U-552 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
27 Apr 41	02.10 - 04.07	61°39'N, 14°37.5'W	COMMANDER HORTON	227	British
27 Apr 41	16.12 - 16.38	60°45'N, 15°48'W	BEACON GRANGE	10,119	British
28 Apr 41	16.15	60°09'N, 17°12'W	CAPULET (damaged)	8,190	British	HX-121
1 May 41	00.27 - 00.33	56°03'N, 10°15'W	NERISSA	5,583	British	HX-121
			Total = 24,119
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.

				Copy No.
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				Kommandant:  Oberleutnant zur See  T  o  p  p
			Beginning:  17.3.1941               Ending:         6.5.1941.
				Distribution:   "U-552" Copy No. 1 7.U-Flottille " 2 B.d.U.-Op.- " 3 B.d.U.-Org.- " 4 O.K.M. " 5 + 6
				Enclosures: 1.) 1 Track chart for Copy No. 1-5 2.) 6 Torpedo firing reports for Copy No. 1-3 3.) 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log for Copy No. 1-5 4.) 1 Convoy stetch for Copy No. 1-5
				© U-boat Archive 2021 - all rights reserved

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

				1
		17.-18.03.41	St. Nazaire	Clearing the boat and begin shipyard work.
		19.-26.03.41		Dry dock work.
		16.03.-03.04.41		Remaining work at the U-boat pier.
		04.04.41	Off the entrance	ran out to dive and trim test and piston fire the torpedo tubes.
				In tube V the piston runs out improperly.  Piston remains stuck aft.
				During deperming it is removed by the shipyard with a block and tackle.  The workers lack measuring gauges and rulers to take measurements, so it cannot be determined how badly the tube is bent. It is immediately begun on completion of deperming and continued up to departure day with night shift
		05.-06.03.41		Torpedo and provisions loading.  Occupying the boat.
		07.04.41		Despite two and a half days of grinding the piston can barley be pushed only halfway into the tube.
				It is loaded with a G 7a.  It can be lightly pushed in the tube and is also expelled perfectly as a surface shot. [without piston]
				Subsequently three G 7as were loaded astern.
		07.04.41
		xx.30	St. Nazaire	Departed the St. Nazaire lock.  Brought to Point N 1 in convoy.  From there course to Point T.
			N 2, cloudy, no Sea
		17.45		Released by escort.
		18.45		Test dive.  Again an oil trace is discovered.  Despite seating test cocks are not sealed.  Specific gravity of the water is not sufficient.
		19.51		Test dive redone.
		20.00	BF 6459
		21.25	Bright night	Surfaced.
		24.00	BF 5569	Approximately on the 200-meter line a great number of lighted fishermen.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:  80 nm, submerged:  4 nm.

Sun and Moon Data 07.04.41

					2
		08.04.41
		00.51			Give the sampling point of the oil sample delivered in the lock, because oil sample is not clean.
					= 7. U-Flottille =
		04.00	BF 5547
		04.23			To 7. U-Flottille.
					= Air bleed cock disk filter. =
		08.00	BF 5449
			NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, light swell
		09.48			= By Short Signal "Yes" or "No" report, if lubricating oil is in order.
		11.00			Dived to check engines.
					Determination:  No unfavorable traces in the lubricating oil.
		14.42	BF 4659		Surfaced.  Again a heavy oil trace.  Through a heavy list oil has entered the test piping.
			ENE 1
					About 3 tons is now driven out of all fuel tanks.  Hopefully, in this way to be oil free at least in the operations area.
		15.15	SE 2-3		By Short Signal reported "Yes".
		16.19	BF 4654		From B.d.U.
			Bright moonshine		= U-552 reports "Yes" by Short Signal.
		20.00	BF 4531
		24.00	BF 4247		Day's run:  Surfaced:  250 nm, submerged:  8 nm.
		09.04.41
		04.00	BF 4124
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, hazy
		08.00	BE 3991
			Light swells
		11.18	ESE 2		Dived to check engines.  Lubricating oil in order.
		14.57	NO 2		Surfaced.
		15.46	BE 3595		Cruiser of the "Delhi"-class in sight, zig zagging heavily, NW-course, already target angle 90°.
			NNW 4, cloudy, Sea 3
		16.15			Radio signal:
					= Enemy light cruiser in sight square BE 3647, steering NW-course. =

	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.41

					3
		continued
		09.04.41
					Ran parallel at the limit of visibility, until out of sight.  Cruiser runs at high speed.
					Continued transit to operations area.
		20.00	BE 3531
		21.37	Bright moonshine		From B.d.U.
					= Report weather between 02.00 and 05.00 hours and between 10.00 and 12.00 hours on 10 April. =
		24.00	BE 3258		Day's run:  Surfaced:  194 nm, submerged:  9 nm.
		10.04.41	NbyW 3, cloudy
		03.08	Sea, light swell		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		04.00	AM 7889
		08.00	AM 7831
			SE 2
		08.45			Aircraft sighted on NW course.  Apparently own.
		10.25	S 2, Sea 1		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		11.09 - 11.24			Test dive.
					Slight oil trace still exists.
		12.00	AM 7561
			SW 2
		16.00	AM 7264
		20.00	AM 4864
			W 3
		22.30	Sea 2		From B.d.U.
					= On 11 April report weather between 02.00 and 05.00 hours and between 10.00 and 12.00 hours. =
		23.05			From B.d.U.
					= Head for square AK 26. =
		24.00	AM 4911		Day's run:  Surfaced:  261 nm, submerged:  4 nm.
		11.04.41	W 4, overcast, Sea 2-3
		03.12			Reported weather by Short Signal.
		04.00	AM 4581
			WbyS 5
		08.00	AM 4465
		12.00	AM 4415		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		16.00	AL 6388
		20.00	AL 6268
			SW 4
		24.00	AL 6218		Day's run:  Surfaced:  218 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.41

				4
		12.04.41	WSW 4, overcast, Sea 3, hazy
		04.00	AL 6123
		08.00	AL 0273
		09.00		From B.d.U.
				= 12 April report weather between 10.00 and 12.00 hours.
		11.56		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		12.00	AL 2964
		16.00	AL 2916
			Rain
		20.00	AL 1894
			Cloudless to hazy
		21.46		From B.d.U.
				= Report weather on 13 April between 02.00 and 05.00 hours and between 10.00 and 12.00 hours.
		24.00	AL 1849	Day's run:  Surfaced:  202 nm.
		13.04.41	SW 7, cloudy, Sea 6
		04.00	AL 1761
			W 5, Sea 4
		05.06		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		08.00	AL 1715
			NW 5, Sea 5
		11.07		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		12.00	AK 3681	Test dive.  The farther to the northwest, the worse the weather becomes.
		16.00	AK 3565
		19.00	WbyN 6, hazy	Test dive, depth 80 meters to check forward torpedo tank closures.
				Reached ordered square.
		20.00	AK 3527
		24.00	AK 2633	Was first dark at midnight.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:  197 nm, submerged:  12 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.41

				5
		14.04.41	W 6, Sea 5, overcast
		03.00		Dived to listen.  No results.
		04.00	AK 2485
		06.00	AK 2476	Dived due to poor visibility.  Nothing heard.
		09.30	AK 2474	Surfaced.
			WSW 7, Sea 6	Use of weapons restricted due to weather.
		11.35		From B.d.U.
				= U-552 occupy as attack area the line square AK 16 to square AK 26.
		12.00	AK 2474
		13.12	W 7, Sea 6	Masts of a steamers sighted at approximately range = 8 nm.
				Only sighted briefly, when boat and ship are on wave crests.  Disappeared in a snow squall.
				Cannot close immediately because of the sea coming from that direction.  Continue running at 4 points to the sea. When the squall has passed, approximately 20 minutes later, the steamer is not seen any more.  Dived in order to listen.  Without results. Again surfaced and ran off at four points to the sea to the other side.   Does not come into sight any more.
				Weapons use is not possible.
		16.00	AK 2533
		20.00	AK 2566
		24.00	AK 2593	Day's run:  Surfaced:  110 nm, submerged:  11 nm.
		15.04.41	WSW 6, overcast, Sea 5
		02.00	AK 2566	Dived to listen and charge the torpedoes.
		06.00	AK 2566	Surfaced.
			W 5, Sea 4
		08.00	AK 2564	Weapons use still limited.
			NW 6-7, Sea 5-6
		12.00	AK 2537
		16.00	AK 2486
		20.00	AK 2495
		20.42		From B.d.U.
				= New attack area:
				East-west line:
				. . . . . . . . U-552 square AK 36 to square AL 16. =

	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.41

					6
		continued
		15.04.41
		20.35			= U-65 and U-552 =
					= Report weather on 16 April between 02.00 and 05.00 hours and between 10.00 and 12.00 hours.
					B.d.U. =
		24.00	AK 3512		Day's run:  Surfaced:  150 nm, submerged:  13 nm.
		16.04.41	NW 5, cloudy, Sea 4
		01.48			Reported weather by Short Signal.
		01.50	AK 3512		Dived to listen and to charge torpedoes.
		06.37	AK 3522		Surfaced.
		08.00	AK 3532
		10.47	NW 6, Sea 5		Reported weather by Short Signal.
		12.00	AK 3613
			NW 7, Sea 6
		16.00	AK 3632
		20.00	AL 1521
			NW 6, Sea 5
		24.00	AL 1536		Day's run:  Surfaced:  141 nm, submerged:  10 nm.
		17.04.41	NW 6-7, overcast, Sea 5
		02.00	AL 1642		Dived to listen and to charge torpedoes.
		02.20			Surfaced, because of leaking exterior and interior exhaust gas valves diesel completely flooded.  Interior exhaust gas valve is difficult to grind in.
		03.16			Dove again.
		07.36			Surfaced.
		08.00	AL 1641
			NW 5, Sea 4

	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.41

				7
		continued
		17.04.41
		12.00	AL 1682
			N 3, Sea 2-3
		16.00	AL 1682
			NE 2
		20.00	AL 1637
			SE 2
		24.00	AL 1613	Day's run:  Surfaced:  138 nm, submerged:  13 nm.
		18.04.41	S 3, overcast, Sea 2
		02.00		Dived to listen, without results.
		02.26		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1563
			Sea 3, SSE 5
		05.00		Dived to listen, without results.
		05.15		Surfaced.
		08.00	AL 1529
			SE 6-7, Sea 5
		12.00	AL 1513
			SE 7-8, Sea 6, rain
		16.00	AL 1515
			ESE 8, snow, Sea 7
		20.00	AL 1387	During the second half of the day weapons use limited due to weather.
			EbyS 8
		23.00		From B.d.U.
				= New attack area (Officer-only)
				. . . . . . . . U-552 from AL 21 to AL 31.
		24.00	AL 1525	Day's run:  Surfaced:  125 nm, submerged:  2 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.41

					8
		19.04.41
		02.00	AL 1553		Dived for work on the diesel and to listen.
			E 8, Sea 7, cloudy
		07.00	Surfaced.		Surfaced.
		08.12	AL 1537		With the shift of operations area sent Radio Message.
			ENE 6, Sea 6		To B.d.U.
					=  Nothing seen, all torpedoes, 70 tons fuel oil.
					Submitted on fewquency for warships.
		12.00	AL 1397		Not received.
			NE 6, Sea 5, overcast
		12.16			Radio Message sent again on U-boat frequency.
					To B.d.U.
					=  Nothing seen, still all torpedoes, 70 tons fuel oil, mostly bad weather.
		16.00	AL 1395
			ENE 5, Sea 4
		20.00	AL 1337
		24.00	AL 1333		For the entire day weapons use limited due to weather.
					Day's run:  Surfaced:  117 nm, submerged:  12 nm.
		20.04.41
		00.05	ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, sunless		Dived to listen, without results.
		04.00	AL 1274		Surfaced.
			Rain
		08.00	AL 1258
		11.15			Gathering the off watch crew to celebrate the Führer's birthday.
		12.00	AL 1263
			ENE 5, Sea 4
		16.00	AL 1216
			E 6, Sea 5, cloudy
		20.00	AE 7875
		24.00	AE 7887		During the second half of the day weapons use limited due to weather.
					Day's run:  Surfaced:  123 nm, submerged:  11 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.41

				9
		21.04.41	E 5, Sea 5, starry sky
		02.00	Hazy	Dived to listen.
		04.00		Propeller sounds heard bearing 260°R shifted slowly astern.
				Surfaced, pursued at GF in the direction of the sounds considering the shift.
		05.22	AE 7889	After an hour dived again.
			EbyS 6, Sea 5	Nothing heard.
		05.45		Surfaced.
		08.00	AE 7889
			ESE 6, cheerful
		12.00	AL 2223
		16.00	AL 2236
			ESE 7, Sea 6
		20.00	AL 3119
		22.16		From B.d.U. to U-552
				=  Fuel oil and torpedo supply anticipated in Bergen.
		23.50		From B.d.U. (Officer-only)
				= New attack areas:
				. . . . . . . . U-552 square AL 32. =
		24.00	AL 3153	Weapons use limited temporarily due to weather conditions.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:  105 nm, submerged:  8 nm.
		22.04.41	ESE 6, Sea 5, cloudy
		00.00		Dived to listen and check engines.
				A bearing is heavily damaged.
		05.00	AL 3161	Surfaced.
			overcast
		08.00	AL 3217
			ESE 7, Sea 6, hazy
		12.00	AL 3221
			Hazy
		14.09		Crash dive for aircraft.  Type not made out.
		14.40		Surfaced.
		15.37	EbyS 5, Sea 4, overcast	Gyro compass out of service.
				Magnetic compass yaws up to 80°.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.41

				10
		continued
		22.04.41
		16.00	AL 3228
		20.00	AL 3258
			Hazy, ESE 6, Sea 5
		23.00	Fog	Gyro compass again in service.
		24.00	AL 3252	From B.d.U. (Officer-only)
				= U-95, U-52, U-552 form patrol line from AE 8980 to AM 1470 transit speed.  Air reconnaissance secheduled up to this line for 23 April.  Attention to bearing signals from 10.00 hours.
				Day's run:  Surfaced:  106 nm, submerged:  10 nm.
		23.04.41
		00.00	SE 6, Sea 5, rain, overcast	Dived for removal of the damaged bearing.
		01.10		Surfaced.  Continued on with one ready engine.  Because of poor visibility due to heavy rain and rough sea only LF to transit to position.  Navigation innacurate because of gyrocompass failure.  No possibility of a navigation fix.
		04.00	AL 3264
		08.00	AL 3296	On getting light proceeded on both engines at LF after the new bearing was installed.
			Sunless, NE 5, Sea 4, rain
		10.00		Aircraft bearing frequency manned.
		12.00	AM 1324	With seas growing rougher went to one engine at LF.  Changed course about 20° to port so that the sea does not come exactly from ahead.
		13.09		Received a a a bearing from aircraft, very weak broad minimum of 35° centered at 104°T.
				Not usable.
		13.43	SbyE 6, Sea 5	Radio Signal.
				= Convoy position 8852 AL, enemy steers NW-course, have lost contact.                        - U-95 - =
				AL must mean AE.  Anyway come to convoy course.
		14.40	Hazy	From B.d.U.
				= All boats north of 58°N, except U-147 operate on convoy square AE 8852.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.41

					11
		continued
		23.04.41			Came to 340°, at 2 x HF.  Sea location favorable, 3 points from starboard astern.  Heavy oil trace observed, decreases or stops at speed.
		14.45			B.d.U. to U-552
					= Report whether it is possibile to operate on convoy with fuel supply in Bergen by "Yes" or "No".
		15.31			To B.d.U.
					= Short Signal "Yes". =
		15.48	AM 1185		From B.d U.
			Snow, sunless		= Short Signal "Yes" confirmed. =
		18.43	SE 7, Sea 5, hazy		From B.d.U.  kr  kr
					= No convoy, it is 6 patrol vessels, 295°, 6 knots, hold contact, square AE 8496. =
			SE 8		High speed broken off.  Ran off in the direction of the old patrol line.
		20.00	AM 1113
		23.50			From B.d.U. (Officer-only)
					= U-95, U-52, U-552 at transit speed, occupy patrol line from square AE 8985 to AM 1355.
					Day's run:  Surfaced:  182 nm, submerged:  3 nm.
		24.04.41
		00.00	SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, hazy, rain		Dived to listen and to check bearing.  Bearing in order.
		04.52	AM 1126		Surfaced,
		08.00	AM 1156
			SE 7, Sea 4, rain, hazy
		12.00	AM 1186
			SSE 7
		16.00	AM 1123
		17.00			Radio Signal
					= Enemy convoy in sight square AE 8912, course 290°, consists of 4 vessels, cover 2 destroyers.        - U-95 - =
			SE 6, overcast		Because no initiation by B.d.U., remain in position.
		20.00	AM 1186
		24.00	AM 1195		Day's run:  Surfaced:  86 nm, submerged:  10 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.41

				12
		25.04.41	SSE 5, Sea 3, overcast
		00.00		Dived to check engines and for torpedo maintenance.
		04.22	AM 1332	Surfaced.
		05.35		Radio Signal
				= 2 steamers, 3 destroyers square AM 3358, 300°, 13 knots.
				- U-147 - =
		08.00	AM 1199	Oil trace is resolved by changing oil.  That taken over in St. Nazaire makes an oil trace, that taken over in Kiel does not.  (See report by Engineering Officer concerning oil)
		12.00	AM 1274
			Sea 4, cloudy
		16.00	AM 1363
			SSE 3, Sea 2
		19.00		Crash dive for aircraft, bearing 0°T, target angle 0°.
		19.39		Surfaced.
		20.00	AM 1415
		24.00	AM 1245	Day's run:  Surfaced:  140 nm, submerged:  12 nm.
		26.04.41	SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast
		04.00	AM 1197
		04.10		B.d.U.
				= 2 large steamers, 2 destroyers, 03.30 hours, AE 8728, 250°, 15 knots, attacked without results.
				- U-95 - =
				From the reports of U-95 during the last days it turns out that the traffic runs to the north of us.
		07.37	SSE 3, Sea 2	Crash dive for training.
		07.57		Surfaced.
		08.00	AM 1327
			ESE 4, Sea 3
		12.00	AM 1197
		12.33	ESE 4, Sea 3	From B.d.U. (Officer-only)
				= . . . . . . . . New attack areas . . . . . . . . U-552 square AM 13. =
		16.00	AM 1244

	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.41

				13
		continued
		26.04.41
		17.23	E 4	Passed buoy with 3 meter long spar, a signal lamp was half way up the spar.
		20.00	AM 1225
		20.09		Smoke cloud bearing 10°T.
				Patrol vessel size.
				Followed at the limit of visibility, intend to look at him closer in the night.
		24.00	AE 8867	Day's run:  Surfaced:  200 nm, submerged:  1 nm.
		27.04.41	E 3, Sea 2, overcast
		02.10		After the patrol vessel's speed was matched, G 7a with torpedo speed = 40 knots, target angle = 80°, target speed 9.5 knots, depth 1.5 meters shot at range = 800 meters.
				Torpedo breaks through the surface.  Miss.
				Target is too small for a torpedo.
		03.44		Opened fire at range = 500 meters with 8.8 cm and 2 cm.
		04.07	AE 8816	Fishing trawler (patrol vessel) sunk with 82 shots of 8.8 cm and 102 shots MG C30.  No resistance.
				Cries for help of the wounded and shipwrecked were plainly audible
				Ran off.
		08.00	AE 8849
		11.58	NE 3, Sea 2, overcast	Passed drifting mine.
		12.00	AL 1122
		12.57		Crash dive for training.
				Propeller sounds heard bearing 200°T.
		13.21	ENE 3, Vis. clear	Surfaced.
		13.33		Steamer associated with the sound bearing sighted.
				5 masts, target angle 100-110°, range 16 nm.
				Attempt to gain ground at the limit of visibility.
			Hazy, low hanging rain clouds	Contact keeping greatly complicated by greatly changing visibility.  Steaming zig zags up to 90°, general course 270°.
		14.30		Second smoke cloud sighted, close by the steamer.  Shifts astern more quickly than the steamer, which is only shifting astern very slowly.
				Estimate enemy speed 16 knots.  Am gaining only as a result of the zig zags.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.41

				14
		continued
		27.04.41
			Hazy	With heavy visibility deterioration, visibility about 4 nm, steamer zig zags at target angle 20-30° across to the other bow, bow left.
		15.58	AL 3236	Crash dive!
			ENE 3	While the boat was at depth 20-30 meters, the steamer zig zagged to target angle 30, bow right and reduced speed.
		[presumably meaning the boat broached exposing the conning tower]		Turned hard at GF, at the same time the bulwark just broke through the water surface, and attacked at high speed.
		16.12		Three shot, G 7e, target speed = 13 knots, target angle = 100°, shooting angle 26°, range = 1000 meters.
		20
		28		Aim point forward 40 meters, center, aft 40 meters.
				Three hits corresponding to the aimpoints.
				Steamer "BEACON GRANGE" takes on a list, settles somewhat forward.
				Astern 2 cannons, caliber about 10.5 and 3.7 cm, both still covered.
				Crew goes to the boats.
		16.15		Surfaced.
				Steamer does not sink.
				Ran for a coup de grace.
				Stern shot, G 7a, torpedo speed 40 knots, depth 4 meters.
		16.38		Hit aft 20 meters.  Steamer breaks completely in the center, deck awash, ends continue to float.
				Steamboat is done for.  Further torpedoes would be a waste.  No more time can be sacrificed because we will try to catch the second steamer.
			ONE 3, Sea 2, overcast, hazy	Operate on the presumed location of the steamer.  Visibility bad.
		18.45		Dived to listen, without results.
		19.07		Further pursuit of steamer, from which only the cloud of smoke was seen  up to now, course unknown, broken off because of bad visibility.
				Surfaced.
				Ran back to the sinking location.  (Steamer could not have transmitted, because with the second shot the entire Radio Message installation flew into the air.)

Sun and Moon Data 27.04.41

					15
		continued
		27.04.41
					Steamer is abandoned and has settled somewhat deeper. floats on cork.
					Caused to sink with 32 shots of 8.8 cm.
		23.07			Steamer sinks.  Heavy detonation, probably a set off depth charge.
					Course to ordered attack area.
		24.00	AL 3263		Day's run:  Surfaced:  210 nm, submerged:  3 nm.
		28.04.41	ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, hazy
		01.20			Radio Signal
					= Convoy in sight square AL 2332, course east.
					- U-123 - =
					Operating on convoy.
		04.00	AL 3267
			cloudy
		07.51	AL 3411		Radio Signal
					= The correct position of the convoy is AL 3188, course 85.
					- U-123 - =
					Own position insecure up to now can be corrected by stellar navigation fix.
			ONE 5, Sea 3, rain
		10.06			Radio Signal
					= The position of the convoy is AL 3188, course 85.
					- U-123 - =
					According to my navigation fix I am positioned ahead of the convoy.
		12.08	[typo position is AL 3195]		Radio Signal
					= Position of the convoy is square AL 3135, enemy steers easterly course.
					- U-123 - =
		12.00	AL 3274
		12.12			Dived to listen.
					Convoy was heard bearing 230-234°T.
		12.35			Surfaced.
		12.53	E 5, Sea 4, cloudy		Convoy comes into sight, several masts and smoke clouds.
		14.50			Dived to attack submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41

				16
		continued
		28.04.41		Sea 5-6, boat is difficult to hold at periscope depth.
				Convoy consists of several columns.
				I allow myself to drop back from directly ahead.
				All tubes are ready to shoot.
				See four columns perfectly, probably two more.
				See attack sketch.
				I will let myself fall back between columns I and II, because between these columns there is the largest cross distance, and with running target angle shoot 4 steamers.
				At approximately 5-6000 meters distant from the lead ship a destroyer is visible, target angle 0°, between columns I and II.  One additional destroyer each is heard to starboard and port.
				Turn off 30° to starboard.  Boat holds very badly at periscope depth.  At depth 13.5 meters can only see the mastheads.
				Destroyer turns toward, approaches.
				Turn further off.  Destroyer holds course and passes by slowly at convoy speed at 300-400 meters.
				While outmaneuvering the destroyer could not observe the steamers, because otherwise the periscope would have come out too high.
				When the destroyer is abeam to port, slowly turned to port and focused the periscope on the column.
				Determined that the boat has wandered between columns II and III and the steamers are so close that I am caught between these two.  Cross distance between columns II and II is 300-400 meters.
				I would penetrate very close to column II.  The first steamer begins to pass, at a distance of 30-50 meters, at this moment periscope cuts under for about one minute.  Very disagreeable.
				Turned a bit to to starboard by plotting.  If I turn too hard, the next steamer which follows closely,

Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41

				17
		continued
		28.04.41		will cross my stern. With the rough sea and the big draught of the loaded ships this may result in ramming.
				As soon as we are again at periscope depth, tube I readied and shot at a large tanker.
				Must shoot already at target angle 60-70°, because cross distance is too small.
		16.15	AL 3415	Shot at target speed = 7, target angle 70°, range = 300 meters, depth 4 meters.
			[typo probably AL 3275]	After 20 seconds tremendous detonation.  Tanker in a sea of flames.
				On the bow read:  CAPELLA, CAPRELLA or similar.
				Tanker was painted yellow.
				CAPELLA, a Swede of 9683 GRT
				CAPRELLA, an Englander of 8230 GRT
				CAPULET, an Englander of 8190 GRT.
				Intend to push through behind the slowly settling tanker to arrive in shooting position on column IV.
				Now my periscope takes the full brunt of the leaking oil and is not usable again. (Was still covered with thick oil after 6 hours of submerged cruise ).
				The forward periscope is impossible in the sea state.
				Went to depth 60 meters and ran to the south passing transversely under the column.  Convoy rushes over on its way.
				Destroyers come.
		16.45		At depth 90 meters the first depth charges.  Lying very close.  Diving planes fail, water level glass, quite a few electrical apparatus.  A small fire in the auxiliary switchboard, was quickly extinguished.
				Before the first depth charges had already cleared the conning tower, voltage lowered to 90 Volts.
				Further depth charge series lie very close.
				Conning tower ventilation head valve leaks.  Periscope well runs full of water.
				Go to depth 70 meters.
				Pumping possibilities soon exhausted.  A regulating and reserve fuel oil tank does not hold air, blows off in the space.  Depth charges lie higher.

Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41

				18
		continued
		28.04.41
				Sometimes run at HF in order not to let the boat settle deeper.
				Meanwhile, turned through the west to the north.
				Gyro compass secured.  Depth charges lie further and stop slowly.
				At long range a second depth charge pursuit heard.
				General impression:
				The initial depth charges were close, in other words the depth charges were thrown systematically in the known shooting location and vicinity and Active sonar and depth sounding noises were very strong and located at the boat.  Then, however, active sonar must have got lost quickly during the evasive maneuvers of the boat.  Passive sound bearing seems excluded, because the boat escaped in spite of strong self noises.
				Intention:  Surface as quickly as possible again to catch the convoy at night.
		19.00		After hearing nothing more nearby for an hour, to periscope depth.
			NE 5, Sea 4, Vis. good	Bad overview in the forward periscope, nothing seen.  Surfaced.
		19.05		Crash dive.  A destroyer lies bearing 180°T, distance 3 nm.  Destroyer gets underway approaches.  Throws several depth charges in the general area, no further damage.  Went to depth = 50 meters.
		21.20	AL 3276	The last depth charge series applied to us.
				Continue running off to the north.
		22.15		New attempt.  Surfaced.  Horizon free.  Came to course 110°.  Only HF is possible against the sea in the direction of the suspected convoy.
				Total of depth charges received.
				18 in direct proximity
				29 in circle up to 300 meters
				33 further distant.
		22.50		False crash dive.  Aft lookout sees aircraft and lets himself fall.  Excited minds shout alarm.  Hold the boat on the surface and turn the stern to the aircraft.
				Aircraft turns off on us, a big long range reconnaissance aircraft.

Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41

				19
		continued
		28.04.41
		23.02		Crash dive!
		23.33		Surfaced.
				Continued on.
				All damage was addressed.  After periscope remains out of service, periscope head full of water, can not be repaired by means on board.
				From surfacing until 03.00 hours the fiery glow of the burning tanker can be seen.
		24.00	AL 3259	Day's run:  Surfaced:  127 nm, submerged:  24 nm.
		29.04.41	E 4, Sea 3, cloudy
		01.03		Crash dive! before a bright-radiant round body which quickly flies towards the boat.  (Obersteuermann as watchleader is of the opinion:  aircraft with searchlight.)
				From the statements of the others I gain the conviction that a glowing body with the appearance of an explosion was blasted off by the tanker in the direction of the boat.
		01.16		Surfaced.  Continued behind the convoy.
		02.00		Came to course 90°.
		03.42		From B.d.U. (Officer-only)
				= If no contact, U-123, U-95, U-552, U-65, U-96 at 09.00 form patrol line located from square 1265 to square 1495, depth 10 nm.
		04.00	AM 1181
			Overcast, E 5, Sea 3
		07.03		Dived to listen and balance the boat.
				Single sound to port.
		07.25		Continue to operate in patrol line.
		07.41		U-123 reports:
				= Formation order can not be implemented because of position. =
		10.00	Rain, E 4	Reach position in the patrol line late, therefore, ran a little bit further and back and forth in position.
		12.00	AM 1437
			Sea 2, E 3

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.41

				20
		continued
		29.04.41
		12.30		Dived to listen.
				Propeller sounds bearing 185°T, apparently the convoy.
		12.46		Surfaced.
		13.05		Crash dive!  very maneuverable small aircraft from port.
		13.34		Surfaced.
		13.37		Crash dive!  for large aircraft.  Propeller sounds are still heard.
				At depth 60 meters at a short distance 34 aircraft bombs received.
				No damage.
		15.02		Last aircraft bomb.
		16.11	AM 1456	Surfaced.
			E 2, Sea 1	Continued to operate on convoy.
		16.51	Clear Vis. very good	Crash dive for aircraft.
		18.33		Surfaced.
				Completely calm sea.
		18.47		Aircraft at the limit of visibility bearing 20°T.
				Ran into the path of the convoy.  Can clearly see several wide trails.  Runs west-east.
		19.45		Crash dive!  Aircraft from direction 90°T very high.
				Convoy weakly heard bearing 90°T.
		20.30	AM 1491	Direction 30°T destroyer sounds, likewise direction 160°T.
			ENE 2, Sea 0, cheerful	Belief: two covering vessels, positioned astern the formation to combat approaching U-boats.
		20.50		Convoy no longer heard.
		21.24		Surfaced.
				Continued to run at GF on last sound bearing.
		23.00		Passed drifting mine.
		23.10		From B.d.U. (Radio Message from 13.38 hours)
				To boats on patrol line:
				14.00 form patrol line from AM 2616 to AM 2759.  Speed of advance 12 knots.  Order as before.  From 20.00 air reconnaissance in area. =
				(Radio Message is outdated.)
		23.12		From B.d.U.
				= . . . . . . . . U-552 no restrictions.  If boat

Sun and Moon Data 29.04.41

					21
		continued
		29.04.41
					repairs and fuel allow instead, return transit to Lorient anticipated . . . . . . . . =
		24.00	AM 2373		Day's run:  Surfaced:  161 nm, submerged:  19 nm.
		30.04.41
		02.13	ENE 2, Sea 1		Dived.  Nothing heard.  Convoy must have changed course, either north or south.
		02.20			Far distant detonation.
		02.45			Surfaced.  At GF continued to run on course 240°.
		xx.48	AM 2477		Dived again.  Again nothing heard.  Mistype.  Convoy must have changed course to the north.  Convoy pursuit broken off.
					Came to southerly course.
		04.18	E 3, Sea 2		To B.d.U.
					= Sank:  "BEACON GRANGE", a patrol vessel.  From convoy tanker 8000 tons.  Return transit via North Channel.  Square AM 2477
					Intention:  As long as fuel allows, position in North Channel.
		08.00	AM 2671
		12.00	AM 2844
			Sea 3, E 4, cloudy
		15.17			To U-552
					= Go to Nazaire. =         - B.d.U. -
		16.00	AM 0214
		20.00	AM 0274
		23.40			Shadow bearing 320°T, easterly course, coming quickly on.
					It is still not dark enough to attack; with highest speed ran parallel and slowly angled closer.
					Shadow zig zags heavily.
		24.00	AM 5162		Day's run:  Surfaced:  243 nm, submerged:  2 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.41

				22
		01.05.41
		00.00	E 3, Sea, overcast	Shadow was recognized as a steamer and estimates as quite large.  All tubes ready.
				Steamer zig zags favorably at a sharp target angle.  momentarily target angle 0°.
				Critical moment, since it is still comparatively light, attack distance may not be less than 1000 meters.
				Steamer was at target angle 10°, seems to stop.
				Decide on a three fan due to unsure shooting data.
		00.27		Hit astern.
				Shooting data:  target speed = 13 knots, target angle 70°, range = 1000 meters, spread angle 5°, depth 4 meters.
				Steamer transmits excitedly and settles astern, lifeboats were brought to the water; blinking signals given.
				Decide to shoot another torpedo to get away from the alarmed location.
		00.33		G 7e coup de grace, depth 5 meters.
				Hit astern.
		00.35		Steamer rears up, bow comes high out of the water and goes vertically into the deep.
				Radioman transmits until the last moment.  A rocket was fired while it was still sinking.
				From the transmission evidently it is the steamer "NERISSA".
				5583 GRT, furnished for 229 passengers; therefore, the high superstructure and overestimation of the size.
				Ran off for an hour at GF on course 300°, then went to LF.
		02.57		Dived to listen, on the surface it is very dark, somewhat poor visibility.
				Destroyer sounds bearing 170°T, comes quickly closer, shifts slowly astern and slowly weaker.
		04.00	AM 5121
		04.28		A depth charge at medium range.
		04.45		Surfaced.

Sun and Moon Data 01.05.41

				23
		continued
		01.05.41
				Muzzle fire sighted in the direction of the destroyers heard.
				Destroyers shoot starshells, that shine between us and the destroyers.
				Ran on one engine at LF so as not to be heard.
				Flat sea.
		05.59		Crash dive for aircraft, that flies low across our wake at 300-500 meters.  Not seen earlier in the just breaking twilight against dark horizon.
		06.05		One aircraft bomb at about 1000 meters range.
		06.39	NE 2, Sea 2	Surfaced.
		07.35		From B.d.U.
				=  Admiralty warning at 00.30 hours for U-boat in AM 5137. =
		08.00	AM 4333
			ENE 3, Sea 2
		12.00	AM 4319
		13.00		Crash dive for high altitude large aircraft bearing 180°T.
				Two aircraft bombs at long range, seem randomly thrown.
		16.00	AM 4357	Surfaced
		18.13	ENE 2, Sea 1, overcast	Two masts bearing 243°T at the limit of visibility.  Target angle 20°.
		18.16		Crash dive for aircraft overhead.
				Initiated attack with air periscope.  Flat sea, swell.
				Destroyer is heard.
				The area seems to be alarmed by our previous attack.
		18.50		Three destroyers become visible, one ahead of the steamer, one on each side.
				It is not responsible to attack a normal steamer with three destroyers and an aircraft as escort with smooth sea and only one ready torpedo during the day.  On the one hand a torpedo would not be enough to sink the steamer, the proximity to land and quiet sea would encourage towing.

Sun and Moon Data 01.05.41

				24
		continued
		01.05.41
				On the other hand the strong escort and quiet sea results in a high risk operation which can not be reconciled with the value of the target.
				Turned off, slowly went deep.
				Destroyers were heard, sound gear was noted.
				Two depth charges at medium range.
		20.47	AM 4388	Surfaced.  Tried to gain contact again for night attack at GF.
		22.15		Both drain pumps are reported out of service.
				Main drain pump is leaking water at the suction valve and filter at depth 60 meters, as a result a complete short of the pump.  Duration of the malfunction is not forseable.
				Auxiliary bilge pump does not suck from the engine room bilge in which the cooing water piping is leaking 500-600 liters of water each half-hour.
				Marginally ready for operations.  Steamer abandoned.
		22.20		Crash dive for aircraft, that comes toward the boat from the direction of the steamer at target angle 0°.
		23.25		Surfaced.
		24.00	AM 4381	Day's run:  Surfaced:  146 nm, submerged:  23 nm.
			Cheerful, moonshine
		02.05.41
		04.00	AM 4327	Calm sea and visibility to the horizon the entire night.  Unsuitable for night attack.
			Sea 1, NE 2
		07.26		Destroyer emerges from the haze on the western horizon.  Crash dive.  Comes closer in the listening gear.
		08.28	AM 4354	Two depth charges at medium range.
				Destroyer moves back and forth in position.
		09.10		Surfaced.
		09.26		Crash dive!  Destroyer comes over the horizon again, has probably heard me in the completely flat sea.
				In the listening gear:  Destroyer comes closer, back and forth in position, without noticable moving off.
				Destroyer becomes indistinct in the listening gear.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.41

					25
		continued
		02.05.41
		11.19			Surfaced.
		12.22	AM 4318		Crash dive!  In the haze on the western horizon bluish shadows and a bright shadow became visible.  I am positioned before the clear horizon.  In the listening gear destroyer sounds and active sonar.  Nothing is seen in the periscope.
			E 3
		13.53			Surfaced.  Nothing further to see.
					Destroyer must already have a broad target angle.
		14.40	Cheery		Crash dive!  for aircraft.
					The time on the surface is always barely sufficient to recharge air somewhat and to restore the fillings [presumably filling of various ballast and regulating tanks] under difficult conditions.
					(Main drain pump remains out of service.)
		15.40			Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 4263
		16.03			3-engined aircraft sighted, flies in an arc from starboard ahead to port astern, disappeared, comes with narrow silhouette again.
		16.13			Crash dive!
					2 aircraft bombs at medium range.
					2 aircraft bombs very close at 60 meters.
					Heavy concussions in the boat, slight damage.
					In the flat sea every diving location must be seen longer, also, our diesels smoke heavily, and the smoke lingers in the stillness.
					Air supply quite down to its knees, remained a longer time submerged.
		20.02	AM 4239		Surfaced.
		20.30	ENE 2, Sea 1, cheery		From B.d.U. to U-414 of 19.31 (Officer-only)
					= Today 13.00 hours from B-Dienst a convoy is located in AM 4621, course 82°, speed 7 knots.
					Can not be reached.
		22.40			Two shadows, ran towards it distance 6 nm.  A destroyer and 2 torpedo boats send traffic by blinking signals, make various course changes.
					Target angles of the boat change to each other.
					Several depth charge detonations were heard.

Sun and Moon Data 02.05.41

					26
		continued
		02.05.41			Can only come from the formation.
					Belief:  Search formation.
					Set off again.
		24.00	AM 4262		Day's run:  Surfaced:  98 nm, submerged:  23 nm.
		03.05.41
		02.45	E 2, Sea 1, cloudy, moonshine		Shadow to starboard abeam, target angle 90°, disappeared quickly.  Pointless to pursue.  Destroyer, runs off to the west at somewhat high speed.
		04.00	AM 4289		Continued return transit.
			Sea 2, E 3
		08.00	AM 4561
		12.00	AM 4837
		12.43	ESE 3, Sea 2		From B.d.U.
					= Air reports 20000-ton steamer about 11.00 hours AM 4218 course south, one destroyer. =
					Positioned too far south.  20000-ton steamer would zig zag, and its general direction would not be south.
		16.00	AM 7234
			Sea 4, cloudy, hazy
		20.00	AM 7531
			SE 4, Sea 3
		22.39			To B.d.U.
					= Heavy traffic and surveilance square AM 52-43.  "NERISSA" sunk.  Position square AM 7591. =
					=  U-552 =
		24.00	AM 7588		Day's run:  Surfaced:  248 nm.
		04.05.41	SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, rain
		04.00	AM 7857
		08.00	BE 3227
			Sunless
		12.00	BE 3531
			Sea 4, SE 5, overcast, sunless

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.41

					27
		continued
		04.05.41
		16.00	BE 3657
		20.00	BE 3699
			Sea 2, SE 3, cloudy
		23.00	BF 1754		To B.d.U.
					= Positioned 36 hours off return harbor. =
					=  U-552 =
		24.00	BF 1759		Day's run:  Surfaced:  280 nm.
			Cheery
		05.04.41
		04.00	BF 4243		To B.d.U.
			ESE, Sea 0-1 Vis. very good		= Escort for U-552 positioned on 6 May at 11.30 hours at Point N 1. =
		08.00	BF 4299
		12.00	BF 4655
		13.00	ESE 4, Sea 3		Test dive executed.
		16.00	BF 5471
		20.00	BF 5483
			SE 2, Sea 1
		24.00	BF 5582		Day's run:  Surfaced:  284 nm, submerged:  1 nm.
		06.05.41
		01.00 - 04.00			Several lighted fisherman sighted.
		04.00	BF 5833
		08.00	BF 6458		Flying boat, at the limit of visibility, close over the water, probably German.
			ENE, Sea 2-3
		10.30			Outbound patrol boat encountered on monitored route.
		10.45			Dived, put the boat on the bottom, final muster.
		11.30			Taken under escort at Point N 1.
		14.30			Entered the lock.
					Day's run:  Surfaced:  132.1 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.41

	Enclosures to U-552's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering sortie and return to Lorient                     7 April - 6 May 1941
Sketch	Sketch of attack on HX 221                                                     28 April 1941
Torpedo	Torpedo Firing Reports (Schussmeldung)