U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-618 1st War Patrol

U-618 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	1 September 1942	St. Nazaire	28 October 1942	58

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
14 Oct 42	04.30	53°45'N, 40°25'W	EMPIRE MERSEY	5,791	British	SC-104
18 Oct 42	03.36 - 04.11	49°45'N, 29°25'W	ANGELINA	4,772	American	ON-137

			Total = 10,563
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.











				U - 618


			K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

			for the period

			from 16 April 1942 to 1 September 1942


			Kommandant: Oberleutnant z.See Baberg















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






16.04.42	Hamburg	Commissioning in the Shipyard
10.00		Blohm & Voss, Hamburg

17.04. - 03.05.42		Independent training.

04.05.42	Kiel	Transit to Kiel.

05.05. - 19.05.42		U.A.K. testing Kiel.

20.05.42		Transit to Rönne, at the same time AK cruise.
17.25	Rönne	Arrived Rönne. Boat did not conduct sound trials because there were still 5 other boats ahead.

21.05.42
12.00		Departed Rönne. Transit to Danzig.

22.05.42
07.20	Danzig	Arrived Danzig. Made fast at the U.A.G.I

22.05. - 26.05.42		Independent training.

27.05.42
12.00		Transit to Rönne.

28.05.42
12.50	Rönne	Arrived Rönne.
19.00		Departed for sound trial in buoy field off Halse

28.05.42 23.10 -
29.05.42 04.10		Sound trials of the boat
05.30		Arrived Rönne.
13.00		Departed Rönne. Transit to Danzig.

30.05.42
06.30	Danzig	Arrived Danzig. Made fast at the U.A.G.I

30.05. - 02.06.42		Independent training.

03.06.42		Measured mileage and fuel consumption.

04.06.42	Gotenhafen	Transit to Gotenhaven.
15.00		Made fast at T.E.K.

05. - 09.06.42		T.E.K. testing.
13.30	Hela	Transit to Hela.
15.00		Made fast war harbor Hela.






10.06. - 01.07.42		Agru-Front - Training.

15.06.42
15.55		Man overboard.
16.04		Man taken aboard.

02.07.42	Danzig	Transit to Danzig.

03. - 21.07.42		Torpedo shooting with the 25. U-Flottille.

22.07.42	Gotenhafen	Transit to Gotenhafen.

22. - 31.07.42		Tactical training with the 27. U-Flottille.

20.07.42	55° 24' N
20.46	18° 51''E	Submerged collision with U-216.

31.07.42		Transit to Kiel.

01.08.42
18.00		Arrival Kiel.

02.08.42
04.00	Hamburg	Transit to Hamburg.

03. - 04.08.42	Hamburg	Cleared the boat.

05. - 25.08.42		Final adjustments and overhaul at Blohm & Voss Shipyard.

26. - 28.05.42		Outfitting for the 1st war patrol.

29.08.42	Kiel	Transit to Kiel.

30. - 31.08.42		Degaussing, radio direction finder calibration, magnetic compass calibration, ammunition loading and final trim test.

01.09.42
07.00		Departed on 1st war patrol.



		Oblt.z.S. and Kmdt.

Copy No. . . . . . .

K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

U n t e r s e e b o o t e s "U 618"

Kommandant:

Oberleutnant zur See B a b e r g .

Beginning on:

1.9.1942.

Concluding on:

28.10.1942.

Distribution:
7. Unterseebootesflottille	Copy No.	1
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote	" "	2
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote	" "	3
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine	" "	4 + 5
Ausbuildungsgruppe Front	" "	6
27. Unterseebootsflottille	" "	7


Enclosures:
Track chart	Copy No.	1 - 4
6 Combat sketches	" "	1
5 Torpedo firing reports	" "	1 - 2
Excerpt of the General Radio Log	" "	2 - 4
Officer-Only Radio Log	" "	1
General Radio Log	" "	1

- 1 -




	01.09.42
	07.00		Departed Kiel for 1st war patrol together with U-221, U-258 and U-440.
	10.00	AO 7498 lower-center	Taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher.
	10.06		Incoming Radio Message from U-440 1006/64
			U-221, U-258, U-440, U-618 taken in convoy. Radio Circuit "Karl Otto".
	12.00	AO 7469 lower-center
		NE 1, Sea 1
	16.00	AO 7199 center-left edge
		ENE 4, Sea 3
	20.00	AO 7141 lower-right corner	Sperrbrecher escort ended.
		ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. bad, summer lightening
	20.20	= 56° 02' N	Anchored, to await the new escort.
		= 11° 06.5'E
	20.40		Weighed anchor. Taken in convoy by Vorpostenboot 1706.
	24.00	AO 4876 lower-center edge	Transit to Kristiansand South.
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, thunder showers, summer lightening, Vis. bad

	02.09.42
	04.00	AO 4819 center-left
		NW 3, Sea 2, rain showers
	08.00	AO 4469 center-left edge
		WbyS 3, Sea 2, Vis. changing 2 to 4 nm
	12.00	AO 4427 center	Day's run: Surfaced 238.6 nm.
		W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
	16.00	AO 3626 center
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, rain showers
	19.00		Arrived Kristiansand South and made fast.
			Fuel and water supply.

	03.09.42
	09.40		Cast off for trim test.
	10.40		Convoy intake by UJ 1701, UJ 1706 and UJ 1711
	12.00	AN 3615 center
		W 2, Sea 2, changing cloudiness, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42

- 2 -



	continued
	03.09.42
	16.00	AN 3520 center-left edge
		SW 2, Sea 2,
	20.00	AN 3277 center-left edge
		SW 5, Sea 4, misty
	21.10	AN 3198 right upper edge	Released from convoy.
			Set off from the formation on course 270°, transit speed 7 knots.
	22.30	AN 3194 center-left edge	Submerged for deep diving test.
			Slowly went to depth A +40 meters.
			All tight except for speaking tube cock in the coning tower and a few stuffing boxes.
	23.32	AN 3186 lower-right	Surfaced. Continued at transit speed.
	24.00	AN 3185 right edge lower
		W 6, Sea 5, dark night, light rain, marine phosphorescence

	04.09.42	Northern North Sea
	01.41	AN 3176 center-right edge	Course change to 332°.
	04.00	AN 3841 lower-left	Continued on the surface due to clear horizon and medium to good visibility.
		SW 3, Sea 3
	08.00	AN 4336 left half
		SW 4, Sea 3, high cloud deck, Vis. medium
	12.00	AN 2891 center	Day's run: Surfaced 169.5 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm.
		SW 5, Sea 4, changing cloudiness, Vis. good
	14.06		Crash dive for training and test dive.
	14.33		Surfaced.
	16.00	AN 2851 upper center
		SW 6, Sea 5
	19.27		Incoming Radio Message 1847/69:
			1.) U-432, Mahn and Holtorf report weather.
			2.) Kals, Trojer, Mässenhausen, Baberg on 5 September 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
			3.) Würdemann report situation.
	20.00	AN 2355 lower-right edge
		SbyW 6, Sea 5, Vis. good, starry clear
	24.00	AF 8778 lower-center
		SSW 6, Sea 5, increasing weather deterioration

	05.09.42	Norwegian Sea
	04.00	AF 8744 center
		SSE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42

- 3 -



	continued
	05.09.42
	08.00	AF 7699 center
		SSE 10, Sea 9, drizzle, misty
	09.25		Dived, because visibility deterioration below 1 nm, at the same time scheduled maintenance of the torpedoes.
	12.00	AF 7692 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm, Submerged 6 nm.
	13.35		Surfaced.
	16.00	AF 7637 lower-right
		SW 9, Sea 8-9, Vis. good
	20.00	AF 7319 center
		SW 9, Sea 8, light rain, misty
	24.00	AF 7361 center-left edge
		W 9, Sea 8, overcast, dark night

	06.09.42
	04.00	AF 4985 center
		SW 7, Sea 6, short steep Swell
	08.00	AF 4927 center	Headed to naval square 44 on course 292°.
		SW 7, Sea 6, breaking up cloud deck, Vis. good, clear horizon
	10.55 - 11.32		Test dive.
	12.00	AF 4833 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 154.2 nm, Submerged 5.9 nm.
		SW 7, Sea 6, confused Swell
	15.00	AF 4589 lower-center	Passed a drifting mine. Shooting is not possible due to heavy Sea State and Swell.
	16.00	AF 4588 center
		W 7, Sea 6, short, steep SW-Swell, Vis. good
	20.00	AF 4821 upper-left
		W 8, Sea 8
	24.00	AF 4496 center
		W 9, Sea 8, closed cloud deck

	07.09.42
	04.00	AF 4483 center
		W 9, Sea 8
	08.00	AF 4448 center
		NW 9, Sea 8, broken cloud deck, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42

- 4 -



	continued
	07.09.42
	10.40		Test dive.
	11.20		Surfaced.
	11.56	AE 6668 center	Crash dive for aircraft, (land-based aircraft, type not recognized).
			Further observation not possible, because the boat could not be held at periscope depth.
	12.00	AE 6668 center	Day's run: Surfaced 144.5 nm, Submerged 1.8 nm.
		W 7-8, Sea 7, short Steep Swell, Vis. good
	12.33		Surfaced.
	16.00	AE 6692 upper-right
		NW 7, Sea 6, strongly changing cloudiness
	17.02	AE 6692 upper-center	Crash dive for aircraft. Ahead out of the clouds about 5000-6000 meters range.
	17.40		Surfaced.
			Navigation fix shows, that at diesel-electric LF at the moment against the wind and sea the boat only makes 4 knots.
	20.00	AE 6642 upper-right
		NW 7, Sea 6, strongly changing cloudiness
	22.28		Dived to proceed submerged.
			Depth A -10 meters, speed 1.6 knots.
	24.00	AE 6681 left right [nonsensical position]

	08.09.42	Faroe Islands
	04.00	AE 6675 lower-left
		S 4-5, Sea 4, occasional visibility deterioration down to 1 nm, 1004 mb
	12.00	AE 6826 center	Day's run: Surfaced 53.4 nm, Submerged 15.4 nm.
		S 5-6, Sea 5, short steep NW-Swell, strongly changing visibility
	13.39	AE 6851 upper-center	Crash dive for aircraft, astern to port range 8000 meters.
	14.07		Surfaced.
	16.00	AE 6844 lower-right
		S 7, Sea 6, Vis. 1-2 nm, light rain, 997 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42

- 5 -



	continued
	08.09.42
	20.00	AE 9122 right edge lower	In the course of the night continued on the surface. All machine guns on the bridge.
		S 7, Sea 6, Vis. 3-4 nm, 997 mb
	24.00	AE 9148 center
		SSW 8, Sea 7

	09.09.42
	04.00	AE 8632 lower-left
		SSW 9, Sea 8, short steep Swell, 992 mb
	06.23		Test dive.
	08.00	AE 8655 upper-right
	08.28		Surfaced.
			The attack periscope is completely unclear. (water on the mirror).
		AE 8655 upper-center	A patrol vessel ahead distance 2000-3000 meters. (fishing trawler.)
	08.29		Crash dive!
			Ran off to the south submerged, because to attack the boat cannot be held at periscope depth and the periscope is still unclear.
	09.55		Depth charge detonation far off.
			Surfaced after periscope repairs.
			Rain and hail squalls, the patrol vessel is no longer seen.
	12.00	AE 8681 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 203.6 nm, Submerged 14.5 nm.
		WSW 10. Sea 8-9, strongly changing visibility, short steep Swell, 992 mb
	16.00	AE 8673 right edge upper
		WSW 10, Sea 9, rain squalls, 998 mb
	16.45	AE 8673 upper-center	Again patrol vessel comes in sight out of a rain squall.
			Ran off on the surface and evaded.
	18.25	AE 8675 center	Crash dive for aircraft.
			In this Sea State the boat gets under only with difficulty (against Strength 9, short, high Swell)
			Several detonations far off.
			I already wanted to dive because on the surface against the sea I make no progress, therefore I remain submerged.
			Continual depth charge detonations further and further away.
	23.05		Surfaced. The weather had improved. I will now attempt to continue on the surface.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42

- 6 -



	continued
	09.09.42
	24.00	AE 8911 center
		SW 10, Sea 9, short steep Swell, rain, Vis. bad, marine phosphorescence, 992 mb

	10.09.42	North Atlantic
	04.00	AE 8839 center
		SW 9, Sea 8, rain and hail squalls, 1002 mb
	08.00	AE 8864 upper-center
		SW 9, Sea 8, rain, Vis. 5 nm, 997 mb
	12.00	AE 8859 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 70 nm, Submerged 8 nm.
		WSW 9, Sea 8, rain showers, misty, short steep SW-swell, 995 mb
	16.00	AE 8857 center
		W 10, Sea 8-9, rain showers, 992 mb, Vis. changing from 2 to 10 nm
	18.55		Incoming Radio Message 1808/10/55/133:
			New objective for Quaet, Mengersen, Kessler, Wallas, Baberg, Geissler, Trojer and Mässenhausen is naval square AL 72.
	20.00	AL 3232 center
		W 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain showers, 996 mb
	24.00	AL 3229 upper-right
		W 8, Sea 8, 7/10, squalls, 1000 mb

	11.09.42
	04.00	AL 3254 lower-right
		W 8, Sea 8, a few clouds, 1004 mb
	08.00	AL 3336 center	Test dive. At the same time pulled the torpedoes in tubes III and IV to recharge and dry out the attack periscope (mirror again completely under water)
		W 6, Sea 5, 6/10, 1004 mb
	12.00	AL 3335 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 140 nm, Submerged 6 nm.
	12.05		Surfaced.
	16.00	AL 3353 center-right edge
		W 5, Sea 4, Vis. good, 1017 mb
	20.00	AL 3387 upper-right
		SW 5, Sea 4

	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42

- 7 -



	continued
	11.09.42
	24.00	AL 3518
		SW 6, Sea 5-6, rain shower, 1018 mb

	12.09.42
	04.00	AL 2669 lower-center
		SW 6, Sea 4-5, medium-high Swell, rain showers
	07.50	AL 2831 upper-center	In the morning twilight a German U-boat comes in sight bearing 125°T, that steers a parallel course.
			The boat dived after it was light. Range about 12 nm
	08.00	AL 2831 center
		SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
	09.38 - 10.31		Test dive.
	12.00	AL 2852 center	Day's run: Surfaced 136 nm, Submerged 3 nm.
		S 5, Sea 4-5, changing cloudiness
	16.00	AL 2857 upper-left
		SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers
	16.15	AL 2849 upper-right	Crash dive for aircraft ("Lysander")
			Two times two aircraft bombs, no damage.
	17.36		Surfaced and set off to the west.
	20.00	AL 2759 upper right edge
		SW 5, Sea 4, rain showers, 1016 mb
	20.17		Incoming Radio Message 1456/12/100/267:
			Kapitzky, Lilienfeld, Wallas, Trojer, Baberg, Geissler, Mengersen, Mässenhausen and Quaet, at transit speed occupy patrol line from naval square AL 4745 to 7816. Boats form Group Pfeil.
	22.00		On course to ordered position in patrol line.
	22.55		Outgoing Radio Message 2210/12/162:
			Baberg 16.00 hours aircraft bombs from "Lysander" in naval square AL 2849. No damage. 1019 mb falling, SW 5, medium Swell, Vis. over 10 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42

- 8 -



	continued
	12.09.42
	24.00	AL 2789 upper-right	Trojer reports by:
		S 7, Sea 6-7, 9/10, rain, 1014 mb	Radio Message 1858/12/157: English aircraft "Consolidated" 18.00 hours aircraft circles an hour over square AL 0228.
			North of this square I was attacked by the "Lysander". Probably this aircraft was summoned by the "Lysander" and search initiated, while I had already moved off on course 260°.

	13.09.42
	04.00	AL 2916 lower-right
		S 5, Sea 4-5, 1010 mb
	08.00	AL 2949 left upper edge
		SW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell
	09.00 - 09.49		Test dive.
	12.00	AL 2978 right upper edge	Day's run: Surfaced 124 nm, Submerged 6.4 nm.
		SW 5-6, Sea 6, high Swell
	15.23	AL 5125 center	Crash dive for flying boat "Sunderland". Two aircraft bombs, no damage.
	16.00	AL 5125 center
	15.40		Incoming Radio Message 1349/13/186:
			1.) Geissler, Trojer, Mässenhausen, Baberg operate on convoy reported n naval square AK 6427 probably steering easterly course. Go!
			2.) Wallas, Kapitzky, Lilienfeld, for the time being run at transit speed towards the convoy
	16.40	W 7, Sea 6-7, short steep Swell, Vis. changing	Surfaced. Course for naval square AK 6427.
		W 7, Sea 6-7, short steep Swell, Vis. changing	The Sea State increases quickly. Barometer continually falling.
			At the moment cannot run at over 12 knots because the boat is going directly into the seas, the bridge is continually overspilled.
	20.00	AL 4237 upper-right	Incoming Radio Message 1800/13/190/222:
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, rain, Vis. bad, 1009 mb falling	From U-261. In naval square AK 6247 reported convoy steers 30°, speed 5-7 knots.
			[From U-216 KTB this message was actually from U-216 and the position was AK 6427]
			Thereupon move further to the north on course 290°.
	24.00	AL 4136 center
		SW 7, Sea 6, rain, Vis. 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42

- 9 -




	14.09.42
	02.30		In order to make out something in the darkness came to 10 knots.
	04.00	AL 1979 upper-center
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, Vis. 0.5 -1 nm, steep Swell
	07.45	AK 0393 center	At the beginning of morning twilight two destroyers 1500 meters ahead.
			It is no longer possible to proceed unseen on the surface.
	08.00	AK 0393 center	Crash dive.
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain, Vis. 1 nm	Boat cannot be held at periscope depth in the Sea State and Swell.
			A little later the convoy passes over us (closely together).
			When the propeller sounds were fainter, attempted to go to periscope depth. Impossible! The boat breaks through the surface several times. Went deep again.
	09.55		Surfaced. when the propeller sounds are only heard faintly. Nothing is seen of the convoy. Last sound bearing in 40°T.
			Pursued at high speed.
			Attempted to send a radio message concerning the position of the convoy at 08.00 hours and loss of contact. The Control Station hears us badly and sends us to another wavelength.
	11.09		Incoming Short Signal:
			Enemy located AL 1947. [This message was from U-221]
			Own radio message was not sent a second time because this Short Signal has a perfect position with a later time.
	11.05 - 11.30		Both diesels out of service (water in the oil).
	11.30		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy speed 8-10 knots. Steers course 90°, Square AL 19428.
	12.00	AL 1945 center	Day's run: Surfaced 162 nm, Submerged 8.5 nm.
	14.08	AL 1926 center	Crash dive for aircraft. Two bombs. No failures.
	14.35		Destroyer propeller sounds in the listening gear. Several series of depth charges thrown without locating in the vicinity and further off.
			Propeller sounds from two vessels with continually changing Volume.
			Due to the Sea State I cannot go to periscope depth, therefore must wait until nothing more is heard.

- 10 -



	continued
	14.09.42
	16.00	AL 1931 upper-left
	16.58		Surfaced and pursued.
	16.59		Outgoing Radio Message 1659/14/135:
			Baberg, 14.00 hours aircraft bombs, then destroyers, depth charges in naval square AL 1926. No failures. NW 8, 1004 mb falling. High Swell. Vis. good.
	17.24		Crash dive for aircraft directly ahead.
	17.52		Surfaced. Continued at GF, course 100°.
	18.36		Incoming Radio Message 1516/14/127:
			From naval square AL 19475 [AL 1965 in U-564 KTB] emergency report of a boat not clear to dive due to bombing by aircraft. from Suhren.
	19.00		Came to opposite course, to the boat not clear to dive at GF.
	19.42		Outgoing Radio Message: Running to boat not clear to dive. Position 19.00 hours naval square AL 0114.
			from Baberg.
	18.53		Incoming Radio Message 1502/14/131:
			To U-126 [U-216], Brandi, Mässenhausen, Baberg, Trojer, Geissler, Wallas, Lilienfeld if at the beginning of darkness there is no contact o e l i t z o h (garbled) break off, report position and fuel by Short Signal. Head for square AL 72.
	19.43		Crash dive for aircraft.
	20.00	AL 1961 upper-right
	20.13		Surfaced.
	20.22		Crash dive for aircraft.
			Three well-placed bombs.
			Amplifier of the order system fails.
	21.00		Incoming Radio Message 1635/1/132:
			1.) Boats in the vicinity of Geissler go to him and report this by Short Signal. Geissler is located at 15.37 hours in naval square AL 1959. Course 220°, unclear to dive.
			2.) Geissler report speed.
	22.41		Surfaced.
	24.00	AL 4131 upper-left
		NW 4, Sea 3, short steep Swell

	15.09.42
	00.15		Incoming Radio Message 2302/14/143:
			To boats in naval square AL:
			1.) Geissler requires no assistance.
			2.) Head for AL 72.
			Outgoing Short Signal:
			My position is square AL 41. Still have 93 cbm fuel.
			U-618.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42

- 11 -



	continued
	15.09.42
	01.00		On course for ordered square at transit speed.
	04.00	AL 4151 lower-center
		N 3, Sea 2-3, short high Sea
	08.00	AL 4185 upper-right
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, steep Swell
	09.31 - 10.00		Test dive.
	11.31		Incoming Radio Message 2046/15/158/220:
			Lilienfeld, Kapitzky, Wallas, U-216, Trojer, Brandi, Mengersen, Mässenhausen, Baberg, Quaet form Group Pfeil. In named order occupy patrol line from naval square AL 4714 to 7816. Disposition to detect westbound convoys.
	12.00	AL 4426 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 163.6 nm, Submerged 17.9 nm.
		S 3, Sea 3, Vis. changing from 4 to 10 nm
	16.00	AL 5564 lower-right corner
		S 3, Sea 3, rain showers
	16.08		A U-boat comes in sight bearing 160°T on the horizon.
	16.50	AL 4488 center-left	Meeting with U-617.
	17.17		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy square 4567, westbound. Trojer.
	18.00	Vis, deteriorating down to 1 nm
	18.29		Dived to listen, because further visibility deterioration down to 200 to 500 meters. No sound bearings.
	19.10	Fog, Vis. 1000 meters	At periscope depth. The visibility has still not improved. Remained submerged to listen because I must be ahead of the convoy.
	20.00	AL 4492 lower-center
	20.19	Fog	Surfaced. Visibility 200 to 300 meters.
	20.22		Because I am west of the reported convoy, dived again to listen.
	21.30		At periscope depth. As before, visibility was about 500 meters.
	23.00		Surfaced.
	24.00	AL 4732 lower-center
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, fog, Vis. 1000 meters

	16.09.42
	00.50		Incoming Radio Message 2111/15/170:
			1.) Baberg, Struckmeier, Zurmühlen report weather tonight. Mengersen tomorrow between 08.00 and 12.00 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42

- 12 -



	continued
	16.09.42		2.) Lüth, Stein, Freiberg, Friederichs, Markworth from 16 September at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
			3.) Pfeffer report experiences concerning transit up to now.
	04.00	AL 4724 lower-center
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, fog, Vis. 1500 meters, drizzle
	05.21		Outgoing Radio Message 0240/16/177:
			From Baberg AL 4728: SW 3, Sea 2, light S-Swell, 1018 mb steady, Vis. up to 1 nm, overcast, fog. Am missing Serial No. 116 from 13 September.
	08.00	AL 4717 lower-right
		SW 3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. 500 meters
	08.30		Dived to listen and test dive.
	09.46		Surfaced. Vis. 100 meters.
	10.25		Incoming Radio Message 1004/17/180:
			From Wallas 09.40 hours convoy Naval square AL 4714.
			By plotting my current position is only 12 miles away. The last navigation fix was in the evening of 14 September.
	11.15		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Request bearing signals from contact keeper.
			U-618.
			Wallas reports 10.47 hours convoy in naval square 4741 [actually 4714], SW course, low speed.
			Mässenhausen sighted a strongly smoking independent at 10.00 hours in square 6961. At the same time he reports very good visibility conditions. By my navigation fix I am in this square and have fog, visibility 500 meters.
			On the basis of inexact navigation I run further on the convoy general course 230°, speed 8 knots.
	12.00	AK 6962 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 97.5 nm, Submerged 11.6 nm.
		SW 2-3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. changing from 200 meters to 3 nm
	16.00	AK 6987 upper-left
		SW 2, Sea 2, fog, long Swell, Vis. 1-2 nm
	20.00	AK 9236 lower edge left
		SW 2, Sea 1, fog, Vis. up to 1 nm
	22.20		Incoming Radio Message 1905/16/195:
			Group Pfeil. Report Trojer convoy at 08.51 in square 6938 seems correct. Expect speed of advance of 7.5 knots, general course 240°.
			Continue searching.

- 13 -



	continued
	16.09.42
	24.00	AK 9254
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, dark night, marine phosphorescence

	17.09.42
	04.00	AK 9197 lower-right corner
		SW 3, Sea 3, clear horizon, Vis. good
	08.00	AK 9424 upper-left corner
		N 3, Sea 2, clear horizon, Vis. good
	10.00 - 10.23		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 8964 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 253.2 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		NNE 3, Sea 3, broken cloud deck, Vis. very good
			After 60 hours today again the first possibility for a navigation fix shows an offset to the SW of 38 nm.
	16.00	AK 8992 center-right edge
		NNE 5, Sea 3, light Swell, Vis. very good
	18.49		Incoming Radio Message 1727/17/111:
			Group Pfeil: If by darkness there is no contact, break off operation. On 18 September at 20.00 hours in named order U-216, Kapitzky, Wallas, Baberg, Mengersen, Mässenhausen, Quaet, Trojer and Brandi in reconnaissance line from AK 5966 to 9814. Course 65°, speed 6 knots. 19 September 09.00 remain in patrol line from AK 65 [AK 6587 in other boats KTBs] to 9654.
			Further westbound convoy was expected here on 19 September.
	20.00	AK 8876 center-right edge
		NNE 4, Sea 3, Vis. very good
	20.15	AK 8876 center-right	A German U-boat comes in sight bearing 310°T. It is U-221, course 180°.
	23.00		On course 39° to ordered position in reconnaissance line.
	24.00	AK 8893 lower-center edge
		NNE 3, Sea 3

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42

- 14 -




	18.09.42
	04.00	AK 8927 center-left edge
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	AK 8891 lower-center edge
		NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. goos
	10.02 - 10.26		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 9441 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 187 nm, Submerged 1.1 nm.
		NNE 3, Sea 2, Vis. very good
	16.00	AK 9187 center
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. very good
	20.00	AK 9129 upper-right	Began run in reconnaissance line. Initially restrained because the navigation fix showed an offset in the direction of the reconnaissance line.
		SW 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	24.00	AK 9137 upper edge right
		SW 1, Sea 0-1, 1018 mb

	19.09.42
	04.00	AK 9212 upper-right
		SW 1, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm, 1015 mb
	08.00	AK 6894 left edge upper
		SW 6, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm, 1013 mb
	09.00	AK 6891 right edge lower	Began moving back and forth on ordered patrol line.
	09.32 - 10.05		Test dive. Repositioned and secured the torpedoes to recharge.
	12.00	AK 6891 right edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 177.7 nm, Submerged 1.5 nm.
		SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. over 10 nm, 1011 mb
	16.00	AK 6893 left edge upper
		SW 4, Sea 3, rain, overcast, Vis. deterioration, 1009 mb
	20.00	AK 6891 center-right edge
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, rain, Vis. changing from 3 to 10 nm, 1005 mb
	21.57		Incoming Radio Message 2124/19/155:
			Group Pfeil 23.00 hours course 245°, speed 7 knots. On 20 September 10.00 hours come about, course 65°, 6 knots.
	23.00	AK 6891 center-right edge	Came to course 245°, 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

- 15 -



	continued
	19.09.42
	24.00	AK 6886 center-right edge
		SW 6, Sea 5, rain, Vis. bad, 999 mb

	20.09.42
	04.00	AK 9212 upper-center
		NW 7, Sea 6, breaking up cloud deck, rain showers, 998 mb
	08.00	AK 9137 center
		NW 7, Sea 6, changing cloudiness, Vis. 4-8 nm, 1003 mb
	09.47		Test dive.
	10.00		On course 65°.
	10.17		Surfaced, speed 6 knots.
	12.00	AK 9139 upper edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 170.5 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		NW 7, Sea 6-7, 1009 mb
	12.58		Incoming Radio Message 1215/20/164/205:
			Group Pfeil at highest speed operate on the convoy reported by Jahn at 11.07 hours in naval square AK 4168 on course 50°. Immediately switch to America I Circuit.
	13.25		Incoming Radio Message 1253/20/167/208:
			Enemy report Jahn 12.40 hours naval square 4166, course 40°.
	13.30	AK 9214 center	Operating on Jahn convoy.
	16.00	AK 6769 lower-right corner
		NW 7, Sea 6, 9/10, 1011 mb, Vis. 2 to 5 nm
	20.00	AK 6494 lower-left
		NW 6, Sea 5, 1012 mb, Vis. 10 nm
	24.00	AK 6179 center-right edge
		NE 6, Sea 5, Vis. bad, 1013 mb

	21.09.42
	04.00	AK 0287 center-right edge
		SW 4, Sea 3, 1010 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

- 16 -



	continued
	21.09.42
	08.00	AK 2874 lower edge right
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, Vis. very bad, 999 mb
	10.00 - 10.41		Test dive.
	11.10		Incoming Short Signal:
			Have contact on convoy square AK 1843, enemy steers 50°. Stand by for my bearing signals.
			U-596.
	11.55		Bearing signals in 297°T. Very faint. Signal concerning direction and distance not received.
	12.00	AK 2732 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 290.4 nm, Submerged 2 nm.
		W 9, Sea 8, fog, Vis. 1000 meters, 993 mb
	13.00		Wind and sea continually increasing, at the moment SW 9, Sea 8-9.
			Breaking up cloud deck and visibility improvement up to 8 nm
	13.55	Vis. 10 nm	Once again bearing signals in 290°T.
			Continuous bearing signals from Jahn.
	16.00	AK 2583 center
		W 10, S 9, 7/10, Vis. 5 to 7 nm, 993 mb
	18.40	AK 2526 lower-center	Destroyer bearing 260°T, course 40°, range 1500 meters.
		W 11, Sea 10, Vis. 1 nm, due to atomization of the water	Moved off on the surface.
			Outgoing Short Signal:
			1 destroyer in square AK 2526. U-618.
			In the Sea State it is not possible to run before the sea.
			Weapons use is not possible due to the Sea State.
			Therefore continued on courses around the convoy's general course.
			Visibility due to atomization about 1000 meters.
	20.00	AK 2538 lower-right	Holding course is no longer possible.
		SW 12, Sea 9-10, Vis. 1-2 nm, short steep Swell, 990 mb	Tacked before the sea.
	24.00	AK 2671 lower-right
		SW 12, Sea 10, 9/10, rain shower, 991 mb

	22.09.42
	04.00	AK 2673 center-left edge
		W 9, Sea 8-9, completely overcast, 993 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

- 17 -



	continued
	22.09.42
	08.00	AK 2627 center
		W 9, Sea 8, 6/10, short steep Swell, 989 mb
	09.20 - 10.47	WNW 11, Sea 9-10	Test dive and repaired damage.
			Surfaced.
			Wind and sea have again strengthened. It is not possible to hold a particular course. Again tacked before the sea.
	11.05	AK 2625 upper-left	A U-boat passed to starboard, also tacking before the sea, distance 800 meters. Name exchange and position comparison is not possible because the other boat is always seen for only a few seconds.
	12.00	AK 2487 center	Day's run: Surfaced 191.9 nm, Submerged 3.3 nm.
		WNW 11, Sea 10, Vis. bad from spray
	16.00	AK 2628 center-left
		NW 10, Sea 9, Vis. 2 nm, 993 mb
	16.25	AK 2628 lower-center edge	Crash dive for "Consolidated" on course 300°.
	16.56		Surfaced.
	18.00		Incoming Radio Message 1619/22/112/300:
			1.) Köpke, Breithaupt, Sturm, U-216, Quaet, Purkhold, Brandi, Mässenhausen, Mengersen, Makowski, Wallas, Baberg, Trojer, Kapitzky, Schulte, U-437 as Group "Blitz" on 25 September 24.00 hours be in patrol line from square AK 0317 to AL 7559. Proceed from the current area, until then use opportunities on the convoy and steamers blown off by the hurricane. Report position and fuel when heading off.
			2.) Lilienfeld stationed to the west of the center of the patrol line.
			3.) U-432 and Goeing report position and fuel. Jahn return transit.
	18.44	AK 2658 upper-center	Crash dive for "Consolidated" on course 0°.
			At the same time submerged work on the rudder drive (creaks and squeaks).
	20.00	AK 2658 center
		NW 10, Sea 9
	20.50	AK 2658 lower-center	Surfaced.
			Headed off to ordered position in patrol line.
	23.00		Outgoing Short Signal:
			My position is square AK 2685. Still have 60 cbm fuel.
			U-618.
	24.00	AK 2822 upper-left
		NW 9, Sea 9, steep Sea, overcast, 1003 mb

- 18 -




	23.09.42
	04.00	AK 2882 center-left
		NW 9, Sea 7-8, overcast, 1006 mb
	08.00	AK 0252 upper-left
		NW 8, Sea 7-8, breaking up cloud deck, Vis. good, steep NW-Swell
	10.00 - 10.27		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 5338 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 173.2 nm, Submerged 5.8 nm.
		NW 7, Sea 7, 7/10, overcast, Vis. good, 1005 mb
	16.00	AK 5395 upper-right
		NNW 7, Sea 6-7, 9/10, Vis. good, 1019 mb
	20.00	AK 6415 upper-right
		NNW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	20.10		Incoming Radio Message 1856/23/259:
			Group Blitz:
			1.) Patrol line settled. At transit speed run to meet "Röther"-convoy.
			2.) Schulte, Bopst, U-437 do not operate on convoy. More to follow.
	20.20		Ran on course 240°, 7 knots to meet convoy.
	24.00	AK 5662 center
		NW 4, Sea 4, 9/10, bright night, 1024 mb

	24.09.42
	00.15		Incoming Radio Message 2305/23/275:
			Group "Blitz":
		[U 258 in AK 3555]	1.) Boats, that can approach the Mässenhausen-convoy before evening 24 September operate on it.
		[U-380 in BC 3421]	2.) Remaining boats at transit speed operate as ordered on "Röther"-convoy.
			I operate further on the Röther-convoy.
	04.00	AK 5658 upper left
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. good, 1026 mb
	08.00	AK 5674 center-right edge
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, long medium-high Swell, Vis. good, completely overcast, 1029 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42

- 19 -



	continued
	24.09.42
	10.01 - 11.02		Test dive.
	11.08		U-boat on the horizon bearing 330°T on parallel course. It is U-260.
	12.00	AK 5597 center	Day's run: Surfaced 141 nm, Submerged 3 nm.
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. very good, 1032 mb
	16.00	AK 5853 lower-right
		NW 2, Sea 1-3, 3/10, Vis. very good, 1032 mb
	16.40		Incoming Radio Message 1603/24/229:
			Boats of former Group "Blitz" operating on Röther-convoy no further speed restrictions.
	20.00	AK 5796 upper-center
		NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1034 mb, Vis. very good
	20.51		Incoming Radio Message 2024/24/242:
			Convoy naval square AK 8214, speed 12-13 knots, course 80°. Deecke holding contact.
	20.21		Came to opposite course on Deecke Short Signal because I probably missed the convoy.
	23.45	AK 5885 lower-left	Small shadow with sharp target angle bearing 160°T. Take as a destroyer of the port screen. Maneuvered further ahead for a submerged attack because it is too bright a moonlit night for a night attack.
	24.00	AK 5885 center
		NW 2-3, Sea 2, bright moonlit night, 1032 mb

	25.09.42
	04.00	AK 5957 center
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, bright moonlit night
	08.00	AK 6743 upper-right
		W 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. very good	While moving off in the morning twilight lost contact on destroyer. Pursued.
	11.13	AK 6763 center	A two-smokestack steamer, one destroyer and smoke clouds in sight bearing 175°T. Moved off to the north to the limit of visibility.
	11.25		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Have contact on convoy square AK 6996 [position is in error].
			U-618.
	12.00	AK 6817 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 256.3 nm.
		N 4, Sea 4, Vis. good, 1024 mb
	13.30	AK 6828

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42

- 20 -



	continued
	25.09.42		Two smokestack steamer bearing 190°T. Hold onto this steamer and get further ahead.
	14.00		Bearing 200°T.
	14.37		" 210°T.
	15.25		" 240°T.
	16.00	AK 6915 center	Due to unclear horizon, at times out of sight.
		N 4, Sea 3-4
	17.00		Bearing 240°T.
	17.30		Am positioned with 4 boats ahead of the convoy. As the first boat Mengersen dives 1000 meters abeam to port.
	18.06		Dived for submerged attack.
			Fixed periscope is continually unclear due to fogging of the mirror.
			Convoy is still not distinguished in the periscope.
	18.45		On the basis of sound bearings determined that propeller sounds are always shifting further to port.
			The convoy has zigzagged to a southerly course.
	19.00		A destroyer on changing courses far ahead to starboard.
	19.30		Depth charge detonations.
	20.00	AK 6924 upper-left
	20.30		Surfaced and pursued on course 80°, no contact.
	21.30		Outgoing Radio Message 2050/25/232:
			From Baberg: during day attack could not reach shooting position. Fixed periscope out of service. Position naval square AK 6935, no contact. Still all torpedoes. 45 cbm. In pursuit.
	22.15	AK 6935 center	A destroyer comes in sight with a sharp target angle in 110°T.
	22.22		Outgoing Short Signal:
			1 destroyer in square AK 6935.
			U-618.
		Continual visibility deterioration
			Destroyer out of sight again a little later. Dark poor visibility moon horizon. Pursued on convoy course.
	24.00	AL 7478 center
		W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. bad, 1017 mb

- 21 -




	26.09.42
	00.50		Star shells are fired ahead to starboard. Detonations are heard in the boat.
	04.00	AL 4548 center-left
		SW 5, Sea 4, fog, 1014 mb
	08.00	AL 5441 upper-right
		SW 5, Sea 4, fog, 1003 mb, Vis. 1000 meters
	11.00		3 detonations. Herd in the boat.
	12.00	AL 5434 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 264.3 nm, Submerged 6.7 nm.
		W 6, Sea 5-6, misty, 999 mb, Vis. changing 1000 meters to 3 nm
	16.00	AL 5285 center
		NW 5-6, Sea 5, fog, Vis. up to 1 nm, 1000 mb
	17.28		Incoming Radio Message 1648/26/105/290:
			1.) Boats in the sea area naval square AK and perhaps AL 40, 50 and 70 operate on Brandi convoy. These indicate "Yes" by Short Signal. If not already done report position and fuel.
			2.) Wind is likely to shift clockwise and calm then slowly abate.
			3.) Break off operation with 15 cbm. Supply boat is on outbound transit.
			4.) Boats form Group "Tiger".
			5.) Switch immediately to "Ireland" Circuit.
	17.50	AL 5292 center	Came to opposite course. Operated on Brandi convoy.
	18.36		Outgoing Short Signal:
			"Yes". U-618.
	19.00		Outgoing Radio Message 1850/26/296:
			From Baberg. Position 18.00 hours naval square AL 5292. Still 40 cbm. NW 6, Sea 5, 1000 mb steady. Cumulonimbus. Fog banks. Vis. changing up to 2 nm.
	20.00	AL 5286 lower-left corner
		NW 6, Sea 5, completely overcast, fog, Vis. up to 2 nm, 1003 mb
	24.00	AL 5438 lower-left corner
		W 5, Sea 5, patchy fog, 1004 mb

- 22 -




	27.09.42
	04.00	AL 4596 upper-left corner
		W 5, Sea 4, bright night, 1008 mb
	08.00	AL 4841 left edge center	Strong visibility hindrance ahead due to overcoming breakers.
		W 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 1008 mb, Vis. bad
	12.00	AL 4775 right edge center	Day's run: Surfaced 283.4 nm.
		W 5, Sea 5, 7/10, 1008 mb, Vis. good, clear horizon, short steep WbyN-Swell	Went to 12 knots because at higher speed setting the boat only pounds and also does not make way through the water.
	12.40		Incoming Radio Message 1142/27/150:
			Group Tiger:
			1.) General course of the convoy probably 240°, speed with medium weather 7 to 7.5 knots.
			2.) If convoy is not found by evening, continue on search courses from 230° to 270°.
			Evasive movement in southerly direction would probably be caught due to boats operating on the convoy from the east.
	16.00	AK 9321 center-left edge
		WbyN 809, Sea 7-8, clear horizon, Vis. good, 1010 mb
	17.30		Increasing weather deterioration. Speed must be reduced further because at times before the seas the boat is completely overspilled.
	20.00	AK 9238 center-right edge
		WbyN 9, Sea 8-9, 4/10, Vis. good, 1010 mb
	24.00	AK 9253 center-left edge
		WNW 7, Sea 6-7, hail showers, 1011 mb

	28.09.42
	04.00	AK 9246 center
		WNW 7, Sea 6, bright night, squalls, 1011 mb
	08.00	AK 9247 upper-left
		NW 8, Sea 7, rain showers, 1013 mb, strong squalls
	12.00	AK 9191 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 136 nm.
		W 7, Sea 7, rain, 1014 mb, Vis. up to 5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42

- 23 -



	continued
	28.09.42
	16.00	AK 9184 center	Gradual weather improvement. Again ran at HF.
		NW 7, overcast, 1017 mb, Vis. up to 7 nm
	18.34		Incoming Radio Message 1728/28/200:
			Group Tiger:
			1.) Continue to operate at low speed to naval square AK 70. Hold there at economical speed settings. Convoy position is probably still behind.
			2.) Supply anticipated about 4-5 days in area naval square BD 40 or 70. Orders to follow.
	20.00	AK 8633 upper-right
		W 6, Sea 5, fog, rain, 1016 mb
	24.00	AK 8625 center-left
		SW 3-4, Sea 3-4, rain, Vis. bad, 1011 mb

	29.09.42
	04.00	AK 8617 lower-left corner
		W 4, Sea 4, rain showers, 1010 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	AK 8555 upper-right
		W 4-5, Sea 4, rain showers, 1011 mb, Vis. bad
	10.03 - 10.32		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 8548 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 150.5 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		W 3-4, Sea 3, high Swell, 1012 mb, Vis. up to 5 nm
	16.00	AK 8486 center
		W 3, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 200 meters, 1015 mb
	20.00	AK 8727 center
		W 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, 1015 mb, fog, Vis. 200 meters
	20.30		Incoming Radio Message 1836/29/136:
			Group Tiger, Grimme and Czygan.
			1.) If by darkness there is no contact, Wallas, Trojer, Mässenhausen, Baberg begin transit to naval square BD 7555. Supply there about 2 October evening from Grimme.
			2.) For Mengersen, Breithaupt, Kapitzky, Purkhold supply from Czygan about 5 October in

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42

- 24 -



	continued
	29.09.42		anticipated in the same square.
			Bopst, U-427, Schulte no supply.
			Boats under paragraph 2 remain in current area until the order to set off.
			3.) Grimme and Czygan report estimated arrival and giving inventory with own economical return transit with a bit of reserve.
			4.) Boats, which for machinery or other reasons are not suitable for further operations report this immediately.
	22.00	AK 8742	Came to course 185° for naval square BD 7555.
	23.35		Incoming Radio Message 2247/29/145:
			Wallas, Trojer, Mässenhausen, Baberg, no longer belong to Group "Tiger".
	24.00	AK 8745 lower-left corner
		WSW 3, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 200 meters, 1015 mb

	30.09.42
	04.00	BD 1311 upper-right corner
		SW 3, Sea 3, fog, Vis. bad, 1014 mb
	08.00	BD 1344 center
		SW 3, Sea 3, misty, Vis, up to 3 nm, 1013 mb
	10.03 - 10.28		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 1374 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 138.5 nm, Submerged 1.1 nm.
		WSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty
	16.00	BD 1563 upper edge right
		NW 3, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm, 1018 mb
	19.25		Incoming Radio Message 1817/30/172/251:
			1.) Tomorrow between 04.00 and 07.00 hours report weather: Rüggeberg, Baberg, U-437, Rasch.
			2.) U-216 at the same time report, if the boat is ready to continue operations after the intended supply.
			3.) Rüggeberg brief situation report.
	20.00	BD 1677 lower-left corner
		NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1019 mb, Vis. very good, medium W-Swell
	24.00	BD 1944 right edge upper
		W 2, Sea 2, 6/10, clear horizon

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42

- 25 -




	01.10.42
	04.00	BD 1977 lower-edge center	Weather radio message was not heard by control despite numerous transmissions.
		NW 2, Sea 2, long W-Swell, Vis. very good
	08.00	BD 4344 upper-left corner
		SE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1019 mb
	08.22		Outgoing Radio Message 0413/1/178:
			Nave square BD 4311 from Baberg:
			NW 2, Sea 2, medium-high W-Swell, 1020 mb, steady, since 00.00 hours down 7 mb, +15°C, Vis. very good
	09.32		Incoming Radio Message 0852/1/179:
			To Baberg. Report weather immediately.
	10.20		Outgoing Radio Message 0954/1/181:
			SE 4, Sea 3, confused Swell, 8/10, 1019 mb slightly falling. +19°C, Vis. 6 nm
			From Baberg. Naval square BD 4371.
	10.29 - 11.20		Test dive.
	11.20		U-boat on the horizon bearing 300°T. Does not answer recognition call and is soon no longer seen due to visibility deterioration.
	12.00	BD 4296 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 166.5 nm, Submerged 1.8 nm.
		SE 3-4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 300 meters, 1016 mb
	16.00	BD 4566 upper-left corner
		SSW 4, Sea 3-4, fog, Vis. 300 meters, 1016 mb
	20.00	BD 4832 center-right edge
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 8-10 nm
	24.00	BD 4868 center
		SSE 3, Sea 3, 1/10, bright night, starry clear, Vis. good, 1017 mb

	02.10.42
	04.00	BD 7237 upper-center
		SW 3, Sea 3, 3/10, bright night, starry clear, Vis. good, 1017 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42

- 26 -



	continued
	02.10.42
	08.00	BD 7686 lower-right corner
		SW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1020 mb, Vis. very good
	12.00	BD 7565 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 188 nm.
		S 2, Sea 2, 2/10, 1020 mb, Vis. very good
	13.38		Meeting with U-356. Navigation comparison. By my navigation the supply point is still 7 nm to the west.
			Afterwards continued on to the west.
	13.45		Incoming Radio Message 1243/2/117:
			1.) After completing supply Baberg, Wallas, Trojer, Mässenhausen in order of the departure from supply place occupy patrol line from BC 3257 to 3591. On giving completion report from Grimme named boats also Grimme switch to America I Circuit.
			2.) Grimme in completion report give departure order of boats
	14.30		Meeting with supply boat U-116. U-258 is found already taking fuel. I set off until own supply according to the instructions from U-116 in 240°T, 4 nm as protection.
	16.00	BD 7554 lower-left
		SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1021 mb, Vis. very good
	17.00		Closed up again to U-116.
	18.00		Made fast in tow behind the supply boat. Took over: 65 cbm fuel oil, 3 week's provisions, engine and radio spare parts and 5 new binoculars.
	20.00	BD 7558 upper-left corner
		SW 4, Sea 4, short SW-Swell, 5/10, 1029 mb, Vis. very good
	22.00		Supply ended.
			Transit to ordered position.
	24.00	BD 7527 lower-right corner
		S 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1019 mb, Vis. very good

	03.10.42
	04.00	BD 7276 center
		WbyN 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1017 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42

- 27 -



	continued
	03.10.42
	08.00	BD 7241 lower edge right	Test dive.
		WSW 2, Sea 2, rain, 1013 mb, medium-high Swell
	08.31		Surfaced.
	12.00	BD 7132 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 113.5 nm, Submerged 1.5 nm.
		SW 2, Sea 2, rain, Vis. bad, 1012 mb
	16.00	BD 4759 lower edge right
		SW 2, Sea 2, Vis. strongly changing, medium Swell
	16.12		Went before the sea, one diesel KF to perform outboard work on the port diesel spark arrestor, all bolts which connect the spark arrestor with the spark arrestor baffle plate have fallen out and must be replaced by new ones.
	18.46		End of the work.
	20.00	BD 4756 center
		NNW 3, Sea 2-3, rain, 1010 mb, high SW-Swell, Vis. up to 2 nm
	24.00	BD 4724 center-left edge
		NE 6, Sea 7, rain showers, 1014 mb, Vis. bad

	04.10.42
	04.00	BD 4481 lower-left corner
		NNE 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, 1018 mb, Vis. good
	08.00	BD 4445 upper-right corner
		NE 5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. very good
	08.00 - 08.28		Test dive.
	12.00	BC 6634 right edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 121.1 nm, Submerged 1.4 nm.
		NE 4, Sea 4, medium SW-Swell, 1023 mb, Vis. very good
	16.00	BC 6386 center
		NE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1025 mb, Vis. very good
	19.05		Incoming Radio Message 1832/4/170:
			From Grimme:
			Departure Baberg, 83 cbm, 6 weeks, 12 plus 2 torpedoes.
			Mässenhausen, 80 cbm, 7 weeks, 10 torpedoes.
			Wallas, 80 cbm, 5 weeks, 6 plus 2 torpedoes.
			Trojer, 70 cbm, 4 weeks, 10 plus 2 torpedoes.
			Began return transit BD 7196, NE 4-5, Sea 4,

	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42

- 28 -



	continued
	04.10.42		medium Swell, 1024 mb, rising, +2°C, Vis. very good, Am missing Serial No. 4 of 23 September, 47 from 2x September, 68 from 26 September.
	20.00	BC 3925 center
		NE 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1024 mb, medium NE-Swell
	23.31		Incoming Radio Message 2207/4/234:
			1.) New objective for Baberg, Mässenhausen, Wallas, Trojer is naval square AJ 88 orders for patrol line are thereby canceled.
			2.) Circuit is America I.
	24.00	BC 3973 upper edge left
		NE 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, marine phosphorescence, 1022 mb

	05.10.42
	04.00	BC 3863 upper-left corner
		SSW 2, Sea 2, increasing weather deterioration, 1020 mb
	08.00	BC 3822 lower-right corner
		S 4, Sea 3-4, steep SW-Swell, Vis. bad, 1010 mb
	08.00 - 08.22		Test dive.
	12.00	BC 3579	Day's run: Surfaced 150.8 nm, Submerged 0.8 nm.
		SW 7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell, Vis, up to 5 nm, rain showers, 1010 mb
	13.45		Incoming Radio Message 1135/5/263:
			1.) Baberg, Mässenhausen, Wallas, Trojer, Sturm, Kapitzky, Mengersen, Breithaupt and U-216 on 8 October at 08.00 hours occupy patrol line from naval square AJ 8255 to BC 2315. Boats form Group "Wotan".
			2.) Eastbound convoy was expected about 8 October 12.00 hours.
	16.00	BC 3467 right edge lower
		SSW 7, Sea 6, steep Swell, 998 mb, Vis. 8 nm
	20.00	BC 3424 right edge upper
		SSW 9, Sea 7, fog, Vis. up to 1 nm, rain shower, 988 mb
	24.00	BC 3172 right edge lower
		SSW 10, Sea 8, strong squalls, 986 mb, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42

- 29 -




	06.10.42
	04.00	BC 2363 center
		SW 9, Sea 7-8, completely overcast, 995 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	AJ 9795 lower-left corner
		NW 7, Sea 6, strong squalls, 1003 mb, Vis. 3-4 nm
	12.00	AJ 9753	Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm.
		NW 6, Sea 5-6, high Swell, overcast, 1008 mb
	13.27 - 14.00		Test dive.
	16.00	AJ 9488 center
		NW 6, Sea 5-6, 8/10, steep Swell, 1012 mb
	20.00	AJ 9458 upper edge right
		NW 6, Sea 5, 7/10, 1017 mb
	24.00	AJ 9425 center
		NW 4-5, Sea 5, 9/10, 1021 mb, steep Swell

	07.10.42
	04.00	AJ 9181 upper-center edge
		NW 4-5, Sea 4, 9/10, 1021 mb, steep Swell
	08.00	AJ 9119 center
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, steep Swell, 1021 mb
	07.58 - 08.28		Test dive.
	12.00	AJ 6798 center	Day's run: Surfaced 149 nm, Submerged 1.2 nm.
		WSW 3, Sea 2-3, medium-high confused Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1022 mb
	16.00	AJ 9121 left edge upper
		SW 4-5, Sea 4, high N-Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	20.00	AJ 8335 center
		SSW 4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 3000-5000 meters, 1014 mb
	24.00	AJ 8319 upper-right corner
		SSW 6, Sea 6, rain showers, 1010 mb, Vis. bad

	08.10.42
	04.00	AJ 8262 lower-left corner

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42

- 30 -



	continued
	08.10.42
		SW 6-7, Sea 6, rain showers, 1002 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	AJ 8255 center	Began moving back and forth in ordered patrol line on course 56° or 236°, speed 6 knots.
		SW 5, Sea 4, steep SSW-Swell, very dark night, 1002 mb
	08.01 - 08.39		Test dive.
	10.20		Incoming Radio Message 0944/8/240:
			Boats of Group Wotan: Radio silence except for tactically important messages.
	12.00	AJ 8257 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 162.3 nm, Submerged 1.4 nm.
		WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, 1001 mb
	16.00	AJ 8257 upper-right corner
		WSW 5, Sea 4, 7/10, 1001 mb, Vis. very good
	17.07		Navigation after 72 hours. Ran to correct position in patrol line.
	20.00	AJ 8294 upper edge left
		WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 1000 mb, Vis. good
	24.00	AJ 8255 center
		WSW 6-7, Sea 6, misty, dark night, Vis. bad, 1000 mb

	09.10.42
	04.00	AJ 8255 center
		WSW 6-7, Sea 6, rain showers, 1002 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	AJ 8255 center	Quickly increasing weather deterioration
		W 7, Sea 6, rain, 1005 mb, dark night
	08.00 - 08.42		Test dive.
	12.00	AJ 8255 center	Day's run: Surfaced 157.9 nm, Submerged 2.1 nm.
		WSW 8-9, Sea 8, rain showers, 1009 mb, Vis. 6-8 nm
	16.00	AJ 8255 center
		W 7, Sea 6, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1014 mb
	20.00	AJ 8255 center
		W 6, Sea 5, Vis. up to 8 nm, 1015 mb
	24.00	AJ 8255 center
		W 4, Sea 4-5, 8/10, 1017 mb, dark night

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42

- 31 -




	10.10.42
	04.00	AJ 8255 center
		W 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, dark night, 1015 mb
	08.00	AJ 8255 center
		SW 4, Sea 3, misty, dark night, 1008 mb
	08.00 - 08.24		Test dive.
	11.00		Incoming Radio Message 1023/10/259:
			Group Wotan:
			1.) 11 October an eastbound convoy is expected. Patrol line except for Lilienfeld must be taken up by morning 08.00 hours.
			2.) Lilienfeld report completing supply.
	12.00	AJ 8255 center	Day's run: Surfaced 149.6 nm, Submerged 1.1 nm.
		S 7, Sea 6-7, short steep Swell, Vis. up to 4 nm, 100 mb
	14.00	AJ 8255 center	Large tanker in sight bearing 310°T, course 60°, distance 8 nm.
		S 7, Sea 6-7, Vis. up to 8 nm
			Maneuvered ahead for day attack. Tanker was about 8000-10000 GRT. General course is 35° to 40°, general speed 14 knots.
			Continual zigzags from 0° to 80°.
	14.55		Bearing 310°T, distance 7 nm.
	16.00	AJ 8235 left edge lower	Shift has not changed substantially, therefore went to both diesels AK ahead.
		SSW 7, Sea 6-7, steep W-Swell, Vis. 5-8 nm, 995 mb
	16.36		Bearing 305°T, distance 7 nm
	17.00		" 300°T " 7 "
	17.50		" 295°T " 7 "
	18.24		" 288°T " 7 "
	18.40	Rain, Vis. deterioration down to 2-3 nm, Sea and Swell increasing	Tanker out of sight. Ran further on the enemy values plotted up to now.
	20.00	AJ 5927 lower-right
		SWbyW 8-9, Sea 8, steep W-Swell, Vis. 3-5 nm
	21.37		Tanker comes in sight again bearing 227°T, distance 5 nm
	22.11		Bearing 220°T, distance 3-4 nm. Am positioned ahead of the tanker after 6 hours at AK. Tanker has a straight raked sloped bow, similar to type "ATHOS".
			It is too late for a day attack, also due to Sea State this is no longer possible. Therefore until twilight ran ahead of the enemy.

- 32 -



	continued
	10.10.42
	23.00	Beginning of twilight	Am positioned 2 nm ahead of the tanker. Target is occasionally cloaked in rain squalls.
	23.30	Rain squalls, Vis. is 500 meters	Target is lost from sight during the attack in rain squalls. Pursued on general course.
	24.00	AJ 5668 upper-left
		SW 8, Sea 7-8, steep W-Swell, rain, Vis. 500 meters, squalls, 991 mb

	11.10.42
	00.30		Hunt broken off because no improvement in the visibility conditions can be expected.
			Returned to position in patrol line.
	04.00	AJ 5688 lower-left corner
		W 7, Sea 6-7, steep Swell, dark night, 1000 mb
	08.00	AJ 5945 upper-right
		W 5, Sea 4, rain, Vis. medium, steep Swell, 1005 mb
	12.00	AJ 5898 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 210.8 nm.
		WNW 5, Sea 5, 7/10, 1014 mb, Vis. very good
	16.00	AJ 8253 center-left edge	By plotting am again in position.
		WNW 5, Sea 4-5, steep Swell, 1014 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	AJ 8316 upper-left corner	Today's sun navigation fix shows a shift of 70 nm in direction 68°T.
		W 5, Sea 4-5, at times tail squalls, steep Swell, 1015 mb
		W 5, Sea 4-5, at times tail squalls, steep Swell, 1015 mb	(Last navigation fix was on 8 October midday)
	24.00	AJ 8261 center
		W 6, Sea 5, completely overcast, 1015 mb

	12.10.42
	02.09	AJ 8255 center	Incoming Radio Message 0028/12/278:
			From Mässenhausen:
			17.00 to 23.00 hours contact on an escort vessel course NE. Last position square 8521. By search presume remote forward escort. Position naval square AJ 8288. Rain.
			(Received garbled, first picked up when repeated by Control at 07.30 hours).
	04.00	AJ 8255 center
		W 4, Sea 3-4, occasional rain, dark night, 1008 mb
	07.46		Incoming Radio Message 0726/12/281:
			Group Wotan: Operate on Mässenhausen report. Go!

	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42

- 33 -



	continued
	12.10.42
	08.00	AJ 8255 center	Operating on Mässenhausen report.
		SWbyS 5, Sea 4, rain, misty, Vis. 3 nm, 1003 mb
	08.00 - 08.37		Test dive.
	12.00	AJ 8235 lower-right corner
		SW 4, Sea 4, medium W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1002 mb
	12.14 - 13.05		Stopped for over deck work. Lashing of the dinghy which came loose from the Sea State.
	16.00	AJ 5988 center
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, Vis. good, 999.5 mb
	18.20		Wallas reports a steamer and smoke clouds 13.30 hours in square 8355 with westerly course.
			Initially searched for the reported convoy on the easterly course reported by Mässenhausen.
	20.00	AJ 6781 center
		SbyW 4, Sea 3, rain showers, 996 mb
	22.18		Incoming Radio Message 2049/12/290:
			Group Wotan:
			1.) Operation on eastbound convoy broken off.
			2.) Wallas pursue, immediately report contact. Remaining boats operate on Wallas report if position is not unfavorable. Report operation by position Short Signal. Failing that occupy old position in patrol line.
	23.00		Began transit to old position in patrol line because present location of Wallas convoy is too unfavorable.
	24.00	AJ 9131 center-left edge
		WSW 6, Sea 5, rain, 995 mb, Vis. bad

	13.10.42
	01.40		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy AJ 8358. Enemy steers easterly course.
			U-221.
	02.00		Came to opposite course. Operated on this convoy.
	04.00	AJ 9131 center
		WSW 5-6, Sea 5, steep W-Swell, hail shower, 996 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42

- 34 -



	continued
	13.10.42
	05.35		Incoming Radio Message 0454/13/298:
			Group Wotan:
			Immediately operate on convoy reported by Trojer at 01.55 in naval square AJ 8358 on easterly course. Give contact keeping reports immediately and report is observed on easterly course.
	05.58		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy naval square AJ 9148. Enemy steers 75°.
			U-221.
	08.00	AJ 9213 center-right edge
		W 4, Sea 3, steep W-Swell, hail showers, 996 mb
	10.19		Incoming Radio Message 0955/12/202:
			Trojer reports 07.00 hours convoy naval square 91xx, course 75°.
	12.00	AJ 6981 upper edge right	Day's run: Surfaced 226.6 nm.
		WNW 7, Sea 6, steep Swell, hail showers with Vis. up to 1 nm, otherwise very good, 996 mb
	12.30	WNW 7-8, Sea 7, steep WNW-Swell, Vis. 0ver 10 nm, about hourly hail showers with Vis. deterioration to 1 nm	Position by last celestial navigation fix and the 07.00 hours contact keeper report from Trojer now ahead of the convoy in the general course direction.
			Therefore back and forth on search courses for the convoy.
	12.30 - 12.57		Test dive. Boat cannot be held at periscope depth. Weapons use during the day is not possible.
	15.05		Incoming Radio Message 1302/13/211:
			From Trojer.
			Convoy naval square AJ 9241, course 75°, speed 7 knots, 15 steamers, behind a whale mother ship. NW 5, Vis. good, steady.
	16.00	AJ 6981 lower-right	Ran to meet the convoy on course 250°.
		WNW 7, Sea 6-7, steep Swell, 998 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	AJ 9311 center
		NNW 7, Sea 6-7, steep Swell, 998 mb, Vis. very good, hail shower
	21.00		Trojer reports convoy in naval square AJ 9262, course 80°, 8 knots.
			Came to easterly course.
	24.00	AJ 9328 lower-right
		NNW 7, Sea 6-7, steep Swell, 998 mb, Vis. very goos

	14.10.42
	00.30		Star shell and rockets bearing 290°T to 310°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42

- 35 -



	continued
	14.10.42
	02.00		Operated on this.
			Again star shells and rockets, this time closer and bearing 270°T to 290°T.
			I could not be picked up by the convoy any better. Continually correcting my course by numerous star shells and rockets.
			Visibility is greatly hindered by overcoming seas. Conning tower hatch must be kept closed. On the bridge one is continually in water up your neck.
	03.10		Suddenly shadows around us. Am positioned in the center of the convoy, which runs on course 80°.
			Also came to course 80°, to get an overview of the situation.
			Steamers proceed in broad formation. Destroyers and corvettes between the steamers and outside set off very far.
			Convoy zigzags at short intervals from 20° to 100°. Zigzagged with.
			First approach stern tube on set off a bit medium size freighter proceeding alone.
			Set: target speed 7 knots, depth 4 meters.
			Miss, probably due to under steering (very high Swell).
			Next approach was delayed by convoy zigzagging. Ran in to attack three times and turned away again because range was always too small due to the always strong zigzag towards.
			Occasionally forced away by a closing destroyer of the port screen.
	04.00	AJ 6997 lower-right corner
		WNW 6, Sea 5-6, steep Swell, bright Northern Lights, Vis. very good
	04.30	AJ 6997 center	Four-fan on four-hatch freighter, about 6000-7000 GRT, which proceeds on the right wing of a line abreast of four steamers. The vessels overlap at the shot.
			Settings: target speed = 8 knots, depth = 3 meters, range = 1800 meters, true range = 1000 meters.
			Two hits on the outer freighter at the level of the forward and after mast.
			Dark smoke cloud, after it disappears nothing is seen of the steamer.
			One hit on second freighter in the line, about 5000-6000 GRT. Hit at the level of the forward mast. Steamer remains lying stopped,strongly down by the bow, sets a red light and shoots light rockets. Its sinking in the prevailing Sea State is certain.
			A further hit, probably on the next steamer in the line abreast. Bright detonation flash and bang noticed. No further observations.

- 36 -



	continued
	14.10.42
			First a few then always more light rockets from the other vessels. In the bargain star shells from all cardinal points.
			Attempted to run off on the surface to the south.
	04.45		Two destroyers bearing 100°T and 240°T, distance about 2000-3000 meters.
	04.47		Crash dive.
			Initially went to depth A +0, ran off on course xxx.
			Destroyer sounds to port at changing Volume.
			Went to silent running.
	05.20		Was overrun by three to four vessels. 6 depth charges.
			Before depth charge detonation metallic impact sound. Probably conventional depth sounding. No Asdic sounds were perceived.
			Went to depth A +100 meters.
			In the listening gear there are continually sounds increasing and decreasing in Volume, also a ticking, as from an Echolot. The boat itself was however not sounded.
	07.01		Surfaced.
			Damage as a result of the depth charges among other things:
			41 gyrocompass and light fuses, 10 glass bulbs. Steering gyrocompass repeaters in the control room and conning tower glass broken. Ruder indicator on the bridge failed pointers on four depth meters fell off. Papenberg gauge in the conning tower broken (no plexiglas). A stud at the emergency air supply hull flange in the bow room sheared. Emergency exhaust air stopcock spindle in the bow room broken at the lower edge with locknut.
			Pressure hull flanges tubes I to IV leak at great depth. Reloaded at about depth A +30 meters. Diesel air head valve leaks despite re-torquing.
			After surfacing initially ran to the sinking location.
	07.22		Outgoing Radio Message 0646/14/233:
			From Baberg:
			Convoy 04.30 hours naval square AJ 6997. Zigzags around 70°, 8 knots.
			Sank freighter 6000 GRT, torpedoed freighter 5000 GRT, sinking likely. Hit on further steamer likely.
			Forced to submerged by destroyer, depth charges. Repairs and pursuing.
			Position naval square 9331, 40 cbm.
	08.00	AJ 6998 lower-left corner
		NNW 4, Sea 3-5, steep Swell, Vis. good, Northern Lights

- 37 -



	continued
	14.10.42
	10.56		Incoming Radio Message 1008/14/238:
			Group Wotan:
			1.) Continue operation without regard to fuel. In case of necessity supply for return transit in naval square BD 50 is possible.
			2.) U-216 and Lilienfeld immediately report position and weather. Mengersen between 12.00 and 16.00 hours report weather and trend.
	12.00	AK 7113 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 171.7 nm, Submerged 8.3 nm.
		NNW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 1002 mb, Vis. very good
	15.10		A destroyer in sight bearing 40°, distance 12 nm, course 100°.
	15.24		Outgoing Short Signal:
			1 destroyer in square AK 4794.
			U-618.
	16.00	AK 4795 lower-right corner
		NW 4, Sea 4, medium Swell, Vis. very good
	16.20 - 16.55		Test dive and check for oil trace. Depth charge detonation heard.
			On surfacing 2 destroyers or corvettes bearing 110°T on northwesterly courses. Range 10 nm. Suspect starboard remote escort.
			Crossed over to the north with course 30°.
	17.32		Outgoing Short Signal:
			2 destroyers in square AK 4878.
			U-618.
	20.00	AK 4859 left edge lower
		W 5, Sea 4, rain, Vis. bad, 1004 mb
	24.00	AK 4946 lower right corner
		WSW 4-5, Sea 5, medium W-Swell, 1003 mb

	15.10.42
			Served as radio repeater for Mengersen.
	03.08		Outgoing Radio Message 0205/15/278:
			01.10 hours naval square 4994 from Mengersen.
			Advanced between three escort vessels and was forced to submerge. Misty warm air.
	04.00	AK 5742 upper-left
		WNW 4, Sea 4, medium Swell, 1004 mb
	08.00	AK 5738 lower-left
		W 4, Sea 5, completely overcast, 1006 mb, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42

- 38 -



	continued
	15.10.42
	10.30		High water column bearing 350°T seen on the horizon. In the boat a detonation is heard. Afterwards a light rocket.
			Ran towards it.
	11.44		Outgoing Radio Message 1047/15/289:
			Baberg position naval square 5819. No contact. 32 cbm, 7 plus 2 torpedoes. Boat and crew ready for continued patrol after supply. SW 4, 1010 mb, rising, medium Swell, Vis. good.
	11.20		Incoming Radio Message 1039/15/286:
			U-216 and Baberg today between 12.00 and 15.00 hours report weather by Radio Message.
	12.00	AK 5816 left edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 224 nm, Submerged 1.7 nm.
		WSW 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1010 mb, Vis. over 10 nm	Meeting with U-353, position comparison. Further astern U-410, sank a steamer this morning, we saw the explosion column from this.
	12.58		Incoming Radio Message 1241/15/293:
			To Baberg:
			Continue operation on convoy as ordered.
	13.18		Outgoing Radio Message 1245/15/294:
			Naval square AK 5824 from Baberg:
			13.00 hours, WSW 4, Sea 4, medium-high W-Swell, 1010 mb rising, 7/10, +10°C, Vis. over 10 nm.
	15.51		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy square AK 8126.
			U-442.
			Operated further on this report, because I suspect that it is our old convoy.
	16.00	AK 5597 lower-left
		W 4, Sea 3, completely overcast 1011 mb, medium Swell, Vis. good
	17.01		Incoming Radio Message 1632/15/205:
			To Wotan and Leopard.
			Go to the convoy and don't let him get away. Stay tough.
	20.00	AK 5894 upper-left corner
		SSW 4, Sea 3-4, rain, 1010 mb, Vis. bad	At the beginning of twilight still no contact. Ran to meet the convoy reported in square 8126 at 16.00 hours up to square 5887. Because presumed general course was 80°, speed 8 knots.
	22.30		Changed course to 70°.
	24.00	AK 8223 lower-left corner
		WbyS 4, Sea 4, completely overcast, 1013 mb, Vis. bad

- 39 -




	16.10.42
	04.00	AK 5984 left edge lower
		SSW 4, Sea 3-4, low SW-Swell, Vis. moderate, 1013 mb
	05.30		Depth charge detonation.
	06.52		Römer reports convoy 05.00 hours in AK 9112.
	08.00	AK 6747 lower-right corner
		S 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, 1011 mb
	08.00 - 08.23		Test dive.
	10.00		In the morning twilight ahead bearing 100°T two red flares, probably from an aircraft.
	11.00	Rain, Vis. deterioration down to 1 nm, fog
	12.00	AK 6768 lower edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 239 nm, Submerged 1 nm.
		SSE 3, Sea 3, fog, rain, Vis. up to 3 nm, 1009 mb
	11.24		Incoming Radio Message 1057/16/228:
			To Group Wotan and Leopard:
			Break off convoy operation. Immediately operate on Kessler report.
			Operated on Kessler report.
		[B.d.U. KTB: At 10.02 hours U 704 (Kessler) reported enemy in sight AL 4799 on westerly course, speed 12 knots.]
	12.45		Incoming Radio message 1146/16/229:
			Rudloff reports 11.40 hours convoy naval square AL 7134, course 230°, 14 knots.
	12.57	AK 6793 lower-center edge	Crash dive for Sunderland on northerly course. Ahead at 100 meters range. Was unseen dived.
		SE 3, Sea 1, Vis. up to 1 nm, fog and rain
	13.15		Turbine sounds in listening gear.
			Initially bearing 180°T then growing louder bearing 150°T, again fainter shifting astern. Last sound bearing in 60°T. Strong self noise in the over deck.
	13.45		Diesel sounds bearing 270°T, growing louder.
			Nothing seen in the periscope.
	14.19		Surfaced.
	14.35	AK 6796 center	A U-boat comes in sight bearing 250°T. It is U-356.
	16.15		Depth charge detonations heard in the boat.

- 40 -



	continued
	16.10.42
	15.20		2 detonations (probably aircraft bombs).
	16.00	AK 9211 lower-right corner
		SSW 4, Sea 3-4, rain and fog, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1006 mb
	16.05		Incoming Radio Message 1250/16/232:
			At 12.42 hours Rudloff reports convoy square AL 7137, course 210°, speed 10 knots
	20.00	AK 9277 lower-right corner	Continuous depth charges heard.
		S 5, Sea 3-4, medium S-Swell, fog, Vis. up to 5 nm, 1005 mb
	21.00	Vis. deterioration down to 100 meters
	24.00	AK 9574 lower-right corner
		S 5-6, Sea 5, fog and rain, Vis. 100 to 500 meters

	17.10.42
	04.00	AK 9874	By plotting am positioned ahead of the convoy. Up to dawn on course 225°, 5 knots.
		S 6, Sea 5, rain showers, fog, Vis. very bad, 1001 mb
	07.58 - 08.18		Test dive.
	08.00	BD 2332 upper-right
		SSW 5, Sea 4, fog, Vis. 500 meters, 1003 mb
	11.00		Incoming Radio Message 1006/17/255:
			1.) For boats of old Group Wotan no further supply anticipated. Begin return transit accordingly. Boats that must be supplied for return transit immediately go to Wolfbauer. In both cases immediately switch to Ireland Circuit and report on Ireland.
			2.) For boats in Group Leopard later supply for further operations anticipated.
			Broke off at 18 cbm and headed for Wolfbauer. Circuit change and report as under 1.).
	12.00	BD 2353 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 216 nm, Submerged 4.8 nm.
		S 4, Sea 4, fog, Vis. 200 meters, 999 mb
	15.12		Outgoing Radio Message 1315/17/133:
			From Baberg:
			Naval square BD 2337. Began return transit via Wolfbauer. 22 cbm, 7 plus 2 torpedoes. 13.00 hours, S 4, Sea 4, 997 mb falling, +15°C, Vis. changing from 1-x nm
	16.00	BD 2386 upper edge left
		SSE 6, Sea 5-6, medium-high Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42

- 41 -



	continued
	17.10.42
	18.19		Incoming Radio Message 1748/17/139:
			To Baberg.
			Carry out return transit without supply.
	20.00	BD 2626 upper-right corner	Very fast weather deterioration.
		SSE 6, Sea 5, steep Swell, 981 mb, fog, Vis. up to 2 nm
	23.00	SSE 10-11, Sea 9-10, 971 mb	Boat is in a hurricane.
	24.00	BD 2638 right edge upper
		SSE 10-11, Sea 9, rain and fog, steep Swell

	18.10.42
	02.55		Morse signals with a signal lamp bearing 80°T.
	03.10		Large steamer in sight bearing 35°T with target angle 30-40°.
			No other vessel distinguished.
	03.29		Stern shot from tube V.
			Settings: target speed = 8 knots, range = 1200 meters.
			Miss.
			Turned hard to port, ran along, New approach.
	03.36	BD 3441 center	Two-fan from tube I and IV.
			Settings: target speed = 8 knots, range = 1300 meters, spread angle = 4°.
			Steamer does not fit in the binoculars.
			After 75 seconds torpedo hit center under the smokestack. Bright detonation, a little later boiler explosion.
			Steamer remains lying stopped and shoots light rockets. Morse signals.
			Apparently a fire in the engine room.
			Strong smell of fuel.
	03.50		Light rockets from an undetermined direction.
			Because the steamer takes too long to sunk ran in again for a coup de grâce.
	04.00	BD 3441 center	Steamer had Morse traffic with a vessel running in from 320°T
		SW 8, Sea 8, steep Swell, 990 mb, Vis. good
	04.11		Single shot from tube III.
			Settings: target speed = 0, range = 1000 meters.
			Hit aft. Steamer rears up steeply.
			The other shadow is quickly growing larger.
	04.13		Dived when a destroyer is 800 meters astern with target angle 0°. No depth charges.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42

- 42 -



	continued
	18.10.42
			Astern faint propeller sounds and rapidly strengthening faint double detonation, as if two Elektrolot with a timer are always thrown.
			Starboard astern the cracking and bursting of the sinking steamer, continual strong explosions.
	04.25		The double detonations are heard over the entire sector, over and under the boat.
			With hard rudder and GF turned 90° and moved off to the north.
			The detonations were quickly fainter and decrease in frequency.
	04.52		Sound bearing in 90°T. Turbine sound shifts aster frequently stopping.
	05.20		Sounds disappear bearing 200°T. Still a few double explosions small explosives heard.
	06.18		Surfaced.
			Astern from time to time a star shell. On the water flashlights from the lifeboats.
	06.30		Continued return transit.
	07.43		Outgoing Radio Message 0635/18/155:
			Naval square BD 3411, inexact. From Baberg. 03.36 hours independent escorted by destroyers type "WAROONGA" torpedoed. Westerly course, 8 knots. 04.11 hours coup de grâce, reared up steeply. Forced to submerged by destroyer. Sinking heard. SW 6, steep Swell, 995 mb rising, Vis. good.
	08.00	BD 3446 center-right edge
		SSE 7, Sea 7, steep Swell, 999 mb, Vis. good
	12.00	BD 3434 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 107.5 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm.
		SW 7, Sea 6, steep Swell, 1002 mb, Vis. up to 8 nm
	12.54		Incoming Radio Message 1152/18/158:
			Return harbors is Brest for Liebe and U-216. Lorient for Folkers, Hartenstein. Nazaire for Deetz, Rudloff, Trojer, Mengersen, Sturm, Baberg, Wallas, Juli, Giessler. Pallice for Mässenhausen.
	15.00		Dived to reload two torpedoes. Very strong self noise, beating and rattling beneath the over deck, in addition rhythmic knocking.
	16.00	BD 3517 upper-center edge
		SW 6, Sea 5, steep Swell, 1002 mb, Vis. 4 nm
	16.29		Surfaced.

- 43 -



	continued
	18.10.42
	20.00	BD 3546 upper-right corner
		SW 6, Sea5, steep Swell, 1004 mb, Vis. 4 nm
	24.00	BD 3583 center
		SSW 6, Sea 6, steep Swell, 1008 mb, rain showers

	19.10.42
	04.00	BD 3599 upper-right corner
		SSW 5, Sea 4-5, steep Swell, 1012 mb
	08.00	BD 3913 lower-right corner
		WSW 5, S 4, steep WSW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1014 mb
	12.00	BE 1744 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 148.8 nm, Submerged 4.7 nm.
		WSW 5, Sea 5, long, high Swell, 1016 mb, Vis. very good
	16.00	BE 1781 center
		SbyW 5, Sea 4, long high Swell, Vis. very good, 1017 mb
	16.31 - 17.03		Test dive.
	20.00	BE 4131 upper-right corner
		SW 5, Sea 4, long high Swell, Vis. good, 1019 mb, rain showers
	24.00	BE 4215 lower-center
		W 4, Sea 4, 4/10, starry clear, Vis. good, 1021 mb

	20.10.42
	04.00	BE 4256 upper-left corner
		WSW 4, Sea 4, long medium-high Swell 5/10, Vis. good, 1022 mb
	08.00	BE 4293 center
		WSW 4, Sea 4, medium-high Swell, 3/10, Vis. good, 1024 mb
	12.00	BE 4379 center right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 162.5 nm, Submerged 1.2 nm.
		NNW 2, Sea 2, long Swell, 1024 mb, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42

- 44 -



	continued
	20.10.42
	12.30	BE 4387 lower-right corner	Passed a raft occupied by 5-8 men, standard khaki uniforms. Apparently the cabin top of a steamer.
	16.00	BE 4636 lower-left corner
		NNW 2, Sea 2, long Swell, 1028 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	BE 5443 lower-right corner
		WNW 2, Sea 2, long W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1029 mb
	24.00	BE 5491 upper-left corner
		WNW 2, Sea 2, very bright moonlit night, long medium-high Swell, 1030 mb

	21.10.42
	00.05	BE 5491 upper-left corner	Ahead bearing 130°T a destroyer, course 290°, target angle 10°, distance 4000-5000 meters. Because it is bright attack is not possible.
	00.10		Dived, because there is not enough fuel to avoid on the surface.
			In the listening gear it is heard that the destroyer continually stops and gets underway again. Sound bearings are only intermittent because of very strong self noise.
			Continued to run on old course 120° at silent running.
			From all the sound bearings it is recognized that the destroyer runs back and forth in this area.
	04.00	BE 5495 center-left edge
	04.10		Surfaced.
	04.24		Outgoing Short Signal:
			In square BE 5491 a destroyer, small stationary patrol.
			U-618.
	08.00	BE right edge upper
		WNW 2, Sea 2, long W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1029 mb
	12.00	BE 5853 left edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm, Submerged 12 nm.
		WSW 3, Sea 3, Vis. very good, 1031 mb, long flat Swell
	16.00	BE 5869 center-right edge
		N 2, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. very good, 1030 mb, long flat Swell
	20.00	BE 5984 lower-edge left
		WSW 3, S 2, 2/10, 1030 mb, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42

- 45 -



	continued
	21.10.42
	24.00	BE 6777 lower-center edge
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1030 mb

	22.10.42
	00.28	BE 6778 lower edge left	Ahead bearing 75° an aircraft at low altitude, range 4000 meters. A red and green light is seen. Additionally a searchlight beam.
		Vis. very good, bright moonlit night
	00.33		Dived. No attack.
			Remained submerged for the night.
	04.00	BE 6779 lower edge left
	08.00	BE 6787 lower edge left
	08.43		Surfaced in the morning twilight.
			Continued on the surface.
	12.00	BE 9123 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 122 nm, Submerged 18.2 nm.
		W 1-2, Sea 1, long flat Swell, Vis. very good, 1032 mb, 4/10
	16.00	BE 9212 lower-left corner
		SW 2, Sea 2, long flat Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	20.00	BE 9223 lower-center edge
		SW 2, Sea 2, long flat Swell, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	20.38		Dived to proceed submerged by night.
	24.00	BE 9232 lower edge left

	23.10.42
	04.00	BE 9233 lower-center edge
	07.45		Sound bearing turbine bearing 125°T. Sounds from medium Volume, shift slowly astern and disappear in 180°T.
	08.00	BE 9311 lower edge left
	08.50		Surfaced.
			Visibility very good, therefore continued on the surface.
	12.00	BE 9325 lower-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced 84.5 nm, Submerged 24.5 nm.
		SW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, Vis. very good, 1024.5 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42

- 46 -



	continued
	23.10.42
	16.00	BE 9336 lower-right corner
		SW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1022 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	BF 7125 center
		SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1021 mb, Vis. very good
	20.25		Dived to proceed submerged by night. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	BF 7134 center-left

	24.10.42	Bay of Biscay
	03.45		Turbine sounds bearing 45°T, growing louder.
	03.50		Sound bearing in 60°T.
	03.55		" " in 150°T, growing fainter.
	03.59		Sounds disappeared in 180°T.
	04.00	BF 7135 center-right edge
	08.00	BF 7214 upper-left corner
	08.51	9/10, however Vis. very good, NW 4, Sea 3-4	Surfaced, continued on the surface.
	12.00	BF 7226 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 87 nm, Submerged 25 nm.
		NW 4, Sea 4, 5/10, 1018 mb, Vis. very good
	16.00	BF 7328 lower-left corner
		NW 4, Sea 4, medium Swell, Vis. very good, 2/10, 1016 mb
	16.13		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
			U-618.
	17.42		Incoming Radio Message 1715/24/94:
			From 7. U.-Flottille:
			Escort for Sturm and Baberg positioned on 26 October at 15.00 hours Point Herz 438.
	20.00		Dived to proceed submerged by night. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	BF 8152 upper-center

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42

- 47 -




	25.10.42
	04.00	BF 8153 upper-right corner
	08.00	BF 8138 center-left edge
	08.50		Surfaced, continued on the surface.
	12.00	BF 8225 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 129.2 nm, Submerged 25.8 nm.
		SW 7, Sea 7, 7/10, 1004 mb, medium-high Swell, Vis. very good
	12.33		Dived because visibility deterioration down to 1 nm by rain showers.
	13.36	Vis. up to 10 nm	Surfaced.
		7/10
	16.00	BF 8321 center
		W 5, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, 6/10, 1004 mb, Vis. very good
	19.57		Dived to proceed submerged by night.
	20.00	BF 6777 lower-left corner
		W 5, Sea 4, 1004 mb, 5/10
	24.00	BF 9121 upper-right corner

	26.10.42
	04.00	BF 6778 upper-right corner
	08.00	BF 6776 center
	08.15	WSW 7, Sea 7, steep Swell, completely overcast, Vis. medium	Surfaced.
	08.17		In the morning twilight bearing 250°T two vessels, that each carry two white lights. Distance 5 nm.
	08.21		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Request Radio Beacon Group II.
			U-618.
	08.30		Bearing 70°T and 75°T on the horizon two vessels, suspect German patrol boats with southwesterly courses.
	09.04		Incoming Radio Message 0843/26/21:
			From 7. U.-Flottille:
			Radio Beacon Group II runs for Baberg from not until 15.00 hours, for Sturm on 27 October from 08.00 hours to 13.00 hours.
	11.10		Incoming Radio Message 1156/26/24:
			Urgent. Baberg from 7. U.-Flottille.
			Set off to sea. First join Sturm convoy tomorrow 13.00 hours at Point Herz 438
			Came to opposite course.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42

- 48 -



	continued
	26.10.42
			Because there is no longer enough fuel set off to sea at 7 knots.
	12.00	BF 6729 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 143.6 nm, Submerged 26.4 nm.
		WSW 7, Sea 7, 9/10, 992 mb, Vis. changing from 3 to 10 nm
	15.56		Dived.
	16.00	BE 6758 upper-center edge
		W 6, Sea 6, short steep Swell, 8/10, Vis. very good
	18.56	Weather calming	Surfaced to ventilate the boat and for Program time.
		W 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell
	19.00		Smoke clouds bearing 230°T, suspect patrol boats.
			Moved off on northerly course until the beginning of twilight on the surface.
	19.45		Dived to proceed submerged by night. Depth A -20 meters.
	20.00	BF 6757 upper-edge left
	21.30		Sound bearing 240°T.
			Sounds similar to the E-motor of a U-boat. Slowly shifts astern at greater Volume, is sometimes not heard and disappears in 40°T.
	24.00	BF 6749 upper-right corner

	27.10.42
	04.00	BF lower-center edge
	08.00	BF 6728 lower-right corner
	08.06		Surfaced.
			Transit to escort meeting point.
			Sailing vessels continually met on the route.
			Passed unseen where possible.
	12.00	BF 6495	Day's run: Surfaced 80.3 nm, Submerged 30.8 nm.
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10, light Swell, Vis. very good
	12.50		Met escort at Point Herz 438.
	13.15		Outgoing Radio Message 1300/27/42:
			From Baberg:
			Am with escort. Waiting on Sturm.
	14.09		Incoming Radio Message 1350/27/43:
			Urgent. Baberg send bearing signals for Sturm. Sturm report convoy intake.
			from 7. U.-Flottille.
	14.29		Outgoing Short Signal:
			I sent bearing signals in accordance with War Orders.
			U-618.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42

- 49 -



	continued
	27.10.42
	14.37		Incoming Radio Message 1417/27/45:
			Baberg from 7. U.-Flottille.
			Wait with escort for Sturm.
	16.00	BF 6469 center-left
		W 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good, 997 mb
	17.48		Outgoing Radio Message 1730/27/51:
			7. U-Flottille from Baberg.
			Positioned with escort and sent bearing signals in accordance with B.d.U. Orders from 14.25 hours.
	18.33		Incoming Radio Message 1803/27/52:
			Urgent. Sturm from 7. U.-Flottille.
			If escort not met, set off to sea and join Giessler convoy 28 October at 13.00 hours.
			Baberg enter immediately.
	20.00	BF 6459 upper-center edge
		W 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, Vis. very good, starry clear
	24.00	BF 6515 lower-left corner

	28.10.42
	00.54	BF 6515 lower-left corner	Made fast St. Nazaire locks.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42

	Enclosures to U-618's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

Chart	Track chart




	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 618" from 1.9. to 28.10.42.

	First patrol of the Kommandanten with a new boat.

	Despite bad weather and visibility conditions thwarting several promising operations, the Kommandant strove with toughness and achieved a beautiful initial success.

		Signed in draft, Dönitz
		For correctness

		Oberleutnant M.A. and Adjutant.

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