 Switched to Greenland Circuit.  
    12.00 CE 9650        36° 05'N Day's run:          200 nm             -   nm  =  200 nm  
                           25° 15'W                        1032  "             113  "   
                          1232 nm        113 nm  
    13.10 - 14.00   Test dive.  
    16.00 CE 9670    
    20.00 CE 9820    
                                                
    16.04.42 South of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 9840    
      NE 1, smooth Sea, cloudy, Vis. medium    
    04.00 CE 9780    
    08.00 DG 2310    
    12.00 DG 2240       34° 22'N Day's run:          198 nm             2  nm  =  200 nm  
                           28° 50'W                        1232  "             113  "   
                          1430 nm        115 nm  
    16.00 DG 2270    
    20.00 DG 2420    
                                                
    17.04.42 Southwest of the Azores    
    00.00 DG 2440    
      N 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good    
    00.30 DG 1660 Light in sight bearing 220°T.  Turned towards and held on.  Distinguished as a steamer, side lights set in accordance with rules of the road and hull and stern are brightly illuminated with lights.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.04.42      
   

 

01.30

  Medium freighter with 4 loading hatches.  Course 85-90°.  The glare of the lights is so dazzling, the name and nationality are not distinguished.  Did not stop and came to old course 250°.  
    04.00 DG 1650    
    08.00 DG 1670    
    12.00 DG 1830       32° 50'N Day's run:          190 nm             -  nm  =  190 nm  
                           31° 11'W                        1430  "             115  "   
                          1620 nm        115 nm  
    16.00 DG 1810    
    20.00 DG 1760    
                                                
    18.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 1780    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, changing cloudiness, Vis. good    
    04.00 DF 3990    
    08.00 DF 6320    
    10.05 - 11.05   Test dive.  
    12.00 DF 6340       31° 45'N Day's run:          193 nm             4  nm  =  197 nm  
                           35° 28'W                        1620  "             115  "   
                          1813 nm        119 nm  
    14.30 - 15.30 DF 6260 Artillery combat training with all weapons.  
      SSE 2, Sea 1 (First artillery firing of the boat)  
        Target:  a raft with a circular target 2 x 1 meter.  
        1.  Approach:  Bow (initial range = 3200 meters) with turn off (range = 1000 meters) to running combat.  
        2.  Approach:  Armed attack at range = 800 meters.  
        Fired ammunition:  
                10.5 cm      = 20 rounds  
                3.7 cm        = 32 rounds  
                M.G. C/30  = 80 rounds  
                M.G. 34      = 450 rounds  
    16.00 DF 6250    
    20.00 DF 6270    
                                                
    19.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DF 6180    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. very good    
    04.00 DF 6410    
    08.00 DF 5620    
    12.00 DF 5560       30° 45'N Day's run:          200 nm             -  nm  =  200 nm  
                           39° 25'W                        1813  "             119  "   
                          2013 nm        119 nm  
    16.00 DF 5550    
    20.00 DF 6270    
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DF 5720    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good    
    04.00 DF 5710    
    08.00 DF 4950    
    12.00 DF 4970       29° 30'N Day's run:          173 nm             -  nm  =  173 nm  
                           42° 35'W                        2013  "             119  "   
                          2186 nm        119 nm  
    13.05 - 13.55   Dived.  Crew muster.  Commandant's speech to mark the Führer's birthday.  
    16.00 DF 7230    
    17.46   Incoming Radio Message (1630/203):  "Schacht and Würdemann.  Head for naval square Dora Anton 90 by the shortest route.  Conserve fuel.  Fuel supply on return transit is intended, however not certain.  Notification will be timely."  
    20.00 DF 7210 Came to most economical cruise.  Diesel-electric 6-7 knots.  
                                    (Diesel 220 RPM)  
                                    (E-motor 130 RPM)  
        Decide to head for the ordered square via the Bahamas Islands and Florida Straits.  
                                                
    21.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DF 7150    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. changing    
    04.00 DF 7140    
    04.58   Short Signal Sent:  "Position is DE 9360."  
    05.07   Short Signal sent:  "Still have 183 cbm fuel."  
    08.00 DE 9360 Both Short Signals confirmed.  
    12.00 DE 9350       28° 49'N Day's run:          178 nm             2  nm  =  180 nm  
                           48° 33'W                        2186  "             119  "   
    [typo DE 9350 = 28° 57'N 45° 42'W]                   2364 nm        121 nm  
    16.00 DE 9340    
    20.00 DE 9250    
                                                
    22.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DE 9230    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good    
    04.00 DE 9150    
    08.00 DE 9140    
    12.00 DE 9130       28° 49'N Day's run:          156 nm             -  nm  =  156 nm  
                           48° 33'W                        2364  "             121  "   
                        2520 nm        121 nm  
    16.00 DE 8390    
    20.00 DE 8370    
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DE 8290    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, scattered rain    
    04.00 DE 8280    
    08.00 DE 8270    
      DE 8190       28° 36'N Day's run:          149 nm             -  nm  =  149 nm  
                           51° 21'W                        2520  "             121  "   
                          2669 nm        121 nm  
    15.03 - 15.27   Test dive.  
    16.00 DE 8180    
    20.00 DE 8170    
                                                
    24.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DE 7380    
      S-SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. changing, rain showers    
    04.00 DE 7610    
    08.00 DE 7530    
    12.00 DE 7520       28° 20'N Day's run:          145 nm             1  nm  =  146 nm  
                           54° 04'W                        2669  "             121  "   
                          2814 nm        122 nm  
    16.00 DE 7510    
    20.00 DE 7430                                         
         
    25.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DE 7420    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. medium-good    
    04.00 DD 9630    
    08.00 DD 9620    
    12.00 DD 9640       28° 08'N Day's run:          146 nm             -  nm  =  146 nm  
                           56° 50'W                        2814  "             122  "   
                          2960 nm        122 nm  
    1354   Incoming Radio Message (1241/291):  "To Schacht and Würdemann.  Heavy traffic is suspected from square DM 19 and 43 to DA 6850, 8120, 5850.  Very heavy tanker traffic from both of the last points.  Attempt to interdict traffic routes in constricted areas.  Attention is called to situation reports as soon as noticed, possibly through radio repeaters."  
    16.00 DD 9560    
    20.00 DD 9550                                         
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DD 9540    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good    
    04.00 DD 9460    
    08.00 DD 9440    
    11.03   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 DD 8660       27° 55'N Day's run:          145 nm             2  nm  =  147 nm  
                           59° 35'W                        2960  "             122  "   
                          3105 nm        124 nm  
    16.00 DD 8660    
    16.50   Surfaced.  
    18.05   Dived again to proceed submerged.  
    20.00 DD 8660                                         
         
    27.04.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DD 8650    
      Shifting from SW to WNW 3, Sea 3, rain showers, Vis. good, bright moon    
    04.00 DD 8670    
    08.00 DD 8590    
    12.00 DD 8580       27° 45'N Day's run:          73 nm            25  nm  =  98 nm  
                           61° 25'W                        3105  "             124  "   
                          3178 nm        149 nm  
    16.00 DD 8490    
    20.00 DD 8480    
                                                
    28.04.42 South of Bermuda Islands    
    00.00 DD 8470    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    04.00 DD 7690    
    08.00 DD 7680    
    12.00 DD 7910       27° 32'N Day's run:         146 nm              - nm  =  146 nm  
                           64° 12'W                        3178  "             149  "   
                          3324 nm        149 nm  
    16.00 DD 7820    
    20.00 DD 7810                                         
         
    29.04.42 East of the Bahamas Islands    
    00.00 DD 7720    
      Trade Wind weather, NE 2-3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. good, very bright moonlit night    
    04.00 DC 7710    
    08.00 DC 9920    
    12.00 DC 9910       27° 31'N Day's run:         197 nm              - nm  =  197 nm  
                           67° 40'W                        3324  "             149  "   
                          3521 nm        149 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.04.42      
    16.00 DC 9820    
    20.00 DC 9810    
                                                
    30.04.42 East of the Bahamas Islands    
    00.00 DC 9750    
      Trade Wind weather, night bright as day    
    04.00 DC 8960    
    08.00 DC 8940    
    12.00 DC 8860       27° 03'N Day's run:         209 nm              - nm  =  209 nm  
                           71° 37'W                        3521  "             149  "   
                          3730 nm        149 nm  
    16.00 DC 8880    
    17.05 - 18.35   Test dive and damage control exercises.  
    20.00 DC 8790    
    23.17 DC 8780 Crash dive for aircraft.  (3-eingined land-based aircraft). - Was unsighted. -  
    23.31   Surfaced.  
                                                
    01.05.42 East of the Bahamas Islands    
    00.00 DC 8780    
      Trade Wind weather, ENE 2, night bright as day    
    04.00 DN 1330    
    08.00 DN 1310    
    12.00 DN 1230       26° 19'N Day's run:         203 nm              4 nm  =  207 nm  
                           75° 00'W                        3730  "             149  "   
                          3933 nm        153 nm  
    16.00 DN 1240    
    15.10 - 16.38   Test dive.  
    20.00 DN 1180    
    22.24 Vis. 15 nm "Man Island" lighthouse (Grand Bahama Island) in sight.  - Moved back and forth at the limit of visibility. -  
                                                
    02.05.42 Bahamas Islands, Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 3630    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. good, clear, bright as day night    
    02.00   Ran with both diesels 2 x HF (14-15 knots) in the NE Providence Channel.  
    04.00 DM 3610    
    04.45   "Abaco" Lighthouse bearing 0°T, 5 nm.   
    08.00 DM 3270 Ran through the NW Providence Channel.  Except for 2 small sailing vessels, nothing seen.  All lighthouses as in peacetime.  
    12.00 DM 3140      26° 14'N Day's run:         218 nm              4 nm  =  222 nm  
                           79° 08'W                        3933  "             153  "   
                          4151 nm        157 nm  
    12.35   Entered the Florida Straits.  Dived.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.05.42      
    16.00 DM 2360    
      NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. good    
    16.20   Surfaced.  
    17.15   Crash dive for aircraft.  (Sea plane.)  
    17.40   Surfaced.  Course 200°.  Surface transit 8-9 knots.  
    19.30   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    20.00 DM 2350 Surfaced.  
    20.10   Crash dive for aircraft.  (Slow land-based aircraft.)  
    22.09   Surfaced.  Slow land-based aircraft in sight which flies back and forth on the American coast.  
    22.58   Crash dived for the land-based aircraft.  May have been seen.  
                                                
    03.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 2350    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, Vis. good, very bright moonlit night    
    02.00   Surfaced.  
    02.13   Crash dive for aircraft.  (Sea plane.)  
    02.33   Surfaced.  Ran to the SW at high transit speed (14 knots).  All lighthouses on the Florida coast as in peacetime.  Bright light glow is seen over the city of Miami.  
    04.00 DM 2380    
    07.24 DM 2658 Steamer in sight bearing 160°T.  (course 345°)  Maneuvered ahead.  
    08.00 DM 2650    
    08.15 DM 2658 Dived for submerged attack.  
    08.19   Single shot from tube 5 with:  
        Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = 90°, depth = 2 meters.
        Hit after 29 seconds.  (440 meters) in forward third.  
    08.23   Surfaced.   
    08.29   Steamer sinks slowly over the forestem.  
        Appearance:  clipper bow, 2 masts, 1 long thin smokestack, 4 cargo hatches, 110 meters long.  Size 3500 GRT.  
        After surfacing nothing heard on the 600 meter wave.  
    09.00   Carysfort Reef lighthouse in sight.  
   

09.23

 

10.02

 

 

Carysfort Reef bearing 315°T, 15 nm away

Steamer in sight bearing 270°T.  Steamer proceeds close under the coast, about course 20° and displays a strong bow and stern sea.  Apparently a modern passenger steamer estimated at 10000-12000 GRT.  Because the bearing shifts steadily ahead abandoned pursuit.  
    10.31 Cloudless moon Shadow in sight bearing 280°T.  Large loaded modern tanker on NNE course proceeding along the Florida reefs.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    11.21 Carysfort Reef bearing 262°T, 10 nm away Pursuit broken off at range 4000-5000 meters, target angle = 90°, due to the beginning of twilight.  
        Moved away from the coast.  
    11.50   Freighter on NNE course in sight, proceeding close under the coast.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.05.42      
    12.00 DM 2670      25° 07'N Day's run:           95 nm             22 nm  =  117 nm  
                           80° 02'W                        4151  "             157  "   
                          4251 nm        179 nm  
    12.10   Dived.  
    16.00 DM 2670    
    17.00   Surfaced.  
    17.30   Crash dive for 6 fighter aircraft in 2 formations.  
    18.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DM 2670    
    20.15   Crash dive for land-based aircraft.  
    22.00   Surfaced.  
    23.15 DM 2673 Crash dive for land-based aircraft.  
    23.19   2 aircraft bombs at depth 60 meters.  No damage.  
                                                
    04.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 2670    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, bright moon    
    02.46   Surfaced.  - Proceeded on the surface to the southwest. -  
    04.00 DM 2910    
    08.00 DM 2850    
    12.00 DM 2870      24° 02'N Day's run:           92 nm             12 nm  =  104 nm  
                           80° 57'W                        4246  "             179  "   
                          4338 nm        191 nm  
    12.16   Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    16.00 DM 2870    
    20.00 DM 2870    
                                                
    05.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 5130    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, at times rain, Vis. medium, bright moon    
    02.35   Surfaced.  Due to heavy navigation offset after a fix (35 nm) intended search tonight of the Florida reefs within the 200-meter line is not possible.  
    04.00 DM 5120    
    08.00 DM 2770    
    10.15 Misty Sand Key lighthouse in sight  
    11.30   Cosgrove Shoal in sight.  
    12.00 DM 1990      24° 18'N Day's run:           72 nm             12 nm  =  84 nm  
                           82° 10'W                        4338  "             191  "   
                          4410 nm        203 nm  
    12.15   Dived.  - Submerged transit. -  
    16.00 DM 1990    
    20.00 DM 1990    
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 1980    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis good, clear bright moonlit night    
    02.36   Surfaced. - Ran towards the coast. -  
    04.00 DM 1950 Nothing seen between Rebecca Shoal and Sand Key inside the 200-meter line.  
    04.40   Incoming Radio Message (1542/217):  "Schacht and Würdemann.  
        1.)  To deliver pain killers be at naval square DL 31 upper-right corner on 6 May  at 15.00 hours.  Würdemann report later arrival by Short Signal if meeting at this time is not possible.  No bearing signals.  
        2.  . . . . . . . . "  
    06.30   Short Signal sent:  "Will be at ordered meeting point later, namely 1 day."  
    08.00 DM 4130 Surface transit to ordered meeting point.  
    10.05 DM 4420 Crash dive for aircraft with set lights.  Aircraft turned hard towards the boat.  
   

10.50

11.03

  Surfaced.  Aircraft is still in sight and circles the diving location.  Lights are still set.  As the aircraft again turns towards the boat, crash dive.  
    12.00 DM 4220      24° 06'N Day's run:           99 nm             13 nm  =  112 nm  
                           83° 25'W                        4410  "             203  "   
                          4509 nm        216 nm  
    16.00 DM 4220 Due to failure of the starboard diesel (oil cooler torn) can not reach the meeting point at the ordered time anyway, proceeded submerged.  
    20.00 DM 4210  
                                                
    07.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DM 4210    
      N 1, smooth Sea, clear, Vis. 15 nm    
    03.00   Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface to the meeting point.  
    04.00 DM 1870    
    07.04   Sent Radio Message (0637/251):  "To Schacht.  Due to air meeting first possible on 8 May at 15.00 hours."  
    08.00 DM 1750    
    12.00 DL 3690       25° 06'N Day's run:           86 nm             29 nm  =  115 nm  
                           84° 56'W                        4509  "             216  "   
                          4595 nm        245 nm  
    16.00 DL 3650    
    20.00 DL 3530    
                                                
    08.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DL 3250    
      Wind calm, smooth Sea, hazy, Vis. poor    
    04.00 DL 3210 Proceeded on the surface to the meeting point.  
    08.00 DL 3130    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.05.42      
    12.00 DB 7870      26° 47'N Day's run:          168 nm             -  nm  =  168 nm  
                           86° 48'W                        4509  "             245  "   
                          4677 nm        245 nm  
    15.00 DL 31 upper-right corner At meeting point.  
    15.10          15.16   Vessel in sight in the haze.  Distinguished as U-boat hunter type "PC-450".  Crash dive.  
        U-boat hunter circles at the diving location.  No depth charges, no S-gear.  
    16.00 DL 3130 Ran off at silent running.  
    18.00   At some distance each 1 depth charge series.  
    18.30    
    19.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DL 3130    
    21.02   Incoming Radio Message (1853/278) from Schacht:  "8 May square DB 7885 armed Norwegian "TORNY" sunk.  Würdemann not found at meeting point to now.  Going 10 nm to the west due to air."  
        Headed for new meeting point.  Schacht is not found up to the beginning of darkness.  
                                                
    09.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DL 3120    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. changing    
    04.00 DB 7870 Surfaced transit to the Mississippi Delta.  
    08.00 DB 7750    
    12.00 DB 7720      27° 37'N Day's run:          130 nm             5  nm  =  135 nm  
                           87° 50'W                        4677  "             245  "   
                          4807 nm        250 nm  
    16.00 DA 9690    
    16.32   Incoming Radio Message (1525/298):  
        "1.)  . . . . . . . .  
        2.)  . . . . . . . .  
        3.)  Folkers report successes, Würdemann situation.  
        4.)  . . . . . . . . "  
    18.25   Incoming Radio Message (1411/201) from Schacht:  "Würdemann not met.  Because about 18.00 hours distant detonations as from torpedoes, 18.33 hours close in succession detonations as from aircraft bombs heard, report position.  Positioned 10 nm west of meeting point."  
    20.00 DA 9650    
    20.30 - 22.03   Test dive.  
                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9620    
      NNE 1, smooth Sea, clear, hazy, Vis. changing    
    03.53   Incoming Radio Message (0041/206) from Schacht:  "Left meeting point due to heavy air and aircraft bombs. . . . . . . ."  
    04.00 DA 9370    
    05.00   "Southwest Pass" lighthouse in sight bearing 28°T, 12 nm.  Burns as in peacetime.  Passes quickly out of sight again in the haze.  New course 100° to the South Pass.  
    06.59   Shadow in sight bearing 140°T.  - Sending of ready situation report with new meeting point for Schacht was delayed -  
        Was distinguished as an unloaded tanker on a westerly course.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
    09.23   Incoming Radio Message (0854/213):  "Würdemann immediately report position."  
    09.31   Multiple shot from tubes 5 and 6 with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 71°, depth = 2.5 meters.
        Range was substantially underestimated, first after 188 seconds (2800 meters) a hit center.  
        Tanker shows little effect and continued on old course at slightly reduced speed.  
        He transmits torpedoed with exact position, whereupon "Commander Eighth Naval District" sends U-boat warning to all ships.   - New maneuver ahead. -  
    10.57 DA 9288 Multiple shot from tubes 2 and 3 with:  
      Mirror smooth Sea Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = 63°, depth = 3 meters.
        After 70 seconds (1050 meters) one each hit after edge of the bridge and engine room.  
        Tanker stops, lists to starboard and settled slowly aft.  Crew goes to the boats. (4).  
    11.16   22 rounds 10.5 cm incendiary ammunition shot at low range.  After multiple hits fire started in the fore ship.  
    11.37   Ran off from the burning and sinking tanker due to the beginning of twilight.  It goes by the call sign KERX of the U.S.A. tanker "AURORA".  Size 7050 GRT.  
    12.00 DA 9250      28° 30'N Day's run:          194 nm             4  nm  =  198 nm  
                           89° 57'W                        4807  "             250  "   
                          5001 nm        254 nm  
    12.32   Sent Position Short Signal.  Was not acknowledged.  
    12.40   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9520    
    20.00 DA 9530    
    20.20   Surfaced.  
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9560 Surface transit to new meeting point.  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good    
    04.00 DA 9650    
    04.59   Outgoing Radio Message (0252/229):  
        "1.)  Off and in Providence Channel no traffic.  Lighthouses as in peacetime.  
        2.)  Off Miami to Tortugas only on 3 May two independents sighted rounding Carysfort Reef to the north.  Very heavy air by day.  
        3.)  In the Gulf up to 9 May nothing seen.  Schacht not found.  At first meeting point forced to submerge by U-boat hunter type "PC".  Position 11 May from 15.00 hours square DB 77 upper-left corner.  
        4.)  Still 18 torpedoes, 123 cbm.  High pressure weather.  
        5.)  3 May square DM 2650 freighter 3500 GRT sunk, course 345°.  10 May tanker "AURORA" (radio call sign KERX) left in flames, sinking condition in square DA 9288, course 270°."  
    08.00 DB 7410    
    12.00 DB 7440      27° 57'N Day's run:          116 nm             6  nm  =  122 nm  
                           88° 16'W                        5001  "             254  "   
                          5117 nm        260 nm  
    16.00 DA 9690 At meeting point.  
    17.17 DA 7477 [typo DB] Crash dive for aircraft.  Recognized too late by the bridge watch.  (out of the sun range 3000 meters)  
      Cloudless  
    17.18   At depth 30 meters a heavy detonation.  Boat was literally lifted.  
        Various failures.  The only lasting failure is that tube 5 is out of service.  (torpedo can not be launched)  
    20.00 DA 9690    
                                                
    12.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9690    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    03.00   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DA 9650    
    08.00 DB 7410    
    12.00 DB 7440      27° 56'N Day's run:          107 nm           22  nm  =  129 nm  
                           88° 20'W                        5117  "             260  "   
                          5224 nm        282 nm  
    12.11   Illuminated steamer in sight.  
    12.32   Dived before steamer, proves to be the Mexican "DAXADA".  Loaded, unarmed, course 325°.  
    13.48   Surfaced.  
    13.57   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    16.00 DB 7470    
    20.00 DB 7470    
    22.30   Surfaced.  
    23.02   Crash dive for aircraft.  
                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9660    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. changing, hazy, summer lightening    
    03.00   Surfaced.  Left meeting point to go to the mouth of the Mississippi.  
    04.00 D 9620    
    06.06   Incoming Radio Message (0147/284) from Schacht:  
        "1.)  . . . . . . . .  
        2.)  Meeting point Würdemann settled."  
    07.30   Fiery glow in sight.  Apparently a burning tanker, that Schacht reported as exploded in Radio Message (0147/284).  Fiery glow can be seen about 30 nm.  
    08.00 DA 9350    
    12.00 DA 9370      28° 36'N Day's run:           97 nm            28  nm  =  125 nm  
                           89° 27'W                        5224  "             282  "   
                          5321 nm        310 nm  
    12.10   Dived.  - Also submerged by day in the subsequent period due to air, with overcast skies and constant haze.  
    16.00 DA 9530    
    20.00 DA 9530 Multiple freighters and tankers with east or west courses in sight.  In the prevailing haze ships first come in sight at low range with mostly unfavorable target angles.  Sound gear reported propeller sounds before sighting in only one case.  
    21.38 DA 9536 Multiple shot from tubes 1 and 4 on loaded tanker on easterly course with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 82°, depth 4 meters.
        After 120 seconds (1800 meters) hit in the engine room.  Tanker settled quickly by the stern and sank after 7 minutes.  
        Appearance:  Older normal tanker (according to Gröner) about 125 meters long.  Estimated size 6000 GRT.  
        After sinking the tanker until surfacing nothing further seen or heard.  
                                                
    14.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9530    
      W 1, overcast, Vis. changing, hazy, marine phosphorescence    
    03.15   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DA 9520    
    05.15   Shadow in sight bearing 260°T.  Distinguished as a loaded tanker on an easterly course.   
        Maneuvered ahead.  
    05.46 DA 9543 Multiple shot from tubes 2 and 3 with:  
      Vis. medium, heavy marine phosphorescence, smooth Sea Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 65°, depth 4 meters.
      After each 40 seconds (600 meters) hit in the bow only slight fiery glow and hit center.  After a heavy detonation burning oil pours on the sea with a rush.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.05.42   Got clear of the burning oil with AK and hard rudder.  
    05.58   Due to bright as day illumination dived to run off.  
    07.23   Surfaced.  Tanker is a large torch.  Fiery glow is still distinguished at 25 nm.  Sinking of the tanker is certain.  
        Appearance:  Older tanker, bridge far forward, 2 masts, no king posts, 135 meters long.  Estimated size:  7000 GRT.  
    08.00 DA 9520    
    12.00 DA 9550      28° 11'N Day's run:           36 nm            36  nm  =  84 nm  
                           90° 04'W                        5321  "             310  "   
                          5369 nm        346 nm  
    12.22   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9550    
    20.00 DA 9550    
                                                
    15.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9580    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, dark low visibility night    
    03.13   Surfaced.  - Set off from the coast. -  
    04.00 DA 9580    
    04.30 - 09.00   Down loaded 6 over deck torpedoes.  No difficulties.  
    08.00 DA 9540    
   

12.00

DA 9550      28° 03'N Day's run:            61 nm            25 nm  =  65 nm  
                           90° 10'W                        5369  "             346  "   
                          5430 nm        371 nm  
    12.25   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9550    
    20.00 DA 9560 At periscope depth nothing seen or heard.  
                                                
    16.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9530    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, hazy, dark night, marine phosphorescence    
    03.15   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DA 9530    
    05.41   Incoming Radio Message (1702/15/283):  "Thurmann report situation as soon as possible.  Würdemann send short situation report tonight."  
    08.44   Sent Radio Message (0735/15/283):  
        "1.)  Situation like Schacht.  
        2.)  13 May square DA 9536 loaded normal tanker 6000 GRT sunk.  14 May loaded tanker 7000 GRT naval square 9534 left as a torch.  Sinking certain.  Both course east."  
    09.59 DA 9288 Shadow in sight bearing 150°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Distinguished as an unloaded tanker on a westerly course.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.05.42      
    10.43   Due to continuously decreasing water depth (less than 20 meters) initiated attack early.  
    10.45   Second vessel in sight in the haze abeam with westerly course.  Because this second steamer is already close by I can only run on attack course at low speed due to the heavy marine phosphorescence  Therefore very large shooting range.  (about 3500 meters).  
    10.49 DA 9521 Multiple shot from tube 2 and 3 with:  
        Target speed = 12 knots, target angle = 87°, depth = 3.5 meters.
        Both torpedoes probably passed ahead.  The target was later determined to be the tanker "DAYLIGHT" from radio transmission.  
    10.55   After missing initiated attack on the second tanker.  Also an older tanker of about 8000 GRT.  (length 140 meters)  
    11.00   Further shadow in sight ahead to port.  Also an unloaded tanker on a westerly course.  
    11.01 DA 9521 Single shot from tube 6 with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 75°, depth 3 meters.
        After 74 seconds (1000 meters) hit in fore ship.  Slight fiery glow, little effect.  Tanker remains lying stopped for a minute and then runs at reduced speed towards land.  During the attack the third tanker passes out of sight.  
    11.10 DA 9521 Multiple shot from tubes 1 and 4 on the 3rd target with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 72°, depth 3 meters.
        Both torpedoes hit after 55 seconds (1000 meters) after edge of the bridge and engine room.  Tanker remains lying stopped, lists to starboard and burns amidships.  
    11.14 - 11.21   24 rounds 10.5 cm from low range.  Nearly all hits in the superstructure or in the water line.  
    11.21   Ran off due to the beginning of twilight.  Tanker strongly down by the stern with a steadily increasing list.  After dawn at periscope depth at medium range nothing more is seen.  Tanker sunk.  
        Appearance:  Modern, about 150 meter long tanker with raked bow, cruiser stern and 1 masts.  Smokestack not distinguished.  Estimated size:  9000 GRT.  
    12.00 DA 9520       28° 24'N Day's run:            68 nm            26 nm  =  94 nm  
                           90° 16'W                        5430  "             371  "   
                          5498 nm        397 nm  
    12.15   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9520    
    20.00 DA 9550 Nothing seen or heard.  
                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9550    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, hazy, Vis. medium    
    03.21   Surfaced.  
    03.30   Shadow in sight bearing 180°T.  Recognized as a loaded tanker on course 110°.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    04.00 DA 9560    
    05.35 DA 9661 Multiple shot from tubes 2 and 3 with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 69°, depth = 4 meters.
        After 34 seconds (680 meters) hit at the after edge of the bridge and engine room.  
        Tanker sinks very quickly and is under water after 3 minutes.  No boats seen.  
        Appearance:  Old construction, bridge far forward, 2 masts, 2 king posts just after the bridge, high smokestack, about 130 meters long.  Estimated size: 7000 GRT.  
    07.46   Outgoing Radio Message (0625/231):  "On 16 May square DA 9521 in quick succession:  
        1.)  2 miss on tanker "DAYLIGHT" from long range.  
        2.)  Hit in foreship on older 8000 ton tanker.  Little effect.  Tanker ran off in shallow water.  
        3.)  Modern tanker of 9000 GRT sunk.  All three tankers unloaded with westerly course.  On 17 May square DA 9561 loaded tanker 7000 GRT sunk.  Course 110°.  Still 3 + 4 Atos.  110 cbm.  Missing Serial Nos."  
    08.00 DA 9560    
    12.00 DA 9280       28° 38'N Day's run:            79 nm            25 nm  =  104 nm  
                           89° 56'W                        5498  "             397  "   
                          5577 nm        422 nm  
    12.16   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9280    
    20.00 DA 9280    
                                                
    18.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9280    
      SE 1, smooth Sea, Vis. medium, hazy    
    03.15   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DA 9280 Downloaded both of the remaining over deck torpedoes.  Duration 2 hours, no difficulties.  
    08.00 DA 9270 Many fishermen in sight.  
    12.00 DA 9430       28° 25'N Day's run:            59 nm            23 nm  =  92 nm  
                           90° 43'W                        5577  "             422  "   
                          5636 nm        445 nm  
    12.20   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9430    
    20.00 DA 9430 Unloaded tanker in sight.  Course 300°.  Due to long range did not reach shooting position.  
                                                
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9460    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, hazy, heavy marine phosphorescence    
    03.22   Surfaced.  
    04.00      
    07.50   Ship Shoal Lighted Buoy 2 not seen, apparently is extinguished.  Ran on the 20-meter line on course 290°.  
    08.00 DA 9180 Shadow in sight bearing 260°T.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
    08.58 DA 9197 Multiple shot from tubes 2 and 3 with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle 67°, depth = 4 meters.
        After each 30 seconds (600 meters) hit center and after ship.  
        Steamer settles astern quickly.  Stern rests on the bottom.  (water depth 25-30 meters).  The foreship protrudes from the water up to the upper edge of the bridge but later also sinks.  Several brightly illuminated lifeboats and rafts were set out.  
        Steamer was loaded and had course 120°.  
        Appearance:  Type "MEXICO"/"MONTEREY" (5236 tons).  Accepted size:  5200 GRT.  
        On 21 May an American Shipping Warning was issued with:  Lat. 28° 30'N and Long. 90° 58' 30"W, with the addition that masts protrude from the water.  
    10.36   Shadow in sight.  A small freighter on an easterly course running in about 15-20 meters of water. - Can not approach before it gets light. -  
    12.00 DA 9430       28° 28'N Day's run:            75 nm            25 nm  =  100 nm  
                           90° 56'W                        5636  "             445  "   
                          5711 nm        470 nm  
    12.21   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9510    
    20.00 DA 9510 Nothing seen and heard.  
                                                
    20.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9540    
      ESE 1, smooth Sea, cloudy, hazy    
    03.26   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DA 9550    
    06.20 DA 9551 Shadow in sight bearing 20°T.  
        Loaded tanker on course 90°.  While maneuvering ahead the tanker passes out of sight several times for brief periods.  
    07.58 DA 9553 Multiple shots from tubes 2 and 3 with:  
        Target speed = 11 knots, target angle = 66°, depth = 4 meters.
        After each 21 seconds (420 meters) hits forward edge of the bridge and center.  Tanker bursts into flames and in just a moment is a torch.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.05.42      
        A heavy internal explosion follows.  Apparently the tanker is torn apart in the middle.  Foreship capsizes and sinks.  Details can not be distinguished in the bright fiery glare.  
    08.00 DA 9550    
    08.12   Dived, ran off.  
    09.30   Surfaced.   Tanker is sunk.  Burning oil can still be seen for some time on the water.  
        Appearance:  Normal tanker about 145 meters.  Estimated size:  8000 GRT.  
    12.00 DA 9560       28° 20'N Day's run:            63 nm            27 nm  =  90 nm  
                           89° 34'W                        5711  "             470  "   
                          5774 nm        497 nm  
    12.13   Dived.  
    16.00 DA 9560    
    18.07 DA 9561 Propeller sounds heard.  
        Freighter recognized on course 270°, 3 island type, about 3000 GRT, unarmed.  
    18.23   From range = 800 meters single shot from tube 6 with:  
        Target speed = 12 knots, target angle = 79°, depth = 4 meters.
        Miss.  Probably speed overestimated (156 RPM in the sound gear), or under steered.  
    18.30 DA 9561 Another freighter in sight on westerly course.  Type "BALFE", about 5000 GRT.  Camouflaged, a cannon on the quarterdeck.  
        Multiple shot from tubes 1 and 4 with:  
        Target speed = 9 knots, target angle 78°, depth = 3 meters.  
        Both missed, unexplained with the low range (600 meters) and the good data.  From sound both torpedoes ran perfectly.  
        Therefore all torpedoes expended.  Began return transit.  
    20.00 DA 9561    
                                                
    21.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DA 9640    
      SSE 1, smooth Sea, hazy, heavy marine phosphorescence    
    03.20   Surfaced.  Transit on the surface.  Course 150°, transit speed 8-9 knots.  
    04.00 DA 9670    
    06.49 - 07.19   Sent Radio Message (0458/241 and 0517/244):  
        "1.)  Off Mississippi continuous heavy independent traffic.  Certainly worthwhile for other boats.  Constant air, however no sea patrol determined.  
        2.)  19 May square DA 9197 fast armed passenger freighter type "MEXICO"/"MONTEREY" of 5200 GRT sunk in 25 meters water.  Masts probably out of the water.  In same area in 15 meters water could not get to shooting position on  
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.05.42   a freighter.  Both course east.  20 May square DA 9553 loaded tanker of 8000 GRT sunk.  Course 90°.  Square DA 9561 miss on two freighters on westerly course.  
        3.)  Out of torpedoes.  All torpedoes ran perfectly.  
        4.)  Return transit.  A total of 8 ships of 52700 GRT plus a tanker of 8000 GRT damaged by a hit in the foreship  
        5.)  Still 100 cbm.  High pressure weather, frequent haze.  
        6.)  Am missing . . . . . . . ."  
    08.00 DA 9930    
    09.28 DA 9935 Shadow in sight at low range.  Patrol vessel with small silhouette lying stopped.  
        Moved off,  Shadow follows in wake.  In heavy haze moved off in serpentine legs and at 2 x HF.  Patrol vessel passes out of sight and was not seen again.  
    12.00 DB 7740       27° 11'N Day's run:            89 nm            27 nm  =  116 nm  
                           88° 09'W                        5774  "             497  "   
                          5863 nm        524 nm  
    12.02   Dived.  Proceeded submerged,  Course 135°.  
    16.00 DB 7740    
    20.00 DB 7750    
                                                
    22.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DB 7750    
      Wind calm, mirror smooth Sea, overcast, Vis. changing very heavily, hazy    
    03.33   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DB 7750 Surface transit on course 135°.  
    08.00 DB 7790    
    12.00 DB 3130       26° 22'N Day's run:            79 nm            27 nm  =  106 nm  
                           86° 49'W                        5863  "             524  "   
                          5942 nm        551 nm  
    12.50 DL 3130 Smoke feather in sight.  Avoided to the north, as mast and a high smokestack came out.  Course of the steamer about 315°.  Not reported, because there is still no boat to the west.  
    16.00 DL 3130    
    17.03   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    18.24   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DL 3520    
    20.58   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    22.17   Surfaced.  
    23.07   Crash dive for aircraft.  Was probably not noticed by any of the aircraft.  
                                                
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.05.42 Gulf of Mexico    
    00.00 DL 3640    
      Wind calm, duck pond, Vis. very good, clear    
    01.12   Surfaced.  
    03.00 DL 3681 Shadow in sight ahead.  Probably a U-boat ("U-753"?).  Shows a broad silhouette and returned to old course.  Shadow passes out of sight.  (Dived?)  
    04.00 DL 3680    
    08.00 DL 3930    
    12.00 DM 1750      24° 33'N Day's run:          167 nm             13 nm  =  180 nm  
                           84° 14'W                        5942  "             551  "   
                          6109 nm        564 nm  
    16.00 DM 1870    
    16.05   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    18.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DM 4230    
    20.05   Cuban coast comes in sight ahead.  (Distance 40 nm) - Came to new course 80°. -  
    23.03   Crash dive for aircraft.  
                                                
    24.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 1980    
      ENE Sea 1, clear, Vis. very good, moonshine, marine phosphorescence    
    00.10   Surfaced  
    03.49   Crash dive for approaching aircraft.  (Range = 800 meters).  No lights, however illuminated cockpit and exhaust.  
    04.00 DM 2750    
    05.05   Surfaced.  
    08.00 DM 2840    
    12.00 DM 2860      24° 34'N Day's run:          193 nm             16 nm  =  209 nm  
                           80° 26'W                        6109  "             564  "   
                          6302 nm        580 nm  
    12.09   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    16.00 DM 2940 Proceeded submerged.  Central Florida Straits.  
    20.00 DM 2920    
                                                
    25.05.42 Florida Straits    
    00.00 DM 2920    
      Wind calm, smooth Sea, overcast, heavy marine phosphorescence, bright moon    
    02.19   Surfaced.  - Surface transit on the east coast of the Florida Straits. -  
    03.00   Over flown by an aircraft with set lights.  
    04.00 DM 2690    
    04.30   Crash dive for aircraft.  No lights.  Over flown at an altitude of 100 meters.  
    06.00   Surfaced.  
    06.48   "Gun Cay" lighthouse (Grand Bahama Island) in sight.  
    08.00 DM 2630    
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.05.42      
    08.25 DM 2638 Shadow in sight bearing 270°T.  Coast Guard boat of the "ARGO" class with low speed on a northerly course.  Moved off to the east.  
    08.35   Patrol vessel passes out of sight.  
    09.37   "Great Isaac" lighthouse in sight.  
    11.53   Dived.  
        Proceeded submerged in the center of the Strait.  
    12.00 DM 2360      20° 14'N Day's run:            79 nm             59 nm  =  138 nm  
    [typo 26° 14'N]                      79° 28'W                        6302  "             580  "   
                          6381 nm        639 nm  
    16.00 DM 2330    
    20.00 DB 9870    
                                                
    26.05.42 Florida Straits/north of the Little Bahama Islands    
    00.00 DB 9840    
      NNE 1, smooth Sea, Vis. good, bright moon, with sunrise heavy haze    
    02.39   Surfaced.  
    04.00 DB 9810    
    06.00   Passed through the Florida Straits. - Moved off from the American coast on NE course. -  
    08.00 DB 9550    
    12.00 DB 9290      28° 31'N Day's run:           74 nm             70 nm  =  144 nm  
                           78° 55'W                        6381  "             639  "   
                          6455 nm        709 nm  
    16.00 DB 9380 Diesel-electric transit speed 8-9 knots, course 80°.  
    20.00 DB 9360    
                                                
    27.05.42 Northeast of the Bahama Islands    
    00.00 DC 7150    
      Wind calm, smooth Sea, clear, hazy, bright moonlit night    
    04.00 DC 7130    
    08.00 DC 7220    
    12.00 DC 4890      29° 26'N Day's run:         210 nm               - nm  =  210 nm  
                           75° 06'W                        6455  "             709  "   
                          6665 nm        709 nm  
    16.00 DC 4980    
    16.35 - 17.14   Test dive and conversion of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 and 6. [for use as ballast tanks]  
    20.00 DC 4990    
                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.05.42 Northeast of the Bahamas    
    00.00 DC 5760    
      NNE 1, smooth Sea, changing cloudiness, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    02.49   Steamer in sight bearing 110°T.  Steers 340°.  
    03.12   Opened fire on steamer in running artillery combat.  Because of bright moonlit night and smooth Sea opening fire by surprise at low range is not possible.  Opening fire range about 2500 meters.  Freighter turns stern to and returns fire very quickly with a stern cannon (caliber at most 7.5 cm).  
        Evasion maneuvers of the steamer result in changing course with continually changing range.  
        It is very difficult to observe.  Perfect hits can not be recognized.  Only sudden ceasing of the Radio Message of the freighter (can only still send call sign) and the slow, uncertain, gradually silenced defensive fire are indicative of hits.  
    04.25   Steamer remains lying stopped, deep in the water.  
    04.22 DC 5844 Steamer sinks on an even keel.  
        3 lifeboats are seen, of these one is heavily occupied (35-40 men).  
        It was the loaded British freighter "YORKMOOR" bound for New York.  Size:  4457 GRT.  
    06.10   Sent Radio Message (0412/280):  "Just now square DC 5844 loaded, armed freighter "YORKMOORE" sunk with artillery, course 340°, for New York, NNE 1, smooth sea, 1022 mb, bright moon."  
    08.00 DC 5850 New course 90°.  
    12.00 DC 5910      30° 05'N Day's run:          206 nm              2 nm  =  208 nm  
                           71° 10'W                        6665  "             709  "   
                          6871 nm        711 nm  
    13.03 - 13.36   Test dive.  
    16.00 DC 5930    
      E 2, Vis. very good, Swell    
    20.00 DC 6710    
                                                
    29.05.42 Southwest of Bermuda    
    00.00 DC 6730    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, changing cloudiness, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    04.00 DC 6810    
    08.00 DC 6830    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.05.42      
    12.00 DC 6920      30° 10'N Day's run:          193 nm              2 nm  =  195 nm  
                          67° 27'W                        6871  "             711  "   
                          7064 nm        713 nm  
    16.00 DC 6930    
    20.00 DD 4720    
                                                
    30.05.42 South of Bermuda    
    00.00 DD 4730    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. medium, full moon    
    04.00 DD 4820    
    08.00 DD 4830    
    12.00 DD 4920      30° 16'N Day's run:          197 nm              - nm  =  197 nm  
                          65° 40'W                        7064  "             713  "   
                          7261 nm        713 nm  
    12.33 - 13.10   Test dive.  
    13.15   New course 60°.  Transit speed both diesels HF (11-12 knots).  
    16.00 DD 5470    
    19.45 Vis. 10 nm Masts in sight 340°T.  
    20.00 DD 5450 Maneuvered ahead at the limit of visibility.  
    21.30   Vessel in sight directly ahead in target angle 0°.  Dived.  
    23.45   Vessel abeam in target angle 90°, about 10 nm off.   
        It is a slow small freighter with 2 large cargo cranes (similar to a small lake steamer).  On the stern there is a small covered cannon.  
                                                
    31.05.42 South of Bermuda    
    00.00 DD 5460    
      E 2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good, bright moonlight    
    00.46   Surfaced.  
    02.52 DD 5585 Opened fire by surprise at range = 1500 meters.  
    03.00   After several hits the steamer remained lying stopped and was apparently abandoned by the crew.  (no Radio Messages determined).  
    03.06   The only remaining incendiary ammunition sets the bow of the steamer on fire.  
    03.08   Am out of 10.5 cm shells.  (Inventory at opening fire 34 rounds.)  
        Gradually fire breaks out over the entire ship.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.05.42   Because no list or settling is determined, in several approaches at low range fired into the hull with machine gun armament.  
    04.00 DD 5585    
    04.20   Steamer becomes down by the bow and lists to port.  
    04.50   Steamer sinks over the forestem.  
        2 lifeboats with a total of 40 men and several unoccupied rafts are seen.  
        It is the U.S.A. freighter "FRED W. GREEN" loaded (vehicles among other things) from New York to Freetown on course 125°.  Size:  2292 GRT.  
        (From statements of the crew 2756 GRT.)  
    05.42   Sent Radio Message (0450/252):  "With last ammunition square DD 5585 loaded armed freighter "FRED W. GREEN" sunk.  Course 125° from New York for Freetown, E 2, Sea 1, 1025 mb."  
    08.00 DD 5640    
    12.00 DD 5390      31° 28'N Day's run:          235 nm            10 nm  =  245 nm  
                          59° 37'W                        7261  "             713  "   
                          7496 nm        723 nm  
    15.03 - 15.31   Test dive.  
    16.00 DD 6150    
    20.00 DD 3870                                         
         
    01.06.42 East of Bermuda    
    00.00 DD 3860    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. good, moonlit    
    04.00 DD 3920    
    08.00 DE 1440    
    12.00 DE 1430      33° 48'N Day's run:          259 nm             2 nm  =  261 nm  
                          54° 50'W                        7496  "             723  "   
                          7755 nm        725 nm  
    16.00 DE 1280    
    20.00 DE 1260                                         
         
    02.06.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DE 1250    
      Northerly wind, changing strength 1-5, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good    
    04.00 DE 1330    
    08.00 CC 8880    
    12.00 CC 8860      35° 02'N Day's run:          240 nm             -  nm  =  240 nm  
                          51° 13'W                        7755  "             725  "   
                          7995 nm        725 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.06.42      
    16.00 CC 8950    
    20.00 CC 9710    
    22.30   Came to new course 60°.  
                                                
    03.06.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 CC 9490 New transit speed 10 knots.  
      N 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, Vis. over 10 nm    
    04.00 CC 9540    
    08.00 CC 9560    
    12.00 CC 9620      36° 25'N Day's run:          230 nm             -  nm  =  230 nm  
                          46° 47'W                        7995  "             725  "   
                          8225 nm        725 nm  
    12.47 - 13.23   Test dive.  
    16.00 CD 7190    
    20.00 CD 7190    
                                                
    04.06.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 CD 7250    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. changing, scattered rain, low Swell    
    01.22   Incoming Radio Message (0017/235):  "Return harbors are:. . . . . . .  . Lorient for Würdemann. . . . . . . ."  
    04.00 CD 7310    
    08.00 CD 7330    
    12.00 CD 5790      37° 35'N Day's run:          239 nm              1  nm  =  240 nm  
                          41° 55'W                        8225  "             725  "   
                          8464 nm        726 nm  
    13.00 - 13.25   Test dive.  
    16.00 CD 5870    
    20.00 CD 5860    
                                                
    05.06.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 CD 5920    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    04.00 CD 6470    
    08.00 CD 6460    
    12.00 CD 6520      39° 00'N Day's run:          229 nm              1  nm  =  230 nm  
                          37° 30'W                        8464  "             726  "   
                          8693 nm        727 nm  
    16.00 CD 6290    
    20.00 CD 6360    
                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.06.42 Southwest of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 4150    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, low Swell, overcast, Vis. good, occasional rain    
    04.00 CE 4210    
    08.00 CE 1890 Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 CE 1950      40° 25'N Day's run:          235 nm              -  nm  =  235 nm  
                          32° 35'W                        8693  "             727  "   
                          8928 nm        727 nm  
    12.00   Incoming Radio Message (1050/104):  "Transfer of gyro compass globe from Würdemann to Piening intended.  For this purpose 8 June 11.00 hours meeting point in square WC 8465.  If up to 14.00 there is no meeting, Piening send bearing signals.  Long-term escort is not possible.  Piening immediately switch to Ireland Circuit."  
    16.00 CE 2740    
    20.00 CE 2730                                         
         
    07.06.42 Azores    
    00.00 CE 2580    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, rain showers, Vis. up to 10 nm    
    02.20   Outgoing Radio Message (0123/109):  "To 10. U-Flottille.  On 11 May tube 5 out of service from aircraft bomb.  Center section probably buckled.  Tube center section kept clear."  
    04.00 CE 2590    
    08.00 CE 2650    
    12.00 CE 3440      41° 36'N Day's run:          221 nm              -  nm  =  221 nm  
                          28° 10'W                        8928  "             727  "   
                          9149 nm        727 nm  
    16.00 CE 3430    
    20.00 CE 3270    
    21.00 - 23.00   Dived. - Depth control training. -  
                                                
    08.06.42 North of the Azores  
    00.00 CE 3240    
      NE 3, Sea 2, long Swell, overcast, Vis. medium    
    04.00 CE 3270    
    08.00 CE 3430    
    09.00 CE 3465 By dead reckoning at the ordered meeting point with "U-155".  - Not found. -  
    12.00 CE 3460      41° 35'N Day's run:          156 nm              5  nm  =  161 nm  
                          27° 23'W                        9149  "             727  "   
                          9305 nm        732 nm  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.06.42      
    14.15   First bearing signal received from "U-155" in 20°T.  Further signals head at half hour intervals.  
    16.00 CE 3430    
    17.19   "U-155" in sight ahead.  
    18.07   Transfer of gyro compass globe completed.  
   

 

00.50

  Transit speed 10 knots.  Course 75°.  "U-155" stays with until the beginning of darkness, then runs by at higher speed and passes out of sight.  
                                                
    09.06.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 3290    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. changing, rain showers    
    04.00 CE 3350    
    08.00 CE 3360    
    12.00 CE 1250      42° 25'N Day's run:          203 nm              -  nm  =  203 nm  
                          24°00'W                        9305  "             732  "   
                          9508 nm        732 nm  
    16.00 CF 1310    
    20.00 CF 1330                                         
         
    10.06.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 BE 7970    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good, rain shower    
    04.00 BE 7990    
    08.00 BE 8780    
    12.00 CE 8760      43° 15'N Day's run:          215 nm              -  nm  =  215 nm  
                          19° 13 'W                        9508  "             732  "   
                          9723 nm        732 nm  
    16.00 BE 8850    
    20.00 BE 8910                                         
         
    11.06.42 West of Finisterre    
    00.00 BE 8920    
      NNW 3, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. changing, rain shower    
    04.00 BE 9710    
    08.00 BE 9480    
    08.35 - 09.05   Test dive.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.06.42      
    11.18   Incoming Radio Message (1059/145):  "To Löwe, Würdemann, Piening.  Immediately go at highest speed to Schuch.  All boats switch to Coastal Circuit and remain there.  
    11.55   Switched to Coastal Circuit.  
        New course 100°.  Speed higher than 10 knots not possible due to fuel.  
    12.00 BE 9570      43° 55'N Day's run:          212 nm              2  nm  =  215 nm  
                          14° 25 'W                        9723  "             732  "   
                          9935 nm        734 nm  
    16.00 BE 9580    
    20.00 BE 9590    
    21.54   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    23.24   Surfaced.  
                                                
    12.06.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9670    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, high Swell, Vis. up to 5 nm, rain showers    
    02.36   Incoming Radio Message (0146/66):  
        "1.)  Würdemann, Löwe, Piening, Bigalk head for naval square BE 9945.  Search for Schuch after it gets light is intended.  More to follow.  
        2.)  Expect increased air danger.  
        3.)  Bigalk immediately switch Coastal Circuit."  
    04.00 BE 9690    
    04.18   Incoming Radio Message (0331/170):  
        "1.)  Schuch enter even if escort vessels are not present.  
        2.)  Würdemann . . . . . . . . continue outbound or inbound transit."  
    06.28   Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    08.00 BF 7470    
    12.00 BE 7440      44° 01'N Day's run:          158 nm             20  nm  =  178 nm  
                          11° 01 'W                        9935  "             734  "   
                         10093 nm        754 nm  
    14.05 - 14.15   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BF 7450    
    20.00 BF 7450    
    23.11   Surfaced. - Proceeded on the surface. -  
                                                
    13.06.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7460    
      W 2-3, Sea 1-2, medium Swell, Vis. medium, marine phosphorescence    
    04.00 BF 7520    
    07.04   Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    08.00 BF 7870    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42
 
-32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.06.42      
    12.00 BF 7870      44° 52'N Day's run:            73 nm             45  nm  =  118 nm  
                            8° 51'W                       10093  "             754  "   
                         10166 nm        799 nm  
    13.00 - 14.14   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BF 7350    
    20.00 BF 7360    
    23.15   Surfaced.  - Proceeded on the surface. -  
    23.51   Sent Short Signal:  "Position 30 hours off return harbor."  
                                                
    14.06.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 8110    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain showers, bright marine phosphorescence    
    00.57   Incoming Radio Message (0031/100):  "Entry route for Würdemann is Bogenlampe."  
    04.00 BF 5740    
    06.15   Dived.  - Proceeded submerged. -  
    08.00 BF 5720    
    12.00 BF 5720      46° 31'N Day's run:          104 nm             46  nm  =  150 nm  
                            5° 58 'W                       10166  "             799  "   
                         10270 nm        845 nm  
    16.00 BF 5490    
    20.00 BF 5490    
    20.30 - 20.40   Surfaced.  Sent Short Signal:  "Request bearing signals from Lorient Transmitter I."  
    23.25   Surfaced.  - Proceeded on the surface. -  
    23.43   Incoming Radio Message (2110/7):  "Lorient Bearing Transmitter I runs for U-506 from 21.00 hours to dawn."  
                                                
    15.06.42      
    00.00 N 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, rain showers, Vis. changing Reached the 200-meter line.  Various fishermen avoided.  
    02.35   Incoming Radio Message (1037/14/3):  "Escort positioned on 15 June at 06.00 hours at Point Lucie 2."  
                                                       10. U-Flottille.  
    04.00   At Point "Bogen".  - Transit on entry route "Bogenlampe". -  
    05.30   Ile de Groix in sight.  
    06.04 Point Lucie 2 Joined Sperrbrecher.  
    07.20   Released escort.  
    07.40   Made fast Lorient Berth A 1.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
           
        Day's run:          102 nm             32  nm  =  134 nm  
                              10270  "             845  "   
                         10372 nm        877 nm  
           
                              10372 nm  
                                   877   "  
               Total:      11249 nm  
           
           
        Total results:  
           
        Damaged:  
                             1 tanker of 8000 GRT.  
        (Unloaded tanker hit in the foreship showed only slight effect and is probably entered port without difficulty.)  
           
        Sunk:  
                             6 tankers                      of 44050 GRT  
                             1 passenger freighter           5200   "  
                             3 freighters                   of  10249   "    
                           10 ships                         of   59499 GRT.  
           
        All tonnage estimates for vessels sunk with unknown names were carefully determined. They were made mainly from the length of the vessel, which in most cases at low shooting ranges could be determined quite accurately and consistently.  
           
        General Remarks:  
        In the actual operations area the patrol took place in a favorable period of time (no moon) and was carried out under particularly favorable conditions.  It was - together with "U-507" - the first appearance of U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico on the busy traffic routes to and from the Mississippi.  Apparently it came as a surprise to the enemy and hit him unprepared.  Only in this way can one explain the the lack of  
        a)  Systematic sea patrol.  
        b)  Convoy measures ( in the relatively small sea area this would be feasible in shallow water with a few escort vessels).  
        c)  Instructions (course, zig zag schemes etc.) to merchant shipping.  
           
           
 
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
           
        The ships proceed independently - sometimes in groups - unescorted, mostly unarmed, without camouflage, without zig zagging, steering normal peacetime courses.  
        The fact that this "peacetime operation" continued to run unstopped, even after the almost daily sinkings of valuable ships, underlines the vital importance of this traffic route for the enemy.  
        Undoubtedly boats will find aggravating circumstances in the future and can expect strong air and sea surveillance to be in place off the mouth [of the Mississippi].  
        Complicating operations and attack was the constant heavy haze associated with an indistinct horizon, mostly smooth sea and strong marine phosphorescence.  
        The very young, mostly untraveled crew is well proven. Conveniently the long, quiet time of the outbound transit has an impact on this, training could be encouraged and the crew brought to a certain level of qualification.  A decline in performance from the long submerged cruises (about 2 weeks at a minimum temperature of 35°C in the boat up to 16 hours per day) was not observed.  
           
                                                
                                                   Kptlt. und Kommandant  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

     
     
 

                            Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
                               to the Kriegstagebuch of "U-506" from 26.3 - 15.6.1942.  
 

 

 
 
                 The U-boats and crews participating in the Neuland operation were offered numerous chances for success. The Kommandant exploited them well to the last shell and achieved a very beautiful success.  Very good shooting performance in torpedo and artillery firing.
 
     
     
 

Signed in draft: D  ö  n  i   t   z .

 
 
       For correctness:  
       
  Ob.Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant i.V.  
     
     
 


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