U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-618 3rd War Patrol

U-618 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
St. Nazaire	21 February 1943	St. Nazaire	7 May 1943	76

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
None
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

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: 21 January 1943.

Concluding on: 7 May 1943.

Distribution:
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine	Copy No.	1+2
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine -2Skl/BdU.Op.-	" "	3
Kom. Admiral der Unterseeboote		4
Führer der Unterseeboote West		5
Führer der Unterseeboote West
-Ausbildungsabteilung-		6
27. Unterseebootsflottille		7
7. Unterseebootsflottille		8


Enclosures:
Track chart	Copy No.	2-5+8
3 Convoy sketches	" "	2-5+8
Excerpt of the General Radio Log	" "	2-5
Officer-Only Radio Log	" "	8
General Radio Log	" "	8

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

- 1 -




	21.01.43
	16.00		Departed the St. Nazaire Lock on 3rd war patrol.
	16.30		Taken in convoy.
	20.00	BF 6469 center-left
		S 1, Sea 0-1, misty, starry clear, 1031 mb
	20.08		Released from convoy.
	20.56 - 23.41		Test dive. (Battery hatch leaks a little, voice tube cock heavily)
	24.00	BF 6752 center
		S 1, Sea 0-1, misty, very bright moonlit night

	22.02.43	Bay of Biscay
	01.20	BF 6773 upper-right	Crash dive (detection horizontally polarized 156 cm).
	03.36		Surfaced.
	03.40	BF 6773 lower-center edge	Crash dive (detection horizontally polarized 156 cm).
	04.00	BF 6776 center-left
	05.20		Surfaced.
	05.23	BF 6776 center-right	Crash dive (detection horizontally polarized 156 cm).
	05.43		5 detonations, medium Volume, apparently aircraft bombs.
	08.00	BF 6778 upper-right
	12.00	BF 6777 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 107 nm, Submerged 25.2 nm.
	16.00	BF 5899 center-right
	19.37		Surfaced to proceed on the surface by night.
	20.00	BF 5897 upper-right
		Wind calm, Sea 0, misty, 1026 mb, starry clear, light W-Swell
	24.00	BF 5799 upper-right
		NbyE 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1027 mb, misty horizon

	23.02.43	Bay of Biscay
	04.00	BF 5779 left edge upper
		WNW 2, Sea 1, misty,1027 mb, 9/10
	07.54		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
			Seep dive test to depth A +40 meters.
	08.00	BF 4988 upper-left
	12.00	BF 4979 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 146.8 nm, Submerged 24 nm.
	15.00		1 detonation, low Volume.
	15.12		3 detonations, medium Volume.
	15.21		3 detonations, medium Volume.
	16.00	BF 4978 upper-right
	17.40		2 detonations, low Volume.
	19.52		Surfaced.
	20.00	BF 4977 upper-right
		Wind calm, Sea 0, misty, Vis. bad, 1030 mb
	24.00	BF 4888 upper-center
		Wind calm, Sea 0, completely overcast, misty, 1031 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43

- 2 -




	24.02.43	Bay of Biscay
	04.00	BF 4769 lower-center edge
		WNW 1, Sea 0-1, misty, completely overcast, 1030 mb
	06.25	BF 4768 right edge lower	Dived (detection horizontally polarized 148 cm).
	08.00	BF 4756 center-left
	12.00	BF 4751 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 94.7 nm, Submerged 27.6 nm.
	16.00	BF 4743 center-right edge
	19.56		Surfaced.
	20.00	BF 4478 lower-right
		W 1, Sea 0-1, misty, 5/10
	24.00	BE 6691 lower-left
		W 1, Sea 1, misty, 4/10, 1029 mb

	25.02.43
	04.00	BE 6645 lower-center
		W 2, Sea 2, 2/10, 1027 mb, bright moonlit night
	08.00	BE 6529 lower edge right	Dived.
		W 3, Sea 2, completely overcast, 1027 mb, rain showers
	12.00	BE 6528 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 106 nm, Submerged 38 nm.
	16.00	BE 6528 upper-left
	20.00	BE 6524 lower-center
	20.26		Surfaced.
	24.00	BE 6511 lower-center edge
		NW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, misty horizon

	26.02.43
	04.00	BE 6197 center-left
		NW 2, Sea 2, misty, 6/10, 1039 mb
	08.00	BE 6176 upper-right
		NW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. moderate, 1040 mb
	08.10		In the morning twilight astern a light above the horizon, tracer fire from M.G. C/30.
	08.13		Dived.
	12.00	BE 6172	Day's run: Surfaced 73.4 nm, Submerged 19.7 nm.
	16.00	BE 6171 upper-center
	20.00	BE 5369 lower-center
	20.15		Surfaced.
	21.45		Outgoing Radio Message 2045/26/91:
			Naval square BE 5568 from Baberg:
			Port diesel only limitedly clear up to "HF" due to failure of the lubricating oil cooler, W 1, 1041 mb, +12°C, Vis. good.
	24.00	BE 5355 upper-right
		W 1, Sea 0-1, completely overcast, 1041 mb, Vis. bad, strong marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43

- 3 -




	27.02.43
	00.48		Incoming Radio Message 2336/26/97:
			To Baberg:
			Report findings after overhaul attempt.
	04.00	BE 5266 right edge upper
		NW 1, Sea 0-1, completely overcast, 1041 mb, Vis. bad
	06.23	BE 5264 upper-left	Crash dive (detection horizontally polarized 148 cm). Remained submerged for diesel repairs.
	08.00	BE 5256 upper-center
	12.00	BE 5225 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 74.9 nm, Submerged 28.4 nm.
	16.00	BE 5254 upper-left
	18.30		Incoming Radio Message 1001/27/12:
			New objective for Tippelkirch, Baberg, Deetz, Schütt, Wellen [actually Weber], Dahlhaus is AK 63. Same objective for Müller-Edzards and Dieterichs after released from Staats.
	20.00	BE 5245 right edge upper
	20.16		Surfaced.
	22.00		Outgoing Radio Message 2130/27/23:
			Torn tube port oil cooler sealed. Repairs lasted 12 hours. Naval square BE 5241 from Baberg. Question Ireland Circuit.
	23.40		Incoming Radio Message 2259/27/25:
			Baberg immediately switch to Ireland Circuit.
	24.00	BE 5112 upper-center
		WSW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1038 mb, Vis. bad

	28.02.43
	04.00	BE 4323 upper-left
		SW 1, Sea 0-1, completely overcast, 1038 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	BE 1871 center-left edge
		WSW 1, Sea 0, light Swell, 1039 mb, Vis. very good, 2/10
	08.42 - 09.17		Test dive.
	12.00	BE 1842 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 168.6 nm, Submerged 18.9 nm.
		WSW 1, Sea 0, 2/10, 1038 mb, Vis. very good
	16.00	BE 1792 center-right edge
		WSW 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1040 mb, Vis. very good
	20.00	BE 1784 center
		WSW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1040 mb, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43

- 4 -



	continued
	28.02.43
	24.00	BD 3995 center-left
		WSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. bad

	01.03.43
	04.00	BD 3955 upper edge
		SW 1, Sea 1, misty, 1041 mb, completely overcast
	08.00	BD 3912 center
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, completely overcast, Vis. good, 1040 mb
	08.58 - 09.40		Test dive.
	12.00	BE 3569 lower edge left	Day's run: Surfaced 193.7 nm, Submerged 1.9 nm.
		S 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, 1039 mb, Vis. good
	16.00	BD 3529 upper-left
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, completely overcast, Vis. good, 1038 mb
	20.00	BD 3276 center-right
		SW 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. good, 1036 mb
	24.00	BD 3163 center
		SW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. up to 3 nm, 1035 mb

	02.03.43
	04.00	AK 9889 lower edge right
		SW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, misty, light Swell, 1035 mb
	08.00	AK 9853 lower-right
		S 2, Sea 1, completely overcast, Vis. bad, 1032 mb
	09.11 - 09.58		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 9589 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 173.8 nm, Submerged 2 nm.
		SbyW 3, Sea 2, broken cloud deck, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1031 mb
	16.00	AK 9565 center
		S 2, Sea 2, 9/10, misty, 1029 mb
	20.00	AK 9298 lower-center edge
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, 1028 mb, misty horizon

	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

- 5 -



	continued
	02.03.43
	22.38		Incoming Radio Message 2209/2/199:
			1.) As temporary attack area occupy Baberg AK 65, Deetz AK 69.
	24.00	AK 9265 upper-center
		S 2, Sea 2, completely overcast, Vis bad, 1027 mb

	03.03.43
	04.00	AK 6898 lower-center edge
		SE 3, Sea 2, Vis. bad, 1025 mb
	08.00	AK 6865 upper-center
		SE 2, Sea 2, misty, 1024 mb
	09.13 - 10.59		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6826 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 155.2 nm, Submerged 3.8 nm.
		SW 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1022 mb, Vis. up to 10 nm, light Swell
	13.54		Incoming Radio Message 1256/3/110:
			1.) Bothe, Schetelig, Haupt, U-633, Rendtel, Wintermeyer, Lange, Brünning, Tippelkirch, Baberg, Deetz, Dieterichs, Schug and Loeser form Group "Neuland".
			2.) In named order on 7 March at 12.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 6685 to BE 1132. Course 240°. Speed 5 knots over ground.
			3.) Do not be in line early. Boats arriving early free to maneuver set off from the line. In the vicinity of the line radio silence.
	16.00	AK 6573 upper-right
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1022 mb, light Swell
	20.00	AK 6517 center-left edge
		SSW 5, Sea 4, Vis. up to 8 nm, 1017 mb, completely overcast.
	24.00	AK 6525 center-right edge
		SbyW 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10, misty, 1017 mb

	04.03.43
	04.00	AK 6526 upper-left
		SSW 5, Sea 4, Vis. bad, 1015 mb
	08.00	AK 6551 upper-left
		WSW 5, Sea 4, 7/10, 1021 mb, misty horizon

	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

- 6 -



	continued
	04.03.43
	09.06 - 10.55		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6581 center	Day's run: Surfaced 154.6 nm, Submerged 2.4 nm.
		WbyN 5, Sea 4, 9/10, 1024 mb, misty
	16.00	AK 6547 upper-center
		WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1025 mb, misty horizon
	20.00	AK 6518 upper-center
		SW 5, Sea 4, completely overcast, 1025 mb, misty horizon
	24.00	AK 6537 upper-left
		SW 5, Sea 5, 5/10, 1026 mb, Vis. bad

	05.03.43
	04.00	AK 6556 upper-left
		SW 6, Sea 5-6, misty horizon, 1023 mb, medium Swell
	08.00	AK 6573 lower-left
		SW 6-7, Sea 6, short steep Swell, misty horizon, 1022 mb
	09.06		Dived to work on the torpedoes.
	12.00	AK 6579 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 126 nm, Submerged 5.8 nm.
	13.07		Surfaced.
	16.00	AK 6819 left edge upper
		S 7, Sea 6-7, 6/10, 1022 mb, Vis. up to 10 nm, steep Swell
	24.00	AK 6881 upper-center edge
		S 6, Sea 5, 2/10, clear, Vis. good, 1022 mb

	06.03.43
	04.00	AK 9224 upper-center edge
		S 5, Sea 5, rain, misty, overcast, Vis. bad, 1022 mb
	08.00	AK 9257 lower-center
		SSW 5, Sea 4, completely overcast, misty, Vis. medium, medium Swell, 1022 mb
	09.14 - 09.58		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 9523 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 116.8 nm, Submerged 2.2 nm.
		NW 4, Sea 4, 9/10, 1029 mb, Vis. up to 10 nm
	16.00	AK 9569 lower edge left
		NE 2, Sea 2, 8/10

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

- 7 -



	continued
	06.03.43
	16.00	1028 mb, steep NW-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm
	16.48		Incoming Radio Message 1545/6/750:
			1.) Bothe, Schetelig, Haupt, U-633, Rendtel, Wintermeyer, Lange, Brünning, Tippelkirch, and Baberg are released from Group "Neuland".
			2.) Operation is intended with these boats on a northeast-bound convoy that was reported by Hopmann on 6 March at 13.53 hours in square AK 4454. The first 5 named boats head for AK 0220, the last 5 AK 6170 at high speed. All naval squares.
			3.) Named boats immediately switch to Hubertus Circuit.
			4.) For the remainder of Group "Neuland" previous Orders stand.
	20.00	AK 9539 upper-left
		NNE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 10289 mb, high NW-Swell, Vis. good
	22.26		Incoming Radio Message 2202/6/849:
			1.) Ex "Neuland" boats operating on Hopmann convoy form Group "Ostmark".
			2.) Remaining boats operating on Hopmann convoy form Group "Westmark".
	24.00	AK 9258 center-right
		NW 1, Sea 1, 6/10, misty, high Swell, 1027 mb

	07.03.43
	04.00	6875 upper-left
		NW 3, Sea 2, completely overcast, misty, increasing weather deterioration, 1021 mb
	08.00	AK 6731 center-right
		SSW 6-7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell, rain showers, 1012 mb, Vis. bad
	12.00	AK 6427 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 263 nm.
		W 7, Sea 6, steep W-Swell, rain and hail showers, Vis. greatly changing, 1007 mb
	12.30		Incoming Radio Message 1158/7/874:
			Group Ostmark:
			1.) On 8 March in the morning at 08.00 hours in old named order in patrol line located from AK 1453 to 2841. Group absolutely must be there at the prescribed time, because the convoy may pass from 08.00 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

- 8 -



	continued
	07.03.43
			2.) If in the coming night there is perfect contact on the convoy, operate directly on the convoy without taking up the line.
	13.00		Course for AK 2841.
	16.00	AK 6172 lower center
		WNW 8-9, Sea 8, steep W-Swell, Vis. greatly changing, hail and show squalls, 1008 mb
	20.00	AK 6117 lower-center
		NW 10, Sea 9, very steep Swell, Vis. greatly changing, hail and snow showers
	21.54		Outgoing Radio Message 2104/7/896:
			From Baberg, AK 6114:
			Can not be in position on time due to weather conditions.
			NW 10, very steep Swell, 1012 mb, steady, 102 cbm.
	22.45		Incoming Radio Message 2153/7/900:
			1.) Convoy may have separated into groups, one proceeds to the east and the other on the old general course.
			2.) Group "Ostmark" on 8 March in the morning at 09.00 hours be in new patrol line from AK 2616, to 0269.
			Direct operation on the convoy only on specific orders.
			3.) Shoot even in bad weather. The torpedoes work.
	24.00	AK 5333 upper-right
		WNW 9, Sea 8, very steep NW and SW-Swell, Vis. 100 meters up to 1 nm, rain showers, 1015 mb

	08.03.43
	04.00	AK 0291 upper-center
		W 8, Sea 8, steep Swell, 1015 mb, Vis. very bad
	08.00	AK 3947 center
		NW 9, Sea 8, very steep NW and SW-Swell, Vis. up to 1 nm, 1017 mb
	09.01		In position in patrol line.
			Dived to listen, because by snow, rain squalls and water spray visibility is between 100 meters to 2 nm.
	10.45		Several detonations.
			Strong self noise in the listening gear.
	12.00	AK 0269 lower edge right	Day's run: Surfaced 119 nm, Submerged 10.9 nm.
	13.57	W 9, Sea 9, steep NW and SW-Swell, Vis. up to 2 nm	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

- 9 -



	continued
	08.03.43
		greatly changing, 1017 mb, low cloud deck
	14.19		Incoming Radio Message 1220/8/818:
			"Westmark" and "Ostmark" boats operate on report, if there is no own enemy contact.
	16.00	AK 0293 upper-center	Operated on the steamer reported in square 3547.
		W 8, Sea 8, confused high SW-NW-Swell, 1011 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm
	18.50		One very heavy detonation. (visibility range 1-2 nm).
	20.00	AK 3943 upper center
		SW 7, Sea 7, further Vis. deterioration by fog, Very high W-Swell, Vis. 1 nm, 1010 mb
	24.00	AK 3797 center-left
		SW 7, Sea 7, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. 500 meters up to 1 nm, 1009 mb

	09.03.43
	04.00	AK 3849 center-left
		S 8, Sea 7, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. up to 1 nm, fog, 1007 mb
	08.00	AK 3837 center
		SW 8, Sea 8, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. changing from 500 meters to 3 nm, 1004 mb
	08.54 - 10.19		Dived for all around listening and test dive.
	12.00	AL 1711 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 169 nm, Submerged 8.5 nm.
		SW 7, Sea 7, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1004 mb, low broken cloud deck
	16.00	AL 1751 lower-center	By today's certain sun navigation fix there is a large offset. Last exact navigation fix was in the morning of 5 March
		SW 7, Sea 7, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. up to 4 nm, medium-high cloud deck, occasionally broken through
			Bearing signals from the contact keeper have not been heard up to now.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

- 10 -



	continued
	09.03.43
	20.00	AL 1735 lower-right
		SW 7, Sea 7, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. 2-7 nm, 1000 mb, rain showers, hail
	24.00	AL 1685 center
		SWbyW 8, Sea 7, steep W-Swell, misty, hail showers, squalls, 999 mb

	10.03.43
	04.00	AL 1693 center-right edge
		W 8, Sea 7-8, Vis. bad, hail showers, steep W-Swell, 997 mb
	05.25		Incoming Radio Message 1930/9/898:
			1.) U-635, Weber, Baberg, Hornkohl, Schwaff and Kinzel tomorrow between 03.00 and 06.00 hours report weather.
			2. Neitzel report situation.
	06.03		Outgoing Radio Message:
			- Short Signal weather report - U-618
	08.00	AL 2582 upper-center
		W 9, Sea 8-9, Vis. greatly changing, squalls, hail showers, steep SW-Swell, 999 mb
	10.49		Incoming Radio Message 1016/10/827:
			"Ost and Westmark boats".
			1.) Boats in favorable position in the vicinity of the convoy hang on and utilize last opportunity to attack.
			2.) Boats in unfavorable position to the west move off, expect stragglers on the convoy route.
			Report fuel inventory and position.
	12.00	AL 2552 center	Day's run: Surfaced 74 nm.
		WbyN 10, Sea 8, very steep Swell, Vis. greatly changing, snow showers, squalls, 999 mb	Set off to the west, because apparently there is too great a navigation difference and there are no bearing signals.
	16.00	AL 2546 upper-center	Periscope completely unclear. Water and dirt residue in the extended part. Also water in the reversing prism. This was disassembled and cleaned. Intend to take the periscope head apart and clean later
		W 9, Sea 8, high W-Swell, snow and hail squalls, Vis. greatly changing, 999 mb
	18.37		Outgoing Radio Message 1754/10/849:
			Naval square 2547 inexact from Baberg. 89 cbm, attack periscope out of service by moisture.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

- 11 -



	continued
	10.03.43
			Attempting to dry. W 9, high Swell, snow showers, 1000 mb rising.
	20.00	AL 2547 lower-center
		W 9, Sea 8-9, very steep Swell, snow and hail showers, 1001 mb
	24.00	AL 1695 upper-right
		W 8-10, Sea 9, snow and hail showers, very steep W-Swell, Vis. bad, 1003 mb

	11.03.43
	04.00	AL 1869 right edge lower
		W 7, Sea 7, fog, hail showers, Vis. bad, 1010 mb
	08.00	AL 1825 lower-left
		W 8, Sea 7, steep Swell, misty, Vis. bad, 1010 mb
	08.05		Dived to repair sea damage and repair the attack periscope.
	12.00	AL 1816 center	Day's run: Surfaced 74 nm, Submerged 9.1 nm.
	16.00	AL 1814 center-left
	17.51		Surfaced.
	19.19		Incoming Radio Message 1416/11/882:
			Bahr, Uhlig, Engel, Peitzsch, Schetelig, Möglich, Brünning, Tippelkirch, Kinzel, Rendtel, Haupt, Baberg, Wintermeyer, Lange in this order as Group "Stürmer" on 15 March 20.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 0371 to AL 7278, course 240°, speed of advance 5 knots. Do not occupy position early. Radio Circuit for these boats from today at 20.00 hours is Ireland.
	20.00	AL 1734 center-right edge
		N 7, Sea 6, steep W-Swell, snow showers, 1014 mb, Vis. greatly changing
	24.00	AL 1751 center-right edge
		WSW 6, Sea 5-6, snow and hail squalls, steep W-Swell, Vis. bad, 1012 mb

	12.03.43
	04.00	AL 177x
		WSW 7, Sea 7, snow and hail showers, steep Swell, 1011 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

- 12 -



	continued
	12.03.43
	08.00	AK 0332 upper edge left
		WSW 8, Sea 7-8, very steep Swell, show and hail showers, Vis. greatly changing, 1011 mb
	08.38 - 09.31		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 0329 center	Day's run: Surfaced 11.6 nm, Submerged 7.7 nm.
		WSW 8, Sea 7, very steep Swell, snow and hail showers, Vis. changing, 1013 mb
	19.49		Incoming Radio Message 1853/12/169: "Stürmer"
			1.) Previous reconnaissance line settled.
			2.) Group "Stürmer" with 4 boats and connecting to it to the south Krüger, Holtorf, U-384, Brosin on 15 March 20.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from square AK 3563 to AL 7215, course 260°, speed of advance 5 knots, interval 20 nm.
			3.) Boats mentioned by name join the Group.
	20.00	AK 63x7 lower-center
		WSW 6-7, Sea 6, snow and hail showers, very steep Swell, Vis. changing, 1017 mb
	24.00	AK 6268 center-right
		WSW 6, Sea 5-6, snow showers, misty, steep Swell, 1013 mb

	13.03.43
	04.00	AK 6297 upper-left
		WSW 6, Sea 5, rain, misty, steep Swell, Vis. bad, 1013 mb
	08.00	AK 6527 center-right edge
		WSW 5, Sea 4-5, rain shower, misty, steep Swell, 1013 mb
	08.40		Dived to work on the torpedoes.
	12.00	AK 6554 center	Day's run: Surfaced 128 nm, Submerged 7.6 nm.
	14.58		Surfaced.
	16.00	AK 6584 upper-right
		W 4, Sea 3-4, completely overcast, high W-Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1016 mb
	20.00	AK 6827 upper-center
		WNW 3, Sea 3, high NW-Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

- 13 -



	continued
	13.03.43
	24.00	AK 6594 lower edge left
		W 3, Sea 2-3, high SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1012 mb

	14.03.43
	04.00	AK 6641 left edge lower
		ESE 2, Sea 1-2, medium S-Swell, rain showers, misty, 1005 mb
	08.00	AK 6624 center-left edge
		SE 3, Sea 3. medium-high SE-Swell, rain, Vis. up to 3 nm, Sea increasing, 995 mb
	08.34		Dived to work on the periscope.
	12.00	AK 6624 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 108.9 nm, Submerged 16.1 nm.
	12.34		Surfaced.
			Transit to position in reconnaissance line.
	15.28	AK 6631 lower-left	Dived, detection 137 cm (with temporary antenna).
	16.00	AK 6631 lower-left
	16.30		Surfaced.
	20.00	AL 4413 upper-right corner	Began transit in reconnaissance line. Course 260°, speed 5 knots.
		W 3, Sea 3, medium W-Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm, 998 mb
	22.52		Incoming Radio Message 2241/14/123:
			Group "Stürmer" and "Dränger":
			From 15 March 08.00 hours do not steer 260°, instead 235°.
	24.00	AK 6632 center-right	Periscope pulled and the glass cover of the retractable part taken out and cleaned. The image is clear again, however image tilting does not function.
		NW 4, Sea 3, medium W-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, 998 mb

	15.03.43
	04.00	AK 6622 lower-center edge
		WNW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, W-Swell, 1004 mb
	08.00	AK 6615 lower-left	Continued on course 235°, 5 knots.
		W 3, Sea 2, light W-Swell, clear horizon, Vis. good, 1004 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

- 14 -



	continued
	15.03.43
	08.38 - 09.21		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6562 center	Day's run: Surfaced 136.9 nm, Submerged 3.6 nm.
		W 3, Sea 3, rain, Vis. up to 8 nm, medium SW-Swell, 1002 mb
	16.00	AK 6557 lower edge right
		ESE 4, Sea 4, high SW-Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm, 990 mb
	20.00	AK 6577 upper-center
		S 5, Sea 4-5, steep SW-Swell, increasing Sea State, Vis. up to 10 nm, 979 mb
	24.00	AK 6731 lower edge right	Periscope pulled again. Image tilting repaired. Periscope again fully operational.
		SWbyS 9, Sea 8, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. changing, 976 mb

	16.03.43
	04.00	AK 6727 right edge lower
		W 9-10, Sea 9, very steep SW-Swell, hail showers, 972 mb, Vis. very bad
	08.00	AK 6745 lower-left
		W 7, Sea 7, very steep W-Swell, completely overcast, hail, misty, 987 mb
	11.16		Incoming Radio Message 1048/16/141:
			The eleven southernmost boats of Group Stürmer, from Tippelkirch to Brosin operate at highest speed on "Feiler" convoy. Immediately switch to Hubertus Circuit. Convoy position 08.25 hours naval square BD 1491, course 70°, about 7 knots.
	12.00	AK 5969 lower-center
		NWbyW 7, Sea 6, very steep W-Swell, hail showers, 998 mb, Vis. 6-12 nm
	16.00	AK 8367 lower-left
		W 7, Sea 6, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 1004 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43

- 15 -



	continued
	16.03.43
	20.00	AK 8655 lower-center edge
		WNW 4, Sea 4, very steep SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1018 mb
	24.00	AK 8955 upper-left
		WNW 3, Sea 2, bright moonlit night, 1019 mb, medium W-Swell

	17.03.43
	04.00	BD 2243 upper edge right
		SSW 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. moderate, medium SW-Swell
	08.00	BD 2276 upper edge right
		NE 4, Sea 3, medium NE-Swell, Sea State increasing, Vis. good, 1007 mb
	08.29		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy square 2114, course 50°.
	08.55 - 09.26		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 2219 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 254.5 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		NNE 4, Sea 4, medium NE-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 1007 mb, completely overcast
	14.41		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy square 8892, course 70°.
	16.00	AK 8946 center-right	By the last Short Signal I am positioned in the vicinity of the convoy. No bearing signals from the contact keeper. Large differences in the individual enemy reports.
		NNW 5, Sea 4, Vis. medium NW-Swell
	16.02		Strong detonations heard in the boat (apparently torpedoes).
	16.05	AK 8866	A destroyer bearing 300°T on southerly course.
	16.16		Outgoing Short Signal:
			1 destroyer square 8866, southerly course. U-618.
	17.00		Held contact on this four-stack destroyer, which now runs on changing courses (northeasterly courses).
	17.22	AK 8893	A second four-stack destroyer bearing 240°T with target angle 0°.
			Ran off on easterly course. Another U-boat runs on a parallel course.
	17.41	AK 8947 lower-center edge	Crash dive for land-based aircraft beating 350°T. Continual sound bearings from both destroyers on changing courses.
			Depth charges.
	20.00	AK 8971 center-right

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

- 16 -



	continued
	17.03.43
	20.32		Surfaced. Pursued.
	24.00	AK 8961 center-left
		NbyW 5, Sea 4, high NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, 1009 mb

	18.03.43
	04.00	AK 9487 lower edge left
		N 5, Sea 4, high N-Swell, Vis. up to 3 nm, 1006 mb, rain showers
	08.00	AK 9547 center
		NW 6, Sea 5, high N-Swell, Vis. greatly changing, rain showers, 1004 mb
	08.51		Dived, diesel repairs.
	09.36		Surfaced.
	11.53		Outgoing Radio Message 0904/18/830:
			Naval square AK 9551 from Baberg:
			Fu.M.B. cable failed, not reparable. Periscope in service again. All torpedoes, 62 cbm. NW 6, high Swell, 1002 mb, falling.
	12.00	AK 9527 center	Am running against the steep Swell. Boat takes over very much water and makes no way. Conning tower is continually under water. Binoculars cannot be used. Last navigation fix on 16 March 22.00 hours.
		N 7, Sea 6, high N-Swell, Vis. changing, hail showers, 1004 mb
	13.02		Incoming Radio Message 1230/18/852:
			Kr. Kr.
			Boats in the area of the Raubgraf-convoy go at highest speed on Freyberg report.
			Wind and Swell have increased. NE 8, Sea 7.
			Already at 6 knots the bridge watch is up to their necks in water.
			Boat pounds more and more firmly in the seas and pounds strongly on the forward diving plane. At the moment higher speed is not possible.
			Now make 9 knots over ground, more submerged than on the surface.
	16.00	AK 9521 upper-left
		NbyE 7, Sea 6, misty, hail showers, steep NE-Swell, Vis. greatly changing, 1004 mb
	18.30		A U-boat in sight bearing 220°T on northerly course, range 6-7 nm.
	19.30		Incoming Short Signal:
			Convoy square AK 9317.
	20.00	AK 9264 left edge upper
		WNW 7, Sea 6-7, steep N-Swell, Vis. changing, 1003 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43

- 17 -



	continued
	18.03.43
	20.50	AK 9261 lower-center	A completely swamped lifeboat and wreckage field passed.
	24.00	AK 9233 lower-center
		NNW 6-7, Sea 6, steep N-Swell, rain, hail showers, 100 mb

	19.03.43
	04.00	AK 6994 upper-left	Am positioned by my last navigation fix in the area of the last convoy report.
		E 3, Sea 2, high NE-Swell, overcast, rain showers, 1000 mb, very bright moonlit night, Vis. up to 8 nm
			No bearing signals received.
	06.20	AK 6993	One destroyer each bearing 60°T and 350°T. Visibility is changing greatly in rain squalls.
			Suspect aft screen of the convoy.
	06.27		Outgoing Short Signal:
			2 destroyers in sight square AL 4747. U-618.
	06.30		Both destroyers out of sight in rain showers.
	06.35	AL 4771	A destroyer bearing 290°T, bow left, target angle 10° at high speed, smoking black very heavily.
	06.37	AL 4771	Crash dive.
	08.00	AL 4771 center-left	Up to 09.00 hours depth charge pursuit.
			Listening pursuit apparently by 2 vessels. Thereafter at irregular intervals after each explosive locating 1-3 depth charges.
			In this no sound bearings. Suspect aircraft.
	12.00	AL 4775 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 141.5 nm, Submerged 11.8 nm.
			Sound bearing in 240°T, shifts slowly astern. Nothing is seen in the periscope.
	13.13	Vis. greatly changing, rain squalls	Surfaced.
	15.14		Outgoing Radio Message 1355/19/832:
			From Baberg 4776:
			Forced to submerged before destroyer 06.40 hours in 4771. Depth charge pursuit. Thereafter at greater intervals depth charges after explosive locating. In this no sound bearings, suspect aircraft. Attack periscope out of service again. Strong sounds below the over deck. Caffles in the spark arrestor knocked loose by Sea State. All naval square AL.
	16.00	AL 4871 upper-center
		SSE 4, Sea 2-3, light SE-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 5/10, 1002 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

- 18 -



	continued
	19.03.43
	17.30		Two mastheads in sight bearing 150°T in square AL 4858, range about 14 nm. Apparently drifting wounded.
			Will wait until the beginning of twilight, then attack.
	20.00	AL 4851 center
		S 4, Sea 3-4, medium S-Swell, 1003 mb
	21.33		During the approach the steamer flies in the air and sinks one half hour later. Ran to the sinking location. Nothing is seen of the shooting boat [U-333]. No lifeboats.
	22.25		Broke off the operation because the convoy can no longer be reached tonight.
	23.44		Outgoing Radio Message 2133/19/862:
			From Baberg:
			At 17.30 hours in naval square AL 4858 sighted drifting wounded vessel just just now while attacking before the nose flew in the air. Shooting boat not seen. All torpedoes, 54 cbm. Broke off, because convoy can no longer be reached today. S 4, medium Swell, 1002 mb rising. Very bright moonlit night.
	24.00	AL 4849 lower edge right
		SSW 4, Sea 3, medium SW-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1003 mb, Vis. good

	20.03.43
	04.00	AL 4768 lower-right corner
		SSW 3, Sea 2, light S-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1001 mb, Vis. good
	08.00	AL 4758 lower edge left
		SSW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1000 mb, Vis. up to 10 nm
	08.00 - 08.28		Test dive.
	12.00	AL 6969 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 179.8 nm, Submerged 4.6 nm.
		SSW 3, Sea 2, light SW-Swell, Vis. 14 nm, 998 mb, 4/10
	16.00	AK 6957 center-left
		SSE 3, Sea 2-3, light S-Swell, Vis. up to 14 nm, 993 mb, clear horizon
	18.53		Incoming Radio Message 1737/20/900:
			1.) Bahr, Zetsche, Krüger, Schug, U-384, Engel, Baberg, Hunger, Schwaff, Lange, Uhlig, Geissler, Loeser, U-441, Edzards, Rendtel, Brünning and Grahe as Group Seewolf on 25 March at 08.00 hours be in patrol line

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43

- 19 -



	continued
	20.03.43		from AK 4179 to BD 1348. NE convoy expected from 25 March. Named boats switch to Hubertus Circuit today at 20.00 hours.
			2.) From 22 March 00.00 hours radio silence except for tactically important reports.
			3.) For boats low on fuel supply after short operation anticipated.
			4.) Rendtel, Uhlig and Baberg receive engine spare parts before starting return transit.
	20.00	AK 6974 center-left edge
		SE 5, Sea 4-5, medium SE-Swell, 8/10, 993 mb, Vis. up to 10 nm

- 20 -



	continued
	20.03.43
	24.00	AK 9223 upper-right
		ESE 6, Sea 5, completely overcast, rain shower, 992 mb

	21.03.43
	04.00	AK 9219 upper-center edge
		ESE 5, Sea 4, rain, misty, 990 mb, Vis. bad
	08.00	AK 9165 right edge upper
		S 3, Sea 3, completely overcast, misty, rain, Vis. 6 nm, 989 mb
	08.33 - 09.11		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 9159 lower-left corner
		E 5, Sea 4, completely overcast, rain, Vis. 6 nm, misty, 987 mb
	16.00	AK 9178 upper-center edge
		E 5, Sea 5, rain showers, Vis. changing 5-12 nm, medium E-Swell, 984 mb
	17.53		Crash dive for destroyer of the "ASHANTI class". Seen too late in 250°T, bow right, target angle 50-60°.
			Already up to the upper deck over the horizon. Due to the unclear attack periscope no further observations. By sound bearings destroyer runs changing courses to the northeast, often stopping. Last sound bearing in 50°T.
			The destroyer did not notice despite being on the favorable horizon.
			New sound bearing in 320°T, this turned out to be a rhythmic self noise in the over deck.
	20.00	AK 8632 lower-right
	20.31		Surfaced.
	21.15		Outgoing Radio Message 1928/21/825:
			Naval square AK 8635 at 18.15 hours a destroyer of the "ASHANTI Class" on course to the northeast, high speed.
			From Baberg. SE 3, high Swell, 984 mb, falling, Vis. 12 nm.
	24.00	AK 8632 lower-right
		ESE 3, Sea 2-3, totally overcast, full-moon night, Vis. good, 985 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43

- 21 -




	22.03.43
	04.00	AK 8645 center-left
		ESE 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, 982 mb
	08.00	AK 8558 upper-center
		E 4, Sea 3, medium E-Swell, Vis. up to 7 nm, 980 mb
	08.44		Dived to work on the torpedoes.
	11.10		Faint sound bearing in 300°T, slowly shifts to the right.
	12.00	AK 8549 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 126 nm, Submerged 15.5 nm.
	12.03		Surfaced and pursued in the direction of the sound bearing.
	13.22		Again dived to listen. No further sound bearings.
	13.44		Surfaced.
	15.25		U-boat in sight bearing 40°T on westerly course. Recognition Signal exchanged.
	16.00	AK 8521 lower-center
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, medium E-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 977 mb
	16.05	AK 8521 lower-center	Navigation comparison with U-440.
	20.00	AK 8249 left edge lower
		SSW 2, Sea 1-2, rain, Vis. bad, medium S-Swell, 977 mb
	24.00	AK 8214 upper-center
		SSE 4, Sea 3, rain showers, misty, Vis. bad, 983 mb

	23.03.43
	04.00	AK 5797 upper edge left
		SSE 5, Sea 4, medium SE-Swell, misty, Vis. bad, 985 mb
	08.00	AK 5778 upper edge right
		SSE 2, Sea 2, Vis. medium, medium SE-Swell, 989 mb
	08.50		Dived to work on the diesel and torpedoes.
	12.00	AK 4995 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 146.5 nm, Submerged 7.8 nm.
	14.43		Surfaced.
	16.00	AK 4985 lower-center
		SE 4, Sea 3, medium SE-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 993 mb
	20.00	AK 4896 lower-left
		SE 3, Sea 2, medium SE-Swell, rain showers, misty, 994 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43

- 22 -



	continued
	23.03.43
	24.00	AK 4888 upper-right
		SE 3, Sea 2, Vis. greatly changing, fog, misty, 996 mb

	24.03.43
	04.00	AK 7213 upper-right corner
		SSE 3, Sea 1-2, light SE-Swell, Vis. 4 nm, misty, 998 mb
	06.35		Incoming Radio Message 0613/24/852:
			2.) U-618: Immediately carry out marriage by proxy Masch.Mt. Michel. 7. U-Flottille
	08.00	AK 7212 lower-left corner
		S 3, Sea 1-2, light drizzle, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1000 mb, completely overcast
	08.47		Test dive.
	11.55		Surfaced.
	12.00	AK 7212 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 86 nm, Submerged 14.6 nm.
		S 3, Sea 2, light SSE-Swell, Vis. 6-10 nm, 1002 mb, horizon misty at times
	16.00	AK 4886 right edge lower
		SSE 4, Sea 3, completely overcast, 1001 mb, Vis. 6-10 nm changing
	16.30		Carried out marriage by proxy Masch.Mt. Michel.
	20.00	AK 4947 lower-center edge
		SE 5, Sea 4-5, medium SE-Swell, rain, Vis. 6 nm, 999 mb
	24.00	AK 4955 upper-center
		SE 5, Sea 4, increasing SE-Swell, rain, Vis. bad, 994 mb

	25.03.43
	04.00	AK 4971 center-left edge
		SE 4, Sea 4, rain, misty, Vis. bad, 992 mb
	08.00	AK 4889 center	Began moving back and forth in patrol line.
		SbyW 4, Sea 3-4, high S-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 990 mb
	08.59 - 09.28		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43

- 23 -



	continued
	25.03.43
	09.55		Incoming Radio Message 0937/25/871:
			Group "Seewolf":
			From 10.00 hours course 150°, speed 5 knots. NE-bound convoy was expected today.
	10.00		Came to course 150°, 5 knots.
	12.00	AK 7223 right edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 145.5 nm, Submerged 1.4 nm.
		SbyW 7, Sea 6, increasing S-Swell, Vis. 14 nm, 989 mb
	16.00	AK 7262 lower-right
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, steep S-Swell, Vis. 14 nm, 991 mb
	18.31		Incoming Radio Message 1812/25/886:
			To "Seewolf"
			At 22.00 hours remain in position line from naval square 4736 to naval square 2714 as patrol line.
	20.00	AK 7371 center-left edge
		SW 7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell, rain shower, squalls, Vis. good, 995 mb
	22.00		Began back and forth movement in patrol line.
	24.00	AK 7292 lower-center edge
		SW 6, Sea 5, steep SW-Swell, rain showers, 998 mb

	26.03.43
	04.00	AK 7292 lower-center edge
		W 7, Sea 6, rain showers, 1000 mb, Vis. up to 6 nm
	08.00	AK 7292 lower-center edge
		WbyS 6, Sea 5-6, high SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1002 mb
	08.35 - 09.15		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 7292 left edge lower	Day's run: Surfaced 102.3 nm, Submerged 1.7 nm.
		SWbyW 6, Sea 5, high SW-Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm, 1006 mb
	16.00	AK 7295 upper edge right
		WSW 7, Sea 6-7, high SW-Swell, rain showers, 1009 mb, Vis. 8 nm
	19.42		Incoming Radio Message 1927/26/808:
			Group "Seewolf" from 20.00 hours course 340°, speed 10 knots.
	20.00	AK 7296 left edge upper
		WbyS 5, Sea 5-6, high SW-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 1012 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43

- 24 -



	continued
	26.03.43
	24.00	AK 4899 lower edge left
		W 6, Sea 5, 5/10, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 5 nm, 1012 mb

	27.03.43
	04.00	AK 4852 upper-right
		W 3, Sea 2-3, medium SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1011 mb
	08.00	AK 4572 lower-left
		S 4, Sea 3, high S-Swell, freshening, Vis. up to 5 nm
	10.55		Incoming Radio Message 1013/27/831:
			Group "Seewolf":
			After fall out of Brünning with 18 boats today at 11.00 hours remain in reached position line from AK 3857 [typo AJ 3857] to AK 8741 as patrol line.
	12.00	AK 4432 lower-center edge
		SSE 7, Sea 6-7, steep S-Swell, Vis. up to 12 nm, 995 mb
	12.58 - 14.03		Dived.
	16.00	AK 4435 upper-right
		SSE 7, Sea 6, steep SSE-Swell, rain showers, 989 mb, Vis. 6-8 nm, completely overcast
	17.35		Incoming Radio Message 1625/25/846:
			1.) Group "Seeteufel" break off operation on SW-bound convoy.
			2.) "Seeteufel" and "Seewolf" from Bahr up to and including Lange at highest speed operate on east-bound convoy that was reported at 14.56 hours in naval square AJ 3873.
			3.) Suspected northeasterly course, speed up to 9 knots.
	18.24		Convoy AJ 3894, course E, speed 7 knots. from Bahr.
	20.00	AK 4193 upper-right corner
		SW 6, Sea 5, steep SSE-Swell, rain, misty, 987 mb, Vis. 2-8 nm
	20.06		Bahr reports convoy in AJ 3896, course 100°, speed 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43

- 25 -



	continued
	27.03.43
	22.30		Positioned by plotting at convoy. Bearing signals only heard very faintly, as before no bearing possible.
	23.40		Dived to listen. No sound bearings. In the gear several self noises.
	24.00	AJ 3984 center-left edge
		SW 6, Sea 6

	28.03.43
	00.08		Surfaced. Continued to search.
	00.09		Krüger reports convoy AJ 3959, easterly course, low speed.
	02.34		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Request bearing signals from contact keeper. My position is square AJ 3967. U-618.
	04.00	AK 1947 center-left edge	Star shells bearing 80°T. No bearing signals heard.
		SW 7-8, Sea 6-7, steep SW-Swell, Vis. 1-5 nm, squalls, rain showers, 989 mb
	05.00		Star shells bearing 80°T and 20°T. Depth charge detonations.
	08.00	AK 1986 center-right
		SW 8, Sea 7, steep SW-Swell, Vis. 8 nm, squalls, rain showers, 991 mb
	08.38 - 09.16		Dived.
	12.00	AK 0172 lower-left corner
		SW 9-10, Sea 8, steep SW-Swell, hail showers, squalls, Vis. 500 meters to 10 nm, 982 mb
	16.00	AK 0192 center-left edge
		WSW 11, Sea 8-9, steep SW-Swell, hail showers, squalls, Vis. 1-12 nm, 986 mb
	20.00	AK 2984 center-left edge
		WSW 11-12, Sea 9, very steep WSW-Swell, rain and hail squalls, Vis. from 200 meters to 6 nm, 989 mb
	21.00		Cruised before the sea, because continuing on an easterly course at high speed is no longer possible, conning tower was continually swamped by over coming seas from astern. Bridge crew can hardly breath.
	24.00	AK 5311 upper-left corner
		WSW 12, Sea 9, very steep W-Swell, Vis. 500 meters

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43

- 26 -




	29.03.43
	02.00		Clocks set forward 1 hour to German Summer Time.
	04.00	AK 5342 upper-center edge
		WNW 10, Sea 9, very steep SW-Swell, squalls, Vis. very good, 995 mb
	08.00	AK 5328 left edge upper
		WSW 8-9, Sea 8-9, very steep WSW-Swell, rain showers, squalls, Vis. up to 3 nm, 999 mb
	09.20		Dived to repair the vent linkage for main ballast tank 1.
	10.31		Surfaced.
	12.00	AK 5333 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 160.8 nm, Submerged 3.8 nm.
		WbyS 9, Sea 8, very steep W-Swell, rain and hail squalls, Vis. 1-7 nm, 1000 mb
	16.00	AK 3978 upper-left
		WbyS 9, Sea 8, hail showers, squalls, Vis. 1-10 nm, 999 mb
	17.05		Out of a rain squall 1 steamer and 1 destroyer bearing 150°T, easterly course.
	17.29		Outgoing Radio Message 1723/29/830:
			From Baberg, naval square AK 3989 1 steamer, 1 destroyer, easterly course. Was forced off.
			Was hunted to the north by a destroyer which is now about 5-6 nm away.
			A little later a second destroyer in sight.
			Ran off obliquely against the sea on course 340° and later 0°, highest speed 14-15 knots. The distance decreases slowly.
			Continual rain and hail squalls.
			Both destroyers are lost from sight. Again came to easterly course. Both destroyers in sight again bearing 120°T at target angle 0° distance 5 nm. Again attempted to run off to the north.
	20.00	AK 3925 lower-right
		W 9, Sea 7, very steep WNW Swell, rain and hail squalls, Vis. 500 meters to 6 nm, 995 mb
	20.50		Destroyers again out of sight in a hail squall. Again came to easterly course.

- 27 -



	continued
	29.03.43
	22.00	AK 3791	Large tanker in sight ahead bearing 60°T. Distance about 4-5 nm, course north to NE. Continual hail squalls.
	23.00	AK 3768	Tanker lost in hail squall. Pursued unsuccessfully at AK.
	24.00	AK 3848 upper-left
		W 9, Sea 8, very steep W-Swell, hail showers, squalls, Vis. 500 meters to 50 nm, Northern Lights, 995 mb

	30.03.43	(Radio Message could not be sent because of bad receiving conditions)	Outgoing Radio Message 0029/30:
			Forced off by 2 destroyers to 3788. 22.00 hours large tanker NE-course. from Baberg.
			23.00 hours lost in hail storm, pursuit unsuccessful. Position 3857, ran at highest speed ESE. Naval square AK. W 9, very high Swell, hail showers.
	04.00	AL 1774 lower-right
		W 7, Sea 6, steep Swell, bright Northern Lights, Vis. 1-6 nm, 994 mb
	08.00	AL 0117 upper-left
		W 7, Sea 7, steep W-Swell, hail shower, squalls, Vis. 500 meters to 6 nm, 994 mb
	10.47	AL 0143 left edge upper	Crash dive for large land-based aircraft bearing 30°T. Distance 8000 meters. Apparently no more bombs.
	12.00	AL 0143 center	Day's run: Surfaced 311.2 nm, Submerged 7.6 nm.
	12.29		Surfaced. Continued at HF to charge the battery, which could not be charged for 36 hours due to the high speed settings.
	15.20	AL 0168	Passed a drifting landing craft.
	14.27		Incoming Radio Message 1048/30/848:
			1.) Break off operating on convoy, as long as there is no contact on convoy or independents. Set off to the west on the convoy route and expect independents. Stay tough on these and bump off.
			2.) All boats, that have still not reported since 00.00 hours report position and fuel inventory when set off.
	16.00	AL 0168	Came to westerly course.
		W 9, Sea 7, very high W-Swell, hail showers, squalls, Vis. from 1-10 nm, 999 mb
	16.34		Outgoing Short Signal:
			My position is square AL 0169. Still have 22 cbm fuel oil.
			U-618

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43

- 28 -



	continued
	30.03.43
	20.00	AL 0153 upper-left
		WNW 8, Sea 7, very high WNW-Swell, rain and hail squalls, Vis. 1-8 nm, 1001 mb
	23.50		Incoming Radio Message 2252/30/87: (Excerpt)
			1.) For Zetsche, Baberg, no supply. Begin return transit accordingly. From tomorrow at 08.00 switch to Diana Circuit.
	24.00	AL 0116 upper-right
		WbyN 7, Sea 6, hail showers, squalls, 1004 mb

	31.03.43
	03.27		Outgoing Radio Message 0247/31/875:
			From Baberg:
			Request return transit via Wolfbauer to replace unusable Fu.M.B. cables (reported on 8 March) and supply fuel for economical return transit.
	04.00	AL 1877 upper-center edge
		W 7, Sea 6, high W-Swell, hail showers, misty, 1002 mb
	08.00	AL 1931 center-right
		WSW 7, Sea 6, high WSW-Swell, rain and hail showers, 1003 mb
	08.40 - 09.40		Test dive.
	12.00	AL 1929 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 129.7 nm, Submerged 4.3 nm.
		W 6, Sea 5, high WSW-Swell, rain showers, Vis. 6 nm, 1005 mb
	13.34		Incoming Radio Message 1259/31/783 (Excerpt):
			1.) To be refilled from "Wolfbauer": Schwaff, Schug, Bahr, Freyberg, Baberg each by 23 cbm. Pitzsch by 24 cbm.
	16.00	AL 1958 center
		W 6, Sea 5, long W-Swell, Vis. 6-10 nm, 1008 mb
	22.30		Outgoing Radio Message 2122/31/788:
			From Baberg AL 4119:
			Question immediately to "Wolfbauer". Otherwise will occupy AK 66 as attack area. Still only 3 operable binoculars. W 3, 1008 mb rising, misty, Vis. 4 nm, +7°C.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43

- 29 -



	continued
	31.04.43
	23.38		Incoming Radio Message 2322/31/790:
			To Baberg:
			Occupy temporary attack area. First move off when several boats supply. Departure orders to follow. Circuit remains Diana.
	24.00	AL 4118 lower-right
		W 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. bad, 1013 mb

	01.04.43
	04.00	AK 6369 center-right
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, light SW-Swell, drizzle, 1015 mb, Vis. 3 nm
	08.00	AK 6394 center-right
		SW 5, Sea 4, light SW-Swell, completely overcast, misty, 1016 mb
	08.37		Dived to recharge the torpedoes and for propulsion system checks on the engines.
	12.00	AK 6389 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 102.5 nm, Submerged 7.2 nm.
	15.16		Surfaced.
	16.00	AK 6621
		SSW 5, Sea 4-5, medium SSW-Swell, misty, Vis. 5-6 nm, broken trough cloud deck, 1019 mb
	20.00	AK 6611 lower-center edge
		SSW 5, Sea 4-5, medium SSW-Swell, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1018 mb
	24.00	AK 6641 center	Back and forth in the attack area at night with E-motors to save fuel.
		SSW 5, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 3-4, medium SSW-Swell, 1021 mb

	02.04.43
	04.00	AK 6644 lower-center edge
		SSW 5, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 3 nm, 1020 mb
	08.00	AK 6671 upper-center
		SSW 4, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 4 nm, medium S-Swell
	08.46		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43

- 30 -



	continued
	02.04.43
	12.00	AK 6674 center	Day's run: Surfaced 72 nm, Submerged 12 nm.
	14.57		Surfaced.
	15.06		Incoming Radio Message 1441/3/713: (Excerpt)
			1.) Baberg leave attack area so that "Wolfbauer" can be reached with at least 5 cbm.
	16.00	AK 6671 lower-center
		S 5, Sea 4, long medium-high Swell, misty, Vis. 6-8 nm, 1018 mb
	20.00	AK 6611 lower-left
		S 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. up to 12 nm, medium S-Swell
	24.00	AK 6622 lower-center
		SbyE 5-6, Sea 4-5, misty, 1016 mb, Vis. medium, medium S-Swell

	03.04.43
	04.00	AK 6634 left edge upper
		SbyE 6, Sea 5, misty, 1014 mb
	08.00	AK 6629 upper-left
		WSW 4, Sea 3, at times rain, 1015 mb
	08.37 - 09.14		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6654 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 108.2 nm, Submerged 7.8 nm.
		WSW 4, Sea 4, 1015 mb, misty
	16.00	AK 6646 upper-right
		WbyS 5, Sea 4, medium SW-Swell, misty, 1016 mb
	20.00	AK 6671 center
		WbyS 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 10 nm, 1017 mb
	24.00	AK 6671 center
		WbyS 5, Sea 4, 6/10, 1018 mb

	04.04.43
	04.00	AK 6647 upper-center
		WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, misty, 1017 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43

- 31 -



	continued
	04.04.43
	08.00	AK 6641 lower-center edge
		WbyS 5, Sea 4, medium S-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1017 mb
	08.58 - 09.37		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6614 center	Day's run: Surfaced 69.7 nm, Submerged 6.7 nm.
		SWbyW 6, Sea 4-5, Vis. 12 nm, 1015 mb, Vis. medium
	16.00	AK 6645 center-right
		SW 6, Sea 5, Vis. 12 nm, 1015 mb
	20.00	AK 6676 lower edge left
		SW 5, Sea 4, misty, 1010 mb, medium Swell
	23.14		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Going to take over fuel. U-618
	24.00	AK 6833 center
		W 5, Sea 4, misty, Vis. bad, 1013 mb

	05.04.43
	04.00	AK 6829 upper-center
		W 7, Sea 5-6, misty, Vis. 4 nm, 1016 mb
	08.00	AK 6851 lower-left
		W 6, Sea 5, 3/10, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	08.40 - 09.08		Test dive.
	12.00	AK 6872 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced 116 nm, Submerged 1.6 nm.
		NW 5, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. 14 nm, light NW-Swell
	13.51		Incoming Radio Message 1305/5/763: (Excerpt)
			2.) Baberg take over remaining inventory of about 75 cbm and required binoculars as far as are at hand from Wolfbauer and afterwards head for square AJ 68.
	16.00	AK 9136 lower-center
		WNW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 14 nm, light NW-Swell, 1028 mb
	20.00	AK 9167 lower-right
		S 4, Sea 3, completely overcast, fog, Vis. up to 3 nm
	24.00	AK 9422 upper-center edge
		SSW 3, Sea 3, light N-Swell, fog

	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43

- 32 -




	06.04.43
	04.00	AK 9454 left edge lower
		SSW 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 1 nm, 1030 mb
	08.00	AK 9478 lower-left corner
		SSW 3, Sea 2, light N-Swell, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1030 mb
	09.22		U-boat in sight bearing 45°T.
			It is U-86, by his navigation is at the supply point and is searching for the supplier.
			Compared navigation.
	10.00		Continued to square BD 2235, U-86 who has had no navigation fix for 10 days hangs on, because his fresh water generator and bearing direction finder are out of service.
	12.00	AK 8963 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced 58.5 nm.
		SSW 4, Sea 3, light N-Swell, Vis. 6 nm, 1032 mb
	16.00	AK 8998 right edge upper
		SbyW 4, Sea 3, misty, Vis. 5 nm, 1033 mb
	19.40		Bearing signals from "Wolfbauer".
			Initially ran towards on course 120°.
			Then it was determined that the shipyard polarized our bearing direction finder 180° wrong.
			The supplier is located in the opposite direction.
			Came about and ran until the beginning of darkness on course 300°.
	20.00	BD 2317 center
		SSE 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. 8 nm, light W-Swell, 1032 mb
	23.00		Stopped. Remained stopped for the night.
	24.00	BD 2223 center-right
		SSE 2, Sea 2, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1032 mb

	07.04.43
	04.00	BD 2223 center-right
		SSE 3, Sea 2, light S-Swell, 1032 mb
	06.55		Recognition signals exchanged with oncoming U-boat bearing 300°T.
			It is the supplier. "U-463".

	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43

- 33 -



	continued
	07.04.43
	08.00	BD 2223 center-right
		SSE 2, Sea 2, misty, Vis. 5 nm, 1030 mb
	09.00		Ran towards bearing signals from "Freyberg" in direction 208°, to search for him.
	11.15		A U-boat bearing 310°T
			It is U-415.
			After name exchange again came to old search course.
	12.00	BD 2228 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 188.1 nm.
		SSE 3, Sea 2, light S-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1031 mb
	14.00		Came to opposite course and ran back to the supplier again.
	16.00	BD 2226 lower-center edge
		SbyE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1031 mb
	20.00	BD 2281 lower edge left
		SE 3, Sea 2, light S-Swell, 1031 mb
	21.10 - 21.30		Test dive.
	24.00	BD 2253 lower-left
		SE 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, 1031 mb, Vis. 8 nm, light SE Swell

	08.04.43
	02.17		Stopped in square BD 2234.
	04.00	BD 2234 lower-center
		ESE 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. 3 nm, light SE-Swell, 1031 mb
	08.00	BD 2234 lower-center
		SE 3, Sea 2, Vis, up to 5 nm, at times rain, 1028 mb
	08.50		In the morning twilight two U-boats come in sight on the horizon bearing 90°. They are "Pietzsch" and "Freyberg".
	09.30		Came to SE course, 3 knots. Both boats begin supply.
	12.00	BD 2238 lower center edge	Day's run: Surfaced 117.9 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		SE 4, Sea 3, light SE-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1027 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43

- 34 -



	continued
	08.04.43
	12.30 - 15.30		Took over 50 cbm fuel oil.
	13.53		Incoming Radio Message 1329/8/102 (Excerpt):
			1.) In preparation for a patrol line immediately or after completing supply occupy the following areas:
			Rodler square 11, Baberg square 12, Wolfram square 15, Mässenhausen square 19. All BD.
	16.00	BD 2317 right edge lower
		ESE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm, 1026 mb
	16.21		Test dive, afterwards proceeded to square BD 12.
	18.06		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Still have 52 cbm. U-618
	20.00	BD 2238 lower left
		ESE 4, Sea 3, misty, Vis. 6 nm, 1023 mb
	20.07		Incoming Radio Message 1726/8/111:
			1.) As new Group "Adler" Lüdden, Rehe, Uphoff, Kapiztky, Tinschert, Bülow, Müller,Möhlmann, Köppe, Rodler, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Poel, Heinsohn, Pückler and Baberg on 11 April at 08.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 7237 [typo AK 7257] to BD 1959, course 225, day's run: 100 nm.
			2.) If Poel, Heinsohn and Pückler supply cannot be completed on time, continue without these. Baberg try to be ready on time. No reports. Neide after filling occupy AK 87.
			3.) NE-bound convoy is expected morning of 11 April.
			4.) By this Paragraph 1 of Serial No. 102 of 8 April is settled.
	24.00	BD 2227 center-right
		ESE 4, Sea 3, misty, Vis. 5 nm, 1029 mb

	09.04.43
	04.00	BD 2217 lower-left
		SE 4, Sea 3, misty, completely overcast, medium SE-Swell, 1015 mb
	08.00	BD 2129 lower-right
		ESE 5, Sea 4, medium S-Swell, Vis. 4 nm, 1010 mb
	12.00	BD 2158 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 111.6 nm, Submerged 1.7 nm.
		SE 5, Sea 4 misty, Vis. 6 nm, 1005 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43

- 35 -



	continued
	09.04.43
	16.00	BD 2187 lower-center
		SSE 6, Sea 5, rain, Vis. 2-4 nm, 999 mb
	20.00	BD 2488 center
		SbyW 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. good, medium S-Swell, 999 mb
	24.00	BD 2419 lower-center
		SSW 4, Sea 4, rain shower, Vis. 3 nm, medium SW-Swell, 1002 mb

	10.04.43
	04.00	BD 2447
		SSW 5, Sea 4, medium SW-Swell, misty, 1001 mb
	08.00	BD 1696 left edge lower
		SbyW 8, Sea 7, very high SW-Swell, rain, Vis. bad, 989 mb
	08.56		Dive to work on the torpedoes.
	12.00	BD 1932 center	Day's run: Surfaced 92.7 nm, Submerged 6.7 nm.
	16.00	BD 1934 center-right	Surfaced.
		SW 7, Sea 5, very high SW-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1004 mb
	16.34		Incoming Radio Message 1558/10/155:
			1.) Boats operating on Bülow-convoy form Group "Adler".
			2.) A new Group "Meise" in listed order: Neide, Poel, Heinsohn, Pückler, Baberg, Wolfram, Mässenhausen on 11 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AK 7593 to BD 4617. Circuit for named boats remains Ireland.
	20.00	BD 1923 right edge upper
		Wind shifts east, Sea 3, rain, Vis. 5 nm, high SW-Swell, 1004 mb
	24.00	BD 164x9 lower-center edge
		NEbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, high Swell, Vis. 4 nm, rain, 997 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43

- 36 -




	11.04.43
	04.00	BD 1296 right edge upper
		NNE 3, Sea 2-3, long S-Swell, rain showers, 998 mb
	08.00	BD 1262 lower-left
		WNW 2, Sea 2, light S-Swell, Vis. 8 nm, 1000 mb
	09.00 - 09.25		Test dive.
	09.28		U-boat bearing 340°T.
			Recognition signals exchanged with U-108. I am positioned by this morning's navigation fix 10 nm too far south, while U-108 was about 15 nm too far north.
	10.15		Ran to the correct position.
	12.00	BD 1261 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 126 nm, Submerged 10.1 nm.
		S 4-5, Sea 3-4, light S-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 999 mb
	13.50		Incoming Radio Message 1325/11/187:
			Group "Meise" today at 14.00 hours reconnaissance line course 230°, day's run 120 nm. At 20.00 hours switch to Hubertus Circuit.
	14.00	BD 1253 lower-center	Began reconnaissance line.
	16.00	BD 1257 upper edge right
		SSE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. medium, medium SW-Swell, rain, 997 mb
	20.00	BD 1275 upper center
		SW 3, Sea 3, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 996 mb
	21.28		A boat reported a convoy at 21.28 hours in BC 3146. Because the signature was not understood, suspect control thought it was sent by U-618.
			Corrected by Short Signal:
			No, my position is BD 1274. U-618
	24.00	BD 1271 upper-left
		W 5-6, Sea 4-5, rain, Vis. 6 nm, medium SW-Swell, 1001 mb

	12.04.43
	04.00	BD 143x center-right
		WNW 7, Sea 6-7, high W-Swell, Vis. 5 nm, 1008 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43

- 37 -



	continued
	12.04.43
	08.00	BD 1451 center
		WSW 3, Sea 3, high W-Swell, Vis. 6 nm, 10xx mb
	09.07 - 09.37		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 1448 upper-center
		SSW 4, Sea 3, rain, Vis. 10 nm, high W-Swell, 1008 mb
	12.50		Incoming Radio Message 1159/12/812 (Excerpt):
			1.) Möhlmann, Neide, Poel, Heinsohn, Pückler, Baberg, Wolfram, Mässenhausen and Müller as new Group "Meise" on 13 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from BC 3298 to 6369. NE-bound convoy was expected about tomorrow.
	16.00	BC 3695 center-right edge
		S 6-7, Sea 6, rain, Vis. 5 nm, high SW-Swell, 1015 mb
	20.00	BC 3925 lower-center edge
		S 8, Sea 7, rain and fog, high SSW-Swell
	24.00	BC 3952 center-right edge
		S 7, Sea 6, misty, Vis. 3 nm, high SW-Swell, 1007 mb

	13.04.43
	02.02		Incoming Radio Message 0133/13/829 (Excerpt):
			2.) U-662 occupy position from Pückler. Pückler and boats southwestward each move back one position to the southeast.
			3.) Then line then with 12 boats is from AJ 9987 to BC 6369.
	04.00	BC 3959 center
		SSW 7, Sea 6, high S-Swell, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1008 mb
	08.00	BC 3989 upper-right	In position in patrol line.
		S 7, Sea 6, high S-Swell, Vis. 5 nm, 1006 mb
	12.00	BC 3994 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 112.5 nm.
		S 7, Sea 6, high S-Swell, Vis. 8 nm, 1001 mb
	15.30		Test dive.
	16.00	BC 3995 center-left
	16.10		Surfaced.
	17.20		Incoming Radio Message 1623/13/838:
			As new Group "Meise" the following boats on 14 April 10.00 hours in patrol line from AJ 9777

	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43

- 38 -



	continued
	13.04.43		via BC 3579 to 6667. Tinschert, Rahe, Lüdden, Rodler, Uphoff, Köppe, Bülow, Möhlmann, Neide, Poel, Holtorf, Heinsohn, Pückler, Baberg, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Freyberg. NE-bound convoy is expected.
	20.00	BC 6333 upper-right corner	Transit to new position.
		SW 6, Sea 5, high SW-Swell, rain, Vis. 6 nm, 1001 mb
	24.00	BC 6334 center-right
		WSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, high SW-Swell, misty, rain showers, 1008 mb, Vis. 4 nm

	14.04.43
	04.00	BC 6352
		WSW 7, Sea 6, very high SW-Swell, Vis. 4 nm, 1007 nm, rain
	08.00	BC 6346 lower-right
		SW 5, Sea 5, very high SW-Swell, Vis. up to 5 nm, light rain, 1016 mb
	10.00		In position in patrol line.
	12.00	BC 6348 center	Day's run: Surfaced 25.8 nm, Submerged 2.2 nm.
		WbyS 6, Sea 5, very high SW-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1021 mb
	16.00	BC 6375 upper-center
		W 5, Sea 4, high W-Swell, Vis. 10-12 nm, 6/10, 1024 mb
	18.15		Incoming Radio Message 1748/14/856:
			To "Meise":
			Keep a sharp lookout. Convoy is expected from about 18.00 hours. If however there is no contact by 23.30 hours proceed in reconnaissance line with course 50°, speed 6 knots. On 15 April at 10.00 hours come about, Course 230°, speed 4 knots.
	20.00	BC 6376 center-right
		WbyS 5, Sea 4, medium W-Swell, Vis. 10-12 nm, 1025 mb, 3/10
	24.00	BC 6348 center-right
		SW 5, Sea 4, medium W-Swell, Vis. 7 nm, misty, 1026 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43

- 39 -




	15.04.43
	04.00	BC 3928 lower-center edge
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, light W-Swell, Vis. 4 nm, 1026 mb
	08.00	BC 3932 upper-left
		SW 3, Sea 3, light W-Swell, fog, Vis. 500 meters, 1026 mb
	09.08 - 09.46		Test dive.
	09.57		Incoming Radio Message 0918/15/862:
			To Group "Meise":
			Contrary to previous orders today 10.00 hours remain in reached position line.
	12.00	BC 3999 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 137.1 nm, Submerged 1.9 nm.
		SW 4, Sea 3, light W-Swell, fog, Vis. 500-1000 meters, 1027 mb
	16.00	BD 1774 upper-right
		SW 3, Sea 2, light W-Swell, fog, Via. 1000-2000 meters, drizzle, 1028 mb
	17.42		Dived to listen because on the surface fog, visibility 100 to 200 meters.
	19.00		At periscope depth for Program time. As before fog, visibility 500 meters.
	20.00	BD 1774 center-right
	21.00		Surfaced. Visibility 500 to 1000 meters.
	22.05		Incoming Radio Message 1927/15/873 (Excerpt):
			1.) All boats according to visibility and weather conditions back and forth in the direction of the patrol line at increased speed or listening dive ensure monitoring as far as possible. See Kommandanten Handbook Paragraph 373, insofar as corrected, and old Standing Order No. 8. Further NE-bound convoy experted from tonight.
	24.00	BC 3999 upper-left corner	At increased speed moved back and forth in the direction of the patrol line.
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, light SW-Swell, Vis. improving to 7 nm, 1031 mb

	16.04.43
	00.25		Incoming Radio Message 2330/15/876 (Excerpt):
			1.) Group "Meise":
			Monitor enemy convoy voice wavelength 124 meters. Report if there are observations.
	03.05		Visibility deterioration by fog to 500 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43

- 40 -



	continued
	16.04.43
	03.29		Dived to listen because on the surface nothing more can be made out.
	04.00	BD 1777 lower edge right
	08.00	BC 3999 upper-right corner
	09.30		Surfaced. Vis. 5 nm
	10.15		Voice traffic on convoy voice wavelength, very low Volume.
	12.00	BD 1774 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 108.5 nm, Submerged 20.7 nm.
		SWbyW 4, Sea 3, light SW-Swell, 2/10, Vis. 4-10 nm, 1032 mb
	12.37		Incoming Radio Message 1220/16/885:
			To "Meise"
			Monitor well. Convoy still suspected west of the line. Boats that are still not in the line stop.
	16.00	BC 3996 center-right
		WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, completely overcast, Vis. greatly changing, 3-8 nm, 1032 mb
	20.00	BD 1777 upper-left corner
		WbyS 4. Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm, 1032 mb
	21.58		Incoming Radio Message 2059/16/89x:
			1.) Group "Meise" from 21.00 hours proceed in reconnaissance line course 50°, speed 7 knots. Brosin to Popp join in appropriately.
			2.) Entire group on 17 April 10.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 6782 via BD 1154 to 4231.
	24.00	BD 1772 center-right
		SW 4, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm, 1032 mb

	17.04.43
	04.00	BD 1756 upper-right
		S 3, Sea 2-3, misty, Vis. 4 nm, 1030 mb
	08.00	BD 1814 center-right
		S 3, Sea 3, light SW-Swell, fog, Vis. 1000 meters, 1027 mb
	09.03 - 11.00		Dived.
	12.00	BD 1813 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced 154.1 nm, Submerged 4.9 nm.
		SSW 4-5, Sea 4, fog

	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43

- 41 -



	continued
	17.04.43
	14.40		Incoming Radio Message 1225/17/807:
			1.) Zitzewitz, Fiehn join Group "Meise".
			2.) New Group in named order Brosin, Trotha, Krüger, Kottmann, Junker, Popp, Tinschert, Rodler, Zitzewitz, Neide, Poel, Holtorf, Fiehn, Heinsohn, Lüdden, Köppe, Bülow, Möhlmann, Pückler, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Freyberg, Rahe, Baberg, Uphoff, Müller on 19 April 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 5798 via 9491 via 9898 to BC 3641. Boat interval 15 nm, NE-bound convoy expected from this time point.
			3.) Low fuel, lubricating oil boats and boats not fully ready for operations after detecting convoy released to supplier. Müller report if operational orders were not carried out.
			4.) From now radio silence except for tactically important reports. Do not allow sighting or locating by aircraft.
	16.00	BD 1816
		SSW 5, Sea 4, light SW-Swell, Vis. greatly changing, 1025 mb
	20.00	BD 1813 upper-left
		WSW 5, Sea 5, medium W-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1025 mb
	24.00	BD 1811 center-right edge
		WSW 6, Sea 5, medium W-Swell, Vis. very good, 4/10, 1028 mb

	18.04.43
	04.00	BD 1494 center-left
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, light W-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1029 mb
	08.00	BD 1449 upper-center
		WNW 5, Sea 4, light W-Swell, Vis. 6-8 nm, 4/10, 1030 mb
	09.04		Dived to work on the torpedoes.
	12.00	BD 1445 center	Day's run: Surfaced 137.9 nm, Submerged 4.1 nm.
	15.05		Surfaced. Continued to new position in patrol line
	16.00	BC 3663 right edge lower
		WbyN 4, Sea 3, light W-Swell, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1030 mb
	20.00	BC 3662 lower-right
		WNW 3, Sea 3, light W-Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43

- 42 -



	continued
	18.04.43
	24.00	BC 3378 lower-center
		SW 5, Sea 4, light W-Swell

	19.04.43
	04.00	BC 3297 lower edge right
		SW 6, Sea 5, medium SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1020 mb
	08.00	BC 3297 lower center edge
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, short steep Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1015 mb
	09.03 -09.40		Test dive.
	12.00	BC 3297 lower-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced 9.3 nm, Submerged 7.6 nm.
		SWbyW 7, Sea 6, short high SW-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb
	16.00	BC 3297 lower-left
		W-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1011 mb
	18.54		Incoming Radio Message 1807/18/839:
			To "Meise":
			In no case may the expected convoy pass the line unseen tonight. Each boat must do its utmost to monitor the assigned area with certainty. If visibility is not perfect for monitoring, dive to listen a minimum of every two hours. On the surface make short quick advances to the dark horizon. This convoy must be detected. The monthly result depends on it.
	20.00	BC 3297 lower-right
		W 6, Sea 5-6, high W-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1009 mb
	24.00	BC 3297 lower-right
		NW 6, Sea 5, high NW-Swell, Vis. 8-9 nm, rain showers, 1012 mb

	20.04.43
	04.00	BC 3297 lower-center edge
		NW 5, Sea 4-5, high NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, 1012 mb
	08.00	BC 3297 lower-center edge
		NW 5, Sea 5, high W-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1012 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43

- 43 -



	continued
	20.04.43
	10.08		Incoming Radio Message 0959/20/845:
			To "Meise"
			Immediately course north, high speed.
	11.40		Incoming Radio Message 1045/20/847:
			1.) Group "Meise" in previous order however without Bülow, Rahe, Baberg and Uphoff on 21 April 10.00 hours with 20 boats be in patrol line from AJ 1684 via 6117 to 6997. Convoy was expected from morning however meeting while in transit is possible.
			2.) Bülow, Rahe, Baberg and Uphoff detach from Group "Meise" and head for BC 63 at 8 knots.
	12.00	BC 3375 center
		WNW 6, Sea 5, high NW-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, snow showers, 1015 mb
	13.30		Outgoing Radio Message 1232/20/136/851:
			BC 3292, going to 63. From Baberg, 26 cbm.
			Request at the beginning of return transit Fu.M.B. cable and provisions from "Metz". Have provisions up to 1 May, Wolfbauer was already exhausted. WNW 6, medium Swell, 1015 mb rising, Vis. very good, snow showers, +5°C.
	13.50	BC 3612 lower-center	Crash dive for flying boat (Sunderland) bearing 80°T on southwest course.
	15.00		Surfaced.
	16.00	BC 3619 center-left edge
		NW 6, Sea 5-6, medium NW-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, snow showers, 1016 mb
	18.22		Incoming Radio Message 1784/20/854:
			Bülow, Rahe, Baberg and Uphoff from 22 April 08.00 hours be in patrol line from BD 1713 to 4116.
			Merger with a Group coming from the east is intended.
			Named boats switch to Ireland Circuit at 24.00 hours.
	20.00	BC 3688 center-left edge
		NW 6, Sea 6, medium NW-Swell, snow showers, Vis. good, 1017 mb
	24.00	BC 3952 upper-center
		WNW 5, Sea 4, Vis. good, 1017 mb

	21.04.43
	04.00	BC 3983 lower edge left
		WbyN 3-4, Sea 3, bright moonlit night, misty, 1018 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43

- 44 -



	continued
	21.04.43
	08.00	BD 1774 upper-left
		WSW 4, Sea 3
	08.54 - 10.58		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 1776 center	Day's run: Surfaced 46.9 nm, Submerged 7.6 nm.
		SW 4, Sea 3, light W-Swell, Vis. 12-14 nm, high cloud deck
	13.40		Incoming Radio Message 1211/21/166:
			Bülow, Rahe, Baberg, Uphoff, Deecke, Pich, Otto, Purkhold, Oelrich, Hasenschar, Gretschel, Manke, Looks, Sträter and Borchers as new Group "Specht" from 22 April 12.00 hours in reconnaissance line from BD 1752 to 7455, course 270°, day's run 168 nm.
			Müller and Winkler lengthen the line in order of their departure from Metz each 20 nm to the north. Assemble according to situation without special report.
			East-bound convoy is expected from 22 April 16.00 hours.
	16.00	BD 4119 center
		SSW 4, Sea 3, light W-Swell, Vis. 2 nm, 1007 mb
	20.00	BD 4122 center-left
		SbyE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 5-8 nm, misty, 1002 mb
	24.00	BD 4132 center-right
		SE 3, Sea 2, misty, Vis. 6 nm, 999 mb

	22.04.43
	04.00	BD 4211
		NNW 4, Sea 2-3, bright night, Vis. good, rain, 997 mb
	08.00	BD 4132
		NW 6, Sea 4-5, rain, Vis. good, medium NW-Swell, 1000 mb
	08.59 - 09.26		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 4121 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 135.3 nm, Submerged 1.3 nm.
		WNW 6-7, Sea 5, Vis. 10 nm, 1002 mb
	16.00	BC 6333 upper edge left
		NWbyW 7, Sea 6, medium W-Swell, Vis. very good, 1004 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43

- 45 -



	continued
	22.04.43
	17.45		Incoming Radio Message 1728/22/758:
			Group "Specht":
			If there is no contact today 24.00 hours remain in position reached as patrol line. Convoy is still expected.
	20.00	BC 6331 upper-right
		WNW 7, Sea 6, medium NW-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 1006 mb
	24.00	BC 6321 center-left edge
		NWbyN 3, Sea 2, medium NNW-Swell, Vis. very good, 1004 mb

	23.04.43
	04.00	BC 6311 right edge upper
		NW 2-3, Sea 2, light NW-Swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, 1000 mb
	08.00	BC 6311 right edge upper
		NW 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good, 10005 mb
	12.00	BC 6311 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 46.8 nm
		NW 2, Sea 2, long W-Swell, Vis. 10-12 nm
	12.17		Incoming Radio Message 1057/23/767 (Excerpt):
			1.) Group "Specht" from 11.30 hours course 335°, day's run 150 nm.
			Bülow, Uphoff, Baberg and Rahe detach and head for "Metz".
	16.00	BC 3983 lower-center edge
		SSW 3, Sea 2, rain, murky, Vis. 6 nm, 995 mb
	17.50		Incoming Radio Message 1705/23/772: (Excerpt):
			In BD 2145 supply from 25 April from "Metz":
			1.) Uphoff, Rahe, Neide, Baberg, fuel and also provisions for economical return transit, Baberg also a cable, Bülow remaining fuel and provisions.
	20.00	BD 1744 upper-right
		NNE 4, Sea 3, medium N-Swell, Vis. 6 nm, rain, 998 mb
	24.00	BD 1725 lower-right
		NbyE 5, Sea 4, high N-Swell, rain, Vis. bad, 989 mb

	24.04.43
	04.00

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

- 46 -



	continued
	24.04.43
	04.00	BD 1499 upper edge right
		NNE 6, Sea 5, high N-Swell, rain showers, 993 mb
	08.00	BD 1557 center-right
		NW 6-7, Sea 6, steep SNW-Swell, hail showers, Vic 6 nm, 995 mb
	98.42 - 09.12		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 1566 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 182.9 nm, Submerged 1.6 nm.
		WbyN 7, Sea 6-7, hail shower, Vis. 10 nm, very steep MW-Swell, 999 mb
	16.00	BD 1389 left edge lower
		W 8, Sea 7, steep W-Swell, rain showers, 1000 mb
	20.00	BD 2145 center
		WSW 9, Se 7, very steep W-Swell, rain shower, squalls, 1000 mb
	23.00		Recognition signals exchanged with U-571.
	24.00	BD 2145 center
		W 7, Sea 6, very steep W-Swell, Vis. good, 1006 mb

	25.04.43
	00.15	BD 2145 center	Stopped. Remained lying stopped over night at the meeting point.
	04.00	BD 2146 center-left
		W 5, Sea 4, high SW-Swell, Vis. good, 1011 mb
	08.00	BD 2146 center-right
		WSW 4, Sea 4, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 8 nm, 1005 mb
	12.00	BD 2145 center	Day's run: Surfaced 133.2 nm
		WSW 5-6, Sea 5, Vis. medium, medium SW-Swell, 1017 mb
	16.00	BD 1396 upper-right
		W 4-5, Sea 4, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1021 mb
	18.30		Supplier bearing 300°T, U-487 in sight, range 8-10 nm.
			two other U-boats bearing 120°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43

- 47 -



	continued
	25.04.43
	18.10 [typo 19.10]		Began fuel oil transfer.
			At the same time U-84 and U-257 supplied.
	20.00	BD 2142 center-right
		WSW 3, Sea 3-4, medium W-Swell, Vis. 10 nm, 1022 mb
	23.49		Supply ended. Began return transit.
	24.00	BD 2151 upper-right
		WSW 4, Vis. good, Sea 3, medium SW-Swell, 1022 mb

	26.04.43
	00.12 - 00.35		Test dive.
	04.00	BD 2183 upper-center
		SW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, misty, 1023 mb
	08.00	BD 2436 lower-left
		WSW 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, 1024 mb
	12.00	BD 2572 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 142.3 nm, Submerged 1.2 nm.
		SW 4, Sea 3, medium W-Swell, Vis. 7 nm, 1026 mb
	16.00	BD 2828 lower-right
		SW 4, Sea 3, misty, Vis. 6 nm, 1025 mb
	19.32 - 19.03		Test dive.
	20.00	BD 2895 left edge lower
		S 3-4, Sea 3, light S-Swell, Vis. 10 nm
	22.43		Outgoing Radio Message 2307/26/7x9:
			Torpedo inventory Baberg: 6 T3, 6 Fat, 2 Atos. Return transit. BD 53. S-4, light Swell, 1025 mb, Vis. good
	24.00	BD 5341 upper-center
		S 6, Sea 5, medium S-Swell, rain, Vis. 4 nm, 1023 mb

	27.04.43
	04.00	BD 5376 center
		S 6, Sea 5, rain, Vis. bad, 1020 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43

- 48 -



	continued
	27.04.43
	08.00	BD 5628	Dived to work on the torpedoes.
		S 6, Sea 5, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 6 nm, 1022 mb
	12.00	BD 5653 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 57.7 nm, Submerged 7.8 nm.
	15.12		Surfaced.
	16.00	BD 5664 lower-center
		SW 6, Sea 5, Vis. 8 nm, 1028 mb
	20.00	BD 6471 upper-center
		SW 6, Sea 5, murky, Vis. 7 nm, medium SW-Swell, 1020 mb
	24.00	BD 6484 center-right
		SWbyW 4, Sea 3, medium SW-Swell, Vis. 6-7 nm, 1021 mb
	21.28		Incoming Radio Message 210x/27/735 (Excerpt):
			2. Baberg tomorrow at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.

	28.04.43
	04.00	BD 6498 lower-center edge
		SSW 4, Sea 3, completely overcast, misty, Vis. 4-5 nm, rain, 1019 mb
	08.00	BD 6815 center-right edge
		SSW 4, Sea 3, medium SW-Swell, Vis. up to 6 nm, 1019 mb
	08.03 - 08.45		Test dive.
	12.00	BD 6829 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced 123.2 nm, Submerged 6.6 nm.
		SW 3, Sea 3, completely overcast, misty, fog patches, Vis. 2-7 nm, 1020 mb
	16.00	BD 6863 upper-center
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, completely overcast, misty, Vis. 6-7 nm, 1020 mb
	20.00	BD 6954 left edge lower
		W 3, Sea 2-3, light W-Swell, Vis. 12-14 nm, 2/10, 1021 mb
	20.45	BD 6954 lower-right	Crash dive for single engine land-based aircraft (Type: Brewster "Bermuda" or Fairey "Fulmar".)

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43

- 49 -



	continued
	28.04.43
			From 260°T, low flying coming out of the sun. 6 bombs
	21.50		Diesel sounds in approximately 150°T, first loud, then fainter and eventually louder again.
			Listening gear practically unusable due to strong self noise while turning the handwheel.
			Nothing is distinguished through the limitedly operational periscope.
	23.35		Surfaced. Continued transit.
	24.00	BD 6959 upper-left
		W 3, Sea 2-3, light W-Swell, starry clear, Vis. 6-7 nm, 1021 mb

	29.04.43
	04.00	BE 4771 upper-center
		W 3, Sea 2, bright night, starry clear, Vis. good, 1023 mb
	08.00	BE 4789 left edge upper
		NW 1, Sea 1, light NW-Swell, Vis. good, 1023 mb
	10.12		Surfaced.
	12.00	BE 4795 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced 137.9 nm, Submerged 12.8 nm.
		NW 2-3, Sea 2, low cloud deck, Vis. good
	13.45		Incoming Radio Message 1308/29/6x (Excerpt):
			Return harbors: St. Nazaire for Lamby, Bülow, Baberg.
	16.00	BE 4894 upper-center
		W 4, Sea 3, light W-Swell, Vis. good, 1026 mb, 2/10
	20.00	BE 4976 upper-center
		NW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. very good, 1027 mb
	24.00	BE 4996 upper-left
		N 4, Sea 3-4, light NW-Swell, 5/10, Vis. good, 1030 mb

	30.04.43
	04.00	BE 5785 upper-center
		N 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, starry clear night, 1029 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43

- 50 -



	continued
	30.04.43
	07.25		Dived.
	08.00	BE 5796 lower edge left
	12.00	BE 5874 lower-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced 190.4 nm, Submerged 13.6 nm.
	14.10		Surfaced.
	16.00	BE 5885 lower-center edge
		NNE 3-4, Sea 3-4, light N-Swell
	20.00	BE 5976 lower-left corner
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, light NbyE-Swell, Vis. very good, 1032 mb, changing cloudiness
	22.48		Dived.
	24.00	BE 5994 lower-edge right	In the course of the night several detonations.

	01.05.43
	04.00	BE 5995
	06.53		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
	08.00	BE 9112 center	Dived.
		N 2-3, Sea 2, light NNE-Swell, 4/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1032 mb
	12.00	BE 9113 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced 110 nm, Submerged 30.6 nm.
	14.00		Surfaced.
	16.00	BE 9131 center-left
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, confused Swell, Vis. 12-14 nm, 4/10, 1030 mb
	20.00	BE 9221 center-right
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, light N-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, 5/10, 1027 mb
	21.40		Crash dive for land-based aircraft bearing 80°T, close over the horizon in approach.
	24.00	BE 9232 center-left

	02.05.43
	04.00	BE 9233 center
	06.55		Surfaced.
	08.00	BE 9312 upper-right
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, light NNE-Swell, Vis. 12 nm, completely overcast
	08.06		Dived.
	12.00	BE 9313 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced 97 nm, Submerged 31 nm.
	13.55		Surfaced.
	15.35	BE 9334 lower-left corner	Crash dive for "Stirling" bearing 140°T on course 60°, very high.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43

- 51 -



	continued
	02.05.43
	20.00	BF 7115 upper-left corner
	20.15		Surfaced.
	20.30	BF 7112 lower-center edge	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 70°T in approach, range 4 nm.
	24.00	BF 7121

	03.05.43
	04.00	BF 7122 center
	06.48		Surfaced.
	08.00	BF 7132 upper-right
		NNE 5, Sea 4, medium NNE-Swell, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1022 mb
	08.05		Dived.
	12.00	BF 7211 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced 57 nm, Submerged 41.2 nm.
	13.52		Surfaced.
	14.23	BF 7212 left edge upper	Attacked by Halifax.
			6 bombs out maneuvered on the surface, then dived. Machine gun hits in conning tower cladding.
			In front of the bow turret of the aircraft during the approach a reddish-white light was seen (no muzzle fire!)
	16.00	BF 7223 upper edge left	Surfaced.
		NNE 5, Sea 4-5, medium NNE Swell, misty, Vis. 8 nm, 7/10-8/10, 1021 mb
	17.02	BF 7222 left edge upper	Crash dive for Halifax bearing 270°T on course 150°, range = 5-6 nm.
		NE 6-7, Sea 5, increasing Swell, low clouds, Vis. very bad due to overcoming seas
	20.00	BF 7223 upper edge left
	24.00	BF 4887 center

	04.05.43
	04.00	BF 4888 lower-center
	06.37		Surfaced.
	08.00	BF 4898 center-left
		NE 6, Sea 5, high NE-Swell, Vis. 8 nm, misty, 1020 mb, low clouds
	09.10	BF 4977 center-left	Crash dive (detection horizontally polarized 169 cm).
	12.00	BF 4978 center-left edge	Day's run: Surfaced 40.4 nm, Submerged 41.5 nm.
	13.50		Surfaced.
	16.00	BF 8124 upper-left
		NE 6, Sea 4-5, high NE-Swell, Vis. 8-9 nm, 1020 mb, low cloud deck
	16.02		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

- 52 -



	continued
	04.05.43
	20.00	BF 8122 center-right
	21.25		Surfaced.
	21.31		Outgoing Radio Message 2032/4/32:
			7. U-Flottille from Baberg:
			Will be at point Herz 438 on 7 May 14.00 hours. Am missing Serial No. 64 from 2 May, unclear 98 from 3 May.
	21.40		Dived.
	24.00	BF 4999 lower-center edge

	05.05.43
	04.00	BF 5777 center
	06.38		Surfaced.
	08.00	BF 5784 lower-center	Dived.
		NE 3, Sea 2-3, medium NE-Swell, 10/10, low clouds, Vis. 12 nm, 1013 mb
	12.00	BF 5785 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced 53 nm, Submerged 39.6 nm.
	13.58		Surfaced.
	14.15		Incoming Radio Message 0904/5/48:
			U-618 from 7. U-Flottille:
			Escort positioned on 7 May and 14.00 hours Herz 438.
	14.40		Recognition Signals exchanged with U-257.
	14.45		A further U-boat surfaced bearing 100°T. Range 4 nm. Course 270°. Did not answer to call and dived immediately again.
	15.17		Dived.
	16.00	BF 5795 center	Continuous depth charge detonations.
	20.00	BF 5796 upper-center
	24.00	BF 5874 upper-right

	06.05.43
	04.00	BF 5876 left edge upper
	06.25		Surfaced.
	08.00	BF 5886 upper-left	Dived.
		NNW 3, Sea 2-3, light NW-Swell, 5/10, Vis. 14 nm, 1003 mb
	12.00	BF 5894 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced 32.7 nm, Submerged 41.5 nm.
	13.58		Surfaced.
	14.24		Outgoing Short Signal:
			Request Radio Beacon Group 2 on 7 May 09.00 hours.
			U-618
	15.05		Dived.
	16.00	BF 6778 lower-left
	20.00	BF 6779 upper-left
	21.20		Incoming Radio Message 1750/6/92:
			To U-618 from 7. U-Flottille.
			Radio Beacon Group 2 runs on 7 May from 09.00 to 14.00 hours.
	24.00	BF 6773 lower-right

	07.05.43
	04.00	BF 6754 center-right
	08.00	BF 6752 lower-center
	09.21		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43

- 53 -



	continued
	07.05.43
	12.00	BF 6497 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced 45.3 nm, Submerged 47.7 nm.
		NNW 4, Sea 3
	14.00		Taken in ground mine convoy.
	16.00	BF 6463 upper-center
		NW 2-3, Sea 2
	18.20		Made fast St. Nazaire Lock.


		On board, 7 May 1943:
			Oberleutnant zur See and Kmdt.

	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

Sketches	Combat sketches

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

on the K.T.B. of "U-618" (Baberg) from 21.2.43-7.5.43.

An unsuccessful and disappointing patrol of the Kommandanten. Despite participation in several promising convoy operations and the very long duration of the patrol the Kommandant had no attack opportunities and found no enemy contact.

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

- The Chief of the Operations Department.-

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	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-618" (Baberg) from 21.2.43-7.5.43.

	An unsuccessful and disappointing patrol of the Kommandanten. Despite participation in several promising convoy operations and the very long duration of the patrol the Kommandant had no attack opportunities and found no enemy contact.

		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department.-