U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-701 1st War Patrol

U-701 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	27 December 1941	St. Nazaire	9 February 1942	45

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
6 Jan 42	16.27	58°03'N, 31°24'W	BARON ERSKINE	3,657	British	SC-62

			Total = 3,657
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.

- 1 -

Copy Number

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

=================

U n t e r s e e b o o t e s " 7 0 1 "

=======================




Beginning:	16.07.1941

Ending:	09.02.1942

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant D e g e n

D i s t r i b u t i o n :

Unterseeboot " U-701 "	Copy No. 1
3. Unterseebootsflottille	Copy No. 2
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote	Copy No. 3
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote	Copy No. 4
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine	Copy No. 5 + 6

A t t a c h m e n t s :

1.)	1 Track chart	for Copy No. 1 - 5
2.)	7 Torpedo Firing Reports	for Copy No. 1 - 3
3.)	1 Extract of the General Message Log	for Copy No. 2 - 5
4.)	1 Original General Message Log	for Copy No. 1
5.)	1 Original Officer-Only Message Log	for Copy No. 1
6.)	5 Sketches	for Copy No. 1
7.)	4 Combat action sketches	for Copy No. 1

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

- 1 -




	16.07.41		Commissioning. Shipyard H. C. Stülcken and Sohn, Hamburg (first boat).
	22.07. - 08.08.41		U.A.K. period in Kiel
	10.08.41		Sound testing off Apenrade.
	12.08. - 16.08.41		T.E.K.-testing in Warnemünde.
	17.08. - 21.08.41		Individual training off Warnemünde.
	25.08. - 06.10.41		Final adjustments and overhaul at Stülcken, Hamburg. (Extensive modifications and repairs)
	09.10. - 16.10.41		Second U.A.K.-testing in Kiel
	22.10. - 06.12.41		Training in the east, 1.) UAG.1 (Danzig), 2. Agru.Front (Hela), 3.) 25. U.-Flottille (Danzig), 4.) 27. U.-Flottille (Danzig) (Tactical training).
	06.12. - 22.12.41		Last final adjustment and overhaul (Stülcken, Hamburg).
	24.12. - 26.12.41		Arming in Kiel, U-boat Base.

	27.12.41	Kiel-Wik, Tirpitz mole
	12.00		Departed on war patrol.
			Transit to the west through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. Overnight stay in Brunsbüttelkoog.

	28.12.41
	08.00	Elbe Brunsbüttel Roads	Taken in convoy. Transit via prescribed route to AN 9546.
		E 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
	12.00	By"Elbe 4"	Day's run: 72 nm.
		E 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.00	AN 9581
		SSW 2-3, Sea 1, medium cloudy, Vis. very good
	16.52	AN 9546	Released from convoy, continued on Route Blue, 12 knots.
	17.12		Drifting mine to port.
	17.27		Crash dive (test dive). At the beginning of twilight dived to proceed submerged.
	18.33		Surfaced. Route Blue, 12 knots.

- 2 -




	20.00	Route Blue
		SW 3, Sea 1-2, medium cloudy, Vis. good, bright night, Moon comes shining through
	20.15		Anti-aircraft fire and parachute flares bearing 180°T (East Frisian Islands).
	23.07	Route Blue	U-boat to port 3000 meters distant, southerly course, probably Kpt. v. Mannstein.
	24.00	Route Blue
		WSW 5, overcast, bright moonlight, Vis. good

	29.12.41
	04.00	Route Blue
		W 7, Sea 6, overcast
	08.00	Route Blue
		NW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good
	09.52	Route Blue	Crash dive (test dive) afterwards proceeded submerged on Route Blue, 3 knots.
		NW 5, Sea 4, Vis. clear
	12.00	Route Blue	Day's run: Surfaced 258 nm, Submerged 12 nm.
	13.17		Surfaced, because of CO_2,boat ventilated, following that dived. Submerged transit continued.
	16.00	Route Blue	Proceeding submerged.
	17.41	NE 6, Sea 5-6, moonlit, overcast, Vis. very good	Surfaced. Heading for the 200-meter line, course 0°, 12 knots.
	20.00	AN 3584
		NE 6, Sea 5, medium cloudy, N-swell, Vis. very good
	21.16	AN 2557	Reached the 200-meter line, continued on northerly courses close to the 200-meter line. At HF the boat only makes 9-10 knots over the ground.
	22.47		Crash dive for training. Boat is trimmed very bow heavy. Water rises over the floor plates at the forward edge of the control room. The error was determined and corrected. Boat is balanced.
	24.00	AN 3541
		N 5, Sea 4, moonshine, thin cloud deck, Vis. very good

	30.12.41
	04.00	AN 3189	Course 310°, HF.
		N 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, heavy NW-swell, bright moonlit night, Vis. good
	04.45		Star shells fired bearing 340°T, far off.
	08.00	AN 3144	Transit to the north.
		W 3, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. good
	10.46	W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, hazy, Vis. 2-3	Crash dive for training. Proceeding submerged due to decorating visibility.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41

- 3 -




	30.12.41
	12.00	AN 2883	Day's run: Surfaced 135 nm, Submerged 21 nm.
	14.15		Proceeding submerged. Passed the 200-meter line, then on course 332° for the Viking Bank.
			Proceeding submerged.
	16.00	AN 2856	Proceeding submerged.
		WNW 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, NW-swell, Vis. very good
	17.15		Surfaced. Continued transit to the NW. Tubes 1 and 3 are kept flooded for any eventuality.
	20.00	AN 2387	332°, HF.
		NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
	22.15		Boat is positioned on the Viking Bank.
	23.55		Outgoing Radio Message: U-boat short signal: Have passed 60°50'N. U-701.
	24.00	AN 2233
		NW 2, Sea 0-1, medium swell, thin cloud deck, moonlit, Vis. good

	31.12.41
	00.21		Incoming Radio Message: Degen has passed 60°50N from short signal.
	04.00	AF 7990	Course 320°, HF.
		NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast
	06.00		Clocks retarded 1 hour. (Radio Log and Kriegstagebuch continue in DGZ)
	08.00	AF 7672	Course 330°, HF.
		WNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, heavy swell
	08.15	AF 7647	Man overboard! The I.W.O., Lt.z.S. Weinitschke had proceeded without safety precautions, unauthorized on the upper deck, to close the door to the starboard ammunition hatch, he went overboard with a heavy breaker. After 10 minutes calls were heard and Weinitschke was held in the searchlight beam. Then he was lost from sight. All measures were unsuccessful, because of rough sea and darkness. The transit was continued after 1/2 hour.
		WNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, swells, dark night
	10.30	AF 7568	English drifting mine to starboard.
	12.00	AF 7591	Day's run: Surfaced 193 nm, Submerged 15.5 nm.
		W 4-5, Sea 4, short high swells, clearing cloud deck, Vis. good	Course 250°, HF.
	12.21		Switched to Greenland Circuit.
	12.40		Temporarily, the boat can run only with the port E-motor (port diesel cooling water pump knocks strongly, starboard tail shaft clutch slips)
	13.00		Both diesels are in service again. Course 250°, HF.
	15.13		Boat comes to course 235°, HF. Today on this course we will break through to the west on New Year's Eve.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41

- 4 -




	31.12.41
	16.00	AF 7578	Course 235°, 2 x HF.
		W 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	AF 7753	Course 235°, 2 x HF.
		SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, long W-swells, Vis. moderate
	22.00		Clocks retarded one hour again.
	23.57		Incoming Radio Message: Men of the U-boat Service: in the year a new we want to be like steel, harder, fiercer. Long live the Führer.
			B.d.U.
	24.00	AF 7777	The sea becomes so rough that we must slow. Use of weapons no longer possible.
		SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, moonlit, long swell
		SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, moonlit, long swell	Course 235°, 1 diesel, LF.

	01.01.42
	04.00	AN 1117	New Year's Eve makes things difficult for us. We wanted to arrive at Rosemary Bank, however, can expect to make a cruising speed of only 4-5 knots in the storm.
		WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, moonlit, Vis. good
	08.00	AM 3261	Boat works strongly in the heavy sea. Bridge watch is strapped in since 22.00 hours. A cruising speed of only 3 knots can be expected.
		SW 6-7, Sea 7, overcast
	10.20	AM 3255	At dawn, we are positioned in the middle of the "Passage". But on New Year's Day and in this weather the "Northern Patrol" will probably not be stationed.
	10.24		Crash dive (for training). Despite the hurry, a test dive must be carried out once again.
	11.34		Surfaced. Balancing the boat was fraught with many difficulties.
	12.00	AM 3257	Day's run: Surfaced 206 nm, Submerged 5 nm.
		SSW 8, Sea 7-8, high swells, overcast, Vis. moderate	Course 250°, 3-4 knots.
	16.00	AM 3275	Course 250°, 1 diesel, LF.
		W 8, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. medium
	17.40		Incoming Radio Message: "Degen" and "Cremer" after passing square AM 30 report fuel with short signal.
	19.00	AM 3286	After astronomical observation the boat is positioned 30 nm east of the plotted position. We do not come further in this enormous head sea. There is also a strong current.
	20.00	AM 3285	Course 250°, both diesels LF. Use of weapons is not possible. Barometer rising.
		WNW 8, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. medium, moonlit

	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42

- 5 -




	01.01.42
	24.00	AM 3411	Course 250°, LF.
		WNW 6, Sea 5, long, heavy swells, overcast, Vis. good, moonlit

	02.01.42
	02.00	WNW 3-4, Sea 3, long heavy swells, lightly overcast, bright full moon	It has abated. Emerging at last from the "Passage", I go to 2 x HF. On the bridge it continues to be very wet. Tubes 1 and 3 are kept flooded.
	04.00	AM 3227	A vessel comes in sight to starboard, very thick smoke cloud. Fishing trawler or patrol vessel? Avoided to the south.
		WNW 3, Sea 3, heavy Atlantic swells, full moon, lightly cloudy
	04.45	AM 24	Outgoing Radio Message: Ordered short signal: Still have 100 tons fuel on board. U-701.
			Signal was not heard.
	08.00	AM 2467	The watch, greatly handicapped by overtaking seas, suddenly finds that the boat is directly ahead of a convoy. The Watch Officer turns away on course 160°. When I arrive on the bridge, I see close astern, in moonlight bright as day, about 30 medium-sized steamers. I stand quite superbly before the dark horizon.
		W 3, Sea 2-3, heavy swell, clear full moon
			What an opportunity!! "To action stations", I flood the other 3 tubes, and make ready. If only the moon had already set. It still stands very high with no cloud cover. We have calculated moonset at 10.44 hours. Still almost three hours away. One can make out the screen from this position , 2 destroyers and 3 smaller vessels. Convoy steers about 150°.
	08.15		Crash dive! Suddenly to port I see the sweeper approaching from the dark horizon at target angle 10-20, he is positioned exactly opposite the moon. There is a direct risk that he will recognize us at any moment. Range = 1500 meters.
			The boat sinks, because the test dive had not yet been executed, at the same time worked on the tubes at depth A-30 meters.
	08.45		After 30 minutes the boat is balanced, came to depth 11 meters to try to get a shot with the air search periscope.
			Came to supposed enemy course course 155° and ran along. Boat cannot be held in the heavy swells. 3 times I take short sweeps. By sound bearings the convoy is positioned to port. In the periscope nothing can be seen, periscope continually cuts under.
	09.10		Surfaced. (sounds rushed by). Convoy in sight ahead to port. Distance 6 nm. I go at high speed behind the convoy want to maneuver ahead. It bears 115°.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42

- 6 -




	02.01.42
			Exactly in the opposite the bearing is the full moon and additionally, dawn is beginning. It will be getting steadily brighter, we must hurry up.
	09.35		Outgoing Radio Message: (Greenland Circuit) Alpha Signal: Convoy in sight AM 2465, easterly course, slow speed. U-701.
			Signal was not heard.
	09.30		Convoy turns to starboard, by my estimate it now steers 180°. Very favorable. There is no more time for plotting. We must go now, before it gets too light.
	09.46		I turn towards to attack on the surface. All tubes are ready. Because of brightness and starboard side screen I cannot get further ahead. I go behind the starboard destroyer on course 110°. From bearings, the destroyer steers exactly 180°. The last 10 steamers, including a big tanker, appear to us as a wide broad group before the bright horizon. A small escort vessel is attached.
	10.10		Four-fan shot at the group.
			Shooting data: Own course 110°, target bearing 100°T, target direction 350°, shooting angle 3.5°, target angle 100°, enemy speed 7 knots, lead angle 13.5°, spread angle 4°, range = 3500 meters, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.
	10.13		Single shot from tube 5, at the center of the group.
			Shooting data: Own course 256°, target bearing 105°T, target direction 209°, shooting angle 222°, target angle 105°, enemy speed 7 knots, lead angle 13°, range = 3500 meters, depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.
			Fan and single shot do not hit. The range was probably too great with the blunt position. I had to attempt it so as not to let this opportunity pass unused. Maneuvering ahead for a day attack is not possible because of the proximity to land (74 nm). The location and the course of the convoy clearly indicate that it is steering for the Minch. It is too late for a large U-boat action. It is bright as day, if only this convoy had crossed our path 2 hours earlier.
	10.45		Outgoing Radio Message: (Coastal Circuit) Alpha Signal: Convoy in sight square AM 3377, SE course. U-701
			Signal was heard. Transit to the west continued.
			Course 250°, HF.
	12.00	AM 2613	Day's run: Surfaced 179 nm, Submerged 4 nm.
		W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium	Course 250°, HF.

- 7 -




	02.01.42
	13.03	AM 2621	Crash dive for training, torpedoes must be reloaded, this is not possible on the surface in the heavy swell.
		W 3, Sea 2, overcast, long swells, murky, Vis. medium
		W 3, Sea 2, overcast, long swells, murky, Vis. medium	Proceeding submerged course 250°, 3 knots, depth A -20 meters.
	16.00	AM 2612
	16.20 - 18.19		10 depth charges far off.
	18.34		Surfaced. First and foremost we want to get away from here. Tube 5 was reloaded later.
	19.00		Outgoing Radio Message: 31.12 Leutnant Weinitschke over board. Today at 10.10 Minch convoy of 30 steamers. Attack with four-fan and stern shot missed, fuel 95, AM 2614. U-701.
	20.00	AM 2535	Course 250°, HF.
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, hazy, Vis. bad
	20.54		Incoming Radio Message: "Degen and Cremer proceed via square AL 26, AK 27, AJ 96 for BC 54."
			On course 265° at economical speed.
	21.15		Incoming Radio Message: "To Degen: In Radio Message 1849 assume fuel is in cbm. If sent in tons report "nein".
			It was meant in cbm.
	24.00	AM 2527	Course 265°, 7 knots.
		SW 6, Sea 5, long SW-swell, hazy, Vis. 5 nm

	03.01.42
	04.00	AM 1691	Course 265°, 8 knots.
		NNW 2-3, Sea 2, long W-swells, lightly cloudy, moonlit
	05.20		Crash dive for training. (test dive). The boat is out of trim again. Soundings show that since the last dive at 09.00 hours on January [water has been] running from the aft to the forward trim tank. The following was determined: The trim valve and the trim controller were leaking. The malfunction was fixed as far as possible with means on board. Tube 5 was reloaded.
	07.08		Surfaced.
	08.00	AM 1673	Course 270°, 7 knots.
		N 3, Sea 2, overcast, moonlit, Vis. good
	12.00	AM 1592	Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm, Submerged 20 nm.
		N 5, Sea 4-5, medium cloudy, Vis. good	Course 270°, 7 knots.
	16.00	AM 1571	Course 265°, 8 knots.
		NW 6-7, Sea 5, heavy swell, medium cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42

- 8 -




	03.01.42
	20.00	AL 5625	Course 270°, 7 knots.
		NNW 6-7, Sea 6, medium cloudy, Vis. good	Clocks retarded 1 hour.
	24.00	AL 3676	Course 275°, 6 knots.
		NNW 6-7, Sea 6, heavy swells, overcast

	04.01.42
	02.26		Crash dive for training (test dive).
	03.30		Surfaced.
	04.00	AL 3674	Course 270°, one diesel LF
		N 9, Sea 8-9, high N swells, overcast	Heavy weather. Use of weapons not possible.
	08.00	AL 3595	Course 270°, one diesel LF. From astronomical observations taken last night and this morning we have a correction of 270°, 158 nm. In addition, depth sounding corresponds perfectly to this observation. By this in the last days we always ran 1-2 knots faster, on the other hand, the observations are very difficult to make in the heavy seas. Proceeded according to the astronomical navigation fixes.
		NNW 9, Sea 9, high swells, overcast
	12.00	AL 1696	Day's run: Surfaced 176 nm, Submerged 4 nm. (of this 158 nm correction after a navigation fix)
		N 6, Sea 5, medium cloudy, Vis. medium
		N 6, Sea 5, medium cloudy, Vis. medium	Course 270°, 8 nm
	16.00	AL 1685	Course 265°, 7 nm. I now steer for AK 27.
		N 5-6, Sea 5, long swells, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	AL 1677	Course 265°, 7 knots. It is abating.
		N 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
			Personnel casualties: 1.) Masch.Gfr. Schmidtmeyer. From 2 January heavy pain in the kidney, fever 38.5 (Relapse before experiencing bowel inflammation. Bed rest, warmth, plain food). 2.) Mtr.Gfr. Löwe. Testicular contusion. Strong pain and very swollen right testicle. Bed rest, handled in accordance with "Doctor's Guide".
	24.00	AL 1589	Course 265°, 7 knots. astronomical observation not possible.
		N 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good

	05.01.42
	02.46		Crash dive for training (test dive). Tubes 1-4 were withdrawn for ventilation. On the starboard diesel a coolant exhaust line is removed, ready for welding.
	04.00	AL 1712	Proceeding submerged, 265°, 3 knots.
	05.43	N 2, Sea 1, overcast, long medium-high swell, moonlit, Vis. good	Surfaced. Course 265°, 1 diesel, 240 RPM (6 knots). Cooling water line was welded with autogenous welding gear on the bridge.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42

- 9 -




	05.01.42
	08.00	AK 3832	Course 265°, 1 diesel, 240 RPM (7 knots by railing log reading)
		NW 1-2, Sea 1, swells, overcast, Vis. good	Again no celestial observation. If the swells decrease further, we want to take the over deck torpedoes into the boat tonight.
	12.00	AK 3821	Course 265°, 7 knots.
		SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good	Day's run: Surfaced 194 nm, Submerged 9 nm.
	16.00	AK 3733	Course 265°, 7 knots
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. very good
	20.00	AK 3721	Course 265°, 7 knots.
		SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, SW-swells, Vis. good
	20.30	AK 3716	We get a superb astronomical navigation fix from 5 stars.
	24.00	AK 2835	It has freshened. Transferring the torpedoes (upper deck) is no longer possible.
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, swells, partly cloudy, Vis. very good
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, swells, partly cloudy, Vis. very good	Course 265°, 7 knots.

	06.01.42
	04.00	AK 2824	Course 265°, 7 knots.
		SW 4, Sea 4, partly overcast, bright moon, Vis. good
	08.00	AK 2817
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, bright moon, Vis. good
	10.43		Crash dive! (test dive). Deep dive test up to depth A +30 meters. All operable.
	12.00	AK 2737	Proceeding submerged, course 265°, 3 knots.
			Day's run: Surfaced 166 nm, Submerged 3 nm.
	12.04		Surfaced. Twilight. Course 230°, 7 knots. I now steer for AJ 96 in accordance with Radio Message orders.
	12.50		Smoke feather and masts in sight bearing 145°T. Steamer steering NE-course. An independent. I believe that he runs high speed. Hold contact and maneuver ahead at 16 knots. Steamer zigzags around 50°. By plotting though, he runs at only 8 knots.
	15.20		Am now positioned ahead of the steamer. He steers 50°. Steaming at the enemy's speed 10 knots.
	15.35	SW 4, Sea 4	Crash dive. Dive to attack submerged and run towards on course 230°, 3 knots. In one hour he must be there. Still no sound bearing. "To action stations".
	16.15		I have him in the periscope. Range = 5000 meters. At target angle 15°, bow right, approaching. Turn to 300° to attack, must get closer. Tubes 1 and 2 ready.
	16.27		Double shot from tubes 1 and 2. After 47 seconds

	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42

- 10 -




	06.01.42
			1st hit, 12 seconds later 2nd hit. Observed high water column forward and amidships.
			Shooting data: Own course 300°, bearing 306°T, target direction 6°, shooting angle 20°, target angle 87 (running), enemy speed 10 knots, lead angle 19.5°, parallax green 1°, range = 800 meters, torpedo run 720 meters, depth 1st 3 meters, 2nd 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.
	16.30		Surfaced. Steamer is down by the bow. The forecastle is submerged, sinking slowly deeper. Crew takes to a boat, or on rafts, in total 34 men.
			The steamer has dark green camouflage, on the rear is an 8.8 cm and 5 cm cannon, on the side astern depth charges.
	16.46	AK 2816	Steamer sinks over the bow. From the survivors was given the name "BARON HAIG" 3591 GRT.
	16.50		Continued transit, course 230°, 7 knots. Torpedoes were reloaded.
	19.35	AK 2734	Steamer in sight bearing 277°T. Steering NE-course. Hold contact to the beginning of twilight and with nightfall constantly nearer, ready for surface night bow attack. To action stations. All tubes are ready. Enemy steers 60°, 10 knots (steaming).
	22.10	AK 2824	Double shot from tubes 3 and 4.
		SW 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good	Shooting data: Own course 340°, bearing 334°T, target direction 354°, shooting angle xxx, target angle 100°, enemy speed 10 knots, lead angle 19°, parallax green 1.5°, range = 800 meters, torpedo track, depth 4 meters (both), torpedo speed 30 knots.
			Although on the bridge nothing is perceived, I hear after 78 seconds and 81 seconds loud cheering from the Control Room. In the boat and listening gear 2 hard blows were heard perfectly. Therefore Pi failure. Shot distance (by running time = 900 meters.
			The steamer, about 7000 GRT. large and fully loaded, has forward and aft one heavy cannon (15 cms) each. Now he continues to steer his course calmly. Has he not noticed anything? Run ahead and initiate a new attack. It is completely dark. I want to shoot, before the moon rises.
	23.10		Double shot from tube 1 and 2.
			Shooting data: Own course 300°, bearing 327°T, target direction 27°, shooting angle 53.5°, target angle 80°, enemy speed 10 knots, lead angle 19°, parallax green 7.5°, range = 500, depth = 4 meters (both), torpedo speed 30 knots.

- 11 -




	06.01.42
			The shot is delayed by a switching error I must turn so as not to approach too closely. Both torpedoes make no impact. The shots were made calmly and correctly, the shooting data was exact. No defensive maneuver of the steamer is noted. Now I have only the rear torpedoes "tube 5 ready". Nevertheless, this giant steamer should have been hit from so short a range. He still steers 60°. I close on course 40° degrees from starboard astern, approach closely and turn 85° to position for a stern shot.
	23.20		Shot from tube 5.
			Shooting data: Own course 123°, bearing 325°T, target direction 202°, shooting angle 225°, target angle 85°, enemy speed 8 knots, lead angle 15°, parallax green 8°, range 500, depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.
			Missed.
			About 40 seconds after the shot the steamer turned off hard to the north. He had noticed us, but the torpedo must still have reached him. It is possible that he was lying in wait since the first attack (Pi failure) and spoiled the 2nd and 3rd attacks by stopping or reversing and turning. However, plotting proves that he has maintained 10 knots during the hour between the 1st and 2nd attack. It could be seen clearly that the guns were not manned during the whole time. From sound observations the run of all torpedoes was perfect. Depth setting 4 meters cannot have been too great with this large steamer. The reason for the miss of the 2nd and 3rd attack are not fully explained.
			The following was received on the 600 meter wave with strength 5 during the 3rd attempt:
			cq cq de r de r dx warning lei gbms gbms gbms de pldii ß 85 for est of tfc ß up.
			A cold-blooded and experienced fellow! I now have no more torpedoes in the boat. Hopefully good weather will come, in order to reload the upper deck tubes. Apart from that we are operating as a reconnaissance and reporting unit. Continue transit to AJ96. Course 255°, 7 knots.
	23.30		Incoming Radio Message: 1.) To all new boats in the Atlantic: Attention is called to the most economical transit speed on the westerly transit. 220 to 250 RPM with 1 diesel has proved itself.
			2.) "Berger" report fuel by short signal.
	24.00	AK 2826	Course 225°, 7 knots. One diesel 240 RPM.
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, lightly cloudy, Vis. good

- 12 -




	07.01.42
	04.00	AK 2819	Course 253°, 5 knots.
		SW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	AK 2763	Course 253°, 5 knots.
		SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate
	10.50		Crash dive (test dive).
	11.57		Surfaced.
	12.00	AK 2756	Day's run: Surfaced 157 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm.
		S 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain, Vis. 3 nm	Course 253°, 5 knots.
	16.00	AK 2784	Course 220°, 5 knots.
	20.00	AK 2778	Course 220°, 5 knots.
		SE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate	The clocks were again retarded one hour.
	24.00	AK 0139	Course 220°, 5 knots.
		SE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate

	08.01.42
	04.00	AK 0167	Course 220°, 5 knots. It picks up, as a result, the loading of the upper deck torpedoes will probably not take place for the foreseeable future.
		ESE 8, Sea 7, rain, Vis. medium, bright night
	08.00	AK 0186	Course 220°, 3 knots. The storm is striking.
		ESE 9, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. moderate
	12.00	AK 5122	Day's run: Surfaced 110 nm, course 220°, 3 knots.
		SSW 8-9, Sea 7, high swells, Vis. moderate
	16.00	AK 5116	Course 220°, 3 knots.
		WSW 9-10, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. moderate
	20.00	AK 5142	The storm increases in strength, the watch can hardly be stood. The M.G. C 30 comes loose and must be retrieved. In so doing the II W.O. is dealt a severe blow (Rib contusion, possible a broken rib). He is unable to stand bridge watch in this weather.
		WSW 8-10, Sea 8, heavy swells, Vis. moderate
	20.06		With the coming of darkness dived for a test dive and to proceed submerged
	24.00	AK 5144	Course 220°, 2-3 knots.

	09.01.42
	00.05		Surfaced for Radio Message reception and to air the boat.
	01.07		Dived. Proceeding submerged.
	04.00	AK 4369	Proceeding submerged.
	08.00	AK 4392	Proceeding submerged.
	12.00	AK 4394	Proceeding submerged.
			Day's run: Surfaced 18 nm, Submerged 35.2 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42

- 13 -




	09.01.42
	12.30	S 10-11, Sea 8, high swell, confused, Vis. 600 meters	Surfaced at dawn. Very heavy weather, the wind has reached full hurricane strength.
	16.00	AK 4397
		SSE 12, Sea 9, heavily confused swells, Vis. 300 meters.	Mad weather.
	17.03	S 12, Sea 9, hurricane	Dived. The bridge watch can no longer be stood and often hang on only by the straps.
	19.00		Surfaced to receive Radio Messages, to air the boat and compress air.
			Only the commander goes on the bridge, firmly strapped in, Conning tower hatch screwed tight, the boat is more under than above water. Antenna leads from the forward and port net protector have broken off. In any case, I want to wait for the Radio Message program time. When a sea throws me from the bridge, so that I am held on the outside edge only by the belt, I give it up. One can stay on the bridge no longer.
	19.37	S 12, Sea 9, Vis. 300 meters	Dived. The diving maneuver takes 3-4 minutes. The boat is thrown out again and again. The rough seas can still be noticed at depth A -30 meters. The weather can't get any worse.
	20.00	AK 4623	Course 220°, 1-2 knots.
	22.03		Surfaced to receive Radio Messages. Conning tower hatch remains closed. Boat was ventilated, compressed air pumped full. The boat pounds badly in the seas.

	10.01.42
	00.08	AK 4626	Dived. Depth A -20 meters. 11 radio messages are still missing. I want to go up again at the next program time.
	04.00	AK 4628	Proceeding submerged course 220°, 2 knots.
	07.03		Surfaced to receive messages and ventilate the boat. Conning tower hatch remains closed.
	08.00	AK 4654
		Heavy weather
	08.15		Dived. Program time on Very Low Frequency brings nothing. Proceeding submerged course 220°, 2 knots.
	12.00	AK 4651	Day's run: Surfaced 7 nm, Submerged 32 nm.
	14.00	AK 4646	Surfaced. Course 260°, 2 knots. I must hold into the seas, so as not to undercut. Gigantic seas.
		W 10, Sea 8, heavy swells, overcast, snowfall, Vis. moderate
	14.25		Incoming Radio Message: (Very Low Frequency). Rasch and Degen report position by short signal. Radio circuit for the boat is Greenland.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42

- 14 -




	10.01.42
	16.00	AK 4646
		W 10, Sea 8, Vis. xx	Course 260°, 2 knots.
	17.38		Crash dive. A steamer comes in sight bearing 260°T, 3 nm away. He steers 100°. He shouldn't see us if we can't harm him in this weather and without a torpedo in the tube.
	19.41		Surfaced to receive Radio Messages. Conning tower hatch remains closed, because the bridge can not be entered.
	19.50		Outgoing Radio Message: (Atlantic short wave II) short signal: My position is AK 40. U-701.
	20.00	AK 4644
		Heavy seas
	20.36		Incoming Radio Message: (long wave) By short signal: Degen in naval square AK 40.
	22.08		Dived to proceed submerged. Course 260°, 2 knots.
	24.00	AK 4566	Course 260°, 2 knots.

	11.01.42
	04.00	AK 4565	Proceeding submerged, course 260°, 1 knot.
	08.00	AK 4567	Proceeding submerged, course 260°, 1 knot.
	12.00	AK 4567	Day's run: Surfaced 20 nm, submerged 23 nm.
			Proceeding submerged.
	12.05	S 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. moderate	Surfaced at dawn. Course 220°, 3 knots.
		S 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. moderate	We sight drifting pits and pulpwood in large quantities, later encounter wreckage.
	16.00	AK 4582	Course 220°, 3 knots. Although the barometer falls again, the main storm appears to have passed.
		S 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain and hail, Vis. bad
	20.00	AK 4587	Barometer 970 mb. The wind picks up again.
		SW 7, Sea 6-7, heavy swells, rain and hail, Vis. 2 nm
	22.06	Rain and hail, Vis. 1 nm	Dived to proceed submerged. Course 220°, 2 knots.
			The bludgeoning with this visibility, darkness and rough sea brings nothing.
	24.00	AK 4813	Proceeding submerged. Course 220°, 2 knots.

	12.01.42
	04.00	AK 4815	Proceeding submerged. Course 220°, 2 knots.
	06.04		Surfaced for air renewal. Conning tower hatch remains closed due to the weather situation.
	06.45		Dived.
	08.00	AK 4815	Proceeding submerged, course 220°, 2 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42

- 15 -




	12.01.42
	12.00	4818	Day's run: Surfaced 26 nm, submerged 15 nm.
			Proceeding submerged, course 220°, 2 knots.
	12.08	W 8, Sea 7, overcast, high swells, Vis. moderate	Surfaced at dawn. The weather still shows no improvement. Initially steering into the sea. Course 270°, 2 knots.
	14.00		Course 220°, 2 knots. The boat makes enormous movements the watch can be kept strapped in, but well held. Because of the loss of the I and II W.O., the Commander and Ob.Strm. alternate standing bridge watch.
	16.00	AK 4817	Course 220°, 2 knots. The wind freshens again. In Radio Messages the boats are directed to various storm and collision-disabled vessels. But I have no more torpedoes in the tubes. Pity. Consider a report in this connection necessary.
		W 8, Sea 7, Vis. 3 nm, snowfall, overcast
	19.10		Outgoing Radio Message: (Circuit Anton) short signal:
			Up to now have sunk one steamer. Still have only torpedoes under the upper deck. U-701.
			Signal was not heard.
	20.00	AK 4766	Hopefully the weather will improve soon.
		WSW 9, Sea 8, overcast, steep swells, snow storms, Vis 1 nm
	20.10		Outgoing Radio Message: (Radio Circuit Anton) short signal sent again. Not heard.
	21.24		Outgoing Radio Message: (Greenland Circuit) short signal sent again. was heard.
	22.25		Incoming Radio Message: Degen reports sinking a steamer, still has only torpedoes under the upper deck. Next time report position with report.
			Refrained from location information because I did not want to transmit beyond the permissible format of a short signal (2 groups).
	22.28	NW 10, Sea 8, overcast, high swells, Vis. moderate	Crash dive for training. Proceeding submerged due to the heavy weather and the unsatisfactory visibility.
			Course 220°, 2 knots.
	24.00	AK 4765	Proceeding submerged. Course 220°, 2 knots.

	13.01.42
	04.00	AK 4767	Proceeding submerged, course 220°, 1 knots.
	06.00		Surfaced to exchange the air in the boat.
	06.30		Dived to proceed submerged.
	08.00	AK 4767	Proceeding submerged, course 220°, 1 knots.
	12.00	AK 4791	Day's run: Surfaced 20 nm, submerged 14 nm.
		W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. moderate	Surfaced, course 220°, 2 knots. The weather has not changed yet.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42

- 16 -




	13.01.42
	13.37		Incoming Radio Message: Occupy as attack areas: U-701 Degen square BB 63 and 69. Schug and possibly Topp are in the same area. U-754 Oestermann square BC 47 and 71.
	16.00	AK 4786	Course 230°, 2 knots.
		SW 6-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate - bad	At the most economical speed one makes only poor progress with this weather. My attack area still lies far away. Unfortunately, without torpedoes, there is not a lot for me to attack.
	19.33		Incoming Radio Message: Attack area Degen is square BB 63 and 66, not 63 and 69.
	20.00	AK 4787	Course 230°, 2 knots. It is picking up again with extensive snowfall.
		SW 8, Sea 7, very high swells, snow squalls, Vis. medium
	21.00		Crash dive for training. Test dive. The boat submerges badly in this sea state.
	22.35		Surfaced. Course 230°, 2-3 knots.
	24.00	AK 7112	Course 230°, 2-3 knots. It is growing calmer again. One can proceed on the surface again.
		WSW 5-6, Sea 6, overcast, very dark and hazy

	14.01.42
	00.05		Incoming Radio Message: Degen report position and fuel by Short Signal.
			This Radio Message agrees with that from 12 January, still I must send 2 short signals.
	00.10		Incoming Radio Message: To all new boats: B.d.U. calculates that return transit from around the area of Group "Ziethen", equal to about BB 69, requires at most 35 cbm of fuel for medium-size boats.
			I thought this myself too.
	01.34		Outgoing Radio Message: Short signal. My position is AK 71. U-701.
			Signal was heard.
	03.08		Incoming Radio Message: The 01.34 acknowledged short signal was not resolved. New transmission required, signal was heard with strength 0-1.
			Radio Station B.d.U.
	03.34		Outgoing Radio Message: Short signal. Still have 70 cbm fuel. U-701.
			Signal was not heard.
	04.00	AK 7114	Course 230°, 5 knots.
		SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate
	04.10		Outgoing Radio Message: Short signal. My position is AJ 93. U-701.
			Signal was heard.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42

- 17 -




	14.01.42
	04.48		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal: Still have 70 cbm fuel.
			U-701.
			Signal was heard.
	06.22		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen reported at 04.48 by short signal fuel 70 cbm and at 04.15 position from disguised square LT 23.
	08.00	AJ 9339	Course 230°, 2 knots.
		SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, snow and hail showers, Vis. medium
	12.00	AJ 9362	Course 230°, 2 knots.
		NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium	Day's run: Surfaced 45 nm, submerged 3 nm.
	15.54		Crash dive for training. Test dive.
	16.00	AJ 9364
		NW 6-8, Sea 7, high swells, snow storm, Vis. 3000 meters
	17.06		Surfaced, course 230°, 2 knots.
			It has picked up again.
	18.00	NW 9-10, Sea 8, snow, steep swells, Vis. very good	I must heave to.
		NW 9-10, Sea 8, snow, steep swells, Vis. very good	Course 280°, 1-2 knots.
			Diesel and air shafts make lots of water.
			It must be pumped out constantly.
	20.00	AJ 9359	Course 280°, 1-2 knots.
		NW 9-10, Sea 8, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	22.00		Dived. Course 230°, 1-2 knots.
	24.00	AJ 9558	Proceeding submerged, course 230°, 1.5 knots.

	15.01.42
	03.30		Surfaced to exchange the air.
	04.00	AJ 9387	Weather unchanged, bad.
	04.15		Dived, course 230°, 1.5 knots.
	08.00	AJ 9384	Proceeding submerged.
	12.00	AJ 9376	Proceeding submerged.
			Day's run: Surfaced 15 nm, submerged 24 nm.
	12.25	WSW 9, Sea 7, high swell, overcast, Vis. good	Surfaced at dawn.
		WSW 9, Sea 7, high swell, overcast, Vis. good	Course 230°, 2-3 knots.
	13.05		Crash dive! Steamer bearing 220°T, steering 50°, 5 nm distant. We must again vanish. Use of weapons would not be possible because of weather conditions.
	14.22		Surfaced. Steamer is out of sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42

- 18 -




	15.01.42
	16.00	AJ 9378	Course 230°, 2-3 knots.
		WSW 8-9, Sea 7, high, long swells, snow and hail, Vis. bad	I eagerly await calm weather to be able to reload the upper deck torpedoes.
	20.00	AJ 9611	I have not had an astronomical navigation fix since 5 January.
		SW 6-8, Sea 6, overcast
	24.00	AJ 9535	Course 230°, 2-3 knots.
		SW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. quite good

	16.01.42
	04.00	AJ 9555	Course 230°, 6 knots.
		W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good	It is abating.
	08.00	AJ 9573	Course 230°, 6 knots.
		W 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium	It picks up again. Additionally, very cold.
	12.00	BC 1632	Ice buildup on the upper deck.
		WNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, frost -4°	At last, a successful navigation fix again.
			Day's run and correction after a navigation fix:
			Surfaced 342 nm.
			Correction after a navigation fix = 226 nm, 236°.
			As a result of the bad weather plotted 1 knot too little. This agrees with the sounding.
	16.00	BC 1652	Course 230°, 6 knots.
		W 2-3, Sea 2, medium swell, Vis. moderate
	18.32		Begin preparations to unload torpedoes.
	21.27		The forward torpedo is in the boat.
	22.30		The stern torpedo is in the boat. The unloading could be safely carried out in the medium swell. During this time changed over from diving condition B to condition A.
	23.20		Test dive.

	17.01.42
	01.46	BC 1673	Surfaced.
		W 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good	Course 230°, 6 knots.
	04.00	BC 1678
		WNW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast	Course 230°, 6 knots.
	08.00	BC 1835
		W 2-3, Sea 2, lightly overcast	Course 230°, 6 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42

- 19 -




	17.01.42
	12.00	BC 1867	New ship's position. (from astronomical observation and depth sounding)
		W 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, frost -4°
		W 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, frost -4°	Correction after a navigation fix: 15 nm, 112°T.
			Day's run: Surfaced 102 nm, submerged 3 nm.
	16.00	BC 1878	Course 250°, 6 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, occasional snowfall, Vis. medium	Passed the 200-meter line, reached the Grand Banks.
	19.18		Incoming Radio Message:
			"Cape Race" sends U-boat sighting report 07.30 hours naval square BC 1860.
	20.00	BC 4242	Course 270°, 5 knots.
		W 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. moderate to good, -5°	I now want to head directly for the north edge of my attack area.
			The entire boat is thickly iced up.
	21.55		Crash dive for training. Test dive.
	23.06		Surfaced.
	24.00	BC 4163	From sounding I am still a little bit south. Now we want to approach the Avalon peninsula.
		WNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, frost -5°

	18.01.42
	04.00	BC 4129	Course 275°, 5 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4, partly cloudy, Vis. moderate to good
	08.00	BC 4119	Course 275°, 5 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4, partly cloudy
	11.00		Crossed the boundary between BC and BB.
			Reached the attack area. The boat is completely iced up.
	11.22		Crash dive! Test dive. Strong ice formation causes the diesel air head valve not to close and the conning tower hatch leaks so heavily that I must blow.
	12.00	BB 6339	Day's run: Surfaced 108 nm, submerged 5 nm.
		W 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast
	12.23		Surfaced.
			Course 290°, 5 knots.
			Initially heading for Baccalieu Island.
	12.44		Incoming Radio Message:
			1.) Topp, Degen, if unloading is not possible, start return transit and report.
			2.) etc. . . .
	15.32		Baccalieu Island in sight bearing 275°, 15 nm distant. The coast is seen well out, comes in sight late because of the hazy horizon.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42

- 20 -




	18.01.42
			Proceeding 160°, want to go south, to have a closer look at Cape Race.
	16.00	BB 6337	Course 160°, 5 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. very good
	19.52		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			Have unloaded from the upper deck. Have reached designated position. U-701.
	20.00	BB 6392	Course 160°, 5 knots.
		SSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast
	21.07	BB 6393	Steamer in sight bearing 80°T, 11 nm distant. It steers 220° and seems to be running for Cape Race. Set off to the west, maintained contact on the small steamer, thought at first to be a sea going tug, however, appears larger. 2 masts of the same-height, 1 smokestack, high forecastle, large square bridge.
	21.29		Crash dive for aircraft, flies between me and the steamer on a northerly course.
	22.00	SW 5, Sea 4	Went to periscope depth. The sun has just set, I must wait until the nightfall.
	22.38		Surfaced. Nightfall
			Steamer is seen bearing 180°. In pursuit at high speed. Distance 5 nm.
			By plotting it runs at 13-14 knots. Extraordinarily high speed. We must beat against the sea, the bridge is completely wet, binoculars are useless. The steamer is lost from sight in the darkness.
	24.00	BB 6634	Course 220°, 16 knots.
		SW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, dark night	Dark, poor visibility night.

	19.01.42
	01.30		Gave up the pursuit. The odds are too low and the target is too small.
			Again at economical speed, course 210°, 5 knots.
	04.00	BB 6684	By plotting, am abeam Cape Race. Beacon is not in sight.
		SW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate
	06.00		Came about. Course 30°, 5 knots.
	08.00	BB 6658	Course 30°, 5 knots.
		SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, dark night	From soundings the current has set us substantially off the coast.
	09.30		Closed the coast on course 270°.
	10.10		Two lighthouses in sight:
			Ferryland and Bear Cove Point, 8 nm distant.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42

- 21 -




	19.01.42
	11.15		Test dive.
	12.00	BB 6658	Course 90°, 2 knots.
		WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate	Day's run: Surfaced 158 nm, submerged 8 nm.
	12.20		Surfaced. Dawn.
			Schug, reports by Radio Message, among other things, that steamers head for BC 4110 as a convoy control point. I will check there again.
			Course 20°, 7 knots.
	14.40		Crash dive! Small vessel (high bridge, 2 masts of the same height, 1 smokestack) bearing 110°T. Quickly coming closer. (sighted rather late on the hazy horizon). I almost believe it is our friend from last night. In the sound locator fast, sharp propeller sounds, shifting quickly and moving off to the west.
			A small mishap occurs during this dive: the exhaust air head valve will not close. The outward facing handle sticks, the handwheel cannot be turned. The drain of the exhaust air shaft is closed, despite shoring, in a short time, 4 tons of water enters the boat. The boat settles to depth A +0 meters, In the control room water begins to wash over the floor plates. The malfunction is repaired.
	15.36	Driving snow, Vis. 1000 meters	Surfaced, steamer is out of sight.
			Course 20°, 7 knots.
			Visibility is dangerously bad.
	18.50	BB 6395	It clears suddenly, the snow squalls have abated.
			"Cape Spear" lies abeam to port in the bright sunlight. The high snow-capped mountains look magnificent. Distance 18 nm.
			With continued clearing one can recognize the entrance of Saint John and the lighthouse [Amherst Lighthouse]. Am on the 90° radial off the coast.
	19.34	NNW 5, Sea 4-5, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good	Crash dive for aircraft. The afternoon reconnaissance, flies to the south of us on course 90° out to sea.
			Because in darkness I want to be close offshore, to observe Cape Saint Francis, I remain submerged on course 340°.
	20.00	BB 6393	Proceeding submerged, course 340°, 2 knots.
	22.20	WNW 5, Sea 4, clear	Surfaced. Twilight is beginning. Very good visibility. Am on the 90° radial off the coast.
	22.55	BB 6367	Vessel in sight bearing 170°T, 6 nm distant. Steering a westerly course. Come to course 200° and approach nearer as twilight progresses. High speed. Plotting shows the enemy's speed is 13 knots. 2 masts, 1 smoke stack, high forecastle, square bridge, moves off quickly.

- 22 -




	19.01.42
			Our friend again.
			When he is positioned at target angle 90° before the bright evening sky, I recognize him perfectly as a warship. Distance 4000 meters. Looks like a destroyer. Tubes III and V are ready. The target angle becomes more blunt. At target angle 150° he slips from the bright horizon off the dark mountains of the coast. Is soon lost from sight. He steers course 260° for Saint Johns. I am only 12 nm off the coast, therefore no pursuit (according to Weyer it must be a gunboat type: "DEPTFORD".)
	23.29		On course 310°, 7 knots, steering for the area off Cape Saint Francis.
	24.00	BB 6367	Course 310°, 7 knots.
		NW 4, Sea 3-4, starlit	The coast is illuminated.

	20.01.42
	00.40		Search light exercise at Saint Johns. An aircraft and 7 large searchlights.
	03.00		Cape Saint Francis 8 nm, positioned close off the coast. No vessels are sighted. Will now go to the Schug "convoy control point".
			Course 65°, 6 knots.
	04.00	BB 6353	Course 65°, 6 knots.
		W 3, Sea 2, starlit, frost -5°
	08.00	BB 6363	Southwest corner of the convoy control point reached. Steering alternating courses 220° and 40°. No steamer headed for this square comes in sight.
		N 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good
	11.30		Crash dive! (test dive).
	12.00	BB 6363	Proceeding submerged, course 40°, 2 knots.
			Day's run: Surfaced 118 nm, submerged 8 nm.
	12.19		Surfaced, course 200°, 6 knots.
	13.16		Crash dive for aircraft, flying reconnaissance to sea, steering 90°.
	14.00		Surfaced.
	16.00	BB 6363	Course 0°, 6 knots.
		SSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast
	20.00	BB 6363	Course 0°, 6 knots.
		S 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. very good	It has freshened remarkably.
		S 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. very good	No steamers in sight. The northern half of my operations ares offers nothing so I will go to the south to Cape Race.
	22.00	S 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate	Course 200°, 5 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42

- 23 -




	20.01.42
	24.00	BB 6366	Course 200°, 5 knots.
		S 6-7, Sea 6, Vis. bad	Green seas wash over.

	21.01.42
	04.00	BB 6392	Course 180°, 4 knots.
		S 7, Sea 6-7, rain, Vis. bad	The weather is getting worse and worse
	06.15	S 7-8, Sea 7, heavy rain and hail, Vis. 100 meters	Dived to proceed submerged.
		S 7-8, Sea 7, heavy rain and hail, Vis. 100 meters	Course 180°, 1-2 knots.
	08.00	BB 6398	Proceeding submerged.
	12.00	BB 6632	Proceeding submerged 1/2 knot.
			Day's run: Surfaced 90 nm, submerged 9 nm.
	12.25	S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, high swells, fog, Vis. 800 meters	Surfaced (dawn). Thick fog.
		S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, high swells, fog, Vis. 800 meters	Tube III is ready to shoot.
			Course 180°, 5 knots.
	14.57	BB 6637	The fog is breaking up.
			Steamer in sight, bearing 32°T, steering approximately 270°, 4 nm distant. He would have to have seen me, but I want to try to run out of sight to the SW. At higher speeds the boat has an enormous smoke cloud, therefore, I can run at only HF. The steamer proceeds calmly on so he has not seen me. Hold contact and then maneuver ahead at high speed. After 1 hour, plotting shows the enemy's course/speed: 265°, 10 knots. We are both still 12 nm off the coast.
	15.57		Coast in sight, must break off maneuvering ahead. Hold contact with economical speed, in the hope that he changes course for Cape Race on sighting the coast. But he continues on his W-course for the coast.
			Received on the 600 meter wave:
			"kpwo, kpwo, kpwo.
			dg 1350 date 21 - naval station -
			steering engine break down will arrive Saint Johns for repairs difficult hand steering require as . . . . lance po-rt . . . .
	16.00	BB 6655	Continue to hold contact. Does this fat fellow with rudder damage want to go to Saint Johns?
		SW 3, Sea 2, high swells, Vis. very good
		SW 3, Sea 2, high swells, Vis. very good	Type: NAPIER STAR, 10,000 GRT.
			(Radio call sign kpwo)
			Hopefully he will go to the south.
	18.00		The coast is hazy, I follow him until he is 5 nm from land, I am 8 nm to the south of the steamer. He is now 1 nm offshore and goes on a northerly course. I can not reach him. In 3 hours he will be off Saint Johns and it will be 4-1/2 hours before it gets dark.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42

- 24 -




	21.01.42
	18.05	BB 6656	Continued transit to Cape Race.
			Course 180°, 6 knots.
	20.00	BB 6683	Course 180°, 4 knots.
		W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, high swells.
	24.00	BB 6931	Course 310°, 10 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium	Headed for the Cape Race lighthouse, want to approach very close.

	22.01.42
	03.42		Bearing 20°T, approximately 6 nm off, bright red blazing light: torpedo hit from a U-boat.
			(Oestermann)
			Had the 600-meter wavelength switched to. The following was picked up.
			SOS de xUVZ torpedoed four miles off Cape Race Position 46 r 38 North 53 west ß SOS SOS xUVZ ar
	03.50		Two high detonations close by. Heavy shocks.
	03.52		Directly astern suddenly a steamer briefly sets position lanterns, shows green, S-course, distance 2000 meters. Although I am 5 nm from the lighthouse, there is a considerable glare. The steamer has seen me, because I was positioned between him and the lighthouse. So the depth charges came from him. It is inexplicable to me, why he has shown his position lanterns.
	04.00	BB 6684	Turn at high speed on a southerly course parallel to the steamer. I want to get out of the bright sector quickly, then on an easterly course to close the steamer. Visibility is bad, water washes over, binoculars are wet. Without having turned, the vessel is suddenly bow left heading towards the lighthouse, shifts very quickly. Therefore, he has set his position lanterns in the wrong direction. Am in pursuit and can see the shadow exactly in the bright sector before me. Distant depth charge detonations (quantity 10 to 12). The vessel zigzags before me toward land, at times the shadow is positioned on the left, sometimes to the right of the lighthouse. With a bright masthead lantern over a long period of time he sends SOS! He draws me perilously close to the coast. The depth sounder shows 60-50-40 meters, close to land he deviates to the left, I turn with him, now on course 250° into the sea, great quantities of spray, binoculars are unusable.
		SW 4, Vis. moderate

	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42

- 25 -




	22.01.42
			The shadow disappears under the snow-covered coast, am in pursuit, depth sounder shows 50 meters, 2 nm from land. The steamer can no longer be distinguished from the rock, forest and other contours on land, it is too dark.
	04.36		Gave up the chase. "Naval bush war" on the coast! They all flee under the coast where you can not follow indefinitely. Set off to seaward to the east, want to get a steamer there during the day that can not flee to the coast.
	08.00	BB 6688	Course 90°, 5 knots.
		WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. moderate
	11.30		Dived. (test dive).
	12.00	BB 6698	Course 90°, 2 knots.
		W 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
	12.25	W 4, Sea 3-4, low hanging cloud deck breaking up, Vis. very good	Surfaced. Course 340°, 5 knots.
			Moving back and forth at the east edge of my attack area. Blue airman's weather! After the experiences of last night, the R.A.F. will probably be very active today.
	16.00	BB 6696	Course 180°, 6 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4-5, breaking up cloud deck, Vis. very good
	17.13		Crash dive for aircraft.
	17.42		Surfaced.
	17.50		Crash dive for aircraft. The "Hampden Hereford" still stopped something.
	18.23		Surfaced, course 270°, 5 knots.
	20.00	BB 6689	Course 270°, 5 knots.
		WSW 6, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good	The day out to sea has brought nothing. Stop at the coast to approach closely at twilight. (outside the lighthouse area).
	20.05		Coast in sight.
	20.10		Crash dive for aircraft.
			Remain submerged until the beginning of twilight.
	22.18		Surfaced, course 285°, 8 knots.
			Want to pass south of Cape Race and position myself on the SW coast very close under the coast.
	24.00	BB 6679	Course 270°, 8 knots.
		WSW 4-5, Sea 4, partial overcast, Vis. good

- 26 -




	23.01.42
	02.00	BB 6675	Positioned 1-2 nm from land and am moving back and forth in open water.
		WSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. very good, occasional bright moon
			Tomorrow intend to remain submerged during the day under land, because of the steady westerly winds on the east coast off Ferryland, hopefully the weather remains good for us.
	04.00	BB 6676	Transit to Ferryland, 1-2 nm off the coast. No traffic.
		WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good
	08.00	BB 6657	On northerly courses on the Avalon coast to see Cape Race and Ferryland.
		W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good
		W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good	5 knots
			Then to the south of Ferryland, beyond the light sectors moving back and forth.
	12.00	BB 6657	Back and forth off Ferryland at economical speed.
		W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good	Day's run: Surfaced 112 nm, submerged 11 nm.
	12.28	BB 6657	Dived at dawn. By day on north and south courses. Want to observe the traffic 2 nm from land and try to get rid of both my torpedoes.
	16.00	BB 6655	Submerged. Positioned off Ferryland.
		W 1-2, Sea 1, long swells, Vis. medium
	17.50	W 3-4, Sea 3, driving snow	It is freshening somewhat.
	18.00		1 aircraft bomb, medium range, we have not actually been detected.
	20.00	BB 6658	Off Ferryland, submerged, steering back and forth.
	22.23		1 aircraft bomb, medium range.
	23.02		Surfaced, want to position between Ferryland and Cape Race during the night.
	24.00	BB 6655	Positioned off the coast on north and south courses.
		SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good, bright moon

	24.01.42
	04.00	BB 6681	Positioned off the coast.
		SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. very good
	12.00	BB 6651	Off Ferryland. Still want to observe one day, whether traffic is actually sighted off the coast.
		S 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
			Day's run: Surfaced 88.5 nm, submerged 17 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42

- 27 -




	24.01.42
	12.26		Submerged off Ferryland. Visibility deteriorates very badly. Driving snow, coast can no longer be seen.
	15.17		Incoming Radio Message:
			"To Group Ziethen"
			If the situation in square BB no longer appears promising, delayed return. etc.
			Although I do not belong to Group Ziethen, but am positioned in their area, I suppose this also applies to me. Still have 44 cbm of fuel. Want to wait here a little bit and then start return transit.
	16.00	BB 6651	Off Ferryland.
		S 5, Sea 4, Vis. bad	Driving snow.
	20.00	BB 6655	No traffic.
		SSW 4-5, Sea 6, overcast
	20.07	Fog	Surfaced.
			Course 90°, 12 knots. Began return transit.
	21.00	Fog	4 depth charges far off.
	24.00	BC 4444	Course 90°, 10 knots.
		S 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm

	25.01.42
	04.00	BC 4455	Course 90°, 8 knots.
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium	Outgoing Radio Message:
		SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium	"BARON HAIG" sunk. 2 pistol failures, 3 undetermined misses on 7000 tonner both 06.01.42, square AK 28, NE-course. Traffic stopped in Cape Race area, positioned as close as 2 nm from land. Patrol vessels throw individual fright bombs. Steamer sets lanterns for reciprocal heading at the same moment depth charges. SOS with bright masthead lantern. 2 Atos, 44 cbm, delayed return transit, S 3, 1000 mb, +2°, hazy, square YK 74.
			Degen
			Sending delayed several hours because of bad connection.
	08.00	BC 4544	Course 90°, 8 knots.
		SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
	12.00	BC 4564	Course 90°, 8 knots.
		WSW 5, Sea 3	Day's run: Surfaced 125.5 nm, submerged 14 nm.
	12.33	BC 4564	Steamer in sight bearing 10°T, 8 nm distant. Steering W-course.
			At dawn set off on westerly course, maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.
			Plotting shows: course 270°, 8 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42

- 28 -

25.01.42

14.56

W 5, Sea 4-5, Vis. medium

Dived for submerged attack.

Positioned ahead of the steamer and run to meet him on course 90°.

16.00

BC 4557

Have steamer in the periscope. Although the sea has become more rough, the boat can be held.

Distance 5000 meters, target angle seen as 45°. I must run closer, I can only shoot one torpedo (moreover is an Ato). Run closer at high speed, abeam distance becomes 600-800 meters. Again text book conditions. Shortly before the shot he zig-zags 10-20°, so that the target angle again becomes acute and distance abeam decreases alarmingly. Must go to KF. Shot must be taken from target angle 60°. Range at the shot is only 300 meters.

16.25

BC 4557

Tube III fire! Miss.

W 5, Sea 4-5

Afterwards [the boat's] bulwark comes from the water, but the steamer, already past, doesn't notice.

Shot information:

Own course	29°
True bearing	29°
Target direction	90°
Shooting angle	350°
Target angle	60°
Enemy speed	8 knots
Lead angle	red 10°
Parallax	00°
Range	600 meters (set)
Depth	3 meters
Torpedo speed	40 knots

The shot was taken with certain information. The miss can be explained only by the fact that the torpedo was not under control in the prevailing rough sea during the short run distance and has under run the target.

It was a freighter of about 5000 GRT.

Continue after the steamer submerged. Want to surface with sufficient distance, maintain contact and attack by night with a stern shot.

19.05

W 7-8, Sea 6, heavy swell

Surfaced. Steamer is still too near, 5 nm distant, It has strongly freshened, apparently the steamer is making little progress.

19.12

Dived, followed the steamer. Will get closer at sunset.

20.00

BC 4548

Proceeding submerged. Course 270°, 3 knots .

22.08

W 8, Sea 7, high swell, Vis. medium, -3°

Surfaced. Beginning of twilight. Steamer in sight ahead 10 nm distant. Must break off pursuit due to weather conditions.

22.30

Continue return transit.

- 29 -




	25.01.42
	24.00	BC 4573	Course 120°, 8 knots.
		W 8, Sea 7, high swells, Vis. medium, -3°

	26.01.42
	03.45	BC 4831	Steamer in sight, conspicuously bright position lanterns, westerly course. Passes 2000 meters abeam. Suddenly see to starboard ahead of the steamer the dark shadow of a destroyer. Both have to fight with the difficult seas and do not notice me. Use of weapons is not possible.
		W 8-9, Sea 7-8, bright night
	04.00	BC 4851	Course 120°, 8 knots.
		W 8, Sea 7, high swells, Vis. good	Consider reporting necessary.
	04.20		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Square BC 4851 brightly lit steamer, beside it a dimmed destroyer. Course west. Heavy weather. W 8-9.
			Degen
			Incoming Radio Message:
			Square BC 5755 Freighter 7000 probably a U-boat trap working together with destroyer. Speed 5 knots etc.
			U-333
	08.00	BC 4942	Course 120°, 8 knots.
		W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. moderate
	12.00	BC 4927	Course 90°, 8 knots.
		W 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. moderate	Day's run: Surfaced 96 nm, submerged 18 nm.
	16.00	BC 4938	Course 80°, 6 knots.
		W 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. good	Holding somewhat to the north, to stay on the track of traffic for England.
	16.12		Mannstein has sighted a convoy in square AM 467x and is holding contact. Speed 5-7, course 230°.
			Incoming Radio Message:
			1.) Mannstein hold contact.
			2.) Returning boats operate on it if position is favorable and if so report position by short signal.
			It is not promising for me.
	20.00	BC 5715	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4, medium swell
	24.00	BC 5489	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		NWN 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. very good, bright moonlit night

	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42

- 30 -




	27.01.42
	01.43		Crash dive for training. (test dive)
	02.17		Surfaced.
	04.00	BC 5574	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		W 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good, bright moon
	08.00	BC 5558	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		WSW 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	08.30		Boat stands on the "Flemish Cap".
	12.00	BC 5563	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		NW 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good	Day's run: Surfaced 158.5 nm, submerged 1.5 nm.
	13.20		Standing with one E-motor KF back and forth.
	16.00	BC 5565	Mirror flat Sea, bright sunshine.
		SW 2, Sea 1, clear sky, Vis. very good	Back and forth in position.
	20.00	BC 5563	Waited in vain for a steamer on a NE course.
		Clear sky, Vis. very good, SW 1-2, Sea 1
	21.30		Continued transit, course 70°, 6 knots.
	24.00	BC 5619	Course 70°, 6 knots
		SE 2, Sea 1, clear sky, Vis. very good

	28.01.42
	02.07		Dived. (test dive)
	02.25		Surfaced.
	04.00	BC 5636	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		ESE 5, Sea 4, cloudless, Vis. very good
	08.00	BC 6179	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		SSE 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
	12.00	BC 6186	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, medium swell, hazy, Vis. moderate, rain	Day's run: Surfaced 102 nm, submerged 1 nm.
	12.42	Hazy, Vis. 500 meters, rain	Crash dive for training.
			Will wait submerged for better visibility.
	13.42		Incoming Radio Message:
			Return harbor for Thurmann, Mannstein and Degen Nazaire etc.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42

- 31 -




	28.01.42
	13.58	Hazy, Vis. 800 meters	Surfaced. Course 70°, 6 knots.
	14.54	BC 6191	Steamer in sight bearing 80°T, steering about 240°.
		ESE 5, Sea 4, swells, hazy, Vis. bad	With the hazy weather the distance can only be estimated roughly, one can recognize only for brief moments the outlines of a tanker. I maneuver ahead at high speed on southwest courses. The tanker runs at high speed.
	16.00	BC 6194	Move only slowly ahead. I estimate that he runs at 12 knots.
		Swells, Vis. very bad
	16.17		Positioned ahead of the tanker, target angle 5°, range 2-3 nm, coming on. Extended matching speed is not possible, because the fog is breaking up. Crash dive for submerged attack. Run to meet on course 50°, and want to turn off on course 320° for a stern attack.
			When the boat is steady at periscope depth and I want to take aim, the tanker is seen at 1200 meters and comes with great rush from the haze. As I turn away, the periscope cuts under. The boat is held poorly in the swell. Periscope is free again, target angle 70°. Now the periscope is probably extended too far, but otherwise the ship could not be seen in the difficult, oily swell at all. He probably runs at 14 knots, everything happens quick as a flash.
	16.33		Just I want to shoot, the enemy turns away hard, my periscope has been seen. At target angle 180° he runs away, course 110°, he goes away quickly.
			Shot is cancelled.
			Bad visibility, high swell and high enemy speed have spoiled my attack. The tanker (about 6000 GRT in ballast) took me by surprise.
	16.55	Fog, Vis. 500 meters	Surfaced. Nothing more is seen of the enemy. Pursuit in this visibility is hopeless and no longer supportable for fuel reasons, I am drawn too far to the west
			Continued transit, course 70°, 6 knots.
	20.00	BC 6193	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		NW 3-4, Sea 2, long high swells, fog, Vis. 500 meters
	24.00	BC 6249	Course 70°, 6 knots.
		W 4, Sea 2-3, swells, hazy, Vis. 3 nm

- 32 -




	29.01.42
	04.00	BC 6261	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		W 7, Sea 6, long swells, Vis. good, moonlit
	08.00	BC 6318	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		W 7, Sea 6, overcast, long high swell, Vis. moderate
	12.00	BC 6323	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		WNW 7, Sea 6, high swell, Vis. moderate	Day's run: Surfaced 154 nm, submerged 6.5 nm.
	16.00	BD 1777	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		W 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	BD 1783	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		W 6, Sea 5, long swells, Vis. very good
	20.33		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen, Cremer and Löwe on 30 January between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather by Short Weather Cypher.
	24.00	BD 1844	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		W 6, Sea 6, quite high W-swell, Vis. good, moonlit

	30.01.42
	00.55		Crash dive for training. (test dive)
	01.00		Clocks are moved ahead one hour.
	01.15	W 4, Sea 4, medium swells, Vis. very good	Surfaced.
		W 4, Sea 4, medium swells, Vis. very good	Because I still have sufficient fuel, I want to do an "thrust" in a westerly direction to get an "inbound" steamer.
			Course 300°, 6 knots.
	02.28		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short weather report sent:
			49°N, 37°W, rising 1026 mb, +8°, W 4, Sea 4, Vis. over 10 nm, medium-high swell.
			U-701
	04.00	BD 1753	Course 300°, 6 knots.
		W 5, Sea 4, long swell, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	BD 1716	Course 300°, 6 knots.
		SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. good
	12.00	BC 3698	Course 300°, 6 knots.
		SSW 6-7, Sea 6, high swell, Vis. moderate	Day's run: Surfaced 154.5 nm, submerged 1 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42

- 33 -




	30.01.42
	13.30		Course 260°, 6 knots.
	16.00	BC 3688	Course 260°, 6 knots.
		S 7, Sea 6, medium swell, Vis. good
	18.03		Incoming Radio Message:
			By permanent ventilation of Eto's places high pressure on depth control mechanism and thereby depth run failure. Therefore, do not use permanent ventilation; Eto's are to be aired daily as before. Boats with unexplained misses report with next opportunity whether permanent ventilation was in use.
			Have not used permanent ventilation.
	19.00		The westerly thrust has not produced.
	20.00	BC 3679	Course 80°, 7 knots.
		SW 6-7, Sea 6, high swells, Vis. good
	24.00	BC 3697	Course 80, 7 knots.
		S 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate

	31.01.42
	04.00	BD 1475	Course 80°, 7 knots.
		SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate
	08.00	1482	Course 80°, 7 knots.
		SSE 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium swells, Vis. moderate
	10.45		Crash dive for training. (test dive)
	11.35		Surfaced.
	12.00	BD 1469	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		SSE 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, medium swells, hazy, Vis. moderate	Day's run: Surfaced 151 nm, submerged 2.5 nm.
	16.00	BD 1557	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		SSE 7, Sea 6, medium swells, hazy, rain
	20.00	BD 1567	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		S 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium swells, hazy, rain
	20.22		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Eto with hits 7, pistol hits 9, misses 5, and distant fan shot 3500 meters all depth 3 meters, no permanent ventilation. SSE 7, Sea 6, overcast, hazy, Vis. 3 nm, 1017 mb, falling, +12°, 30 cbm. Square BD 1557
			Degen

	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42

- 34 -




	31.01.42
	21.12		Incoming Radio Message:
			To Degen, Uphoff, Cremer head for naval square BE 7141, if still west of it.
			Came to course 120°.
	22.28		Incoming Radio Message:
			German steamer "SPREEWALD" sent signal at 17.00 hours in naval square BE 7142. Steamer was torpedoed, burning and sinking. Beware of English U-boats.
	22.30		Course 120°, 2 x HF. Can reach the scene of the accident at 12 knots (limited by sea state and fuel condition) in 42 hours. (2 February in the afternoon)
	24.00	BD 1676	Course 120°, 12 knots.
		SSO 4-5, Sea 4, medium swell, Vis. moderate

	01.02.42
	04.00	BD 1939	Course 120°, 12 knots.
		SSE 4-5, Sea 4, medium swell, Vis. moderate
	08.00	BD 2759	Course 120°, 6 knots.
		S 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, medium swell, Vis. good	Must again go to economical speed, because my fuel state is marginal. 27 cbm.
	10.22		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen, Uphoff, Schulte head for naval square BE 7142 and report arrival.
	12.00	BD 2872	Course 120°, 12 knots.
		SSE 6, Sea 6, medium swell, overcast, Vis. moderate	To advance my arrival I go to 12 knots.
			Day's run: Surfaced 200 nm.
	12.35		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Square BD 2868, arriving 2 February 20.00 hours, 26.5 cbm.
			Degen
	16.00	BD 5234	Course 120°, 10 knots.
		SSE 5-6, Sea 5, medium swell, overcast, Vis. good	Must conserve fuel, to be able to search on arrival.
	16.16		Incoming Radio Message:
			1.) As sinking location the location named by Cremer finally considered to be square 7125. Schulte, Uphoff, Degen and Liebe head for this point.
	20.00	BD 5346	Course 120°, 9 knots.
		SSE 6, Sea 6, medium swell, overcast, hazy, Vis. 2-3 nm
	24.00	BD 6142	Course 115°, 9 knots.
		SSE 5, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good, bright moon

	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42

- 35 -




	02.02.42
	04.00	BD 6191	Course 115°, 9 knots.
		SSE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, bright moonlit night
	08.00	BD 6279	Course 115°, 9 knots.
		SSE 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. good, overcast, bright night
	12.00	BD 6238	Course 115°, 9 knots.
		SSE 5, Sea 5, overcast, light swell, Vis. good	Day's run: Surfaced 244 nm.
			Astronomical observation results in a correction after a fix: 310°, 18 nm.
	16.00	BD 6642	Course 120°, 9 knots.
		SSE 5, Sea 3-4, light swell, Vis. very good
	20.00	BD 6691	Course 120°, 7 knots. (economical speed)
		SSE 3, Sea 3, medium swell, Vis. very good
	21.58		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			My position is BE 47.
			U-701
	23.10		Incoming Radio Message:
			Schuch in naval square BE 4720 just 3 boats and 3 rafts with 24 Germans and 58 prisoners. There is still 1 boat with 2 captains of the steamers missing. Must be nearby based on statements. Waiting for brightness am continuing search.
			Great joy!
	23.33		Incoming Radio Message:
			1.) To boats in the "SPREEWALD" search mission, immediately collect on Schuch.
			2.) 1. Schuch take command. If necessary, begin search line to find the last boat.
			2. Report if operational orders can not be executed.
			3. If possible, radio silence of the boats except for Schuch.
			4. Schuch send bearing signals at 01.15, 01.45, 10.15 and 10.45 hours in accordance with War Orders 211 Paragraph 1a without radio signal on the 626 meter wave.
			5. Schuch report immediately when the last lifeboat is found
			3.) To boats in rescue mission "SPREEWALD": "Do not tell the crew of the steamer that the steamer was sunk by a German U-boat."
	24.00	BE 4724	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		SSE 2, Sea 2, medium cloudy, Vis. very good, moonlit.

- 36 -

03.02.42

01.15

Bearing signals from Schuch heard, bearing 245°T.

01.45

In the belief that Schuch is still at the same location I come to the course of the bearing and hope to still meet him at night. It is very light. I want to see whether I can take some of the of the survivors from him.

04.00

BE 4719

Course 245°, 6 knots.

SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good, moonlit

04.31

Incoming Radio Message:

1.) Boats head for naval square BE 4787 from there not before daylight search in the following sectors:

	Liebe	0 to 20°
	Degen	40 to 60°
	Schulte	20 to 40°
	Schuch	60 to 80°
	Cremer	80 to 100°
	Uphoff	100 to 120°

2.) The Captains' boat with approximately 20 men has set sail from the rest possibly in an easterly direction on the evening of 1 February based on statements of survivors.

3.) Positioned at datum sending bearing signals 10.45 hours.

Schuch

Heading for starting point on course 155°.

08.00

BE 4749

Course 155°, 6 knots.

SE 4, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good, moonlit.

10.15

Bearing signals from Schuch bearing 250°T came to course 250° on the bearing.

10.28

Several white star signals sighted bearing 230°T.

10.45

Bearing signals from Schuch bearing 250°, heading for the white stars on course 230°.

11.00

U-boat bearing 230°T. It is Schulte. Passed in hailing distance. It is Schulte. He searches Schuch, follows me to the west.

11.30

Another star bearing 240°T.

11.45

U-boat bearing 90°T. It is Liebe. Comes into hailing distance, searching for Schuch. He had Schuch bearing 260°T.

12.00

BE 4779

Searching for Schuch on westerly courses. In my opinion, he must be to the west. Schulte and Liebe follow on westerly courses.

SSE 4, Sea 4, medium cloudy, Vis. very good

Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm.

- 37 -




	03.02.42
	12.30		Schulte and Liebe turn off and want to search for the lifeboat in easterly or northeasterly directions, are quickly lost from sight. I think it is correct to first meet with Schuch, to have an exact disposition.
	13.00		Schuch does not come in sight. Now I believe we have received the bearings on the wrong side, so that Schuch was positioned bearing 70°T. However, Liebe had also held a bearing at 260°T.
	13.09		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			Repeat bearing signals on the same wave.
			U-701
	13.45		Heard bearing signals from Schuch. Bearing 70°T and 250°T. Have doubts about the side. Sides determination shows 250°T every time. I cannot run farther to the west for fuel reasons. Apparently my direction finder is not in order. Proceed on course 60° to the ordered search sector.
	13.56		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen asks for repetition of the bearing signals on the same wave.
	14.15		Bearing signals from Schuch heard. Side determination proves again that Schuch is positioned to the west, now appears to me improbable
	14.44		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen pay attention to bearing signals from Schuch.
	16.00	BE 4776	Course 60°, 7 knots.
		SE 4, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. very good.
	20.00	BE 4759	Course 60°, 7 knots.
		SE 4, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. very good
	20.25		Incoming Radio Message:
			To search group "SPREEWALD".
			1.) Boats are running (in the course of?) once more in sectors 140 nm from the starting point.
			2.) Afterwards occupy reconnaissance line from naval square BE 1994 to naval square BE 7364 in named order: Ostermann, Hardegen, Schulte, Degen, Schuch, Cremer, Liebe.
			3.) In reconnaissance line in direction 90° continue searching on SE and NE-courses.
			Schuch
	20.25		Continue running in my sector, and with daylight take position in reconnaissance line.
	22.00	BE 4818
		SE 2, Sea 2, medium cloudy, Vis. very good, moonlit

- 38 -




	04.02.42
	04.00	BE 4825	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		SE 2, Sea 1, medium cloudy, Vis. very good, moonlit	Clocks are advanced one hour to M.E.Z.
	08.00	BE 4599	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		ENE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good, moonlit night
	09.45		Crash dive! (test dive)
	10.10		Surfaced.
	11.15		Monitored to the radio communication between B.d.U. - Schuch.
			Result:
			There is still no lifeboat which set sail on 02.02.42 to the east and is possibly taken by an English destroyer. The boat is well equipped nautically and has ample provisions. Aboard are approximately 20 men. Search continues in an easterly direction.
	12.00	BE 4681	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		N 2, Sea 1, overcast, long swells, Vis. very good	Day's run: Surfaced 162 nm, submerged 2 nm.
	16.00	BE 4662	General course 90°, 7 knots.
		NE 2, Sea 1, long swells, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good	(Northeast and southeast legs)
	16.55		Incoming Radio Message:
			For information:
			Boat with survivors sailed off on 1 February from BE 4788 on an easterly course. Search in the reconnaissance line from naval square BE 1994 to naval square 7364:
			Ostermann, Hardegen, Schulte, Degen, Schuch, Cremer, Liebe
			in legs to the east.
	20.00	BE 5419	General course 90°, 7 knots.
		W 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. very good
	24.00	BE 5437	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, light swells, Vis. moderate, rain showers

	05.02.42
	01.48		Incoming Radio Message:
			Boats in the "SPREEWALD" search operation, return transit in ordered line.
	04.00	BE 5518	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		N 2, Sea 3, overcast, medium swell, Vis. good, moonlit

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42

- 39 -




	05.02.42
	08.00	BE 5529	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		NE 3-4, Sea 3, medium swell, Vis. good, overcast, moonlit
	09.50		Crash dive! (test dive)
	10.19		Surfaced.
	12.00	BE 5618	Course 110°, 7 knots.
		ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast, light swell, Vis. good	Day's run: Surfaced 164 nm, submerged 1 nm.
	16.00	BE 5653	Course 70°, 7 knots.
		NE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
	20.00	BE 5636	Course 90°, 6 knots.
		ENE 5, Sea 5, medium swell, overcast, Vis. good
	24.00	BE 6424	Course 90°, 7 knots.
		ENE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good

	06.02.42
	04.00	BE 6437	Course 100°, 6 knots.
		ONO 5, Sea 4, medium swell, overcast, Vis. good, moonlit
	08.00	BE 6518	Course 100°, 6 knots.
		NE 3-4, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. very good
	09.45		Test dive.
	10.10		Surfaced.
	12.00	BE 6552	Course 100°, 6 knots.
		NE 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium swell, Vis. good	Day's run: Surfaced 158 nm, submerged 2 nm.
	16.00	BE 6566	Course 100°, 6 knots.
		NE 5, Sea 4, overcast, medium swell, Vis. good
	20.00	BE 6646	Course 100°, 6 knots.
		W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, scattered fog, Vis. moderate
	24.00	BE 6653	Course 45°, 6 knots.
		N 4, Sea 4, overcast, medium swell, rain showers, Vis. 2-3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42

- 40 -




	07.02.42
	04.00	BE 6637	Course 45°, 6 knots.
		N 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, bright moon
	08.00	BF 4175	Course 45°, 6 knots.
		N 4, Sea 3-4, medium swell, medium cloudy, Vis. good
	09.40		Crash dive! (test dive)
	10.15		Surfaced. Course 160°, 10 knots.
	11.53		Crash dive for aircraft. (Do.-Wal)
			Was not sighted.
	12.00	BF 4424	Day's run: Surfaced 148 nm, submerged 1 nm.
		N 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. bad
	12.13		Surfaced, course 160°, 10 knots.
	13.22		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			Starting return transit due to fuel state.
			U-701
			Still have 9 cbm, sent signal to report that I am withdrawing from the "SPREEWALD" search group.
	14.54		Incoming Radio Message:
			Degen reports starting return due to fuel state. Degen report position.
	16.00	BF 4486	Course 160°, 10 knots.
		E 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. moderate
	16.32		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			My position is naval square BF 4482.
			U-701
	17.40		Incoming Radio Message:
			Position report from Degen in naval square BF 4482 was confirmed. Yet to provide application for return.
	20.00	BF 4765	Course 130°, 10 knots.
		E 5, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. moderate
	21.20		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Short signal:
			Position 36 hours from meeting point with escort.
			U-701
			At dawn on 9 February I will be at point N 1.
	24.00	BF 4878	Course 130°, 7 knots.
		ENE 5, Sea 4, overcast, squalls, heavy rain showers, Vis. moderate

- 41 -




	08.02.42
	04.00	BF 4889	Course 80°, 10 knots.
		NNE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good
	08.00	BF 4975	Course 80°, 10 knots.
		ENE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
	09.30		Test dive.
	10.04		Surfaced.
	12.00	BF 4991	Course xx°, 10 knots.
		ENE 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. medium, hail showers	Day's run: Surfaced 213 nm, submerged 1.5 nm.
	15.31		Outgoing Radio Message:
			Position morning 09.30 Point N 1. On 7 February at 21.20 hours Coastal Circuit receipted short signal not yet confirmed.
			Degen
	16.00	BF 5757
		NE 6, Sea 7, medium cloudy, Vis. good	Course xx°, 10 knots.
			Now I must hurry to be at N 1 in time. And again we must bludgeon ourselves against the sea.
	18.52		Incoming Radio Message:
			1.) Degen positioned 9 February 09.30 hours at Point N 1. Immediately switch Coastal Circuit.
			2.) The short signal sent on 7 February at 21.20 hours was confirmed on Coastal Circuit.
	20.00	BF 5841	Course 60°, 10 knots.
		NE 6, Sea 5, Vis. good
	24.00	BF 5834	Course 60°, 10 knots.
		NE 6, Sea 5, Vis. very good

	09.02.42
	04.00	BF 6475	Course 60°, 10 knots.
		NE 4, Sea 5, Vis. good
	08.00	BF 6483	Course 60°, 10 knots.
		NE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. good
	09.05		Reached N 1. Taken in convoy.
	11.41		Made fast in the St. Nazaire lock, afterwards Bunker 9a.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42

- 42 -

F i n a l O b s e r v a t i o n s !

=============================

The patrol finished on the 9th of February in Saint Nazaire was the first war patrol of the boat "U-701". Boat and crew had the normal workups, ending with tactical exercises with the 27. Unterseebootsflottille, passing through. There are only 2 noncommissioned officers with front experience aboard (7 long patrols), I myself have completed a war patrol as a Commander's student.

The loss of the I.W.O. at the start was a handicap for the long journey. It meant for the other watch officers and for me a great additional burden.

Furthermore, the weather conditions were very bad and caused us much difficulty.

By the misses on the convoy on 2 January, 1942 and the failures on the night of 6 January, 1942, the attempt suffered afterwards by torpedo failure. If I had known that I would go off the Canadian coast, I would have been more economical with my torpedoes, Both failed underwater attacks (25 and 28 January) could have led to success by skillful behavior on my part. I gained valuable experience there.

The boat did not encounter sharp defense.

Crew and boat were strongly tested on a long voyage. It [illegible word] would have worked, large failures have not occurred.

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-701" from 16.07.41 - 09.02.42.

1.) The first war patrol of the commander with a new boat had chances for success rarely offered to a boat. The low success is partly due to awkward behavior, as well as to torpedo failure.

2) The four-fan as well as single shot in the convoy was shot from a hopeless position. (distance 3500 meters and blunt target angle). If there is a possibility of success do not save torpedoes, but no hopeless shots. The torpedoes could have been applied more advantageously, particularly on this patrol.

3) Measures for the rescue of the Watch Officer should have been executed longer and also more energetically. Canceling shortly before beginning of the daylight is incomprehensible and is not approved.

4) It is expected that the Kommandant will use the experience gained during this war patrol profitably during subsequent patrols.

    Signed in draft: D ö n i t z .

    Validized:



                                                                  Leutnant (V) and Adjutant i.V.

Enclosures to U-701's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart Track chart of patrol from 28 December 1941 to 9 February 1942

Radio Excerpt from the General Radio Log

Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page

	Enclosures to U-701's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document

Chart	Track chart of patrol from 28 December 1941 to 9 February 1942

Radio	Excerpt from the General Radio Log