U-68 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	14 May 1942	Lorient	10 July 1942	58

 

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

 

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
5 Jun 42	20.49	16°15'N, 68°15'W	L.J. DRAKE	6,693	American
6 Jun 42	03.04 - 03.37	17°33'N, 68°27'W	C.O. STILLMAN	13,006	Panamanian
10 Jun 42	06.17 - 07.04	12°27'N, 80°27'W	ARDENVOHR	5,025	British
10 Jun 42	06.20	12°27'N, 80°27'W	SURREY	8,581	British
10 Jun 42	11.58	12°09'N, 80°33'W	PORT MONTREAL	5,882	British
15 Jun 42	20.30	11°51'N, 73°45'W	FRIMAIRE	9,242	French
23 Jun 42	19.33	13°09'N, 72°09'W	ARRIAGA	2,345	Panamanian
			Total = 50,774
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				=======================
				of the Unterseebootes  "U 68"
				4th Patrol.
				Beginning:       14.4.1942
				Concluding:     10.7.1942
			Time:	D.G.Z.
			All naval squares.
			Kommandant:	Korvettenkapitän Merten.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.
				1 x 2.Uflottille.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		14.04.42	Lorient	Cleared the boat.
		15.04.42	"	Began shipyard overhaul.
		16.04.42	"	Dry-docked.
		17.04.42	"
		18.04. - 04.05.42	"	Shipyard overhaul
		04.05.42	"	Un-docked.
		05.05.42	B 3
		06.05.42	B 6
		07.05.42	S 3
		08.05.42	"	Sea trial and ammunitions loading.
		09.05.42	"	Torpedo loading.
		10.05.42		Shipyard complete.
		11.05.42		Degaussing and trim test, afterwards S 3.
		12.05.42	A 2	Provisions loading.
		13.05.42		Took over the boat and trim test.
		14.05.42	A 3	Fresh provisions loading.
		20.00		Put to sea.
		20.30		Taken in convoy.
		21.35		Reached L 2, released escort.  GF on Route Bogenlampe.
		24.00		Transit on Route "Bogenlampe" at GF.
				Day's run:  48 nm.
		15.05.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	Bay of Biscay	GF.  Transit on Route "Bogenlampe".
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, Vis. medium
		00.45		Reached Point "Bogen".
		04.00	BF 5575	Course 225°, GF.
		05.30		Course 215°, GF.
		06.05		Test dive.
		06.52		Surfaced, continued transit.
		07.58		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 5764
		12.00	BF 5759
		16.00	BF 5782
		16.50		Surfaced, ventilated the boat.
		17.04		Dived to proceed submerged.
		20.00	BF 5785
		21.18		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface course 215°, HF.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		15.05.42
		24.00	BF 8166	Day's run:  Surfaced 135 nm, Submerged 35 nm - 170 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 183 nm, Submerged 35 nm
		16.05.42	North Atlantic, Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 8166	Course 205°, HF.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 3-4, short Swell, Vis. medium
		04.00	BF 8416
		07.10		Cape Ortegal in sight bearing 203°T
				Point de la Estaca in sight bearing 183°T.
		08.00	BF 7698
		08.42		Course 240°, HF.
		08.52		Aircraft in sight bearing 110°.  Heavy aircraft, slowly comes closer, type not recognized.  Crash dive.
		09.46		Surfaced, course 240°, HF.
		10.00		Course 230°, HF.
		10.30		Crash dive for aircraft bearing 260°T.
		11.47		Surfaced, course 240°, HF.
		12.00	BF 7926
			SSW 2-3, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. medium	Intend to run along the northwest Spanish coast up to Finisterre at a distance of 5 nm, and from there in evening twilight proceed out to the open sea.
		12.17		Crash dive for aircraft bearing 320°T (single-engine land-base monoplane)
		13.53		Surfaced, course 240°, HF.
		15.00		Dived to proceed submerged.
		15.17		Surfaced, ground the exhaust gas valves because they did not hold tight.
		15.37		Dived to proceed submerged.  Again strong water intake from the exhaust gas valve drains.  Grinding did not work.  Water entered through the corner valve from the exhaust gas piping.  Because both linkages to the blow valve of main ballast tank 5 are nearly jammed (apparently the connecting bolt from the linkage coupling is lost) it may also be expected that the main blow valve (corner valve) leaks completely.  This also explains the re-flooding of the boat while proceeded on the surface, as suddenly arose this afternoon.  Because, considering the fully loaded condition of the boat, both the blowing distributer as well as the main blow valve can only be worked on in completely calm weather, I must get to calm water as soon as possible.  Therefore tonight I intend to run into a calm Spanish bay (Ria de Betanzos) and get back to open water before lightness.  Continuing on is not prudent, because

	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		16.05.42
				due to re-flooding, the emergency vent valve must be kept closed on the surface and submerged the emergency vent valve must be carried closed to prevent continual water intake.  Additionally, cannot be foreseen when the weather will be favorable enough to carry out this work in the over deck.
		16.00	BF 7919
		18.00		Course 230°, LF.
		19.30		Surfaced, Boat flooded immediately so strongly that I had to have emergency vent valve 5 closed.
		19.45		Course 90°, HF.  Came about, headed for Betanzos Bay.
		19.55		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  1842/16/82:
				Linkage for blowing main ballast tank 5 jammed.  Main blowing out of service.  Re-flooding, the boat is buoyant and clear to dive, only with emergency vent valves up to depth 30 meters.  Work by on board means is possible in a short time in calm water.  Request Ferrol or calm bay, naval square BF 7866, SW 5, Sea 4-5.    Merten.
		20.00	BF 7954	Course 90°, HF.
		21.52		Radio Message 2131/16/85:  To Merten:
				Immediately proceed to naval square BF 7956.  More to follow.
				Slowly ran in to El Ferrol.  Square given is not entirely understood.  However, since the proposal is approved by B.d.U. in principle, and I hope to be finished tonight, intend to run into Ferrol immediately, because Bestanzos Bay is uncertain due to strong northwest swell.
		22.59		Made fast to Buoy 5, immediately began repairs.
				Radio Message:
				Radio Message 2131/16/85 settled.  On 17 May between 07.00 and 08.00 hours run into naval square BF 7961 upper-center.  Repair damage.  Attempt to finish within 24 hours.  Specify distress situation.  Spanish were contacted by Naval Attaché.
				Consider it disadvantageous to run out again, since arrival was unseen and work is progressing well.  This would only draw attention.  However, intend take advantage of "AROS" and fill with fuel. Then running in will just be noticed between 07.00 and 08.00 hours.
		12.00	BF 7961	Day's run:  Surfaced 161 nm, Submerged 15 nm - 176 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 344 nm, Submerged 50 nm

Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42

	- 4 -
		17.05.42	El Ferrol
		00.00	BF 7956	Rubber boat sent to "MAX ALBRECHT" and ordered fuel on-load.
			SSW 3
		00.33		Radio Message 2317/16/87:
				To all:  From now weapons use without warning is authorized against all all recognizable armed merchant ships of South American States and Mexico who have broken off relations with us.  That means:  All states with the exception of Argentina and Chile.
		01.50		Shifted to "MAX ALBRECHT" to load fuel oil.
		06.00		Loading of 15 cbm fuel oil ended.  07.00 hours shifted to the buoy.
		07.00		Boat with the German Trustee Herrn Brendel, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy Shipyard and Spanish Navy Pilot alongside.  Boat had waited at the entrance at "68" (since 06.00 hours).  Explained that due to the urgency of repairs we had entered earlier.  There were no further issues. At the request of the Spanish Pilot, for safety reasons the boat should make fast at the inner harbor of the "Marinearsenal".  At 07.10 hours ran into the inner harbor of the Marine-Arsenal.  In doing so passed nearly the entire assembled Spanish Fleet which lay in the inner harbor.  Honor guard and welcome everywhere by manning the rail.  Made fast in the innermost inner harbor, sealed off by Spanish Marines.  At 08.30 hours with Herrn Brendel and the Spanish Chief of Staff had a conversation with the Shipyard Director, a Spanish Konteradmiral.  Rejected all willing assistance because the problem had been found and could be repaired by on board means.  The main blow valve was removed, because it leaked completely. On "MAX ALBRECHT" was turned and adjusted.  Pins for the linkage for main blow valve 5 were made up and installed.  At 19.00 hours work ended.  Support by Trustee and supply ship were exemplary.  Through the Spaniards, a test dive in the harbor was possible.
		12.00	SSW 3-4
		20.00		Cast off.  Departed from the War Harbor.  On all warships great honors and muster of the crews.  Afterwards test dive in the harbor (El Ferrol).  All damage corrected.
		20.50		Put to sea.
		21.15		Course 250°, HF.  Ran off to the west close to the Spanish territorial limit.  21.19 hours GF.
		22.15		Course 270°, GF.
		23.10		Course 235°, GF.
		24.00	BF 7866	Day's run:  Surfaced 48 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 49 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 392 nm, Submerged 51 nm

Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42

	- 5 -
		18.05.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	Southern Bay of Biscay	Course 235°, GF.
			BF 7866
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4, medium-Swell, Vis. good
		00.12		Course 235°, HF.
		00.30		Cape Villano abeam to port bearing 145°T.
		01.50		Cape Finisterre abeam to port bearing 145T.
		02.30		Course 235°, HF.
		04.00	BF 7887	Gained the open sea.
		08.00	CG 2136
		10.20		Test dive, depth control training.
		11.15		Surfaced.  235°, LF.
		12.00	CG 2155
			SSW 3, Sea 3, medium-Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	CG 2174	Diesel-electric.
		20.00	CG 1631
		21.57		Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal:
				My position is naval square CG 16.    U-68.
		24.00	CG 1618	Day's run:  Surfaced 171 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 174 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 563 nm, Submerged 54 nm
		19.05.42	North Atlantic	Course 235°, diesel-electric.
			West of Cape Finisterre
			CG 1618
			SSW 2, Sea 2-3, medium-Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	CG 1568
		08.00	CG 1578
		12.00	CG 1735
			SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CG 1749
		16.50		Test dive, depth control training
		18.35		Surfaced, course 235°, diesel-electric.
		20.00	CF 3999
		24.00	CF 6325	Day's run:  Surfaced 178 nm, Submerged 4 nm - 182 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 741 nm, Submerged 58 nm
		20.05.42	North Atlantic	Course 235°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	East of the Azores
			CF 6325
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3-4, medium-Swell, Vis. medium-good
		04.00	CF 6344
		08.00	CF 6286
		12.00	CF 6512
			W 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CF 6461
		16.56		Test dive, depth control training.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		20.05.42
		18.03		Surfaced, course 235°, diesel-electric.
		20.00	CF 6473
		24.00	CF 5898	Day's run:  Surfaced 188 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 191 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 929 nm, Submerged 61 nm
		21.05.42	North Atlantic	Course 235°, diesel-electric.
			Southeast of the Azores
			CF 5898
			SW 2-3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	CF 5827
		04.40		Radio Message:  Alfa Alfa 135 0331/21:
				Enemy convoy in sight square CF 7385.  The convoy consists of 15 vessels.  Course 180°. Enemy runs at 8 knots.
				- Witte -
				Due to the range and opening course did not operate on it.
		05.23		Radio Message 0459/21/162
				To "Witte"  Attack free to night in favorable shooting opportunity.  At lightness continue transit, thereafter report position.  No convoy operation.
				So by this handled correctly.
		08.00	CF 5892
		12.00	CF 8221
			SSW 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CF 8195	Course 235°, diesel-electric
		18.00		Test dive, depth control training.
		19.15		Surfaced, course 235°, diesel-electric.
		20.00	CF 8127
		21.10		Explosion mushroom in sight bearing 310°T on the horizon.  Suspect depth charges with shallow setting or aircraft bombs.  Range 12000 meters.
		21.40		2nd explosion mushroom bearing 250°T, 10 minutes later heavy detonation heard in the boat.  Nothing further observed, moved off at HF.
		24.00	CF 7394	Day's run:  Surfaced 194 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 197 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 1123 nm, Submerged 64 nm
		22.05.42	North Atlantic	Course 235°. HF.
		00.00	South of the Azores
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, Vis. good, bright moonlit night
		04.00	CF 7615
		05.00		Course 235°, diesel-electric.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		22.05.42
		08.00	CF 7583
		09.32		Course 260°, diesel-electric.
		12.00	CF 7577
			SSW 0-1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. very good
		14.45	CE 9697	Smoke cloud in sight bearing 40°T.  Closed.  Began maneuver ahead.
				Steamer steered 265°.
		16.00	CE 9696	Steamer had 4 masts.  Between the 2nd and 3rd mast a high smokestack.  Target speed 10 knots.  Looks very harmless.  Hopefully not a neutral.
		17.05		Dived for submerged attack.  Steamer had a white superstructure.  Neutral.  Portuguese "AMARANTE"  Neutral markings and name on the side of the hull.
		18.28		Surfaced, course 355°, HF.  Moved off.
				Pity . . . . . !
		19.05		Course 260°, diesel-electric.
		20.00	CE 9648
		24.00	CE 9595	Day's run:  Surfaced 202 nm, Submerged 4 nm - 206 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 1325 nm, Submerged 68 nm
		23.05.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	South of the Azores	Course 260°, diesel-electric.
			CE 9595
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. medium
		04.00	CE 9585
		08.00	CE 9577
		12.00	CE 9488
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	CE 9711
		20.00	CE 9815
		24.00	CE 8836	Day's run:  Surfaced 180 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 180 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 1505 nm, Submerged 68 nm
		24.05.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	South of the Azores	Course 260°, diesel-electric
			CE 8836
			NE 2, Sea 2, light Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	CE 8819
		08.00	CE 8753
		12.00	CE 8743
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CE 7967

	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		24.05.42
		20.00	CE 7948
		24.00	CE 7891	Day's run:  Surfaced 193 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 193 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 1698 nm, Submerged 68 nm
		25.05.42	North Atlantic	Course 260°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	Southwest of the Azores
			CE 7891
			Wind calm, Sea 0, medium-Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	CE 7875
		08.00	CE 7789
		12.00	CE 7777
			SE 1, Sea 0-1, long NW-Swell, Vis. medium
		12.04		Test dive, depth control training.
		13.37		Surfaced, course 260°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	DF 3223
		20.00	DF 3211
		24.00	DF 3125	Day's run:  Surfaced 188 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 189 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 1886 nm, Submerged 69 nm
		26.05.42	Central Atlantic	Course 260°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	DF 3125
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. medium to good
		01.35		Radio Message 0003/26/102.242:
				To U-159 and Merten:
			[sea area off Colon]	1)  As attack area head for:  Sea area 110 nm south of naval square 8927 of the large square west of disguised square ZG.  Focal point close off the specified square.
				2)  Old objective not applicable.  Report fuel in accordance with Outbound Orders.  Witte add torpedo inventory.
				Came to course 240°.
		04.00	DF 3117	Course 240°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	DF 3252	Course 230, lead angle for NW-current, diesel-electric.
		12.00	DF 2266
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DR 2786
		19.05		Test dive, depth control training.
		19.25		Surfaced, course 230°, diesel-electric.
		20.00	DF 2516
		24.00	DF 2465	Day's run:  Surfaced 187 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 188 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2073 nm, Submerged 70 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42

	- 9 -
		27.05.42	Central North Atlantic	Course 250°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	DF 2465
			NE 1, Sea 0-1, long Swell, Vis. medium to good
		04.00	DF 2487
		08.00	DF 1939
		12.00	DF 1959
			ENE 1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DF 1978
		20.00	DF 4235
		24.00	DF 4246	Day's run:  Surfaced 185 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 185 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2258 nm, Submerged 70 nm
		28.05.42	Central North Atlantic	Course 250°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	BF 4246
			SSE 1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good, bright moonlit night
		04.00	DF 4199
		08.00	DF 4228
		12.00	DF 4447
			S 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DE 6697
		19.44		Test dive, deep dive test to depth A =40 meters.
		20.39		Surfaced, course 230°.
		20.00	DE 6924	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	DE 6944	Day's run:  Surfaced 184 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 187 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2442 nm, Submerged 73 nm
		29.05.42	Central North Atlantic
		00.00	DE 6944	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
			SSE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DE 6894
		08.00	DE 9211
		12.00	DE 9164
		12.00	SSE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DE 9176
		20.00	DE 8633
		24.00	DE 8655	Day's run:  Surfaced 181 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 181 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2623 nm, Submerged 73 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		30.05.42
		01.07		Test dive, depth control training.
		01.20		Surfaced, course 230°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	DE 8672
		04.30		Light in sight bearing 237°T.  Neutral tanker about 8000 GRT.  Avoided.
		05.35		Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		07.05		Radio Message 0644/30/228:
				Nave square DE 85, 195 cbm.    Merten.
		08.00	DE 8831
		12.00	DE 8843
			SSW 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DE 8796
		20.00	DE 8789	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	DE 1115	Day's run:  Surfaced 182 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 183 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2805 nm, Submerged 74 nm
		31.05.42	Western Atlantic	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	DQ 1115
			WNW 1, Sea 0-1, long SE-Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DP 3369
		08.00	DP 3379
		12.00	DP 3529
			S 1, Sea 1, long SE-Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DP 3549
		20.00	DP 3491
		24.00	DP 3719	Day's run:  Surfaced 184 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 184 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 2989 nm, Submerged 74 nm
		01.06.42	Western Atlantic	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	DP 3719
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DP 2993
		08.00	DP 8315
		12.00	DP 5266
			S 1-2, Sea 0-1, long Swell, Vis. very good
		14.00		Test dive, depth control training.
		14.30		Surfaced, course 230°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	DP 8282
		20.00	DP 5511
		24.00	DP 5452	Day's run:  Surfaced 189 nm, Submerged 22 nm - 191 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 3178 nm, Submerged 76 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42

	- 11 -
		02.06.42	Western Atlantic	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	DP 5452	Came to course 90°.  Both E-motors KF.  Flange of the port outer exhaust gas valve re-tightened.
			EbyS 2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		01.18		Course 230°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	DP 5471
		08.00	DP 4697
		12.00	DP 4917
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DP 4859
		20.00	DP 4878
		20.42		Test dive, depth control training.
		21.21		Surfaced, course 230°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	DP 7134	Day's run:  Surfaced 179 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 181 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 3357 nm, Submerged 78 nm
		03.06.42	Western Atlantic	Course 230°, diesel-electric.
			ENE 1, Sea 1, long medium Swell, Vis. good
			DP 7134
		04.00	DP 7142
		08.00	DO 9394	Went to HF, to pass Anegada at night if possible, the approach is difficult because in the last 2 days there has been no navigation fix and there is a strong current offset.
		12.00	DO 9615
			SE 2, Sea 1-2, medium Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DO 9581
		20.00	DO 9728	Course 235°, HF.
		24.00	DO 8989	Day's run:  Surfaced 247 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 247 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 3604 nm, Submerged 78 nm
		04.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 235°, HF.
		00.00	Southwest of the Anegada Channel
			DO 8989
			ENE 4-5, Sea 4, long medium Swell, Vis. medium
		00.42		Lighthouse on Sombrero in sight bearing 210°T.  Distance 8-9 nm.
				The Sombrero Lighthouse coming in sight as planed, despite uncertain ship's position in the last days was an excellent performance by Ob.Strm. Griese, which was particularly appreciated at this point.  The Sombrero Lighthouse burns again.
		01.00		Course 195°, HF.
		04.00	ED 2346

	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		04.06.42
		06.00		Course 225°, HF.
		08.00	ED 2535
		12.00	ED 2578	Course 225°, HF.
			ENE 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. medium to good
		14.28		Test dive, depth control training.
		15.05		Surfaced, course 225°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	ED 2735
		20.00	ED 2729
		24.00	ED 2746	Day's run:  Surfaced 229 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 231 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 3833 nm, Submerged 80 nm
		05.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 225°, diesel-electric
		00.00	Southwest of the Anegada Channel
			ED 2746
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, short high Swell, Vis. good
		02.00		Course 258°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	ED 1939
		08.00	ED 1835
		12.00	ED 1878
			E 3-4, Sea 3-4, long medium Swell, Vis. good
		14.20		Course 250°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	ED 4123
		16.50		Steamer in sight bearing 265°T, general course 10°.  1 mast and 1 smokestack distinguished.  Tanker.  Began to maneuver ahead.  General course 10°.
		19.10		Boat is on the course line ahead of the tanker, distance 10 nm.  At this moment a second tanker came in sight ahead ahead bearing 336°T.  Zigzagging around the same general course.
				Decided to attack the tanker sighted first and after sinking it to try and catch up with the tanker just sighted.
				Then there is the possibility that the foremost tanker will not notice the sinking behind him while in the opposite case the tanker behind would run over the wreckage of the first.
		19.24		Dived to attack the 1st tanker.  Closed to starboard.
				20.49 hours tight three-fan.  Etos.  Tubes I, II, IV.  Depth 4 meters.  Torpedo speed - 30 knots, target speed - 10 knots.  Range - 1500 meters, (true range - 700 meters).  1 surface runner which recovered.  Caused by beating against the seas.  Three hits.  Running time - 45 seconds.  Tanker exploded immediately.  Gasoline tanker, estimated size 9000-10000 GRT.  Like type "ANNA KNUDSON" (Merchant Ships)

	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		05.06.42
				The silhouette of the armed tanker, altered by - machine guns -, [illegible word], - and gun platforms, is difficult to classify exactly by observation.  The ship is  of 9000-10000 GRT, estimated too small rather than too high.  Because after the explosion no more remained of the tanker except for a fire on the water surface 1000 x 100 meters the name could also not be determined.
				Characteristics:
				Straight stem, old fashioned stern.  Medium width, high , slightly inclined smokestack.  Forward mast capped.  For that 2 anti-aircraft gun platforms directly in front of the bridge.  On the small bridge only rod radio antennas.  Directly behind the bridge makeshift davits with extra lifeboats.  After edge of the smokestack cannons about 15 cm.  Above them 2 light anti-aircraft guns.  At the after mast a not recognized flag over a large lookout platform, apparently an unfinished tube double stand.
		20.00	ED 1749
		20.46		Surfaced.  Pursued the second tanker at GF.  Hopefully he did not notice the several hundred meter-high smoke cloud.
		21.27		Course 0°, GF.  According to calculations the tanker should come in sight at 24.00 hours.
		23.27		Tanker in sight ahead.
		24.00	ED 1484	Day's run:  Surfaced 222 nm, Submerged  5 nm - 227 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 4055 nm, Submerged 85 nm
		06.06.42	Caribbean Sea
		00.00	South of the Mona Passage	Maneuvered ahead on general course 10°.
			ED 1454
		02.08		Tanker suddenly came to course 270°.  Suppose that the course change was scheduled for a navigation fix.  Possibly also it may have received orders not to head for the Mona Passage but instead the Windward Passage due to U-boat reports.  Maneuvered ahead again.
		03.04		Tight three-fan tubes I, II, IV.
				Etos.  Depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, target speed 12 knots, range - 2000 meters, true range - 1000 meters.  2 hits.  First hit at the bridge, second hit center after third.  Running time - 57 seconds.  Tanker burned immediately.  Midship and bridge in flames.  Large tanker, 12000 GRT.  Type "SAVRANAH"  Flat continuous deck except for the bridge superstructure.  Very long ship.  Cannon, machine guns, observation stands as with the first tanker.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		06.06.42
		03.37	ED 1414	Because tanker makes no move to sink, but as a blazing torch illuminates the sea for miles, I decided to sacrifice one more torpedo so as not to draw defenses on my neck unnecessarily.
				Coup de grâce tube V.  Depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, range - 800 meters, at the engine room.  Hit behind the smokestack.  Tanker sank immediately over the stern post.
				Because many people float in the water and scream, for understandable reasons, deferred from determining the name.  The tanker is of 12000 GRT estimated too small rather then too high.
		04.00	BD 1414	Course 170°, HF.
		05.15		Radio Message 0515/6/287:
				1)  Nothing seen on outbound transit.  4 June Anegada no sea, no air.
				2)  5 June sank:  square 1749 gasoline tanker 9000 GRT course 10°.  Hunted tanker 12000 GRT from square 1744 to square 1424, course 10° then 270°.  Just now sank in square 1414.  Both independents without escort.  All naval square ED.
				3)  Request one more day on the Mona-Aruba Route.
				4)  7 Etos, 8 Atos, 170 cbm.    - Merten -
				Intend to be on the Mona-Aruba Route one more day, to attack suspected traffic. A can always still reach Panama at the new moon period.
		11.51		Radio Message 0957/6/292:
				"Merten":  Concur.
				Probably a further stay on the Mona-Aruba Route will be an advance into the void, because yesterday in accordance with Radio Message 230/5/278 Witte was sighted here in the vicinity.  Therefore traffic will surely be diverted.  My two tankers had no further opportunity to transmit.
		08.00	ED 1711	Course 170°, diesel-electric.
		12.00	ED 1771
			SE 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. good
		13.20		Course 190°, diesel-electric.
		13.36		Test dive, depth control training.
		14.19		Surfaced, course 190°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	ED 1411
		20.00	ED 4147	Gave up searching on the Mona-Aruba Route.  Continued transit to the west so that tomorrow at dawn we will cross the direct Aruba-Windward Route.
		24.00	EC 6376	Day's run:  Surfaced 231 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 233 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 4286 nm, Submerged 87 nm
				From the especially strong anti-aircraft armament of the tanker I must conclude that it was an English ship.

Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42

	- 15 -
		07.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 250°, HF.
		00.00	North of Venezuela
			EC 6376
			SE 2-3, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	EC 6522
		08.00	EC 6452
		12.00	EC 5659
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. good
				Course 250°, diesel-electric.  The gyro-compass is out of service.  Cause lay with the converter.  It is still not known if repair is possible.  This makes operations off Panama extremely difficult, especially since the morning and evening celestial navigation fixes are very unvaforable.  The magnetic compass is only a very poor substitute, because the errors are very variable.
		16.00	EC 5598
		20.00	EC 5812
		24.00	EC 5729	Day's run:  Surfaced 242 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 242 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 4528 nm, Submerged 87 nm
		08.06.42	Central Caribbean Sea	Course 250°, diesel-electric
		00.00	EC 5729
			SE 2, Sea 2, short Swell, Vis. good
		00.30		Began downloading.  Used the opportunity of the very calm seas to partially download.  Four torpedoes were downloaded into the bow room.
		04.00	EC 5744	Downloading ended.  Afterwards test dive.
		04.35		Surfaced.  Course 250°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	EC 4982
		12.00	EC 4977
			SE 2, Sea 2, short Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	EC 4888
		20.00	EC 7132
		24.00	EC 7114	Day's run:  Surfaced 191 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 192 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 4719 nm, Submerged 88 nm
		09.06.42	Caribbean Sea, western part	Course 250°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	EC 7114
			E 1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good
		02.30		Course 260°, diesel-electric, steered by the magnetic compass, because the gyro-compass is out of service.  Because the gyro-compass is still not operational and is is still not know if

	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		09.06.42
				or when it will be in service, intend to head for the likely burning lighthouse on "Providencia" to get an exact position.  From there to operate on the accepted steamer route on 170° to Panama
		04.00	EB 9316
		08.00	EB 9229
		12.00	EB 9217
			E 0-1, Sea 0, medium Swell, Vis. medium to good.
		16.00	EB 9128	Crash dive for flying boat, probably "Consolidated" bearing 30°T.
		17.13		Surfaced.  Course 260° (magnetic compass), diesel-electric.
		20.00	EB 9117
		22.00		Course 240°, magnetic compass, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EB 8352	Day's run:  Surfaced 201 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 204 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 4920 nm, Submerged 91 nm
		10.06.42	Caribbean Sea
		00.00	North of Panama	Course 240°, magnetic compass, diesel-electric.
			EB 8352
			E 1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good to very good
		04.00	EB 8269
		05.20	EB 8259	Two shadows in sight bearing 270°.  Two steamers distinguished  proceeding in line abreast.  General course 180°.  Began maneuver ahead.
		06.17		Attacked from port on the overlapping steamers.
				Three-fan tubes I, II, IV fired.
				Depth 3 meters, torpedo speed - 30 knots, target speed - 11 knots, range - 2000 meters.  After running time of 3 minutes 10 seconds two hits on the steamer on the attacked lee side.  Range under estimated.  Steamer remains lying, however does not sink.  Boats were put to the water.  Immediately initiated attack on the 2nd steamer.  Incomprehensibly, the steamer turned 40° to port, so I reached shooting position immediately.
		06.20		Tube III fired.
				1 Ato, depth 4 meters, torpedo speed - 40 knots, target speed - 10 knots.
				After a running time of 1 minute 9 seconds hit in the aftership.  Target angle at the shot  - 107°.  Steamer stopped and began to sink.
		06.28	EB 8294	Sank over the stern post.
				Went to the boats.  Determined motor freighter "ARDENVOHR", 5025 GRT, coming from New York, with cannons, and ammunition for Australia.
				The steamer hit first still floats.  Went to the boats.  Determined, freighter "SURREY" 8581 GRT, also coming from New York

	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		10.06.42
				with cannons and ammunition for Australia.  The ship gives no indication of sinking, decided to give a coup de grâce.  The forward cargo hold is in bright flames.
		07.04		Coup de grâce from tube VI fired.  1 Eto depth - 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, range - 1000 meters.  Torpedo running track is followed to the target in the bright marine phosphorescence, thereafter no detonation.  Also no impact heard.  Probably under-steered.  Unexplained, because the loaded steamer drew a minimum of 8 meters.  Decided to sacrifice one more torpedo.
		07.22		Tube V fired.  1 Eto, depth 3 meters, range - 800 meters.  After running time of 36.5 seconds hit at the after edge of the superstructure,  Ship began to sink over the stern post.
				Before departing took on board a crew member of the "SURREY" drifting alone on a buoy.
				From voluntary statements both steamers were loaded with tanks, ammunition and cannons.  "SURREY" 2000 tons of ammunition.  Ship belonged to the War Material Transport to Australia.
				Moved off, looked for lifeboats to disembark the Englishman.  The man was very thankful for his rescue and willingly gave information about everything.  According to that until the day before they proceeded in a convoy with 16 steamer. Which then dissolved, proceeding as independents.  In his opinion, more steamers would go to Panama.  While moving off, about 2000 meters from the sinking location of the "SURREY", suddenly a heavy underwater detonation.  Initially had the impression that out boat was hit.  Boat was raised and heavily shaken.  "SURREY" probably blew up under water.
				Initial damage determined:  Both diving plane motors, rudder and rudder indicator, one battery cell, fixed eye level periscope jammed and fire control system failed.
				Some of the damage can be be repaired.  It was the heaviest concussion the boat had experienced to date.
				Because the boats of the "SURREY" could not be found at first, disembarked the Englishman to a boat of the "ARDENVOHR".  Moved off, Intention:  download immediately, to be able to look forward to another rush the next day.
		10.25		While downloading, one torpedo already in the boat, a second positioned before the bow room hatch, a shadow with a sharp target angle came in sight abeam to port.  Thank God the sea was calm, so that I could move ahead so the steamer passed behind us.  Freighter distinguished.  It belonged to the same transport.

Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		10.06.42		Broke off downloading as fast as possible.  Second torpedo eased into the boat, loading gear secured, came about, took up pursuit.  Steamer ran at 13-14 knots.  I only come up slowly, it is becoming increasingly lighter because dawn is beginning.  Finally at AK I got to target angle 100° on a parallel course.  In this case I had to make a desperation shot.
		11.58		Shot from target angle 110° from a range of 2000 meters.
				(desperation shot) Because the lead angle calculator is out of service, shot with a fixed angle.  Target is already perceived with the naked eye, it is so bright and I was certain we would be seen immediately. Correct - - Torpedo track was seen by the steamer.  Incomprehensibly the steamer turned towards and as a result is hit in the stern.  You have to have luck!  Depth - 3 meters, range - 1000 meters, hit after running time of 2 minutes, 48 seconds.  1 Eto.
		12.05	EB 8526	Steamer began to sink immediately and disappeared before I could get near him.  In the water float huge aircraft crates and two boats.  Determined:  Motor freighter "PORT MONTREAL" 5822 GRT, 13 knots, coming from New York with aircraft and other war material destined for Australia.
		14.00		Moved off.  Course 290°, 2 x HF.
		14.45		Course 25°, HF.
		15.21		Dived for 2 flying boats bearing 35°T.
		16.00	EB 8294
		19.04		Surfaced, course 25°, LF.
		20.00	EB 8261
		21.00		Course 340°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EB 5888	Day's run:  Surfaced 156 nm, Submerged 9 nm - 165 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5076 nm, Submerged 100 nm
		11.06.42	Caribbean Sea, western part	Course 340°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	EB 5888	Moved off on the steamer's course to the north.
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. good to very good	While doing so stowed the loading gear and made the boat ready to dive.  Reloaded in a hurry, so that everything is prepared.  All three steamers has no opportunity to transmit, so I can assume that my presence here is not known.  The failure of the electrical rudder angle indicator proves to be very unfavorable, so that steering must be done in the stern room, while the magnetic compass is in the control room.  All further minor damage was repaired.  In addition, during the day a strong oil trace, even

	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		11.06.42
				when submerged, together with the previously mentioned damage, I believe the boat is not fully operational.  Therefore will request freedom to maneuver, where I intend, to search from here to the north on the known steamer route.
		00.50		Radio Message 2325/10/251:
				1)  Sank last night:  square 8294 "SURREY" and "ARDENVOHR", square 8556 "PORT MONTREAL", New York - Australia.  Tanks, cannons, ammunition, the latter aircraft.
				2)  Since 7 June gyro-compass out of service, with the sinking of "SURREY" heavy underwater detonation.  Damage to E-systems, battery, periscope, fire control.
				3)  Request freedom to maneuver.  Up to now 5 ships 40488 GRT.  Square 8261.  All naval squares EB.  No sea, regular air, 6 Atos, 2 Etos, 150 cbm.    - Merten -
		01.30		Both E-motors KF.  Began to downloaded the last torpedoes.
		03.15		Downloading ended.
		04.00	EB 5888
		05.00		Course 0°, both diesels LF.
		08.00	EB 5819
		12.00	EB 5549
			ESE 5-6, Sea 5, medium short Swell, Vis. good
		13.19		Radio Message 1026/11/270:
				1)  Bauer and Heyse free to maneuver to ED. E11specially favorable points square 98, 68 and 14.  Situation reports:  Rostenstiel, Hartenstein, Merten and supplemental instructions in Operations Order 50.  Begin return transit with 40 cbm.
				2)  Rehwinkel no supply.
				3)  Merten free to maneuver.
		14.05		Test dive.
		15.08		Surfaced, course 80°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EB 5527
		20.00	EB 5539	Course 275°, diesel-electric.
		20.35		Dived for flying boat bearing 240°T.
		20.52		Surfaced, course 285°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EB 5513	Day's run:  Surfaced 155 nm, Submerged 3 nm - 158 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5231 nm, Submerged 103 nm
		12.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 285°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	East of Honduras.
			EB 5513
			ENE 6, Sea 5, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		02.00		Course 260°, diesel-electric.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		12.06.42
		04.00	EB 5422
		05.00	EB	Course 190°, diesel-electric.
				After the search between and north of the islands was unsuccessful, intend to go west of the islands to the south.  There is a heavy steep sea here, which limits weapons use.  A submerged attack here is out of the question.  The further west the boat comes the heavier and more pronounced the seas become.  I can not imagine that the steamers would go further west over the shallow water.  In any case I believe these waters are very unfavorable.
		08.00	EB 5455
		12.00	EB 5487
			E 7, Sea 6, high Swell, Vis. medium
		12.51		Course 180°, diesel-electric.
		16.00		Course 190°, diesel-electric.
		18.00 - 18.07	Island "Old Providence" in sight bearing 115°T, distance about 12.5 nm.
		20.00	EB 5784	Course 155°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EB 8153	Day's run:  Surfaced 161 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 161 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5392 nm, Submerged 103 nm
		13.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 150°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	East of Nicaragua
			EB 8153
			E 7, Sea 4-5, high steep Swell, Vis. medium to good
		00.45		"St. Andrew" in sight bearing 227°T.      [San Andrés]
		03.30		Course 95°, diesel-electric.
			[Cabo de la Vela]	Intend to leave this operations area due to heavy Sea State and light traffic up here.  Intend to head for Cartagena from here and then search along the coast up to Ponte de la Vela.
		04.00	EB 8195
		08.00	EB 8284
		12.00	EB 8298
			E 6, Sea 5-6, high steep Swell, Vis. medium
		15.29		Test dive, in doing so the diving plane failed.
		15.55		Surfaced, course 95°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EB 8379
		20.00	EB 8397
		24.00	EB 9412	Day's run:  Surfaced 150 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 152 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5542 nm, Submerged 105 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42

	- 21 -
		14.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 95°, diesel-electric
		00.00	North of Panama
			EB 9412
			ESE 4-5, Sea 4, high short Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	EB 9419	Course 120°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	EB 9466
		09.25		Radio Message 0845/14/282:
				To "U-68":  Congratulations on the award of the Knight's Cross to the Kommandant with thanks and recognition for the excellent performance of the entire crew.    Ob.d.M.
		12.00	EB 9573
			E 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	EB 9826
		19.48		Radio Message 1607/14/292:
				"Merten" congratulations on the award of the Knight's Cross.
				- Befehlshaber -
		20.00	EB 9956	Course 120°, HF.
		21.50		Course 67°, diesel-electric.
				A three masted schooner in sight bearing 115°T.  Closed it.  Stopped it.  Had the Captain come aboard with the ship's papers.  Determined:  Columbian Schooner "URIAS", 108 GRT from Cartagena with rice and other foodstuffs destined for "St. Andrews".   Columbian flag.
		23.10		Released.  Course 67°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EC 7740	Day's run:  Surfaced 170 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 170 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5712 nm, Submerged 105 nm
		15.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 67°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	Columbian coast.
			EC 7740
			S 2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good
		01.00		Light glow of Cartagena slowly comes in bearing 165°T.
		04.00	EC 7761
		08.00	EC 7821
		12.00	EC 7675
			SE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. good
		12.13		Course 0°, diesel-electric.  Cape St. Marta in sight bearing 130°T.
		13.00		Course 90°, diesel-electric.
		14.00		Course 65°, diesel-electric.
		14.44		Test dive, depth control training.
		15.10		Surfaced, course 65°, diesel-electric.
		15.26		Course 75°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EC 7665
		18.39	EC 8442	Smoke cloud in sight bearing 80°T.  Tanker distinguished.  Maneuvered ahead, general course 240°.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		15.06.42
		19.32		Dived to attack.  Tanker had high white masts.  On getting closer determined neutrality markings on the side of the hull.  Initially thought to be a Mexican tanker.  Later French colors were distinguished and the name recognized (FRIMAIRE).
				Carried no yellow ring around the neutrality markings and no yellow pennant beneath the national flag.  I can only assume that it is one of the Vichy tankers seized by the Americans in Martinique earlier.  I can not imagine why a Vichy tanker should proceed in this area.  Course is exactly for Panama.  Probably it is just on a transfer journey in American service.  Therefore decided to attack.
		20.30	EC 8445	Three-fan from tubes I, III, IV fire.
				Depth - 3 meters, torpedo speed - 40 knots, 3 Atos, range - 2000 meters, after a running time of 61 seconds achieved two hits.  Center and astern.  Tanker sank slowly.
		20.53		Tanker capsized.
		21.00	EC 8445	Tanker has sunk over the stern post.
				Tanker "FRIMAIRE", 9242 GRT.
				Moved off.
		21.29		Surfaced.  Course 75°, HF.
		24.00	EC 8427	Day's run:  Surfaced 217 nm, Submerged 5 nm - 222 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 5929 nm, Submerged 110 nm
		16.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 62°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	North of Venezuela
			EC 8427
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	EC 8511
		05.00		Course 44°, port diesel LF.
		08.00	EC 8286
		12.00	EC 8262
			E 2-3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	EC 5979
		20.00	EC 5964
		24.00	EC 6712	Day's run:  Surfaced 182 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 182 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6111 nm, Submerged 110 nm
				I intend to cruise one again on the line connecting Mona-Aruba.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42

	- 23 -
		17.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 90°, diesel-electric.
			North of Maracaibo Bay
			EC 6712
			E 4-5, Sea 5, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	EC 6723
		08.00	EC 6811
		12.00	EC 6822
			E 5, Sea 5-6, long Swell, Vis. good
		13.45		Test dive.
		14.00		Surfaced, course 90°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EC 6599
		18.00		Course 61°, diesel-electric.
		19.47		Radio Message 1822/17/177/294:
				1)  Report weather:  Hoffmann and Prätorius.
				2)  Merten, Heyse, Henne report situation tonight.
				3)  Gräf, Ites and U-590 18 June 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.
		20.00	EC 6679
		21.08		A masthead in sight bearing 80°T. Small patrol vessel (fishing trawler type) distinguished.  Let it go, because no attack is possible due to the Sea State.
		22.08		Course 0°, diesel-electric.
		22.30		Course 90°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EC 6682	Day's run:  Surfaced 156 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 157 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6267 nm, Submerged 111 nm
		18.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 90°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	Center of Mona-Aruba Route
			EC 6682
			ESE 5, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, Vis. good
		02.00		Radio Message:  2325/17/295:
				1)  Situation:  EB 50 and 80 nothing seen.  Then EC 77 to 82, going to ED 10 and EC 10.  Patrol vessel in EC 66.
				2)  Sank:  15 June "FRIMAIRE" EC 8445, course Panama.
				3) 3 Ato, 2 Eto, 125 cbm.  Square EC 6659 gyro-compass limitedly operable.    - Merten -
		02.05		Course 25°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	EC 6665	The following was determined with the gyro-compass:  A part in the converter failed (short in the transformer winding).  It is possible to fix the failure with a special circuit of the auxiliary switchboard.  The gyro has worked fairly reliably from then on.
		08.00	EC 4414
		11.28		Course 70°, diesel-electric.
		12.00	ED 7173

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42

	- 24 -
		continued
		18.06.42	EbyS 4-5, Sea 4-5, short high Swell, Vis. medium to good
		12.15		Course 25°, diesel-electric.
		14.38		Course 15°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	ED 4125
		20.00	ED 1759
		23.00		Course 270°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	ED 1725	Day's run:  Surfaced 172 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 172 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6439 nm, Submerged 111 nm
		19.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 270°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	South of the Mona Passage	Cruising off the Mona Strait.
			ED 1725
			Short high Swell, Vis. medium, E 5-6, Sea 5
		04.00	EC 3935
		08.00	EC 3916	Course 90°, diesel-electric.
		12.00	EC 3934
			E 6, Sea 5-6, short medium Swell, Vis. medium
		15.52		Radio Message 1515/19/231:
				To Merten.  Immediately report if "FRIMAIRE" was not marked with prescribed French markings and why sinking ensued.
		16.00	ED 1716
		20.00	ED 1726	Course 283°, diesel-electric.
		23.44		Radio Message 2237/19/240:
				"PRIMAIRE" was without yellow Vichy markings.  Course for Panama.  Because Vichy traffic was not known in the Caribbean, had to assume in enemy service in disguise.
				- Merten -
				So my theory was incorrect after all and it was a Vichy vessel.  Then the sinking of a neutral is of course a great error and and it must give a very different impression than it actually did for me.  I knew nothing of Vichy traffic to the west of the French islands, especially to Panama.
				It was incomprehensible to me, because of the political situation I know.  In any case, it would have been correct to ask first by Radio Message.  However, I acted in good faith, that is was not a Vichy vessel.  Morbid tonnage ambition was not the reason for the sinking.
		24.00	ED 1711	Day's run:  Surfaced 177 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 177 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6616 nm, Submerged 111 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42

	- 25 -
		20.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 283°, diesel-electric
		00.00	South of Haiti
			ED 1711
			E 6-7, Sea 6, short high Swell, Vis. moderate to medium
		01.55		Both E-motors GF (battery discharging).
		03.30		Course 283°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	EC 3686
		08.00	EC 3596
		12.00	EC 3581
			E 6-7, Sea 6, short high Swell, Vis. medium
		13.00		Test dive, depth control training.
		13.30		Surfaced, course 283°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EC 3468
		20.00	EC 3445
		23.20		Cape Beata and Alta Vela in sight ahead to starboard.  Course 25°, diesel-electric.
		24.00	EC 2652	Day's run:  Surfaced 186 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 187 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6802 nm, Submerged 112 nm
				Due to heavy Sea State and moderate visibility (horizon continually in haze) and so far completely fruitless waiting, I intend to go once more to the west to search up to the corner of Jamacia-Haiti, especially since on the monthly chart low wind speeds are recorded in the local area.
		21.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 250°, diesel-electric
		00.00	South of Haiti
			EC 2652
			E 6, Sea 5, short high Swell, Vis. moderate
		02.00		Course 295°, diesel-electric.
		04.00	EC 2614
		06.00		Course 190°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	EC 2561
		12.00	EC 2589	Course 20°, diesel-electric.  Cruised on the traffic route from the Windward Passage to Cape Beata.
			E 6-7, Sea 5-6, high short Swell, Vis. moderate
		13.00		Course 0°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EC 2552
		17.00		Course 200°, diesel-electric
		20.00	EC 2557
		24.00	EC 2545	Day's run:  Surfaced 174 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 174 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 6976 nm, Submerged 112 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42

	- 26 -
		22.06.42	Caribbean Sea
		00.00	South of Haiti	Course 210°, diesel-electric.
			EC 2545	Even here weather conditions are continually unfavorable, so only limited use of weapons is possible.  Therefore intend to go once more to the north Columbian coast (Cape de la Vela).
			EbyS 7, Sea 6-7, high short Swell, Vis. moderate
		04.00	EC 2735
		08.00	EC 2757
		09.00		Course 130°, diesel-electric.
		12.00	EC 5131	Course 130°, diesel-electric.
			E 6-7, Sea 6, medium short Swell, Vis. moderate to medium
		16.00	EC 5241
		20.00	EC 5281
		24.00	EC 5525	Day's run:  Surfaced 179 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 179 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 7155 nm, Submerged 112 nm
		23.06.42	Central Caribbean Sea	Course 130°, diesel-electric.
			EC 5523
			E 6, Sea 5-6, medium Swell, Vis. medium
		04.00	EC 5559	Course 180°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	EC 5536
		12.00	EC 5539
			E 4-5, Sea 5-6, medium Swell, Vis. medium
		13.40		Test dive, depth control training.
		14.23		Surfaced, course 180°, diesel-electric.
		16.00	EC 5892
		17.42		Tanker in sight bearing 270°T, suddenly emerged out of the haze.  Began to maneuver ahead on general course 110°.
		18.59		Dived to attack.
		19.33		Due to heavy Sea State I decided to shoot a three-fan.
				Three-fan from tubes I, II, IV fire.
				3 Atos, depth - 3 meters, range - 2000 meters, torpedo speed 40 knots, target speed - 9 knots.  After running time of 31 seconds two hits, first hit stern second hit after third.  One torpedo was a Pistol failure.  Boats were put to the water.
		19.41	EC 8233	Surfaced.  Tanker shoots.  Crash dive.  Operated for a stern shot.  Coup de grâce tube V, 1 Eto, depth - 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, range - 2000 meters.  Surface runner.  Torpedo ran off to the left.  Tanker initially gives no indication of sinking.
		20.00		Tanker suddenly roseup and sank over the stern post.  The forward tanks seem not to hold on, then the fore stem jutted directly out of the water 10 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		23.06.42
		20.05	EC 8233	Surfaced, went to the boats.
				Determined:  Tanker "ARRIGIA", American from Baltimore going to Aruba, 5000 GRT.  Apparently World War or current construction.  From statements of the Captain just now put in service.
		20.45		Course 80°, HF.
		21.08		Course 63°, HF.
		24.00	EC 5979	Day's run:  Surfaced 184 nm, Submerged 7 nm - 191 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 7333 nm, Submerged 119 nm
		24.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 63°, HF.
		00.00	North of Maracaibo Bay
			EC 5959
			E 4-5, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, Vis. medium to good
		02.00		Radio Message 2353/23/238:
				1)  Situation:  Three days off Mona, then EC 20 and 30.  Area unfavorable due to Sea State, weather and visibility.  Nothing seen.
				2)  Sank:  EC 8233 just now USA-Tanker allegedly "ARRIGIA" 5000 GRT, course 110°.
				3)  Still 1 Eto, 109 cbm, questionable because of an oil trace since 11 June.  Due to Sea State still unexplained.  Request return transit via DF 10.  All naval square.  Up to now 7 ships 54730 GRT.    - Merten -
		04.00	EC 5963
		08.00	EC 6723
		12.00	EC 6549
			E 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, Vis. medium to good
		16.00	EC 6539
		20.00	EC 6386
		24.00	ED 4146	Day's run:  Surfaced 248 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 248 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 7587 nm, Submerged 119 nm
		25.06.42	Caribbean Sea
		00.00	South of the Mona Passage	Course 63°, HF.
			BD 4146
			E 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	ED 4136
		08.00	ED 1897
		12.00	ED 1957	Course 70°, HF.
			E 3-4, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		25.06.42
		13.20		Test dive, depth control training.
		13.55		Surfaced, course 70°, HF.
		14.00		Course 63°, HF.
		15.48		Crash dive for aircraft. three-engined, probably passenger aircraft.
		15.57		Course 80°.
		16.00	ED 2717	Surfaced, HF.
		17.20		Crash dive for three-engined aircraft bearing 90°T.
		17.44	ED 2724	Surfaced.  Course 63°, HF.
		17.45		Crash dive for flying boat bearing 330°T.
				Proceeded submerged.
		18.57		Surfaced, course 63°, HF.
		19.03		Crash dive for flying boat bearing 330°T.
				Proceeded submerged.
		20.00	ED 2722
		21.46		Surfaced, course 63°, HF.  Flying boat disappeared into the clouds in 45°T.
		24.00	ED 2496	Day's run:  Surfaced 200 nm, Submerged 11 nm - 211 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 7787 nm, Submerged 130 nm
		26.06.42	Caribbean Sea	Course 63°, HF.
		00.00	Anegada Channel
			ED 2496
			E 3-4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, Vis. medium
		00.10		Flying boat bearing 70°T, flew off to the south.
		01.09		Flying boat comes back from the south.  Crash dive.
		01.21		Surfaced, continued on.  Course 63°, HF.
				The devil is loose here.  The air surveillance in this area is greatly increased in contrast to the experiences on the outbound transit. However, I do not suppose that they also fly at night, otherwise, in the strong moonlight this night will be extremely unpleasant.
		03.20		I'm forced to proceed athwart the moon so I can still get through the Anegada Channel today.
				A bright light glow over the horizon bearing 325°T.  Suspect parachute flares. Extinguished after 6 minutes.
		03.40	ED 2559	4-engined flying boat abeam to port, in low attack,  300 meters distant.  10 meters above the water.
				Was first seen and heard when it was 300 meters away.  Initially diving had no purpose.  The machine guns were indeed ready, however, given the speed, could not be manned.  The flying boat turned, however slightly and threw the bombs (2) much too late, so that the impacts lay 80 to 100 meters ahead to starboard.  Then immediately

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		26.06.42		dived and were already at depth 80 meters when the next 2 detonations followed.  Both diving plane motors failed from the first detonations, but even so we succeeded in getting the boat deep.  Decided to proceed submerged, until the moon was low and could be taken astern.
		04.00	ED 2559
		06.55		Surfaced, continued with heightened lookout.
		08.00	ED 2539
		09.30		Course 20°, GF.
		11.30		Course 0°, GF.
		12.00	ED 2327
			E 3-4, Sea 4, medium Swell, Vis. good
		12.40		Sombrero in sight bearing 60°T.
				Distance 14-16 nm.
		13.09		Sombrero abeam to starboard.
		14.00		Course 20°, HF.
		14.11		Course 35°, HF.
		14.29		Radio Message 1330/26/298:
				Korvettenkapitän Merten:  Congratulations on the Knight's Cross.  Furthermore break a leg.
		[German Armistice Commission (Navy)]		Deutsche Waffenstillstandkommission (Marine)
		16.00	DO 8952
		17.35		Flying boat bearing 205°T, course 270°.
		20.00	DO 8699
		24.00	DO 9451	Day's run:  Surfaced 224 nm, Submerged 9 nm - 233 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 8011 nm, Submerged 139 nm
		27.07.42	Atlantic	Course 35°, diesel-electric.
		00.00	North of the Anegada Channel
			DO 9451
			ENE 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DO 9186
		08.00	DO 9163
		12.00	DO 6887
			NE 2-3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DO 6853
		20.00	DO 6599
		24.00	DO 6642	Day's run:  Surfaced 195 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 195 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 8206 nm, Submerged 139 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.42

	- 30 -
		28.06.42	Central Atlantic	Course 35°, diesel-electric
			North of the Small Antilles
			DO 6642
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, Vis. very good, bright moonlit night
		04.00	DO 6385
		04.32		Shadow in sight bearing 250°T. Freighter distinguished. General course 110°.  Enemy makes large zigzags around changing general course.  On general course 110° we dove ahead of him.  At periscope depth I notice that he has already zigzagged several times to port and as a result he is in the moon lee, making observations and the shot much more uncertain.
		06.17		Last Eto tube II fire. Depth - 4 meters, range - 1500 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed - 14 knots.
				Miss, because at the moment of the shot the enemy zigzagged 30° to port.
		07.15		Radio Message:  0650/28/229:
				Just now last Eto miss on fast freighter, course 130°, 14 knots.  No artillery due to Sea State.  Return transit naval square DO 6398.  91 cbm.  Can give.    - Merten -
		06.24		Surfaced.  Freighter in sight, target angle 180°.  A pursuit and combat with artillery does not seem possible due to the choppy sea, therefore continued return transit.  Freighter was a modern motorship.  5000-6000 GRT.
		06.38		Course 75°, diesel-electric, continued return transit.
		06.54		Course 70°, diesel-electric.
		08.00	DP 4177
		12.00	E 2-3, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. very good
			DP 4186
		11.51		Radio Message:  Alfa Alfa 377/1145/28/338:
				"Merten" intend to attack.  Take up contact keeping again.  Send bearing signals every 30 minutes beginning 07.00 hours on wavelength 1400 meters.  Keep fuel ready for delivery.
				- Reichmann -
		12.53		Radio Message:  1205/28:
				"Reichmann" from Merten:  No contact am continuing transit.    - Merten -
		12.54		Radio Message:  1218/28/239:
				1)  Gelhaus report arrival supply point.
				2)  Merten: Fast return transit, fuel delivery not necessary.
		16.00	DP 4255
		20.00	DP 4324
		24.00	DP 2778	Day's run:  Surfaced 226 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 228 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 8432 nm, Submerged 141 nm

Sun and Moon Data 28.06.42

	- 31 -
		29.06.42	Central Atlantic	Course 70°, HF.
		00.00	East of the West Indies
			DP 2778
			ENE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DP 2769
		08.00	DP 2832
		12.00	DP 2923
		13.00	E 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good	Course 65°, HF.
		16.00	DP 3488
		20.00	DP 3552
		24.00	DP 3621	Day's run:  Surfaced 287 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 287 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 8719 nm, Submerged 141 nm
		30.06.42	Central Atlantic	Course 65°, HF.
		00.00	East of the West Indies
			DP 3621
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DQ 1149
		08.00	DQ 1215
		12.00	DE 8889
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DE 8943
		20.00	DE 8933
		24.00	DE 9459	Day's run:  Surfaced 293 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 293 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 9012 nm, Submerged 141 nm
		01.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 65°, HF.
		00.00	DE 9459
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	DE 9519
		08.00	DE 9299
		12.00	DE 9381
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		12.56		Test dive.
		13.20		Surfaced, course 65°, HF.
		16.00	DF 7144
		20.00	DF 4789
		24.00	DF 4672	Day's run:  Surfaced 245 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 247 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 9257 nm, Submerged 143 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42

	- 32 -
		02.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 65°, diesel-electric
		00.00	DF 4672
			E 0-1, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	DF 4653
		08.00	DF 4914
		12.00	DF 4688
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DF 4693
		20.00	DF 5452
		24.00	DF 5435	Day's run:  Surfaced 202 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 202 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 9459 nm, Submerged 143 nm
		03.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 65°, diesel-electric
		00.00	DF 5455
			NE 2, Sea 1, long Swell, Vis, medium to good
		04.00	DF 5279
		08.00	DF 5268
		12.00	DF 5328
			NE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. good
		14.14		Course 65°, HF.
		16.00	DF 3777
		20.00	DF 3766
		24.00	DF 3835	Day's run:  Surfaced 235 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 237 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 9694 nm, Submerged 145 nm
		04.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 65°, HF
		00.00	DF 3835
			Wind calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	DF 3685
		08.00	DG 1442
		12.00	DG 1433
			NW 1, Sea 0-1, long W-Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DG 1283
		18.00		Course 75°, HF.
		20.00	DG 1354
		21.23		Radio Message:  2024/4/132/255:
				1)  Merten, Gelhaus, U-402 report weather.
				2)  Diggins, Stiebler, Markworth 5 July 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.
		24.00	DG 2114	Day's run:  Surfaced 284 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 284 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 9978 nm, Submerged 145 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42

	- 33 -
		05.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 75°, HF.
		00.00	South of the Azores
			DG 2114
			WNW 1, Sea 1, long N-Swell, Vis. good
		02.57	Radio Message: Weather report:	Latitude:  34° 42'N
				Longitude:  30° 18'W
				Pressure change:  Steady
				Pressure:  1050 mb
				Air temperature: +22°C
				Wind direction and strength:  NW 1-2
				Weather phenomenon and clouds:  high Altostratus
				Horizontal visibility:  5 nm
				Swell:  long W-Swell
				- Merten -
		04.00	DG 2133
		08.00	CE 8994
		12.00	CE 9754
			N 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00		Radio Message:  1825/141/267:
				1)  Merten, Bülow 6 July at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
				2) and 3)  Nothing of importance for us.
		20.00	CE 9835
		24.00	CE 9688	Day's run:  Surfaced 290 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 290 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 10268 nm, Submerged 145 nm
		06.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 75°, HF.
		00.00	South of the Azores
			CE 9688
			N 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	CF 7549
		08.00	CF 7536
		10.53		Test dive.
		11.16		Surfaced, course 60°, HF.
		12.00	CF 7394
			NNW 2, Sea 2, long high Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CF 8152	Course 75°, HF.
		20.00	CF 5885
		24.00	CF 5918	Day's run:  Surfaced 280 nm, Submerged 1 nm - 281 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 10548 nm, Submerged 146 nm
		07.07.42	North Atlantic	Course 60°, HF, 2 x +10 more.
		00.00	East of the Azores
			CF 5918

	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42

	- 34 -
		continued
		07.07.42	WSW 2, Sea 2, long high Swell, Vis. good
		04.00	CF 5698
		08.00	CF 6435
		12.00	CF 6516
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, long high Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	CF 6371
		16.12		Course 62°, HF, 2 x +10 more.
		20.00	CF 6338
		24.00	CG 1785	Day's run:  Surfaced 305 nm, Submerged 0 nm - 305 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 10853 nm, Submerged 146 nm
		08.07.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	West of Portugal	Course 62°, 2 x HF.
			CG 1785
			WSW 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	CG 1851
		08.00	CG 1678
		10.38		Test dive.
		11.08		Surfaced, course 62°, 2 x HF.
		12.00	CG 1666
			W 1, Sea 1, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	CG 2198
		16.30		Course 62°, HF.
		17.25		Course 30°, HF.
		20.00	CG 2225	Cape Finisterre abeam to starboard.  Outside the 3 nm zone ran along the Spanish coast to Cape Ortegal.
		24.00	BE 7919	Day's run:  Surfaced 331 nm, Submerged 2 nm - 333 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 11184 nm, Submerged 148 nm
		09.07.42	Bay of Biscay	Course 35°, HF.
		00.00	North Spanish Route.
			BF 7919
			Wind Calm, Sea 0, long Swell, Vis. very good
		04.00	BF 8473
		04.49		Beta Beta
				Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
				- U-68 -
		05.07		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 8454
		12.00	BF 8428
		16.00	BF 8423	Surfaced, course 33°, GF.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.42

	- 35 -
		continued
		09.07.42
		19.20		Radio Message 1326/9/33:
				To "U-68", "U-107":  Escort positioned 11 July 06.00 hours L II.    - 2.U-Flottille -
		20.00	BF 8193
		21.56		Beta Beta:
				Request instructions concerning entry route.
				- Merten -
		22.36		Radio Message:  2214/9/36:
				Entry route for Gelhaus and Merten:  Is Kernleder.  U-155 departs Lorient 9 July evening via Kernleder.
		24.00	BF 5794	Day's run:  Surfaced 153 nm, Submerged 32 nm - 185 nm
				Total distance:   Surfaced 11337 nm, Submerged 1805 nm
		10.07.42	Bay of Biscay	Course 30°, HF, dived due to unfavorable visibility.
		00.00	Southwest of Lorient
			BF 7594
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. good
		03.00		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface due to visibility improvement in accordance with "Biscay Transit Orders" of B.d.U.
		04.00	BF 5739
		03.05		Course 30°, GF.
		04.06		Radio Message 0327/10/39:
				Request Bearing Transmitter I from 11.00 hours.
				- Merten -
		04.42		Radio Message:  0423/10/30:
				Bearing Transmitter I runs for Merten from now until 11.00 hours.    - Radio Control -
		07.10		Reached Point "Kern".
		07.23		Transit at GF on Route "Kernleder".
		08.00	BF 5555
		12.00	BF 6173	Transit on Route Kernleder.
			9/10, NNW 5, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. medium
		11.53		Convoy intake at L II.
		12.45		Escort change by Harbor Protection Boat.
		13.00		Escort ended.
		13.10		Made fast at A 4.
				Route:  Surfaced 158 nm, Submerged 10 nm
			Total distance covered Surfaced:        11495 nm
			"                    Submerged          190 nm
			Total:	11685 nm
				========

	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.42

	- 36 -
				Sunk:     5 June Gasoline tanker   9,000 GRT 6 June Oil tanker 12,000 GRT 10 June Freighter "SURREY"   8,581 GRT 10 June Motor freighter "ARDENVOHR"   5,025 GRT 10 June Motor freighter "PORT MONTREAL"   5,822 GRT 23 June Tanker "ARRIGIA" 5000 GRT     45,428 GRT 23 June Tanker "FRIMAIRE   9,242 GRT Total:   54,670 GRT =======================================
				Korv.Kapt. and Kmdt.

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch "U-68" from 14.4. to 10.7.1942
	A well executed patrol.  The Kommandant deliberately and skillfully exploited the offered opportunities for success and achieved a beautiful success.
		Signed in draft:    D ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For correctness:
		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

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