U-703 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Skjomenfjord	14 September 1942	Narvik	26 September 1942	13

 

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
20 Sep 42	19.55	75°09'N, 1°10'W	HMS SOMALI (G 33)	1,870	British	QP-14
			Total = 1,870
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.

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			K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H
				"  U  703  "
			Kommandant  :	Kapitänleutnant    B  i  e  l  f  e  l  d  .
				Beginning on         :  11 September 1942.
				Concluding on      :  26 September 1942.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		11.09.42	Harstad alongside "LAUGEN"	After the Kommandant met with Admiral Nordmeer A.U. concerning the type and scope of repairs, received orders for further transit to Narvik.
		16.33	Harstad alongside "LAUGEN"	Pilot on board.  Cast off.  Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Tjeldsundet.
		19.02	Lødingen	Pilot disembarked.
		20.00		Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Ofotfjord.
		21.56	Skjomen Fjord, alongside "STELLA POLARIS"	Made fast.
				Day's run:  43.5 nm Surfaced.
		12.09.42	Skjomen Fjord, alongside "STELLA POLARIS" and PELARGOS and KÄRNTEN	Carried out minor repairs.
		to		Fuel and provisions offload.
		14.09.42
		14.09.42	Skjomen Fjord, alongside "STELLA POLARIS"
		08.00		Cast off.  Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Skjomen Fjord.
		09.18 - 10.15	Ofotfjord	Trim test.
		10.57	Narvik, alongside "TANGA"	Made fast.
		12.00	"             "              "	Day's run:   18.2 nm Surfaced.
				1.8 nm Submerged.
				20.0 nm.
				Received Outbound Orders.  Information concerning the situation from the A.U.
				V. Patrol.
		14.09.42
		12.10	Narvik, alongside "TANGA"	Cast off for V. patrol.
				Send off by A.U.
				Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Ofotfjord and Tjeldsundet.

Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		14.09.42
		16.00		Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Ofotfjord and Tjeldsundet.
		16.25	Harstad, Naval Rations Office	Made fast for fresh provisions supply.
		18.44	"            "         "          "	Cast off.
		20.00		Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through the Andfjord.
		22.01	Andesnes abeam
		15.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea	I decide on the basis of the running contact keeper reports of Hopman, Brandenburg and the plotted speed of the convoy to head for square AC 15 and not AC 33 as prescribed in the Outbound Orders.
			AB 9832
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 9295
		04.43		The port diesel fails due to a crankcase explosion.
		08.00 - 08.38	Norwegian Sea	Test dive.  In doing so the starboard diesel fails - main cooling water piping burst twice so that I can only run on E-motors until 10.45 hours.
			AB 9315
		10.45		Starboard diesel in service again.  The examination of the port diesel showed that via the piston in cylinder 6 exhaust gas had gotten into the crankcase causing the explosion.  Suspect the piston is cracked.  For the rest see the K.T.B. Maschine.
				Due to these significant failures I get further behind.  Expect the port diesel, after putting up cylinder 6, to run at most 320 RPM - first ready again at about 15.00 hours.  Piston replacement would take so much time that I would be hopelessly behind.  Highest speed of advance is only 14 knots.
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   261.3 nm Surfaced.
			AB 6989	1.5 nm Submerged.
				262.8 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		15.09.42
		14.20		Outgoing Radio Message 1300/784:
				Port diesel cylinder 6 piston head cracked.  In service from 15.00 hours for 14 knots.  Position square AB 6995.
				- Bielfeld -
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AC 4771
		19.04	Norwegian Sea	Abeam to port on opposite course 1 BV 138.
			AC 4762
		20.00	Norwegian Sea
			AC 4817
		20.46		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 297°T.5, 7.8 nm.
		21.32		Presented Radio Message 2025/791:
				All except Esch and Vogler immediately report position or contact by Short Signal.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
		21.40		Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  My Position is square AC 4821.
				- Bielfeld -
		16.09.42
		00.00	Barents Sea
			AC 4594
		01.10		Short Signal at 21.40 hours confirmed by Radio Message 2300/796.
		04.00	Barents Sea
			AC 4653
		08.00 - 08.37	Barents Sea	Test dive.
			AC 5188	The running contact keeper reports from Brandenburg and Reche show that PQ 18 has zigzagged strongly to the south. Therefore square AT 15 has no further meaning.  I come to course 90°.
		12.00	Barents Sea	Day's run:   279.6 nm Surfaced.
			AC 5287	1.9 nm Submerged.
				281.5 nm.
		16.00	Barents Sea
			AC 5379
		18.25	Barents Sea	On the basis of contact keeper reports from Reche, Timm and Hopmann and due to the strong head seas I can no longer reach PQ 18.  Therefore I decide to operate immediately against QP 14 and come to course 60°.
			AC 5391
			10/10, stormy, NE 5, Sea 6, Vis. 4-5 nm, snow and rain squalls, 1007 mb
		20.00	Barents Sea
			AC 5395
		21.35		Presented Radio Message 1932/715:
				Passing of both convoy is expected this evening.  Suspect part of the screen and carrier to shift to QP 14.  All except Esch, Vogler, Strelow immediately

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		16.09.42		report position and fuel by Short Signal.  Boats with contact report observations, combat PQ 18 up to 71°30'N
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
		21.59		Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  My position is square AC 6172.  Still have 100 cbm fuel.                                           - Bielfeld -
		17.09.42
		00.0	Barents Sea
			AC 6154
		00.15		Short Signal confirmed by Radio Message 2319/721.
		02.10		Presented Radio Message 0044/726:
				Bielfeld:  Operation against QP 14.  Head for about square AC 3640.  Convoy was on 17 September at 12.00 hours about in square AC 3930, suspected on 18 September 00.00 hours about in square AC 3510.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				Therefore my independent operation on QP 14 was correct.
		04.00	Barents Sea
			AC 6138
		08.00 - 18.48	Barents Sea	Test dive.
			AC 6238	Would reach square AC 3640 after the suspected passage of QP 14 therefore went direct to the 18 September 00.00 hours position:  AC 3510.
		12.00	Barents Sea	Day's run:   184.6 nm Surfaced.
			AC 3859	2.4 nm Submerged.
				187.0 nm.
		13.07		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 24.5°T.5, 21.6 nm.
		14.59	Barents Sea	An aircraft directly ahead in the haze which immediately disappeared again:  type not determined.
			AC 3583
		16.00	Barents Sea
			AC 3558
		20.00	Barents Sea	Reached the suspected 00.00 hours position.
			AC 3515	Intention:  Back and forth on E-W courses until 24.00 hours.
		23.00 - 23.30	Barents Sea	Dived for sound bearing, no results.
			AC 3516
		23.40		Presented Radio Message 2311/742
				Boats that on 18 September at 17.00 hours can be in patrol line from square AC 2170 to 2444, report by position Short Signal and Yes.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42

	- 5 -
		18.09.42
		00.00	Barents Sea
			AC 3515
		00.10		Outgoing Short Signal:
				AA My position is square AC 3515.  Yes.
				- Bielfeld -
				Came to course 270°, HF.
		04.00	Barents Sea
			AC 3415
		08.00 - 08.32	Barents Sea	Test dive.
			AC 2614	Listener reports  U-boat astern to starboard in the G.H.G.  At periscope depth:  agreed.
				After surfacing Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-592" - Borm -.
		10.04		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 156°T.5, 4.4 nm.
		12.00	Barents Sea	Day's run:   221.3 nm Surfaced.
			AC 2518	1.6 nm Submerged.
				222.9 nm.
		12.07	Barents Sea
			AC 2517	Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-251" - Timm -.
		13.45		Presented Radio Message 0921/747:
				If there is no contact at 18 September from 17.00 hours:
				1.)  . . . . .
				2.)  Bielfeld, Hopman, Hymmen, Borm, Zetzsche, patrol line from square 2171 to square 2444.
				3.)  All AC.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
		14.15		Set off to position I in patrol line.
		14.53	Barents Sea
			AC 2421	Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-592" - Borm -.
		15.00	Barents Sea	Abeam to port a BV in sight.
			AC 2421
		16.30		Presented Radio Message 1224/752:
				Via ordered position in patrol line go to the west at highest sustained speed.  Strelow and Esch search for contact on air report 10.57 hours convoy in square AC 1633.  Stand by for air bearing signals "A".
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				Came to course 270° starboard GF, port HF.  Bearing signals were not heard on "A".  It is accepted that the air contact holder was the BV 138 sighted at 15.00 hours, which by now has begun its return transit.  The Radio Message 1224/752 had much too long a delay of 4 hours.

Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		18.09.42
		18.45		Presented Radio Message 1807/757:  Confirms the suspicion:
				Air contact holder has broken off due to fuel at 15.45 hours.  Boats that were able to take bearings, report the last bearing with position.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				The other boats do not answer too. Unfortunately - from the perspective of the boats - the BV hung on to the convoy in vain due to the too long delay in the Radio Message.
		19.50		Presented Short Signal 1929 hours:
				SS.  1 destroyer.  My position square AC 1535.
				- von Hymmen -
				and Radio Message 1850/763:
				Destroyer square 1850/763.  Flying boat.  - Zetzsche -
				It was suspected to be the aft screen, doing reconnaissance behind the convoy.
		19.53	Barents Sea
			AC 1372	Hopen Island in sight.
		21.30		Presented Radio Message 2037/761:
				18.00 hours dived for "Consolidated".  Listening pursuit by destroyer: suspect convoy by sound bearing square AC 1530, course 280°.                      - Hopman -
				and Radio Message 2040/762:
				Flown at in AC 1619.  Flying boat with easterly course.
				- U-592 -
				All were detected by boats south of me.  Intention:  maneuver ahead at highest speed and attack.
		19.09.42
		00.00	Barents Sea	Presented Radio Message 2300/766:
		00.05	AC 1192	QP 14 less valuable than PQ 18.  Focal point lies initially as contact keeper for Luftwaffe and shooting the wounded.  Boats not fully operable only contact keeping.  Hopman run into Narvik.                                - Admiral Nordmeer -
			10/10, snow and rain showers, dark night, Vis. 3-7 nm, N 2, Sea 1-2, 1015 mb
				and Radio Message 2308/762:
				Suspect convoy 00.00 hours about 23°E, expect 8 knots, boats west of 22°E report position by Short Signal.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				At my reduced speed this is not the case for me.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		19.09.42
		00.17		The port diesel is in service again.  The technical personnel worked perfectly.
		01.39	Barents Sea	Recognition Signals exchanged with an unknown boat.
			AC 1173	(suspect Clausen).
		02.00		Presented Radio Message 0120/771:
				Convoy square AC 1429.  Course west.  - Strelow -
				That is 30 nm to the south.  Exactly abeam to port of me.
				Intention:  continue to maneuver ahead, close in, gain contact.
		02.40		Timm has also gained contact.
				Short Signal 02.20 hours: - and Strelow gives further contact keeping reports  - on which I can easily operate.
		04.00	Barents Sea
			AB 3382
		04.20	Norwegian Sea
			AB 3381	Spitzbergen in sight.
		06.18	Norwegian Sea
			AB 3297	Astern to port an aircraft appears briefly out of the clouds.  At the same moment a detonation is heard.  Ours have already attacked.
		08.00	Norwegian Sea	By contact keeping reports and bearings from Strelow am on the plotted general course, have reached a point 18 nm ahead.
			AB 3528
				Came to course 90° to run against the convoy.
		08.42 - 08.54	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for aircraft - probably a Consolidated.  On surfacing he approaches again and must have seen us now.
			AB 3529
		09.00 - 10.16		Second Crash dive.  Went to depth A meters.  While getting below an aircraft bomb comes - not dangerous.  On surfacing a second time nothing is seen.  G.H.G. reports nothing over the entire scale.
		10.20		Outgoing Radio Message 0945/784:
				Square AB 3529 forced to submerge by flying boat, aircraft bomb, no damage.                            - Bielfeld -
				Intention:  in long legs search around 270° to gain contact.
		10.40	Norwegian Sea	Recognition Signal and name exchanged with "U-345" - Strelow -.
			AB 3529
				Agreement:  He goes on course 250°, the on 270°.  I go on 290° then on 270°.  We search in line together to the west.

Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		19.09.42
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   296.4 nm Surfaced.
			AB 3543	4.6 nm Submerged.
				300.1 nm.
		14.53	Norwegian Sea	Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-Vogler".  He searches to the north.
			AB 3461
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 3443
		20.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 2651
		21.00		Presented Radio Message 1928/798:
				Until the beginning of evening twilight continue to search independently.  21.00 hours all positioned at the convoy report.                                       - Admiral Nordmeer -
		21.25		Outgoing Short Signal:
				My position is square AB 2618.
				- Bielfeld -
				Incoming Short Signal:
				SS.  Position of the enemy is square AB 2365.  Enemy steers 315°.                                  - von der Esch -
				Therefore it blended in close off Spitzbergen to the NW.  I was exactly ahead of him on the starboard side when the Consolidated forced me under, I passed through to his port side.
				I set off to intercept the convoy on course 352° at GF.
		23.05		Presented Radio Message 2220/705:
				Bielfeld, Hymmen, Zetzsche, Borm, Köhler take up patrol line from square ÄG 7757 to AB 2218 for 20 September 06.00 hours.                              - Nordmeer Befehlshaber -
				That is the exact square that I plotted to intercept.
		20.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea	Esch has lost contact, so Strelow has taken over.  The convoy has zigzagged 90° to the SW.
			AB 2292
		00.45		Short Signal at 21.25 hours was confirmed by Radio Message 2236/709.
		02.40		Contact keeper reports continue from Strelow. By them I must be directly ahead of him.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		20.09.42
		02.40		Presented Radio Message 0143/711:
				New patrol line in old order for 06.00 from square AB 2214 to 2279.                                        - Admiral Nordmeer -
				Immediately came to course for Position I.
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 2215
		04.30	Norwegian Sea
			AB 2214	Reached position in patrol line.
		04.55		Presented Radio Message 0409/714:
				New patrol line in old named order from square 2169 to square 2525 for 06.00 hours.  Timm and Reche further to the south.                                           - Admiral Nordmeer -
				Even at GF I cannot reach my position in patrol line on time at 06.00 - earliest arrival 07.13 hours.
				The continuing reports from Strelow show that I must meet the convoy while in transit to the new patrol line.
		06.20		Presented Radio Message 0544/717:
				All attack free.                             - Admiral Nordmeer -
				As a result the mandatory Radio Message that I cannot reach position is settled.
		06.41	Norwegian Sea	Ahead to port in the mist a destroyer comes up.
			AB 2166	I turn away, however I can not get away because the port diesel has failed again (leakage of the cooling water piping).  He comes ever closer at target angle 0°, range still about 4 nm.
			10/10, snow shower, Vis. 4-6 nm, WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 1020 mb
		07.00	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive.  Possibly he will run before my tubes.  At periscope depth:  he turns away and runs off.
			AB 2166
		07.25		Surfaced.  Closed on course 220°, because he suddenly comes out of the mist again.
		07.32		A second crash dive.  Again he turns away, apparently only has the task of keeping me submerged.
				Assumption:  Destroyer of the starboard forward remote screen.
		08.00	Norwegian Sea	Surfaced.  Again slowly angled in.  Ran along on course 240°.
			AB 2165

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		20.09.42
		08.15		My Radio Message 0708/    :
				07.00 hours forced to submerged by destroyer square AB 2166.  Snow showers, Vis. 4 nm.        - Bielfeld -
				Was not received despite attempting several times and other boats jumping in as radio repeater.
		08.28	Norwegian Sea	Smoke feather in sight astern to port about in square AB 2276, additionally ahead to port on the horizon still the mast of the destroyer.
			AB 2165
		08.29 - 09.05	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
			AB 2165	Intentions after surfacing: move off again, to not be continually forced to submerged by aircraft and destroyers and maneuver ahead for attack.
		09.30		Came to course 330° , then to course 240°.
				Also my second Radio Message 0830/    :
				About square AB 2276 smoke feathers.   - Bielfeld -
				Exactly like the first was not heard by control and not received.
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   274.0 nm Surfaced.
			AB 2174	5.1 nm Submerged.
				279.1 nm.
		12.45		To presented Radio Message 1125/527 I switch to bearing wavelength and get at 13.00 hours from air contact keeper as "A" a bearing of 135°T.  That agrees with my plot.  Intention:  continue to maneuver ahead on enemy course about 240°.
		13.15 - 13.39	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
			AB 1632
		15.04 - 15.32	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
			AB 1654
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 1649
		16.32 - 17.02	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.  By plotting and the continual crash dives for carrier aircraft I must be well ahead.  Intention:  about 18.30 hours dive and attack.
			AB 1649
			Clearing, breaking up 9/10, WNW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 12-15 nm, 1023 mb
		17.45		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 201.5°T.5, 15.5 nm.
		18.15		Outgoing Radio Message 1720/737:
				Forced to submerged three times by carrier aircraft.  Position AB 1674.                                                 - Bielfeld -

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		20.09.42
		18.25	Norwegian Sea	Dived to attack.
			AB 1838
		18.45		At periscope depth:  Nothing.
		19.15		At periscope depth:  The convoy comes out.  Unfortunately I am not directly ahead, instead angled out somewhat to port and can only reach shooting position on a destroyer of the screen.  The convoy proceeds in the familiar broad formation, the aircraft carrier - apparently "FURIOUS" (flat decker) directly in the center.  The destroyers form a complete ring.  There are strikingly many destroyers this time.  I can not see any corvettes or similar escort vehicles.  Determined types Tribal Class, J Class, ATHERSTONE Class, V and W Class.
				Approached to attack a destroyer of the "Tribal" Class.
		19.55	Norwegian Sea	3-fan from tube I, II, III:  Target speed 12 knots, target angle red 61°, range 2500 meters, lead angle red 22.3°, firing angle 300.6°, 4 - 3°, delta red 1.8°, set depth 3 meters.
			AB 1836
			10/10, misty, obscured horizon, Vis. 5 nm, showers, WNW 2, Sea 1-2, 1020 mb
		19.56	Norwegian Sea	Hit after 1 minute 32 seconds. 1330 meters running track exactly at the forward edge of the second smokestack.  Very high white explosion column - he breaks apart and sinks quickly.  Sinking completely could not be observed.  In the boat apart from the first impact of the torpedo two further detonations were perceived clearly - the second presumably a boiler explosion.
			AB 1836
		20.03	AB 1839	Two destroyers zigzag towards me, one goes to the sinking location to pick up the survivors.  Went to depth A +40 meters.  The depth charges come according to schedule, however are badly placed.  There is a water layer which makes regular tracking impossible.  Now and then even more are thrown to influence morale. They seem to have someone else. As it turns out later, it is Reche.

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		20.09.42
		22.35	Norwegian Sea
			AB 1835	Surfaced, moved off to reload, pursued in direction 250°.
		23.50		Outgoing Radio Message 2250/746:
				19.55 hours square AB 1836 sank destroyer of the Tribal Class.  Position AB 1835. 9 plus 2 torpedoes.  63 cbm.  In pursuit.                                      - Bielfeld -
		23.54		Outgoing Radio Message 2315/747:
				Convoy consists of over 20 steamers,destroyer full screen.  Aircraft carrier, apparently "FURIOOUS" in the center.
				- Bielfeld -
		21.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 1831
		01.50		Presented Radio Message 0050/751:
				From 05.00 occupy Bielfeld square AB 4120, Esch AB 4160.  Until then search for contact.  Reche search independently.  If contact is gained send bearing signals.                   - Admiral Nordmeer -
				Cannot quite get there, earliest 05.30 hours in attack area.
		02.05		Presented Radio Message 0143/752:
				Bravo Bielfeld.                            - Admiral Nordmeer -
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AB 1767
		05.30	Norwegian Sea
			AB 4120	Reached position.  Back and forth on north south courses.
		08.00 - 08.41	Norwegian Sea
			AB 4125	Test dive.
		08.43 - 09.07	Norwegian Sea
			AB 4125	While blowing crash dive for flying boat.
		09.20	Norwegian Sea	Smoke clouds in sight ahead to port.  Came to course 270°, to not be detected again by aircraft.
			AB 4128
		09.47 - 10.01	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for flying boat.  Moved off further on course 270°.
			AB 4127
		10.08		My outgoing Radio Message 0935:
				09.20 hours smoke clouds in square AB 4150.   - Bielfeld -
				was not received.
				It is particularly aggravating and disruptive in the course of the operation, that from about 07.00 hours until the afternoon about 17.00 hours radio communications on all shortwave were cut off.  Radio messages were only received on very low frequency and by then were already long overdue.  Leadership does not pick up the message from any

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		21.09.42		of the boats, so they can not form a picture of the current situation.  On the other hand, the communications of the boats amongst each other is good and contact was not lost on the basis of the contact keeper reports.  It is urgently necessary to find the wavelengths and make the necessary arrangements to guarantee the faster transmission of information.  So Leadership did not get the Radio Message sent from a boat:  "Convoy AA 6353, SW-course, Vis. 8-25 nm, Do 24 at convoy, sending bearing signals "F" and so gave the Radio Message 0858/757:  Patrol line and Esch, Bielfeld immediately course 320°, speed 14 knots.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				Contact was established again and the contents of Radio Message 0858/757 are thereby settled.
				Similarly a second Radio Message 1035/
				10.30 hours a BV 138 several carrier aircraft AB 4140.
				- Bielfeld -
				does not get through.
		10.20	Norwegian Sea	Abeam to port a BV-138 and further away on the horizon 4 carrier aircraft.
			AB 4119
				In 270°T, I can keep in touch with the carrier aircraft, which always fly in pairs.
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   224.7 nm Surfaced.
			AA 6399	21.3 nm Submerged.
				246.0 nm.
				Intention:  Hold contact on the carrier aircraft while in the meantime maneuvering ahead for night attack.
		13.45		Presented Radio Message 1112/760:
				Strelow, Reche, Bielfeld from O.d.N.:  Very brave.
		16.00	Norwegian Sea	The air contact keeper reports confirm my convoy plotting - I can angle in in the twilight from a somewhat forward position.
			AA 6235
		20.00	Norwegian Sea	Further contact keeper reports from Zetzsche, Hymmen confirm the convoy according to my aircraft contact keeping. Unfortunately I am positioned on the unfavorable side, he makes an evening zigzag to the south, as a result I fall behind.
			AA 6515
		20.27	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for 2 carrier aircraft.  This time they approached too closely, probably the last evening reconnaissance.
			AA 6517

Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

	- 14 -
		22.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AA 6577	I cannot get any further ahead because continually both diesels fail. Three times a fuel injector must be replaced on port diesel, on the starboard diesel one exhaust gas valve.  I must temporarily run on the E-motors to advance at all.
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AA 6874	During this continual reports from Zetzsche, Strelow and Reche - it would have worked perfectly.  I decide on a day attack after maneuvering ahead again.
		08.00 - 08.27	Norwegian Sea	Test dive.
			AA 9195
		11.07 - 11.28	Norwegian Sea	Crash dive for flying boat.
			AA 9458
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   322.6 nm Surfaced.
			AA 9485	5.1 nm Submerged.
				327.7 nm.
				No further reports because the other boats are forced off by aircraft.  To keep up I remain on a southerly course.
		14.12	Norwegian Sea	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 308.5°T.5, 18.4 nm.
			AA 9721
		14.48	Norwegian Sea	Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-606" - Esch -.
			AA 9712
		15.20	Norwegian Sea	Closed up. Operated on Vogler report Radio Message 1321/791:  Convoy 13.00 hours square AA 9568, course 180°.
			AA 9715
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AA 9719	Again closed up.
				The report given by air Radio Message 1501/789 and Hymmen 1127/795 differ from the Vogler report so that I can form no clear picture of the convoy course and position.
		20.00	Norwegian Sea	I angle in still closer - now I can only get there by night.
			AE 2225
		22.37	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2263	The convoy must be north of me.  In order not to pass by the in the bad visibility and then get behind again, I decided to run with slowly and close up only when I have regained contact by day. Ran along on course 160° diesel-electric LF.

Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 15 -
		23.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2344
		02.00	Norwegian Sea	Came to course 200°, there are no further contact keeper reports.
			AE 2375
		02.30		Presented Radio Message 0125/704:
				1.)  Suspect convoy proceeds to the Denmark Straits.
				2.)  All give position by Short Signal.
				3.)  . . . . .                                    - Admiral Nordmeer -
		03.12		Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  My position square AE 2377 - Bielfeld -
				Presented Short Signal:
				SS.  Convoy AE 2374.                  - Reche -
				Then I must at least see him.
				I continue on course 220°.  Suspect that he heads for Point M in accordance with instructions for PQ 17.
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2533
		06.26	Norwegian Sea	I receive the first bearing from Reche in 33x°T.
			AE 2537
		06.55		Presented Radio Message 0606/711:
				1.)  Reche reports 0533 hours convoy square AE 2297, course 180°.
				2.)  All operate on Reche report.     - Admiral Nordmeer -
				Also the continuing bearing signals 326°T and 323°T are good - show that I am on the port side.  Intention: day attack after test dive.  Because depth control is very difficult in the Sea State, the Chief Engineer must get used to it.
		08.00 - 08.46	Norwegian Sea	Test dive.  Although the boat can barely be held, with a lot of luck ships can still be sunk.
			AE 2552
			Stormy, breaking up 8/10, Vis. changing 6-10 nm, snow showers, NNE 6, Sea 5, 1012 mb
		08.52	Norwegian Sea	Mast heads of a destroyer in sight.  Because bottle group 2 and 6 are out of service, additionally the Junkers compressor is out of service.  I have only 2/3 air supply and need considerably longer to pump air.  To attack I need at least all the available air.  Intention:  Hold contact until all the air is filled, then attack.
			AE 2555
		09.43		Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  Destroyer AE 2555.                       - Bielfeld -
				Continued to hold contact on the destroyer.

Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		23.09.32
		09.48		Flying boat passed on opposite course, distance about 5000 meters.  If I gave the alarm now it would be past.  I would have used my air and the convoy would have rushed by.  However, it does not see us.
		10.30	Norwegian Sea	A Condor suddenly comes out of the clouds at a distance of 300 meters.  I nearly gave the alarm again.
			AE 2573
		10.42	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2573	Dived to attack.
		11.10		The convoy slowly comes out.  It is very difficult, to get the correct overview because the periscope is rarely free long enough for an all around sweep.  In order not to broach the Chief Engineer must proceed undercut instead.  Apparently I am positioned exactly ahead and can let myself fall back.
		11.38	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2573	A fast escort boat "ATHERSTONE" Class of the foremost screen runs exactly towards me.  I let him close to 150 meters range and then go to depth A.  When nothing follows, turned to run with and went to periscope depth.  Shortly before periscope depth the G.H.G. reports very loud sounds from port astern.  As soon as I have the periscope free, I see a corvette 30 meters ahead running towards me with target angle bow left 10°.  Quickly went to depth A because I don't know if he has detected me.
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   210.4 nm Surfaced.
			AE 2576	5.4 nm Submerged.
				215.8 nm.
				Again nothing happens.  To periscope depth.  Due to the depth changes the boat is now very unsteady in depth control.  By being forced to submerge twice I am at the rear of the convoy.  A beautiful tanker of about 7000 tons, apparently the supply tanker for the escorts, still approaches quite favorably.  I see him only three times briefly.
		12.14	Norwegian Sea	Two multiple shots from tube I:
			AE 2576	Target speed 9 knots, target angle green 125°, range 1000 meters, lead angle green 15°, firing angle 355° green, delta red 0.4°, set depth 4 meters.
			Stormy, breaking up 8/10, showers, Vis. 15 nm, NNE 6, Sea 5, 1014 mb
				and tube II:
				Target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 13.5°, target angle green 127°, range 1000 meters, firing angle 353.6° green, delta red 0.4°, depth 4 meters.
				The first was fired at the forward mast, the second while undercutting by estimate at the second mast.

Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		23.09.42
				Passed.  The shooting data was not exact, Sea State 5 may also have had an impact.  During the subsequent check it turns out that the general course 200° was incorrect by 20°.  Target angle was estimated incorrectly:  125° instead of the correct 145°.  That gives a lead error of  ____° - ____  meters past ahead.
		12.20	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2576	I take one more all around sweep:  because now a 3000 tonner approaches, apparently he cannot quite keep up.  Tube III was being made ready, when during an all around sweep I see a corvette approaching exactly astern of me.  At a distance of 150 meters I went to depth A +20 meters, the depth charge already comes.  Further depth charges are badly placed - with the Sea State he cannot do much, just scare depth charges.  However as a result the convoy passes by.
		13.37	Norwegian Sea	Surfaced.  This was the last chance for me.  Before I can get in position again with the air and the very questionable port diesel he will be just offshore.
			AE 2576
		14.00		Outgoing Radio Message 1400/733:
				12.14 hours double miss on 7000 ton tanker square AE 2576.  Convoy course 200°.  Bottle group 2 and 6, Junkers compressor out of service.  Request return transit.  7 plus 2 torpedoes, 40 cbm.  NNE 6, Sea 5, snow showers, Vis, greatly changing.                           - Bielfeld -
				Was first understood by Control at 18.15 due to the known difficulties.
		16.00	Norwegian Sea	Initially pursued in direction 200°.
			AE 2584
		20.00	Norwegian Sea	Presented Radio Message 1259/720:
			AE 2817	Break off operation at 67°N, 22°W.  If defense forces you to do so, move off further.  Report beginning return transit.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				Began return transit.
		20.10		Presented Radio Message 2032/736:
				All boats  in Iceland area report position by Short Signal.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
				Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  My position is square AE 2592.  Returning Vestfjord.
				- Bielfeld -
		24.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AE 2678
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AE 3448

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		24.09.42
		08.00 - 08.35	Norwegian Sea	Test dive.
			AE 3467
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   187.7 nm Surfaced.
			AE 3459	10.3 nm Submerged.
				198.0 nm.
		12.20		Presented Radio Message 1125/750:
				1.)  Acknowledged tenacity and success with operation against QP 14.
				2.)  Objective Narvik Vestfjord Zetzsche, Hymmen, Borm, Strelow, Timm, Bielfeld, Vogler . . . . .
				- Admiral Nordmeer -
		15.08		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 88.8°T.5, 13.8 nm.
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AE 3657
		20.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 1449
		21.23		Outgoing Short Signal:
				SS.  Intend return Vestfjord on 26 September 10.00 hours.
				- Bielfeld -
		22.28		Incoming Radio Message 2202/764:  Confirming Short Signal.
		25.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 1469
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 1559
		08.00 - 08.24	Norwegian Sea	Test dive.
			AF 1649
		12.00	Norwegian Sea	Day's run:   237.2 nm Surfaced.
			AF 2447	1.5 nm Submerged.
				238.7 nm.
		13.12		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 330.5°T.5, 16.2 nm.
		16.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 2455
		18.10		Presented Radio Message 1735/777:
				At the following times be at "TANGA":  26 September . . . . Bielfeld 20.00 hours.                   - Admiral Nordmeer -
		26.09.42
		00.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 2648
		04.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 3471
		08.00	Norwegian Sea
			AF 3495
		10.07	Lighthouse Skomvaer bearing 320°T, 7.3 nm	Reached point "V 1".

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		26.09.42
		12.00	Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through Vestfjord.	Day's run:   256.5 nm Surfaced.
				0.0 nm Submerged.
				256.5 nm.
		16.00	Steered by the orders of the Kommandant through Vestfjord and Tysfjord
		19.48	Narvik, alongside "TANGA"	Made fast.  Day's run:   45.5 nm.
				Total duration of the patrol:                14 days.
				Distance covered on the surface:    3150.5 nm.
				Distance covered submerged:            62.5 nm.
				Total distance covered:                  3213.0 nm.
				Completed:  Narvik, 26 September 1942.
				Kptlt. and Kmdt.

Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42

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