U-652 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Trondheim
23 August 1941
Lorient
18 September 1941
27

 

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

Ships Attacked
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
26 Aug 41
00.44
62°51'N, 9°37.5W
HMS SOUTHERN PRINCE (damaged)
10.917
British
10 Sep 41
04.52
61°27'N, 41°7.5'W
TACHEE (damaged)
6,508
British
SC-42
10 Sep 41
04.52
61°27'N, 41°7.5'W
BARON PENTLAND (damaged)
3,410
British
SC-42
     
 Total = 20,835
   
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 Wa r 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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 


                                                                               
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
         
           
           
             K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
             ======================  
                                    of  
        U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "U-652"  
        =============================  
                          (2nd War Patrol)  
                        (1st Atlantic War Patrol)  
           
                        Beginning:  13.8.1941  
                        Ending:      18.9.1941  
           
           
           
           
                            Commander:        Oberleutnant zur See  F  r  a  a  t  z  .  
           
           
           
                                 Distribution: 2 x O.K.M. Sk1.U.  
        1 x B.d.U. Op.  
        1 x B.d.U. Org.  
        1 x 3. U.-Flottille  
        Boat original  
           
    Produced 20.09.41    
    3.U.-Flottille      
           
           
         
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.08.41 - Trondheim Trondheim shipyard period alongside naval repair ship "HUASKARAN".  
    23.08.41    
                                                                  
    19.08.41 Trondheim  
    09.30   Entered drydock.  
                                                                    
    20.08.41    
    10.30   Left drydock.  
    14.10   Departed for sea trial.  
    14.48 - 17.17 Trondheim Roads Test dive.  Deep dive to depth T = 71 meters [actual depth 142 meters] (unintentional.)  Oil trace discovered.  
    20.01   Made fast alongside"HUASKARAN" .  
        Torpedo and provisions loading.  
        Final adjustments and overhaul.             
    21.08.41 Trondheim  
    22.08.41                                                               
    09.05   Departed for sea trial.  
    09.37 - Trondheim Roads Final trim test.  Dive to depth T = 30 meters [60 meters].  
    10.38      
    11.05   Made fast alongside"HUASKARAN" .  
                                                                    
    23.08.41    
    07.30   Shifted to harbor basin IV.  
    08.32   Departed for 2nd war patrol with steamer "ELBING".  
    10.24 -      
    10.29 Trondheimsfjorden Crash dive for training.  Followed by K-muster.  
    11.00 Abeam Agdenes Taken in convoy with "U-570".  Escort a patrol boat.  
        Transit to Point Alexander through Ramsoyfjord.  
    12.00 AF 8332 Day's run:     Surfaced = 33 nm  
      W 1, Sea 0, cloudy, Vis. moderate                  Submerged = 1 nm = 34 nm.  
    13.40 Abeam Terningen Lighthouse    
    14.05   Stopped to deliver mail to patrol boat.  
    16.00 AF 8328    
      W 1, Sea 1, overcast, low clouds, Vis. good    
    17.15 Course 320°, GF Released by escort.  
    17.30   Set off from "U-570" at GF and zig-zag courses 270-310°.  
    19.00 AF 5974 lower-center edge Course 292°, LF begin transit to operations area.  
    20.00 AF 8596    
      NW 2, Sea 1, Vis. medium, overcast    
    24.00 AF 5846    
      NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, scattered rain, Vis. moderate                                                             
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.41
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.08.41 Faroes sea area    
    04.00 AF 5729    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad, very dark    
    08.00 AF 5711 No test dive, to be on time to begin the Iceland-Faroes Passage the next night.  
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium  
    08.30 Course 270°, LF    
    10.05                                             
    11.55 Each 1 drifting mine.  
    12.18    
    12.00 AF 4679 Day's run:     Surfaced = 244 nm.  
      NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium    
    16.00 AF 4589 Bad buildup of clouds for sighting aircraft.  
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 AF 4498    
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good    
    20.18   Correction after a navigation fix 187°T, 11 nm.  
    24.00 AF 4715    
      WNW 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good    
                                                                    
    25.08.41    
    04.00 AE 6925    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. moderate    
    05.07 -      
    06.33 AE 5924 Test dive.  
    08.00 AE 6836    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. medium    
    12.00 AE 6816 Day's run:     Surfaced = 225 nm  
      SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good                  Submerged =    4 nm = 229 nm.  
    13.00   Correction after a navigation fix 285°T, 13 nm.  
    13.30   Course 230°, LF  
    13.40   Radio Message:  1241/25/222 and 1306/25/223:  
        New attack areas, including for "U-652".  
    16.00 AE 6752    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, occasional fog, otherwise Vis. medium    
    18.00   Course 253°, LF  
        From a haze cloud several ships emerge suddenly bearing 290°T, at first impression a large freighter, 1 cruiser and 2 destroyers.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.41
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.08.41 Sea area between Iceland and the Faroes The cruiser is positioned behind the freighter (prominent fighting top).  Enemy course apparently 130° to 150°.  A destroyer is positioned far out to the NE.  The strong protection is remarkable, perhaps a troopship from Iceland.  The freighter has a large broad stack immediately behind the large bridge, 2 masts.  
        Moved off and maneuvered ahead.  At first slowly gaining at AK .  
    20.00 AE 6774    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast,  Vis. medium    
    20.28   KR-KR:  Auxiliary cruiser, cruiser, 2 destroyers square AE 5995, course SE, high speed.  U-652.  
        This Radio Message applies to "U-570" which may still be positioned to the south.  
        Changing visibility conditions.  At times the enemy is completely lost from sight, when he reappears he has moved further ahead.  He zig zags about 30° to both sides around 140°, however, the legs are longer to the south.  
    22.30   I want to give up the battle, however, just now the legs to the east become longer again.  Continue on.  Now I can take position on the other side on the dark horizon, the zig zagging has ceased, the enemy comes on faster.  The brightness of the horizon constantly changes.  Now it is the brightest even in the south.  
    23.00 -      
    23.50   Approached from the SW.  However, while approaching it has been getting light due to the cloud cover breaking up so that I must turn away again and get ahead again.  On this side only 2 destroyers.  
    24.00 AE 9181    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. medium    
                                                                    
    26.08.41    
    00.37   The SE horizon is darkest, approached from there.  On this side 2 destroyers, farthest behind a vessel of unidentified type.  On the other side of the steamer are 2 destroyers, one of which may be a cruiser (2 stacks, 1 thick, prominent mast). Formation of the convoy in Sketch 1.  The stern most steamer or escort grew bigger and bigger, the purpose of this formation is unknown.  
        The forward destroyer (4 stacks, Type U.S.A. destroyer of the Churchill Class) wanders past and stubbornly stays at 800 meters distance in the brightest visibility path.  
    00.44 AE 9185 3-fan from 1800 meters (beyond the screen).  Motor vessel estimated at 9000 GRT.  
        3 G 7e, target speed = 14 knots, target angle  = 50°, range = 1800 meters, firing angle 344°, torpedo depth  = 3 meters.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.41
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.08.41 Sea area between Iceland and the Faroes 1 hit after 2 minutes 03 seconds running time.  Has a low exposed deck forward of of the bridge.  Steamer has a raised forecastle, motor ship of modern design.  High, black explosive pillar, steamer lies stopped.  Lights on the bridge wing which are answered by the forward destroyer.  The rearmost destroyer closed up a bit on the steamer.  Otherwise nothing happens at all, and I am able to run off easily.  No defense, no expected depth charge pursuit.  By turning the rear outer steamer has come to target angle zero abeam.  A large steamer, 10000 GRT, strangely positioned outside of the convoy.  
   

 

00.53

 

 

This steamer turned to port on a reciprocal heading, I turned for a single shot, in the meantime he goes further to starboard all the way around.  Nevertheless coming into shooting position.  However, the enemy is still turning.  The torpedo goes past.  
        Torpedo depth 2 meters, perhaps to take one of the destroyers.  
        Range = 1000 meters, target angle 60°, target speed 14 knots, firing angle 331°.  
        Miss.  
   

 

                       01.50

  I set off to reload.  Then went on the old enemy course to the old shooting location at KF, before me a thick shadow remains steady.  It may be the wounded steamer which wants to sneak off slowly.  Suddenly it is lost from sight.  
        I see nothing more, afterwards I am far from the shooting location.  
    02.15   A shadow bearing 160°T, shifting to starboard.  In the end I have to come to 240° in order to move around him to port.  It is the shot at or hit steamer which may have waited on the far side of the shooting location and ran off at high speed, 2 destroyers are recognized well astern and forward running in the old direction.  Whether the other two destroyers are positioned on the other side, can not be determined.  
    02.40   2 bursting, loud detonations are heard in the boat, however, they do not appear to be from a torpedo impact. (distance 5 nm)  
        The enemy steers 180°.  I do not approach any closer to him, because I am positioned behind him.  Zig zagging.  
    03.19   The enemy is out of sight.  Could not determine the distance in the changing visibility (now very dark), therefore, no exact final location.  
    04.00 AE 9419 Departed on course 270°.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, pitch black, Vis. bad    
    04.01   KR-KR:  Large steamer, 2 destroyers, square AE 9450, general course 140°, 14 knots, zig zagging.  Contact lost, moving off.                                          U-652.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.41
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.08.41 Sea area between Iceland and the Faroes This Radio Message is meant for Gelhause who I suppose is in the Little Minch.  Before I had refrained from sending other messages because practically only the one target was in the convoy.  
    04.45   Radio Message 0430/26/239:  An English unit reports a surfaced U-boat at 03.20 hours in AE 8661.  B.d.U.  
        By our navigation fix and the time it cannot be us.  
    05.15   Course 320° at HHF.  Nevertheless, have evaded to the north  
    07.38 AE 8386 Test dive.  Proceeding submerged.  Repairs to the diesel.  
    08.00 AE 8386 Course 270°, LF.  
    09.38 -      
    13.40   4 depth charges in various ranges.  
    12.00 AE 8384 Day's run:     Surfaced = 242 nm  
                         Submerged =   13 nm = 255 nm.  
    15.21   Surfaced.  
    16.00 AE 8372    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, bright, Vis. very good    
    18.00   Correction after a navigation fix 17°T, 10.4 nm.  
    20.00 AE 8258    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good    
    20.30 -      
    22.45   4 drifting mines.  
    22.00   Course 250°.  
    24.00 AE 8193 Course 230°.  
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. bad-medium    
    22.32   Radio Message 2151/26/258:  Depart attack areas on course 190° at cruising speed.  Because, however, cruising speed is ordered, I guess BF, but that is not on the intended line of advance, because I am not yet in the operations area.  
    23.42   Radio Message B.d.U.:   Tuesday 01.00 hours steamer 9000 tons from convoy of 4 destroyers, apparently sunk AE 9185.  The second steamer escaped.  Behavior during the day and after the shot indicates inexperienced Americans.   Close formation.                   U-652    square AE 8193.  
        I regard this radio message, even in this lengthy form, as necessary; the unusually strong screen and the weak defense was puzzling.  
                                                                    
    27.08.41      
    00.48 "KO"    
    01.31 "OD"    
    03.24 "OT" The Radio Message was sent 2 times, after a misunderstanding by the radio-personne was sent 2 more times, and was not heard.  I then gave up sending.  
    03.35 "OT"  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.41
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.08.41 South coast of Iceland    
    04.00 AE 8424 Meanwhile the Radio Message is resolved, after which we are to search for an English convoy positioned at AE 7560 the previous evening.  
      E 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium  
    03.38   Radio Message 0146/27/269:  "U 652" operate on convoy courses 60°-90°.  
    06.00   I operate on the ordered courses, calculating a speed of advance of 7 knots (as shown in the sketch).  I first search at the southernmost point assigned to me, calculating for the northern points, that the enemy must first break through to the SE - with the continually changing visibility I can hardly count on success.  
    08.00 AE 8481  
      ENE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate  
    07.00 - KF, to make best use of binoculars in the twilight  
    07.30  
    10.12   Crash dive for land-based aircraft bearing 80°T, course 270°.  
    10.57   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AE 8469 Day's run:     Surfaced = 200 nm  
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium                  Submerged =   12 nm = 212 nm.  
    14.18   Radio Message 1411/27/281:  U-boat not clear to dive in square AE 7698.  Boats nearby attempt to help.    B.d.U.  
    16.00 AE 8546    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, heavy cloudy, Vis. good, low hanging clouds    
    16.50   Correction after a navigation fix 284°T, 13 nm.  
        Because I am positioned 60 nm from the reported boat I continue my task.  
    20.00 AE 8553    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, occasional rain, Vis. moderate    
    23.00   Search broken off in accordance with Radio Message 2138/27/287.  
    24.00 AE 8536    
      E 3, Sea 3, heavy overcast, Vis. medium    
                                                                    
    28.08.41    
    01.00   Course 245°.  
    04.00 AE 8557    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium    
    06.00 Changing visibility, rain showers, large Seas 5, long SE-swells    
    06.50 -      
    08.30   Test dive.  
    08.00 AE 8493    
    08.40   270°, 1 diesel LF.  
    12.00 AE 8483 Day's run:     Surfaced = 208 nm  
      NNE 6, Sea 5, heavy overcast, Vis. medium                  Submerged =   5 nm = 213 nm.  
    13.20 AE 8481 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 0°T.  
    14.15   Surfaced.  Both diesels LF.  
    15.21 AE 8472 Crash dive for aircraft (land based) bearing 140°T.  
    16.00 AE 8472    
      NE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast    
    16.24   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.41
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.08.41 South coast of Iceland    
    13.18   Radio Message ordering new allocation of attack areas.  
    20.00 AE 7683    
      NNE 3, Sea 4, swells, changing cloudiness, Vis. good    
    21.30   Correction after a navigation fix 307°T, 8 nm.  
    21.40 AE 7649 Smoke cloud bearing 295°T, seen very far against the red horizon.  Several clouds of smoke appear, apparently an outbound convoy.  Course 270°.  The clouds of smoke disperse again, only 3 remain intense on the horizon. While getting closer and raised high in the swell (it has calmed noticeably) 2 completely separate standing masts are recognized, soon the bridges are also found.  
        Apparently destroyers, the other 3 are trawlers.  Imitating a convoy and exposed by the fact that they did not maneuver.  Search group is positioned in square AE 7566.  Ran off at high speed.  
    23.00 AE 6772 upper edge Large oil slick on the water, the air is saturated with oil fumes.  
        Perhaps the search group belonged to the formation, which engaged U-570.  I believe, that one can hardly help here, looked again at the oil location for anything else, nothing further found.  
    24.00 AE 6772 Course 270°, LF.  
      NNE 1, Sea 1, light swell, Vis. moderate, hazy    
                                                                    
    29.08.41      
    01.00 - Heavy northern lights    
    03.00      
    04.00 AE 7582    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, swells, Vis. good    
    07.30 -      
    08.45 AE 7571 Test dive.  Fuel oil in the forward battery bilge from leakage in internal fuel oil bunker 2.  
    08.00 AE 7493    
    12.00 AE 7482 Day's run:     Surfaced = 185 nm            Course 286°, LF  
      WNW 1, Sea 1, swells, clear air, Vis. very good                  Submerged =  10 nm = 195 nm.  
   

16.00

AD 8645

I considered, that perhaps the search group was positioned behind a convoy, to clear the area and plotted the convoy.  Initial point day before 24.00 hours AE 7529, course 270°.  It was an deception.  
      WNW 2, Sea 1, swells, Vis. very good  
    16.30   1 diesel LF.  
    17.50   Correction after a navigation fix 245°T, 16.3 nm.  
    18.30 AD 8657 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 10°T, distance 12-15 nm, course 270°.  
    19.10   Surfaced.  
    19.20 Course 330°T, 1 diesel LF    
    19.51 AD 8646 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 340°T, distance 7 nm, course 90°.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.41
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.08.41 Southwest coast of Iceland    
    20.00 AD 8646    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. good    
    20.20   Surfaced.  
    20.38 AD 8646 Crash dive for Sunderland bearing 320°T, distance 10 nm, course 140°.  
    21.16   Surfaced.  
    21.36 AD 8643 Crash dive for aircraft type not determined bearing 330°T, distance 10 nm, course 90°.  
    22.50   Surfaced.  
    24.00 AD 8618 Aircraft held on changing courses in squares AD 8640/8610/8620.                                                            Boat is now positioned in the operations area.  
      NW 1, Sea 1, serene, Vis. very good  
                                                                    
    30.08.41 Exit of the Denmark Straits  
    01.33 -      
    05.45   Lying stopped.  
        The cooling water intake valve for the exhaust gas valves is out of service.  Malfunction was noted during the last dive when suddenly full external pressure rested on the piping.  The boat is not clear to dive for the duration of the removal and installation.  Diesels are both out of service for the same time.  
    04.00 AD 8613 I am not certain that the apparently stationary air reconnaissance was for a convoy.  Even at the risk that I miss it, the boat must be clear to dive again first.  
      NE 1, Sea 0, swells, Vis. 8 nm  
        For now, on changing courses in the operations area.  
    07.23 -      
    08.55   Test dive.  
    08.00 AD 8534    
    10.00   1 diesel LF.  
    10.43 AD 8531 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 150°T, distance 8 nm, course 270°.  
    11.42   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AD 8532 Day's run:     Surfaced = 114 nm  
      E 2-3, Sea 2, swells, occasional rain, Vis. up to 8 nm                  Submerged =  18 nm = 132 nm.  
    16.00 AD 8565    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.00 AD 8564    
      ESE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate, rain showers    
    24.00 AD 8531    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, Vis. medium up to 8 nm, swells, heavily cloudy    
                                                                    
    31.08.41    
    00.35 -      
    07.30   Lying stopped.  
    04.00 AD 8297    
      SE 2, Sea 2, Vis. medium, cloudy, northern lights    
    07.00   Navigation shift 352°T, 25 nm.  
    07.34 -      
    08.10   Test dive.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.41
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    31.08.41 Exit of the Denmark Straits    
    08.00 AD 8297 By day back and forth with 1 diesel KF.  
      SSE 1-2, Sea 1, swells, Vis. up to 10 nm    
    12.00 AD 8289 Day's run:     Surfaced = 107 nm  
                         Submerged =    2 nm = 109 nm.  
    16.00 AD 8526    
      S 2, Sea 1-2, swells, cloudy, Vis. good Navigation - shift 222°T, 11 nm.  
    20.00 AD 8564    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, swells, heavily cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 AD 8564    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, swells, Vis. moderate up to 4 nm    
                                                                    
    01.09.41      
    00.17 -      
    07.30 AD 8564 Lying stopped.  
    04.00 AD 8564    
      SE 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, swells, Vis. 7 nm    
    07.26 -      
    08.10 AD 8564 Test dive.  
    12.00 AD 8565 Day's run:     Surfaced = 80 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 10 nm, later rain                  Submerged =  2 nm = 82 nm  
    13.37   Dived to repair the cooling water piping for the thrust bearing of the port tail shaft.  
    16.00 AD 8535    
    20.00 AD 8535    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 12 nm    
    20.14   Surfaced.  
    20.39   Crash dive for flying boat smaller type bearing 250°T, course 90°, distance 4-5 nm  
    21.13   Surfaced.  
    24.00 AD 8562    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 10 nm sometimes better    
                                                                    
    02.09.41      
    00.45 -      
    07.35   Lying stopped.  
    04.00 AD 8562    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm. rain showers    
    07.37 -      
    08.25   Test dive.  
    08.00 AD 8565    
    08.30 SE 1, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    10.43   Crash dive for land-based aircraft, apparently a large bomber, course not determined.  Distance 6 nm.  
    11.24   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AD 8568 Day's run:     Surfaced = 44 nm  
      S 1, Sea 0-1, serene, Vis. good up to 14 nm                  Submerged = 17 nm = 61 nm.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.41
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.41
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.09.41 Exit of the Denmark Straits    
    16.00 AD 8568    
      S 2, Sea 1, light swell, few clouds, Vis. up to 20 nm    
    16.29   Crash dive for land-based aircraft bearing 180°T, flying very fast, course 270°, distance 12 nm.  
    17.15   Surfaced.  
    17.20   Correction after a navigation fix 352°T, 15.2 nm.  
    20.00 AD 8568    
      SSE 1, Sea 0, swells, serene, Vis. very good up to 16 nm    
    24.00 AD 8568    
      S 1, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm    
                                                                    
    03.09.41      
    00.31 -      
    07.41   Lying stopped.  
    04.00 AD 8565    
      Wind calm, Sea 0, swell, northern lights, bright moon, Vis. up to 6 nm    
    07.21 -      
    08.25   Test dive.  
    08.30 AD 8563 Correction after a navigation fix 25°T, 6 nm.  
      Wind calm, Sea 0, swells Into the constant current in the Denmark Straits.  
    11.40   Steamer, 2 yellow thick masts, big stack with a cloud of smoke suddenly on the horizon bearing 280°T.  Distance 12 nm.  
        Ran off and maneuvered ahead.  
    12.00 AD 8533 Day's run:     Surfaced = 83 nm  
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, swells, Vis. up to 18 nm                  Submerged =  4 nm = 87 nm.  
        Steamers zig zags from 10° to 70° about 40°.  
    15.07   Positioned ahead of the enemy.  Dived and steered on a reciprocal course.  Steamer now runs on a steady course of 40°.  
    16.25   Single shot from tube V miss with target angle = 70°, target speed = 14 knots, torpedo speed = 30 knots, firing angle = 197.4°, range = 800 meters, lead angle green 30°, torpedo depth = 3 meters, 1 G 7e.  
        Miss explained only by possible overestimation of speed.  
    16.28   Came about.  Because I can still approach for a shot, shot a G 7e from tube I with target speed = 10 knots.  
        Target angle 126°, leading angle green 15°, range = 1000 meters, firing angle 32.7°, torpedo depth  = 3 meters.  Miss.  
        I can only give him the evil eye.  Steamer was fully loaded, 8000 GRT with course for Reykjavik, had no colors on the side of the hull, no flag, probably anti-aircraft armament on a platform on the counter stern.  
        I can not get ahead of him again during the day, nor can I remain behind him, and reach a shooting position in darkness without coming too close to land.  
    17.58   Surfaced.  Ran off on course 230° in the operations area.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.41
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.09.41 South exit of the Denmark Straits    
    20.00 AD 8375    
      SWbyW 1-2, Sea 1, serene, lightly cloudy, swells, Vis. very good    
    20.35   Correction after a navigation fix 200°T, 10 nm.  
    23.40   Begin set up of the torpedo transfer gear.  
    24.00 AD 8375    
      WSW 1, Sea 1, light swell, Vis. very good    
                                                                    
    04.09.41      
    00.00 -      
    04.45   Transfer of the over deck torpedoes.  
    01.03   Withdrawing forward torpedo. [from the over deck canister]  
    01.10   Forward torpedo withdrawn.  
    01.17   Forward torpedo hatch open.  
    01.31   Forward torpedo hatch closed.  
    02.14   After torpedo hatch opened to pass the torpedo trough through.
    02.17   After torpedo hatch closed.  
    02.20   Withdrawing after torpedo.  
    02.25   After torpedo withdrawn.  
    02.50   After torpedo hatch open.  
    03.00   After torpedo hatch closed.  
        Boat was held against the sea with 1 E-motor at KF.  In spite of filled outer fuel tanks the boat was down by the bow.  The hatch was opened without danger.  For opening the after hatch the regulating and negative buoyancy tanks were pumped out, the E-motors were protected by a makeshift cover of rain gear.  Ballast tank V did not need to be flooded.  
        Afterwards the gear was removed and stowed, mostly below the over deck and  with some in the bow compartment.  
    04.00 AD 8537    
      NW 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, Vis. up to 8 nm, moonshine, clear air    
    04.45 -   Lying stopped.  
    07.25      
    07.29 -      
    08.38 AD 8537 Test dive.  
    08.30 AD 8537    
      NW 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 10 nm, heavily cloudy    
    09.09 AD 8534 Crash dive for land-based aircraft bearing 80°T, 2 motored, very high but close.  
      Course 180°, LF  
        Because the crew is tired from the night and I don't want to be surprised again - the W.O. believes we were not detected - I remain submerged.  
    12.00 AD 8534 Day's run:     Surfaced = 100 nm  
                         Submerged =   22 nm = 122 nm.  
        I made a mistake by not coming to another course.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.41
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.09.41      
   

12.30

 

13.00

  Immediate result:  When I want to go to periscope depth, suddenly at 12.30 hours 3 bombs fall at 28 meters which sound like aircraft bombs.  Some 1000 meters off.  Initially I remain at depth = 25 meters and then go to periscope depth.  Perhaps I have an oil trace and want to get as far away as possible.  
        Without ever being heard, a destroyer with 4 stacks at a distance of 1200 meters bearing 70°T.  Target angle bow right 5-10°, apparently stopped.  
    13.22   Course 200°, depth = 30 meters LF.  
        Destroyer is the same type as in the convoy on 25/26 August 1941, one of the 50 American now in English service.  
   

13.28

14.17

Course 250°, LF

Course 180°, LF

This was the destroyer who had thrown the bombs at 12.30 hours, so it was depth charges, nevertheless, I cannot explain his silent approach to myself.  I want to get away from this phantom companion as quickly as possible.  
    14.20   Went to periscope depth.  
        Nothing is heard in the sound gear, therefore the enemy should be at a greater distance than before remaining stopped at his old location.  Instead, he is again positioned at target angle 0° exactly behind me, also on course 180°, range = 1500 meters.  Now I can only imagine that he has me exactly in the sound locator and follows at the most economical RPM so that I do not hear him in the stern sector.  Even his auxiliary engines cannot be heard.  Around the destroyer an aircraft, apparently a large land-based aircraft flies at the lowest altitude.  I now suppose that the aircraft this morning had seen me and the destroyer was summoned here.  His cautious wait and see behavior, however, I cannot tolerate.  I must suppose that he wants to starve me slowly, because with the bright visibility at night I cannot expect to surface unnoticed at such a distance which he will likely be able to maintain, as up to now he has been successful.  
    14.25   Because I must feel pursued and to escape other attacks, also in defence of his obvious attack or feint at 12.30 hours, I transition for an submerged attack.  
        While running out of target angle 0° bearings I can clearly see the enemy, no flag, no markings, caps on 4 stacks. Otherwise an old tin box.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.41
Miller Center of Public Affairs -  Text and audio of President Roosevelt's Fireside Chat 18: On The USS Greer Incident (September 11, 1941)

 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.09.41 Exit of the Denmark Straits    
    14.39   2-fan from target angle 70°, target speed = 5 knots, torpedo depth = 2 meters, firing angle 75.5°, range = 400 meters, spread width 160 meters, spread angle 14°, G 7e.  
        Miss.  Attack course was calculated incorrectly.  Enemy's course was accepted erroneously as 230°, even though he was unambiguously on course 180° before.  Fast rate of change at the shot suggests the enemy's speed increased which was not apparent in the periscope, because the nearness demanded judicious use.  The enemy must have seen me at the shot, either because he knew I was there, or because he heard me perfectly in the sound-gear.  However, it only occurred to me later, that for these reasons, an undetected shot was hopeless.  
        I actually shot from a target angle of 120°, however was no longer on the calculated attack course, I had to shoot with a large firing angle.  The fan ought to have hit somehow from a range = from 400-500 meters.  I turned sharply to the N and ran off.  The enemy apparently came from the port side, passed over us, and moved away in 130°T.  He gathered speed remarkably quickly.  I was just at depth T = 30 meters [60 meters] and turned at GF as usual on a cross course.  
    14.47   5 depth charges, thrown a little bit over time.  Failures only in the diesel engine room (light bulbs).  Ran off further to the north and still turned and came to GF several times, because now and then the destroyer still comes close by.  
    15.05 Course 330° At silent speed in general direction NW shifted to depth T = 50 meters [100 meters].  In the E-room the bilge floods to the top through the leaky port stern bearing, it cannot be retightened.  Either I have lost the destroyer already or he follows me silently as before to lure me to periscope depth and then engage me.  Sound-gear impulses like a ticking watch are heard perfectly, and to be sure, direction finding.  However, they are weak and irregular.  Other impulses sound like those of our deep depth sounder, at substantial volume  
    15.20 Course 320°  
    16.40 Course 300°  
    17.40 Course 270°  
    17.10   4 depth charges, far off, distance cannot be estimated.  
    19.05 Course 300° Sound-gear ticking bearing 155°T.  
    20.00 AD 8522 Went to periscope depth.  The 5 tons admitted into the bilge was pumped using the hand bilge pump into the forward diesel bilge.  The boat could be held this way.  The flooding controler had to be be switched over to "Pump out".  
      [Normally pumping from the regulating tank was done by compressed air but in this case they had to switch the controler to use the main drain pump.]  
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.41
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.09.41 Exit of the Denmark Straits    
    20.30   Sweep at periscope depth is free.  At depth 20 meters reestablished the old trim condition of the boat using the main bilge pump.  As a result of too vigorous sucking of the pump, at depth 14 meters and with the bow down 15° the stern of the boat protruded above the surface.  
    20.50   Again at periscope depth.  Destroyer bears 60°T on a NW course at about 6-8000 meters.  
        2 flying boats circle near him, 1 of them comes alarmingly close to me.  The stern tube bushing was pulled.  Apparently the packing was compressed.  
    20.55 Course 245°, KF Ran off at depth T = 40 meters [80 meters] at KF to conserve the battery.  
    23.24   1 depth charge far off.  
    24.00 AD 8521    
                                                                    
    05.09.41 Between Iceland and Greenland    
    01.06 AD 8513 Surfaced at darkness.  Bright night, good visibility.  
    01.10 Course 245°, HHF Ran off to the WSW.  
    03.35   Radio Message 1450/4/260:  
        Group Markgraf expect USA destroyers.  
                                                             B.d.U.  
        It is too late now for this message, because I have already retreated too far and would prefer not to continue.  Besides, I had not yet realized that I had tangled with an American, although I must suppose it.  The sound locator worked perfectly for him, the sound pursuit after the depth charge attack gave evidence of inexperience.  
    04.00 AD 6461    
      W 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, Vis. good, bright night, full moon    
    06.13   Radio Message 0937/4/255:  From B.d.U. Group Markgraf advance ordered attack areas 150 nm to the west.  
    07.00 Course 270°, LF    
      W 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    07.44 -      
    08.52 AD 8441 Test dive.  
    10.00 Course 315°, 1 diesel LF    
    12.00 AD 7334 Day's run:     Surfaced = 90 nm  
      NE 1, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good                  Submerged = 37 nm = 127 nm.  
    14.00 Course 180° Correction after a navigation fix 324°T, 24.4 nm.  
    16.00 AD 7378 From the English news service in German language I learn, that President Roosevelt has announced the torpedoing of an U.S.A. Destroyer ("Greer") by a German submarine in the American press.  
      E 2, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 18 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.41
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.09.41 Between Iceland and Greenland This was my target after all.  During the evening hours I will send B.d.U. a thorough report of the circumstances.  
    17.23   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Immediately report who has torpedoed the "Greer".  
    20.00 AD 7357    
      NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good up to 12 nm    
    20.21   Radio Message (Officer only) to B.d.U. from Fraatz:  
        SSD 4 September 12.30 hours two depth charges by a destroyer.  Flag unknown.  Square AD 8534.  Pressure continued.  At 14.39 hours in defense detected 2-fan miss. Mild depth charge pursuit until 23.30 hours.  No failures. Position 7610.  Good weather.  
      After sending the Radio Message a sudden violent squall    
   

20.22

 

21.00

Course 340°, HHF

 

Course 300°

Set off.  I am uncomfortable after monitoring the English broadcasting stations.  Roosevelt has instructed the U.S.A. Navy to destroy the pirates.  Here I have a clear conscience.  Once I was attacked, I tried to destroy the aggressor as an enemy.  I am firmly convinced that I shook off the aggressor in spite of the miss by my torpedo attack.  He lost me after the first subsequent depth charge approach.  
    23.09 AD 7532 Met U-85.  Identification signal exchanged.  Recognition signal not returned from over there.  
    24.00 AD 7297 Greger Morses to me here that he had to dive for 2 aircraft searching for me in the course of the day.  
      ENE 3, Sea 3, Vis. good, heavily cloudy  
                                                                    
    06.09.41      
    00.05   Course 0°, LF.  
    about 03.00   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Concerning new attack areas southeast of Greenland.  
    04.00 AD 7237 Course 215°, LF  
      NE 4, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 5 nm Advance to new operations area.  
    08.00 AD 7284    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, low clouds, from 07.00 hours visibility deteriorating    
    08.14 -      
    09.50   Test dive.  Cleaning the used oil filters for both diesels.  
    12.00 AD 7514 Day's run:     Surfaced = 213 nm  
      ENE 3, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 6 nm                  Submerged =    5 nm = 218 nm.  
    16.00 AD 7486    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. up to 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.41
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.09.41      
    20.00 AD 7123    
      NE 4-5, Sea 4, long swells, light rain, overcast, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    22.00 Visibility deteriorating    
    22.30   Dived due to bad visibility.  
    24.00 AD 7751    
                                                                    
    07.09.41 Greenland sea area    
    00.57 AD 7751 Surfaced.  
    04.00 1 diesel KF against the sea    
      AD 7725    
      NNE 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    08.00 AD 7488    
      NNE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 1 nm    
    08.36 -      
    09.57   Test dive.  
    12.00 AD 7726 Day's run:     Surfaced = 142 nm  
      NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, haze, Vis. 500-1000 meters                  Submerged =  10 nm = 152 nm.  
    16.00 AD 7783    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, swells, overcast, fog    
    17.24   Radio Message 1627/7.228:  from B.d.U. no restrictions on attack areas to the NW.  
    20.00 AK 1128    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, swells, fog    
    24.00 AK 1186    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, swells, Vis. changing from 500 meters to 6 nm    
                                                                    
    08.09.41      
    04.00 AK 1189    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, thick fog    
    08.00 AK 1156    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, occasional rain and fog, overcast    
    08.55 -      
    10.10   Test dive.  
    12.00 AK 1183 Day's run:     Surfaced = 149 nm  
      NNE 2, Sea 2, occasional rain, Vis. 300 to 1000 meters                  Submerged =    4 nm = 153 nm.  
    16.00 AK 1325    
      Sea 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. 1/2-1 nm    
    20.00 AK 1382    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, fog    
    23.50 AK 1382    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. changing up to 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.41
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.09.41 Greenland sea area    
    23.52   80° to starboard surprised by a destroyer in the twilight.  
        Crash dive.  Destroyer circles for a long time nearby. Observed sound gear (scratching sounds), probably self-noises.  No attack possible because of bad visibility conditions.  
                                                                    
    09.09.41      
    02.18   Surfaced.  
    04.00 AK 1185    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, heavily cloudy, Vis. 2 nm    
    08.00 AK 1152    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. up to 5 nm    
    08.41 -      
    10.18   Test dive.  
    12.00 AK 1121 Day's run:     Surfaced = 146 nm  
      N 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. up to 4 nm                  Submerged =   12 nm = 158 nm.  
    16.00 AD 7749    
      NbyE 3, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, occasional rain, Vis. up to 7 nm    
    17.05   Alpha Alpha from U-85:  
        Convoy square 9259, N-course 7 knots.  
    17.10   Course 0°.  No navigation fix for 4 days.  
    17.15   Course 270°.  
    18.16   Radio Message 1748/9/275:  from B.d.U. Group "Markgraf" operate on convoy.  
    20.30   Course 300°.  
    20.47   HHF.  
    20.50   Course 305°.  
    22.35   GF.  
    20.00 AD 9334 We are in luck, today the first day is in a long time in which the sun comes through and the visibility is better.  
      N 4, Sea 3, swells from the NE, Vis. good  
    19.25   Correction after a navigation fix 244°T, 58 nm.  
    21.00   Correction after a navigation fix 105°T, 3 nm.  
    22.45   Course 300°.  
    23.18   The mountains of Greenland suddenly appear out of the haze giving the impression that the navigation has been wrong and we are positioned too near the coast.  
    24.00 AD 6881 Greger and now also Schulze announce the convoy, but with different locations.  
      N 3, Sea 2, swell from the NE, Vis. very good  
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.41
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.09.41 Greenland sea area    
    00.28   Because of the rapid onset of darkness at the coast and the differently given enemy locations bearing signals are requested.  
      Moon in the 3rd quarter, brightest night, cloudless    
           
    00.00   Course 0°.  
    00.08   Course 330°.  
    01.00   Course 270°.  
    01.30   Ahead a low shadow, probably an escort.  It is the convoy.  
        Up to now no bearing marks received, direction finder secured.  
        I set off away from the moon, to get on the dark side.  Now I am exactly behind him after the convoy changed course - he now steers NE.  At about 03.00 hours there is shooting ahead to the NW, and immediately star shells light up there.  This side "is stirred up".  Continued to maneuver ahead on the down-moon side.  For a short time the convoy seems to steer 0°. Against the long swells from NO it is difficult to make headway in the bright sea.  
    03.49   Convoy still always seems to steer east.  Turned to approach. However, I cannot even approach the final ships, because they have blunt target angle and steer NE.  Forward on this side there is only1 destroyer.  Convoy has at least 5 columns, approximately 50 ships over a wide area of several miles  
    04.10   Try to break into the convoy from astern.  
      East coast of Greenland Green and red flashes seem to suggest variations or turns of the individual columns.  They all steer on slightly divergent courses.  
    04.50   Now I stand in the convoy ahead of the final ships and can soon turn for the attack.  I have selected a tanker, behind there are still enough other targets for the other available bow tubes.  
        Suddenly from starboard, the final ship of the right column shoots with 8.8 cm.  The shots lie 300 meters away.  From port astern am fired at by 2 cm MG with red tracer over the tower and the net cutter.  
    04.52   Turned to port to shoot.  
        1 single shot each G 7e on a tanker, 7000 GRT and a freighter 4000 tons.  
     
Firing data for 1)
target speed = 7 knots, target angle =  120°, range = 2000 meters, other values not noted.  
     
Firing data for 1)
Shot in a turn, target angle 99°, target speed = 7 knots, range = 2000 meters, leading angle green 13°, firing angle 4°.  
        While turning for the 2nd shot the nearest shell is already at 150 meters, also the MG has homed in.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.41
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.09.41 East coast of Greenland    
    04.53   Crash dive to depth T = 50 meters [100 meters].  
        While diving 2 torpedo detonations after 3 min and 3 minutes 10 seconds.  This must have been our shots.  
    04.57 -      
    05.00   7 depth charges, reasonably placed, but without the necessary depth setting.  Likely thrown from the steamer, as the final ship of the port center column had fired at us with MG from obliquely astern.  Escorts were not in close proximity.  
        Ran off between 220° and 150°.  
        In the sound gear propeller sounds from 2 vessels, rapidly beating propellers, which are possitioned astern to port and starboard, of these the port one seems to be equipped with S-gear.  The escort to starboard stops frequently.  Because I have a lot of self noise under upper deck after the torpedo transfer, I cannot completely rely on the testimony of the sound man with respect to the sound-gear. Ticking sounds with a second beat, between them tweets.  Only this can be concluded with certainty.  
        No matter what I do, the two of them always move out to their old positions after a while, Volume varying between 2 and 5.  Then one hears sounds, as if lines or gear were thrown overboard.  Even if I turn 180, the propellers come back again.  I suppose some detecting device, but I do not understand the low number of targeted depth charges.  
    05.06 -      
    10.27   17 depth charges at differing ranges, with the nearest few 100 meters off.  
    after 11.00   7 depth charges, far distant, probably for another boat.  
    08.00 AD 6852    
    12.00 AD 6824 Day's run:     Surfaced = 183nm  
                         Submerged =   22 nm = 205 nm.  
    14.08 SSE 1, Sea 0, swells, Vis. very good Surfaced.  On the horizon a steamer still lies in direction of the battlefield.  Because I suppose there is still an escort, I run off to the south.  
    16.00 AD 6887 Course 40°.  
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, swells, Vis. very good, heavily cloudy Behind the convoy to get rid of my last 3 torpedoes.  
    20.00 AD 6836    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 1, swells, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good    
    21.00   Correction after a navigation fix 197°T, 28.2 nm.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.41
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.09.41 East coast of Greenland    
    21.14   Schulze reports the convoy in square 6632 at 19.30 hours. Therefore I will not approach tonight.   However, at twilight I want to be positioned nearby to get contact as the morning begins  
    14.00 AD 8667    
      S 2, Sea 2, swells from the NR, heavily cloudy, Vis. good    
                                                                    
    11.09.41      
    00.20   Schulze reports the enemy is in square 6624 at 21.00 hours.  
    02.34   GF  
    01.30   A enormous flaming pillar is sighted bearing 350°T.  Ahead and to port star shells.  
    04.00 Course 20° In the mean time the burning steamer has since shifted abeam and astern.  I am now positioned behind the convoy, however, I as new star shells are fired, I can see I am considerably far off.  2 flying boats circle nearby with lights set (on the side) low behind and ahead of the steamer which trails the convoy at low speed. I am often hindered in maneuvering ahead, because I often must go at KF because of the approaching boats.  
      AD 6638  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, medium long swells, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, bright night  
        Initiated attack on the single steamer.  
    04.56 AD 7177 2-fan (last bow tubes) with G 7e and G 7a.   
        Range = 2000 meters, target angle 90°, speed 5 knots, firing angle 7.2°, torpedo depth 3 meters.  
        Miss.  G 7a surface runner, G 7e repeatedly breaks the surface of the water.  Shots otherwise not explained. Enemy does not turn away, firing data determined to be perfect.  
    05.35 AD 7174 Turned away for a stern shot.  
        Tube V, G 7e, depth 3 meters, target angle 72.5°, target speed = 4 knots, firing angle 203°, range = 2000 meters.  
        Miss unexplained.  
        Ran off for the return transit.  With 1 G7a, 60 cbm.  Still several detonations bearing 40°T (1 tanker tongue of flame) so I must assume that there is still a contact keeper with the convoy.  Only later I recognize that I have acted only from experience, not however, in accordance with orders.  
    05.52/06.09/08.33 Alpha Alpha:  Short signal:  from U-652:   
      Sent 3 x, with 3 confirmations "Beginning return transit".  
    06.00   Am pursued by a remarkable flying boat which turns away, again and again when I go to KF.  Finally, it comes so near that I must dive.  
    06.19   Crash dive.  
    06.42   Surfaced.  
    08.00 AD 7443 Course 150°.  
      S 3-4, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.41
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.09.41 Sea area off the east coast of Greenland    
    08.00 S 3-4, Sea 2, heavily cloudy I cannot imagine, that these flying boats are capable of picking up a short signal and searching for an enemy with certainty in the indicated direction.  It is amazing that Schulze is also surprised at night by a flying boat while sending bearing signals.  
    10.01 AD 7484 Thick smoke cloud bearing 160°T.  A single steamer on course 40°, medium speed.  Maneuvered ahead for a submerged shot, for this purpose tube V is reloaded.  
    10.31   Radio Message 0907/11/208:  U-652 from B.d.U.:  
        If at all possible maintain contact.  
        Because I am already too far off and am in contact with the enemy, I continue on.  
    10.55   A small cloud of smoke bearing 30°T, in addition later a masthead, bridge.  It is an escort positioned on the edge of twice the limit of visibility ahead of the steamer.  Whether they are related, is not evident.  
        I am exactly between between both.  
    11.11 AD 7483 Crash dive for attack.  
        The escort is a kind of torpedo boat or coastal patrol boat, painted dark green, in front a small cannon.  Circles continually ahead of the steamer, at the shot he passed on his starboard side and is positioned [with the steamer] astern to port.  
    12.00   Day's run:     Surfaced = 251 nm  
                         Submerged =   10 nm = 261 nm.  
    12.05   Single shot from tube V.  G 7a, depth 3 meters, target angle 98.5°, torpedo speed = 40 knots, target speed = 9 knots, range = 400 meters, firing angle 175.5°.  
        Miss.  Unexplained.  Possibly incorrect speed estimate.  "true target angle" amounted to 120°.  At the low range the torpedo should still have hit.  The enemy's speed was higher rather than lower, the increased target angle set would have compensated for the speed set too low in the final result.  Enemy was a steamer of 9000 GRT (estimated), gray painted high superstructure, marked" Republica de Panama".  Name not read.  
        After the shot went to depth T = 40 meters [80 meters].  
    14.00   Although [at first] the propeller sounds of the escort in the vicinity were held, they subsequently stopped, however, reappeared again.  
        Perhaps the escort has shifted his sector astern of the steamer or it is another, who from the outset had the stern sector and now approaches the  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.41
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.09.41 Southeast of Greenland    
        shooting location, remains around us for some time without stopping and listening.  
    15.30 AD 7488 Surfaced.  
    16.00 AD 7488    
      S 2, Sea 1, overcast, light fog, Vis. 2 nm    
    17.04   Radio Message 1040/11/227:  To B.d.U.:  Since early Tuesday driven off, transit continues.  From convoy 3 steamers 20000 GRT, of them 2 likely.  A lot of misses.  naval square 7489.  
                                                                     Fraatz.  
    17.29   Crash dive for aircraft ahead in the fog.  
    18.21   Surfaced, ran off to the east.  
    19.47 Course 150°. U-boat ahead to starboard on the horizon, parallel course.  Is German type.  
    20.00 AD 7793    
      S 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good, swells    
    20.17   Recognition signals exchanged with "U-82".  Communicated by Morse.  
    24.00 AK 1255 From 22.00 hours cruising speed HF.  
      SSE 2-3, Sea 1, swell, overcast, fog    
                                                                    
    12.09.41    
    04.00 AK 1439    
      SE 3, Sea 2, fog    
    08.00 AK 2521    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, occasional rain, haze, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    09.00 -      
    09.25   Test dive.  
    12.00 AK 2593 Day's run:     Surfaced = 240 nm  
      S 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. up to 1 nm                  Submerged =   13 nm = 253 nm  
    16.00 AK 2872    
      SbyE 2, Sea 1, Vis. changing 1-4 nm    
    20.00 AK 0227    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog    
    22.56   Radio Message 2145/12/271:  Return port for U-652 is Lorient.                                               B.d.U.  
    24.00 AK 0298    
      SEbyS 2-3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, rain showers, fog    
                                                                    
    13.09.41 North Atlantic  
    04.00 AK 6192    
      S 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. up to 1 nm, fog    
    04.53 AK 6196 A large shadow bearing 120°T (30° to port), 1 nm off.  Easily seen in the bright night, after we have come so close.   Behind yet another steamer, convoy course probably 230°.  
        Turned and put it astern   Astern still 1 steamboat, 1 destroyer farther outside to starboard.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.41
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
           
    13.09.41 North Atlantic    
        Again turned, put the whole group astern.  
    05.00   KR KR:  Convoy MT 6196, course southwest, fog.  
                                                                   Fraatz.  
    06.24

 

Visibility becomes worse up to 1000 meters, later barely 500 meters

Directly ahead bearing 230°T at 1 nm a destroyer.  Turned, hurried after.  The visibility hardly allows contact keeping, the danger of the surprise will be much greater.  
         
    08.00 AK 6423    
      S 4, Sea 3-4, fog    
    08.34   0630 Alpha Alpha:  Have lost contact with the reported enemy force in square 6198.  Southwesterly course.  
                                                                   U-652.  
        I am now probably positioned 1 nm behind the enemy.  Can see nothing.  Visibility 500 meters.  
    09.39   0910 Radio Message to B.d.U. from Fraatz:  SSD  
        Enemy, initially 3 steamers, 1 destroyer, then only 1 destroyer, lost.  Supposed course southwest to south.  Speed undetermined.  Visibility 1 mile.  Square 6425.  
    09.43 -      
    10.13 AK 6427 Test dive, at the same time dived to listen at the position of the enemy for assumed enemy speed = 7 knots.  
    10.30   1000 Radio Message to B.d.U. from Fraatz:  No sound bearings.  Searching to the south.  Fog.  
        Now I head for the supposed meeting place for an enemy course of 220° and 210°.  
    11.21 - Thick fog    
    11.43 AK 6454 Dived to listen.  No bearings.  
    12.00 AK 6457 Day's run:     Surfaced = 263 nm  
      S 3-4, Sea 2, fog, Vis. up to 1000 meters                  Submerged =    3 nm = 266 nm.  
    14.01 - AK 6484    
    14.27 Fog Dived to listen.  No bearings.  
    14.41   Operating on convoy course 240°.  
    16.00 AK 6474    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, Vis. changing, fog, partly hazy Radio Message 1400 to B.d.U. from Fraatz:  No sound bearings at meeting point for presumed course 220° and 210°, speed 7 knots.  Thick fog.  Square 6484.  
    19.23   Radio Message 1851/13/201:  U-652 from B.d.U.:  
        Continue return transit.  
    19.30 AK 5681 Course 130°, HF.  
      Fog Search for convoy broken off.  
    20.00 AK 5688    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, thick fog    
    24.00 AK 6744    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, fog    
                                                                    
    14.09.41      
    04.00 AK 9131    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, fog    
    08.00 AK 9258    
      S 1, Sea 1, fog    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.41
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.09.41      
    12.00 AK 9614 Day's run:     Surfaced = 268 nm  
      S 2, Sea 1, fog, Vis. changing up to 5 nm                  Submerged =    2 nm = 270 nm.  
    16.00 AK 9694 Correction after a navigation fix 316°T, 28 nm.  
      SSE 2-3, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 5 nm    
    20.00 AL 7477    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, 8 nm    
    from 22.00   Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks 2 and 4 shifted to Condition A because of a conspicuous oil trace.  
    22.47 -      
    23.07   Test dive.  
    24.00 AL 7763    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. bad 1000 meters    
                                                                    
    15.09.41    
    00.00   Course 117°, HF.  On moving to Condition A there is very heavy knocking in the flood valve in main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4 port.  Cannot be sealed by turning off.  Apparently a spindle or shaft is broken.  
    04.00 AL 7884    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    08.00 AL 1214 [typo BE 1214]    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 BE 1268 Day's run:     Surfaced = 277 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. good up to 10 nm                  Submerged =    1 nm = 278 nm.  
    16.00 BE 1623    
      SE 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. good up to 10 nm    
    20.00 BE 2451    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, heavily cloudy, Vis. good up to 10 nm    
    24.00 BE 2577    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate up to 2 nm    
                                                                    
    16.09.41    
    01.00 HHF    
    04.00 BE 2862    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    08.00 BE 2994    
      ESE 1, Sea 0, heavily cloudy, rain showers    
    08.07 -      
    08.35   Test dive.  
    10.30   1 sailing vessel bearing 70°T.  
    10.49   1 sailing vessel bearing 110°T, avoided to the south.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.41
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.09.41      
    12.00 BE 5363 Day's run:     Surfaced = 303 nm  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good up to 12 nm                  Submerged =    1 nm = 304 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6195    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good 10 nm    
    20.00 BE 6534    
      SE 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, 10 nm    
    24.00 BE 6656    
      ESE 4, Sea 3-4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                                    
    17.09.41    
    04.00 BF 4485    
      SE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    02.08   Alpha Short signal:  Position 36 hours from entering port.  
    08.00 BF 4812 Correction after a navigation fix 320°T, 10 nm.  
      E 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 10 nm    
    12.00 BF 4595 Day's run:     Surfaced = 318 nm.  
      E 4-5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 10 nm    
    13.08 BF 4596 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    16.00 BF 4675    
    20.00 BF 4676    
    22.00 BF 4687 Surfaced.  Course 92°, LF.  
    23.00   HF.  
    24.00 BF 4697    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudless, Vis. good, dark night    
                                                                    
    18.09.41    
    04.00 BF 5488    
      E 3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. up to 4 nm    
    08.00 BF 5577 From 08.00 GF.  
      E 2-3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. up to 12 nm From 11.50 zig zag course.  
    12.00 BF 5534 Day's run:     Surfaced = 191 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, serene                  Submerged =  26 nm = 217 nm.  
        Because of an apparent as yet undetermined mistake with the stop watch the navigation fix was calculated incorrectly and as a result it does not appear we will be on time at the escort meeting place.  A delay of 2 hour message was sent to B.d.U. by FT.  Bearing signals requested which bring the boat again on the correct line of position (together with sounding the 100-meter line).  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.41
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.41
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.09.41 Bay of Biscay    
    14.50   Isle de Groix in sight.  
    15.30   Taken in Sperrbrecher convoy.  
    16.00 BF 6181    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, Vis. good., lightly cloudy    
    17.10 Lorient Made fast Lorient military harbor.  
        Day's run:     69 nm.  
                                                     
                                        Oblt.z.S. and Kmdt. U-652  
           
                           Findings:  2nd war patrol  
                                          1st Atlantic war patrol of the boat  
           
                           Made good:  Surfaced      = 4958 nm  
                                                Submerged       256 nm  
                                                Total           = 5224 nm.  
           
                           Number of days at sea:  26 days, 9 hours.  
           
                           Successes:  1 steamer torpedoed:  estimated   9000 GRT  
                                              1 Tanker torpedoed:  estimated   7000 GRT, probable  
                                              1 steamer torpedoed:  estimated  4000 GRT, probable  
                                              From convoy:  total                   20000 GRT.  
                                              =====================================  
                           7 misses on 5 targets.  
           
                                                     
                                          Oblt.z.S. and Kmdt. U-652  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.41

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
                The Kommandant must become even more steady.  The attack on 25 August was skillful and was executed tenaciously.  Do not save torpedoes and check shooting accomplishments!  On the 11th September the boat should have continued to search for contact to facilitate the attacks of other boats.  In convoys exhaustion of all torpedoes is not necessarily reason for retreat.
 
     
   

For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
   
The Chief of the Operations Department.
 
 
                                      
     
     
 


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