U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30318

F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

16 - 28 February 1943

PG30318

16. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 88	U 217	-	CF 28	U 436	-	BF 73	U 569	-	CF 53
	66	-	Op(CE 85)	218	-	Op(CE 88)	437	-	BD 98	571	-	BE 99
	68	-	DF 25	223	-	Op(BC 21)	438	-	BF 52	575	-	BF 73
	69	-	AJ 88	225	-	Op(AK 53)	442	-	CG 13	594	-	BE 62
	87	-	Op(DG 24)	226	-	BC 26	445	-	CF 28	600	-	BE 67
	89	-	AK 89	228	-	AE 83	448	-	Op(AK 34)	603	-	AL 71
	91	-	BE 54	230	-	AE 83	454	-	AK 89	604	-	BE 14
	92	-	Op(AK 92)	258	-	Op(DG 21)	456	-	AK 89	606	-	BC 26
	103	-	CF 56	264	-	Op(DG 24)	459	-	ES 59	607	-	BC 52
	107	-	CF 56	266	-	BF 67	460	-	AK 89	608	-	AK 37
	108	-	CF 52	267	-	BF 40	461	-	BF 71	613	-	BF 40
	118	-	Op(DH 19)	268	-	BE 29	465	-	BE 66	614	-	AK 89
	119	-	AE 90	303	-	BC 29	468	-	Op(AK 53)	616	-	AE 83
	125	-	CG 13	332	-	Op(AK 68)	504	-	Op(DG 27)	620	-	BE 99
	135	-	AK 35	358	-	Op(AJ 87)	506	-	Op(GR 50)	621	-	Op(AK 64)
	155	-	CE 68	359	-	AE 77	509	-	Op(GR 53)	623	-	Op(AK 64)
	156	-	Op(EO 20)	376	-	AE 87	510	-	Op(EO 60)	628	-	Op(AK 64)
	160	-	Op(GR)	377	-	Op(AK 53	511	-	CF 51	638	-	AE 77
	175	-	CF 39	381	-	BF 74	516	-	Op(KY)	653	-	Op(AK 61)
	176	-	BF 72	382	-	CF 28	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	659	-	AL 71
	180	-	AE 69	383	-	BC 53	521	-	Op(CE 82)	664	-	BF 81
	182	-	Op(KP)	402	-	AK 89	522	-	CF 65	707	-	Op(BC 25)
	183	-	CD 64	403	-	Op(BC 22)	523	-	AE 69	709	-	AN 30
	185	-	CF 62	405	-	AL 11	525	-	BC 29	753	-	Op(AK 68)
	186	-	Op(AJ 88)	409	-	BF 54	526	-	AE 83	758	-	BF 49
	201	-	BC 22	410	-	CF 25	527	-	AE 69	759	-	Op(AK 31)
	202	-	Op(DG 24)	413	-	BF 40	529	-	Op(AK 53)	D 3	-	BE 18
	211	-	BE 69	414	-	BE 63	558	-	Op(DG 21)
	214	-	CF 61	432	-	BF 82	566	-	AK 66

	On Return Passage: U 108 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 381 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 436 - 438 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 571 - 575 - 594 - 613 - 614 - 620.
	Entered Port: U 438 - Brest.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: SOS from American steamer "Deer Lodge" (6,781 GRT) in KZ 4140 (U 516). Further SOS from CG 5811 (no German boat near).
	d)	According to special intercept message HX No. 226 was in BC 1176 at 2000 on the 14th February.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	In view of special intercept message (No.IIId) Group "Ritter" has orders to proceed to the N.W. and at 2200 on the 17th February to take up patrol line, with U 454, from AK 1677 to AK 5646. According to dead reckoning, the convoy could pass the patrol line at the earliest during the course of the night.

- 91 -

			If no contact is established by 1100 on the 18th February, the boats are to proceed, as reconnaissance patrol, with course 235⁰ and daily run 80 miles. The extent of the patrol line corresponds approximately to the courses of HX convoys previously intercepted.
		2)	In order to ensure a better watch by hydrophone etc. during the night, Group "Rochen" is to remain stationary at 2100 in a patrol line already reached from CE 8156 to DG 1959, proceeding as from 0930 on the 17th February with course 285⁰, daily run 150 miles.
		3)	After refueling, U 460 is to proceed to BD 52 as the next supply rendezvous.
		4)	After return of U 124 the reports of the Commanding Officer will be communicated to boats U 156 and 510 now operating in the Trinidad area.
	c)	U 402 and 454 refueled from U 460 on the 15th February.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

17. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 87)	U 217	-	CF 31	U 436	-	BF 80	U 571	-	BF 74
	66	-	Op(CE 87)	218	-	Op(CE 84)	437	-	CF 16	575	-	BF 80
	68	-	DF 19BC 31	223	-	Op(BC 21)	442	-	BF 41	594	-	BF 67
	69	-	Op(DG 16)	225	-	Op(AK 55)	445	-	CF 18	600	-	BE 53
	87	-	AK 89	226	-	BC 39	448	-	Op(AD 87)	603	-	AK 65
	89	-	BE 43	228	-	AE 84	454	-	AK 59	604	-	AK 69
	91	-	Op(AK 83)	230	-	AE 84	456	-	AK 89	606	-	BC 38
	92	-	CF 45	258	-	Op(DG 13)	459	-	ES 29	607	-	BC 61
	103	-	CF 45	264	-	Op(DG 16)	460	-	AK 89	608	-	Op(AK 34)
	107	-	CF 27	266	-	BF 67	461	-	BE 92	613	-	BF 54
	108	-	CF 89	267	-	BF 49	465	-	BF 67	614	-	AK 89
	118	-	Island	268	-	BE 62	468	-	Op(AK 52)	616	-	AE 84
	119	-	BF 72	303	-	BC 39	506	-	Op(GR 50)	620	-	BF 72
	125	-	BF 72	332	-	Op(AK 83)	504	-	Op(DG 19)	621	-	Op(AK 59)
	135	-	Op(AK 31)	358	-	Op(AJ 87)	509	-	Op(GR 50)	623	-	Op(AK 59)
	155	-	CE 83	359	-	AK 32	510	-	Op(EO 60)	628	-	Op(AK 56)
	156	-	Op(EO 20)	376	-	AE 78	511	-	CF 42	638	-	AD 88
	160	-	Op(GR)	377	-	Op(AK 52)	516	-	Op(GR)	653	-	Op(AK 55)
	175	-	BE 98	381	-	BF 13	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	659	-	AK 65
	176	-	BF 40	382	-	CF 42	521	-	Op(CE 81)	664	-	BF 72
	180	-	AE 65	383	-	BC 62	522	-	BC 38	707	-	Op(BC 25)
	182	-	Op(KP)	402	-	BD 36	523	-	AE 67	709	-	AN 31
	183	-	CD 58	403	-	Op(BC 22)	525	-	BC 39	753	-	Op(AK 83)
	185	-	CF 52	405	-	Op(AD 87)	526	-	AE 84	758	-	BF 47
	186	-	Op(AJ 88)	409	-	BE 66	527	-	AE 87	759	-	Op(AD 87)
	201	-	BC 31	410	-	CF 18	529	-	Op(AK 52)	D 3	-	BD 33
	202	-	Op(DG 13)	413	-	BF 52	558	-	Op(CE 87)
	211	-	BE 67	414	-	BF 45	566	-	AK 03
	214	-	CF 36	432	-	BF 72	569	-	CF 45

	On Return Passage: U 69 - 108 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 176 - 201 - 214 - 217 - 226 - 267 - 268 - 303 - 381 - 383 - 402 - 414 - 436 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 525 - 571 - 575 - 594 - 606 - 607 - 613 - 614 - 620.

- 92 -

	Entered Port: U 413 - Brest; U 266 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 591 - 84 - Brest; U 106 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	Convoy No. 9 and Convoy report of U 522 (see No. IVa).
		U 525 reported a steamer sighted by two destroyers in BD 4112, course 200⁰. Contact lost owing to poor visibility. (2 miles)
		U 606 sighted for a short time in BC 3899 vessel with course 215⁰, speed 15 knots, fog.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: ED 9590 - SOS from unit "OBZEA" from CG 2822.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 9:
			On the return passage U 69 sighted a convoy with course 225⁰ in AJ 9982. Since the convoy was about 500 miles from the coast so that there was sufficient area for operations, Group "Taifun" as well as the returning "Haudegen" boats received orders to attack the convoy as far as fuel supplies permitted. Since all the boats were comparatively low (in fuel) refueling facilities were provided in BD 42. The convoy consisted of 20 steamers proceeding in open formation without remote escort. Position at 1701 was AJ 9988, course 215⁰, speed 9 knots. U 201 made contact also at 2000 and reported last at 2207 from BC 3136 then both boats lost contact. U 607 must have been quite near as she requested D/F signal but she also did not sight the convoy. In order to reestablish the convoy by conducted action (search sectors etc.) all boats were instructed to give their positions. The reports of positions were so irregular that the plan could not be carried out. U 201 - 69 and 223 have not reported up to now. The operation is being continued.
		2)	Convoy Report U 522:
			The above boat sighted at 0836 in CF 5872 a small convoy of 5 steamers and 3 escorts, course 150⁰, speed 12 knots. Action by Group "ROBBE" was impossible because of insufficient speed superiority. The boats would only have reached the convoy in an area where air cover was strong and continuous. U 522 herself had only 17 cbm of fuel left.
			She was ordered to continue pursuit as long as possible with this. With visibility variable contact was lost towards 1600. U 522 suspected zig on to course 90⁰ and proceeded in this direction, however, without finding the convoy again. The last hydrophone fix was at 2000 from CF 9177 in direction 110⁰. Towards 0500 the operation was broken off in CF 9567, fuel being at 7 cbm. No sinkings.
	b)	1)	Since it was impossible that the convoy had already passed the patrol, the boats of Group "NEPTUN" were ordered to take up their positions in the patrol at once. In spite of orders: in good time U 638, was not able to take up her position promptly in the patrol. The following new sequence was therefore ordered: U 759 - 405 - 448 - 359 - 135 - 608 - 638 - 376 - 566 - 659.

- 93 -

			All groups were ordered, so as to avoid location of the patrol line by enemy aircraft, to man their radar interception service as far as possible and in case enemy aircraft were established, to dive at once and remain submerged for about 30 minutes.
		2)	As a result of faulty W/T of the boat, U 92 was not, as ordered, in the patrol line of the Group "Ritter". U 603 joined this Group in her place and took up the south position in the patrol. U 92 took up AK 65 as temporary attack sector, U 604 - AK 66, U 91 - AK 69. U 526 - 616 - 228 - 527 - 523 - 600 and 211 proceeded to AK 03. It was intended to set up a further reconnaissance patrol in the said area with these boats.
		3)	Group "Rochen" remained as from 2100 in the position line reached and proceeded at 1000 on 18th February with old course and day's run. The convoy must have already passed the patrol at 9 knots. Since, however, speed was not known exactly and unfavorable weather conditions are of great significance in the long convoy run, an encounter with the convoy can still be anticipated.
		4)	U 409 is to proceed to CE 38 to supplement Group "Robbe", U 460 to BD 42 to supply the "Haudegen" boats, contrary to previous order.
	c)	None.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

18. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 76)	U 202	-	Op(DG 12)	U 414	-	BF 40	U 558	-	Op(CE 79)
	66	-	Op(CE 73	211	-	BE 52	432	-	BE 69	566	-	Op(AK 34)
	68	-	DE 63	214	-	BE 98	436	-	BF 58	659	-	Op(CE 62)
	69	-	Op(AJ 99)	217	-	BE 94	437	-	Op(CE 32)	571	-	BF 91
	84	-	Op(BF 46)	218	-	Op(CE 76)	442	-	BF 49	575	-	BF 64
	87	-	Op(DG 12)	223	-	Op(BC 23)	445	-	Op(CE 35)	591	-	BF 46
	89	-	AK 89	225	-	Op(AK 18)	448	-	Op(AD 87)	594	-	BF 64
	91	-	BE 14	226	-	Op(BC 37)	454	-	Op(AK 56)	600	-	BE 21
	92	-	Op(AK 93)	228	-	AE 79	456	-	AK 89	603	-	AK 65
	103	-	Op(CE 65)	230	-	AE 79	459	-	AJ 87	604	-	AK 66
	106	-	BF 54	258	-	Op(CE 19)	460	-	AK 89	606	-	Op(BC 39)
	107	-	Op(CE 62)	264	-	Op(DG 15)	461	-	CF 33	607	-	Op(BC 32)
	108	-	CF 23	267	-	BF 64	465	-	BF 64	608	-	Op(AK 34)
	118	-	CF 59	268	-	BF 47	468	-	Op(AK 18)	613	-	BF 28
	119	-	Island	303	-	Op(BC 34)	504	-	Op(DG 18)	614	-	AK 89
	125	-	BF 49	332	-	Op(AK 52)	506	-	Op(GR)	616	-	AE 79
	135	-	Op(AK 31)	358	-	Op(BC 25)	509	-	Op(GR)	620	-	BF 81
	155	-	CE 81	359	-	Op(AK 31)	510	-	Op(ED)	621	-	Op(AK 52)
	156	-	Op(EO)	376	-	AL 13	511	-	Op(CE 30)	623	-	Op(AK 01)
	160	-	Op(GR)	377	-	Op(AK 18)	516	-	Op(GR)	628	-	Op(AL 12)
	175	-	BF 74	381	-	BF 67	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	638	-	Op(AL 12)
	176	-	BF 61	382	-	Op(CE 38)	521	-	Op(CE 79)	653	-	Op(AK 01)
	180	-	AE 83	383	-	Op(BD 41)	522	-	CF 95	659	-	Op(AK 34)
	182	-	Op(KP)	402	-	BE 19	523	-	AE 83	664	-	BE 93
	183	-	CD 72	403	-	Op(BC 34)	525	-	Op(BD 41)	707	-	Op(BC 25)
	185	-	CF 45	405	-	Op(AD 87)	526	-	AE 78	709	-	AN 24
	186	-	Op(BC 34)	409	-	BE 56	527	-	AE 83	753	-	Op(AK 52)
	201	-	Op(AJ 98)	410	-	Op(CE 35)	529	-	Op(AK 16)	758	-	BE 68
		-			-		D 3	-	AL 57	759	-	Op(AD 87)


- 94 -

	On Return Passage: U 69 - 108 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 176 - 201 - 214 - 217 - 226 - 267 - 268 - 303 - 381 - 383 - 402 - 414 - 436 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 525 - 571 - 575 - 594 - 606 - 607 - 613 - 614 - 620.
	Entered Port: U 613 - Brest; U 176 - Lorient; U 575 - 267 - 465 - 594 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 435 - Brest; U 615 - La Pallice; U 634 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 9 see No. IVa.
		2)	U 506 situation: Up to 13th nothing found in vicinity of Capetown. Likewise in southern sector of operational area no traffic.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BF 5462, FK 3179, ED 9486, BF 8374, U-boats were attacked in BC 3276.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 9:
		The weather situation was particularly unfavorable for operations in the area of the convoy on 18th February. At midday southwest wind 9 with slight visibility, after passing storm depression. At 1716 U 403 again contacted the convoy in BC 3473. The boats reported continuous contact until the next morning. According to dead reckoning, the enemy was proceeding at less than 5 knots with westerly course. In addition to this boat U 266 reported at 0257 on the morning of 19th February contacting the convoy in BC 3794. Since this report differed by 70 miles from the reports of U 403, it is assumed that the boats have very great deviations in fix, which is possible in view of the unfavorable current conditions in this area owing to the meeting of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current. No further boats encountered the convoy. U 403 reported in BC 2676 an 8,000 ton steamer sunk. U 383, 226, 303, 403 and 607 had to break off operations owing to shortage of fuel.
		Operations against the convoy were continued with boats U 525, 186, 223, 358 and 707. Position of the convoy at 0953 on the 19th February was BC 2674.
	b)	1)	According to locations made by the Air Force Intercept Unit an outgoing convoy was approximately in AL 39 - 62 at 1400. It was assumed to be the ONS 167 in this area in view of our own dead reckoning. Groups "Ritter" and "Neptun" in area AK will be detailed to intercept this convoy and disposed in a long north-south patrol line. Contrary to previous orders Group "Neptun" will occupy a new patrol line from AK 2438 to AK 0269 as from midnight on the 20th. Group "Ritter" will close in to the south and be in patrol line from AK 0299 to AK 9423 at 0800 on the 20th February. In addition U 92 - 604 - 91 and 600 in the vicinity will join Group "Knappen" and also be disposed in a patrol line from AK 9293 to AK 9684. According to dead reckoning the arrival of the convoy may be expected in one of these patrol lines during the 20th February.

- 95 -

		2)	Group "ROCHEN" will remain this evening in position line from CE 4875 to DG 1475 as a patrol line. It is not intended to proceed further west.
		3)	Group "ROBBE" will make for the position line from CE 3147 to CE 6164 and will proceed further, as a reconnaissance patrol, at 0900 on the 19th February with course 280⁰ and day's run 140 miles. The convoy coming from America, awaited by both Groups will certainly be through, even proceeding at 8 knots. It is therefore intended to leave the Group also as a patrol line as from the evening on 19th February.
		4)	U 160 will have freedom of action in the whole Capetown area up to and including KP.
		5)	New objectives for U 432, 758 and 664 will be AK 95. Operation against convoys intended.
	c)	1)	U 522 will rendezvous with U 461 in CF 8155 for refueling, thereafter making for: U 461 - DG 23, U 522 CE 92.
		2)	U 108 supplied U 511 with fuel.
		3)	Refueled from U 460: U 89 on the 16th February, U 614 on the 17th February. Tanker capacity 364 cbm provisions for 93 days.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 403 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

19. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 75)	U 211	-	BE 57	U 435	-	BF 54	U 569	-	Op(CE 34)
	66	-	Op(CE 72)	214	-	BE 71	436	-	BF 64	571	-	BF 68
	68	-	DE 56	217	-	BE 93	437	-	Op(CE 31)	591	-	BF 44
	69	-	Op(BC 25)	218	-	Op(CE 72)	442	-	BF 57	600	-	BE 12
	84	-	BF 44	223	-	Op(BC 25)	445	-	Op(CE 34)	603	-	Op(AK 66)
	87	-	Op(DG 11)	225	-	Op(AK 18)	448	-	Op(AD 87)	604	-	Op(AK 66)
	89	-	AK 89	226	-	Op(BC 38)	454	-	Op(AK 56)	606	-	Op(BD 43)
	91	-	AK 96	228	-	AE 78	456	-	AK 89	607	-	Op(BC 28)
	92	-	Op(AK 65)	230	-	AE 78	549	-	EJ 49	608	-	Op(AK 34)
	103	-	Op(CE 51)	258	-	Op(CE 78)	460	-	AK 89	614	-	AK 89
	106	-	BF 48	264	-	Op(DG 11)	461	-	CF 37	615	-	BF 91
	107	-	Op(CE 61)	268	-	BF 52	468	-	Op(AK 18)	616	-	AE 78
	108	-	CF 30	303	-	Op(BC 25)	504	-	Op(DG 17)	620	-	BF 80
	118	-	CF 37	332	-	Op(AK 52)	506	-	Op(KZ)	621	-	Op(AK 52)
	119	-	Island	358	-	Op(BC 25)	509	-	Op(GR)	623	-	Op(AK 01)
	125	-	BF 61	359	-	Op(AK 31)	510	-	Op(EO)	628	-	Op(AK 21)
	135	-	Op(AK 31)	376	-	Op(AK 34)	511	-	Op(CE 31)	634	-	AF 79
	155	-	CE 74	377	-	Op(AK 18)	516	-	Op(GR)	638	-	Op(AK 34)
	156	-	Op(EO)	381	-	DF 64	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	653	-	BE 69
	160	-	Op(GR)	382	-	Op(CE 34)	521	-	Op(CE 48)	659	-	Op(AK 34)
	175	-	BF 73	383	-	Op(BC 38)	522	-	CF 86	664	-	BE 69
	180	-	AE 84	402	-	BE 28	523	-	AE 84	707	-	Op(BC 25)
	182	-	Op(KP)	403	-	Op(BC 25)	525	-	BD 42	709	-	AF 79
	183	-	CC 96	405	-	Op(AD 87)	526	-	AE 79	753	-	Op(AK 52)
	185	-	CE 61	409	-	BE 57	527	-	AE 84	758	-	BE 56


- 96 -

U 186	-	Op(BC 25)	U 410	-	Op(CE 31)	U 529	-	Op(AK 16)	U 759	-	Op(AD 87)
201	-	Op(BC 25)	414	-	BF 64	558	-	Op(CE 78)	D 3	-	AL 29
202	-	DG 11	432	-	BE 51	566	-	Op(AK 34)

	On Return Passage: U 69 - 108 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 201 - 214 - 217 - 226 - 268 - 303 - 381 - 383 - 402 - 414 - 436 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 571 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 620.
	Entered Port: U 125 - Lorient; U 436 - 414 - 381 - St. Nazaire; U 571 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 462 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 9 - see No. IVa.
		2)	U 182 has been in the Cape Town area for 14 days. She sank the English steamer "Blanashe" 4,836 GRT, on the 17th February in KZ 42, course 285⁰. No other traffic observed the whole time.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: FJ 8460, FJ 8740, EO 5398, EO 56, FJ 85.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 9:
		On the 19th also the weather situation was extremely unfavorable in the convoy area. Wind was S.E. 7 at midday, with low visibility from 2 - 3 miles. In the afternoon at 1554 U 525 again contacted the convoy. The boat reported up to 5 steamers in BC 2939. According to two later reports of contact it was not 2938 but 2638. U 525 reported at 1950 for the last time the enemy in BC 2652 course 240 speed 4 knots. At the same time the boat fired a three-fan torpedo which missed.
		U 707 (Gretschel) reported two destroyers at 1730 in BC 2595 with course N.E. convoy suspected there. Further reports on the convoy have not been received. Owing to fuel shortage of the boats the operation against the convoy was broken off at dawn on the morning of the 20th.
		U 525 reported having sunk a single vessel of 6,000 GRT at 0508. This was probably a steamer separated from the convoy, since it was assumed that the convoy could not keep together owing to the continuously bad weather situation.
		For this reason the boats were to patrol the area astern the convoy again in daylight, on the way to the supply rendezvous, in order to search out further solitary vessels.
		Final Survey of Convoy No. 9 - The operation on the convoy was begun with 12 boats of which half were very low in fuel from the start and not able to carry out a long operation. The area was also unfavorable, in which the convoy was detected. The boats only had a small area for operations.
		The bad conditions of weather and current in this area did not permit a successful operation. In spite of the fact that there was continuous contact with the convoy by U 525 from the afternoon of the 18th up to the morning of the 19th at 1000,

- 97 -

		it was not possible to bring up more boats. The reasons were the facilities lacking for fixes by the boats on account of low visibility and a continual heavy sea in an area where unfavorable current conditions must result in great deviation in fixes of the boats. The operation was being carried on in that area in which the Gulf Stream and Labrador Stream meet and, therefore, result in inestimable current conditions. The only possible means of counteracting these differences in fixes, i.e. by sending out beacon signals, was not successful although U 525 continually sent out signals from the convoy location. The signals were probably either not heard or only faintly heard by the other boats on account of the rough weather.
		Sunk: 2 ships from this convoy, together 14,000 GRT.
		Out of the 12 boats of this Group, 5 boats were up to the convoy. Two boats attacked the convoy, one boat hit a single vessel separated from the convoy.
		U 201 and U 69 which were both up to the convoy at the beginning of the operation, have not reported any more since then.They may be assumed lost. No damage by enemy action was reported by the boats.
	b)	1)	U 89 will occupy as an operational area grid square connecting the two Groups "Ritter" and "Neptun" - AK 39. Since a new fix of the Air Force Intercept Unit in AL 5277 indicates a south-westerly course by the convoy "Neptun and "Ritter" will proceed at 1000 on the 20th February on reconnaissance patrol with course 130⁰, "Knappen" with course 90⁰, speed for all 6 knots.
		2)	Group "Robbe" will remain in patrol line this evening, after reaching position line from CE 2261 to CE 5267. It is not intended to proceed further west.
			It is no longer anticipated that the convoy will arrive.
	c)	U 456 refueled from U 460. Tanker will be ready for supplying Group "Taifun" in BC 42 on 21st February at 1100.
	d)	U 268 was due to come into Brest on the morning of the 19th February. Boat has not yet arrived; orders to report on position not yet answered. In view of report on sighting by British aircraft from BF 5462 an attack is presumed, sub-chasers sent out to search, air force intends to send out 2 machines. No result yet.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 182 - 1 ship 4,836 GRT.
	U 525 - 1 ship 6,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- 98 -

20. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 75)	U 214	-	BF 70	U 448	-	Op(AK 24)	U 603	-	Op(AK 94)
	66	-	Op(CE 72)	217	-	BF 70	454	-	Op(AK 91)	604	-	Op(AK 96)
	68	-	DE 57	218	-	Op(CE 72)	456	-	BD 35	606	-	BD 42
	69	-	Op(BC 34)	223	-	Op(BC 26)	459	-	EJ 42	607	-	BC 38
	84	-	BE 60	225	-	Op(AK 64)	460	-	BD 19	608	-	Op(AK 28)
	87	-	Op(DG 11)	226	-	BD 40	461	-	CF 81	614	-	BE 18
	89	-	AK 39	228	-	AL 14	462	-	BF 80	615	-	BF 80
	91	-	Op(AK 96)	230	-	AL 14	468	-	Op(AK 61)	616	-	AL 14
	92	-	Op(AK 92)	258	-	Op(CE 78)	504	-	Op(DG 17)	620	-	BF 50
	103	-	Op(CE 52)	264	-	Op(DG 11)	506	-	Op(KZ)	621	-	Op(AK 67)
	106	-	BF 70	303	-	BC 63	509	-	Op(GR)	623	-	Op(AK 67)
	107	-	Op(CE 52)	332	-	Op(AK 91)	510	-	Op(EO)	628	-	Op(AK 64)
	108	-	BF 70	358	-	Op(BC 29)	511	-	Op(CE 28)	634	-	AF 72
	118	-	CF 33	359	-	Op(AK 26)	516	-	Op(GR)	638	-	Op(AK 28)
	119	-	Island	376	-	Op(AK 28)	518	-	Op(FJ)	653	-	OP(AK 64)
	135	-	Op(AK 26)	377	-	Op(AK 61)	521	-	Op(CE 48)	659	-	Op(AK 02)
	155	-	CD 98	382	-	Op(CE 25)	522	-	CF 81	664	-	BE 28
	156	-	Op(EO)	383	-	BD 41	523	-	AE 98	707	-	Op(BC 26)
	160	-	Op(GR)	402	-	BE 61	525	-	BC 34	709	-	AF 75
	175	-	BF 40	403	-	BD 41	526	-	AL 23	753	-	Op(AK 67)
	180	-	AL 31	405	-	Op(AK 24)	527	-	AL 22	758	-	BE 52
	182	-	Op(KP)	409	-	BE 75	529	-	Op(AK 02)	759	-	AK 24
	183	-	BE 23	410	-	Op(CE 22)	558	-	Op(CE 78)	D 3	-	AL 26
	185	-	CE 55	432	-	BE 19	566	-	Op(AK 02)
	186	-	Op(BC 20)	435	-	BF 40	569	-	Op(CE 28)
	201	-	Op(BC)	437	-	Op(CE 22)	268	-	BF 52
	202	-	Op(DG 11)	442	-	BF 50	591	-	BE 37
	211	-	BE 43	445	-	Op(CE 25)	600	-	Op(AK 96)

	On Return Passage: U 69 - 108 - 118 - 175 - 201 - 214 - 217 - 226 - 303 - 383 - 402 - 403 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 571 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 620.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 513 - Lorient; U 447 - 633 - 530 - 190 - 229 - 665 - 641 - 642 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	No more reports received on Convoy No. 9. Operation therefore concluded.
		2)	Convoy No. 10 - see IVa.
		3)	U 516 sank the American tanker"Deer Lodge" 6,187 GRT course 60⁰, on the 17th February in KZ 4113. The boat had been patrolling from the 10 - 17 February in KY 6263 - 6566 and KZ 4110 and sighted 3 ships in all. No increased or regular east-west traffic observed.
		4)	Situation U 518: has been in the operational area off the Brazilian coast for 8 days. Only single escorted and unescorted vessels sighted along the 200 m. line. Neutral traffic continuing. Modern freighter of 8,000 GRT course 220⁰ speed 13 knots sunk on the 18th February in FJ 8577. Air cover in the area strong, continual in some parts. After the sinking, location of aircraft by night.
		5)	U 106 reported a convoy of over 20 steamers at 2318 in BE 98 course 150⁰. Since there were no boats in the vicinity U 106 had freedom of action. She was however, forced to dive,

- 99 -

			owing apparently to the strong defence of the convoy, and lost contact.
		6)	U 504 dived in DG 1487 in view of single corvette with mean course 50⁰. Since this was possibly an escort vessel and, in this case, there might be other ships in the vicinity U 504 received orders to pursue. The remaining boats of Group "Rochen" excluding U 258 and 264 proceeded immediately on course 120⁰, speed 7 knots. No further reports received.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: in EC 35 and BE 1671.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 10:
		On the 20th February, 1055, U 604 reported a hydrophone fix, wide spread. So that it was assumed that this was the expected S.W. bound convoy. When, an hour later, the boat reported a steamer with 3 corvettes it was safe to order further boats to operate against the convoy. Operational orders were given to U 600, 91, 92, 603, 454, 332, 753, 621, 623, 628, 653, 225, 377 and 468 16 boats in all, therefore. At 1347 U 604 reported the convoy in AK 9618. She maintained contact, with two short intervals, until 0324 on the 21st February. She was forced off by destroyers and was depth-charged. The convoy was again reported by U 332, according to hydrophone fix, to be in BD 3172 at 0740.
		The convoy then proceeded on an initial south-westerly course and later on a straight southerly course and, according to dead reckoning, had a speed of almost 8 knots, which indicates an ON convoy. 16-20 steamers were reported by U 604.
		On the 20th February no further boats approached the convoy in spite of continuous contact by U 604, probably on account of the fog by day and constantly changing visibility at night.
		The operation on the convoy is continuing.
	b)	1)	On account of bad weather Group "Neptun", "Ritter" and "Knappen" contrary to previous orders, will remain in the position lines ordered as a patrol.
			Since "Ritter" and "Knappen" are operating against Convoy No. 10 the disposition of Group "Neptun" as a patrol line in the present area has no purpose according to latest aircraft location reports. "Neptun", therefore, will proceed as from 2200 as a reconnaissance patrol with course 260⁰ speed 3 knots. U 89 and 529 will join her and will extend the patrol to the south in that order. The whole Group will pass a position line from AK 2355 to AK 5346 at 2200 and the position line from AK 1479 to AK 5199 at midnight 23 February.
		2)	The operations of boats off the Azores, which have for some time been unsuccessful, and the necessity of intercepting supplies to Africa or Gibraltar at some point again necessitates disposition close to the coast. Group "Robbe" therefore, will proceed as from 0200 on the 21 February at slow speed and course 105⁰ to CG 80 or DJ 10.
		3)	In order to escort a blockade runner home U 258, 264 and 437 are ordered to proceed to CE 1380 and to reach there at midday on the 23rd February.

- 100 -

		4)	Operation in the Mozambique Channel - U 128 north of latitude 28⁰ South, U 160 southwards from this point to 32⁰ South.
	c)	1)	U 522 refueled from U 461.
		2)	U 211 was heavily bombed by aircraft in BE 1658 and is returning in view of reduced diving capacity.
	d)	1)	There is no further news from U 268. The boat was not found by air units and sub-chasers and must be assumed lost.
		2)	U 201 and 69 last reported on the evening of the 17th February near Convoy No. 9. The boats reported contacts from BC 3136 or BC 3252. Since there are no reports of aircraft, loss by action of escort units probable.

V.	Reports of sinkings:
	U 516 - 1 ship 6,187 GRT
	U 518 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

21. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(CE 70)	U 217	-	BF 40	U 447	-	AO 40	U 591	-	BE 25
	66	-	Op(CE 70)	218	-	Op(CE 70)	448	-	Op(AK 20)	600	-	Op(AK 90)
	68	-	DE 75	223	-	BC 38	454	-	Op(AK 90)	603	-	Op(AK 90)
	84	-	BE 28	225	-	Op(AK 90)	456	-	BE 18	604	-	Op(AK 90)
	87	-	Op(DG 10)	226	-	BD 40	459	-	DT 85	606	-	BD 40
	89	-	Op(AK 30)	228	-	AL 18	460	-	BD 42	607	-	Op(BC 42)
	91	-	Op(AK 90)	230	-	AL 18	461	-	CF 81	608	-	Op(AK 20)
	92	-	Op(AK 90)	229	-	AO 40	462	-	BF 81	614	-	BE 29
	103	-	Op(CE 52)	258	-	Op(CE 48)	468	-	Op(AK 90)	615	-	BF 48
	106	-	BE 95	264	-	Op(DG 10)	504	-	Op(D 12)	616	-	AL 16
	107	-	Op(CE 52)	303	-	BD 40	506	-	Op(KZ)	620	-	BF 80
	108	-	BE 93	332	-	Op(AK 90)	509	-	Op(GR)	621	-	Op(AK 90)
	118	-	BE 96	358	-	BC 38	510	-	Op(EO)	623	-	Op(AK 90)
	119	-	Island	359	-	Op(AK 29)	511	-	Op(CE 28)	628	-	Op(AK 90)
	135	-	Op(AK 26)	376	-	Op(AK 20)	513	-	BF 50	633	-	AO 40
	155	-	DF 22	377	-	Op(AK 90)	516	-	Op(KZ)	634	-	AE 69
	156	-	Op(EO)	382	-	Op(CE 25)	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	638	-	Op(AK 20)
	160	-	Op(GR)	383	-	BD 40	521	-	Op(CE 40)	641	-	AO 40
	175	-	BF 57	402	-	BE 66	522	-	CF 81	642	-	AO 40
	180	-	AL 24	403	-	BD 40	523	-	AL 21	653	-	Op(AK 90)
	182	-	Op(KP)	405	-	Op(AK 20)	525	-	BD 40	659	-	Op(AK 20)
	183	-	DE 24	409	-	CE 33	526	-	Al 16	664	-	BE 16
	185	-	CE 48	410	-	Op(CE 22)	527	-	AL 24	665	-	AO 40
	186	-	BC 34	432	-	CF 31	529	-	Op(AK 60)	707	-	BC 62
	190	-	AO 40	435	-	BE 63	530	-	AO 40	709	-	AE 93
	202	-	Op(CE 48)	437	-	Op(CF 22)	558	-	Op(CE 70)	753	-	Op(AK 90)
	211	-	BE 27	442	-	BF 50	566	-	Op(AK 20)	758	-	BE 19
	214	-	BE 80	445	-	Op(CE 25)	569	-	Op(CE 28)	759	-	Op(AK 20)
										D 3	-	AL 32

	On Return Passage: U 108 - 118 - 175 - 186 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 223 - 226 - 303 - 358 - 402 - 403 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 620 - 707 - D 3 - 483.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 515 - 172 - Lorient; U 618 - St. Nazaire.

- 101 -

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoys No. 10 and 11 see paragraph IVa.

U 106 was detected in the attack, in spite of minimum use of periscope, and subsequently pursued for a long time. Since there was no contact she proceeded on her outward passage.

U 230 unsuccessfully pursued a single vessel, course 70⁰ in AL 3190.

U 460 reported an enemy U-boat in BD 42.

None.

U-boat sightings: BD 6115, DN 4212.

U-boat attacked and was attacked in BD 53.

According to a report from the German Consul in Laurenco Marques, a convoy of 20 - 30 ships is to leave Capetown on its way to India on the 23rd February.

From Cape Jubi 9 ships were sighted northward bound.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 10:

The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 3. It moderated further during the course of the day and at 2300 there was dead calm in the area of the convoy. U 332 contacted a tanker in BD 3417 at 1100. U 753 reported a single vessel in ED 2633 probably the same one. At 1408 U 454 then contacted the convoy again in BD 3457.

At 1610 she was again driven off. At 2050 U 92 again detected the convoy and reported on it continuously until the next morning. At 0800 she was driven off in BD 3285. In addition to these two boats U 753 came up to the convoy in BD 2969 at 2000 but has ceased to report since then. U 91 contacted the convoy at 2000 on the 21st February but was driven off by a flying boat and heavily depth-charged.She was forced to leave the convoy for repairs.

There have been four reports of aircraft from the boats, apparently only flying boats escorting the convoy.

The convoy proceeded on its south to south-easterly course up to the night of 21st then turned to course 250⁰ towards midnight. Speed 8.3 knots according to data.

Sinkings:		Assumed sinkings:
U 603	reported 1705 in 2925 Manstein tanker Stigstad 5,964 GRT sunk.	1/5,964 GRT tanker sunk.
U 92	reported 2230 in BD 5326 a 7,000 GRT ship sunk.	1/7,000 GRT sunk
U 92	reported 0436 in BD 5266 1/5,000 GRT freighter sunk	1/5,000 GRT sunk
	1/6,000 GRT freighter left burning.	1/6,000 GRT sunk
		4/23,964 GRT.

- 102 -

The operation on the convoy which was in BD 5285 at 0740 on the 22nd is being continued.

U 377 is not to operate against the convoy as it is too far away.

A group of boats which is refueling further west will also be operating against the convoy if possible. U 303 and 606 report from this group that they are operating against the convoy.

Convoy No. 11:

At 1850 on the 21st, U 664 sighted a convoy on a southward bound course in BE 1152. 4 boats in the vicinity, U 758 - 591 - 84 and 432 were sent into operation following this report. After taking on supplies U 409 further to the south, was also to operate against the convoy.

The convoy was reported by U 664 to consist of 10 steamers. Presumably this was the ONS convoy expected according to dead reckoning, which, however was not confirmed in view of the speed of 9 knots estimated. It might equally well be a small part of a convoy.

Contact with the convoy was maintained up to 2135 by U 664 which reported continuously. At 0337 on the 22nd February U 758 the next boat in line, then contacted the convoy and reported it for the last time at 0510 as being in BD 3654.

			Sinkings Assumed:
U 664	reported at 2135 in BE 1171
	1/5,000 GRT sunk		1/5,000 GRT
	1/8,000 tanker left burning		1/8,000 GRT tank
		In all:	2/13,000 GRT

The operation on the convoy, which was in BD 3568 at 0945 on a S.W. course, is being continued. It is important for control purposes that contact be maintained with the convoy in order that further boats from the Höltring convoy (No. 10) may be sent later to operate against it.

Reports of Success:

U 603 - 1 ship 5,964 GRT

92 - 3 ships 18,000 GRT

664 - 2 ships 13,000 GRT.

IV.

(Continued)

The boats of Group "Robbe" will be disposed in the following areas: U 107 - CG 49, 73 and 76, U 103 - CG 81 and 84, U 511 - CG 82 and 85, U 410 - CG 83 and 86. U 455 west half of CG 91, 94, 97 and DJ 22. U 382 east half of these squares. U 569 freedom of action eastward 8⁰ West with main area in the east. U 382 and 569 will proceed first for supplies and to take over spare parts.

New objectives for U 522 will be DH 96. Operation intended in that area. Latest report from Cape Jubi confirms assumption regarding future traffic.

U 377 according to location report, is too far behind Convoy No. 10 so that operations are not probable. She will, therefore, join Group "Neptun" and proceed to AK 5295.

- 103 -

		4)	The patrol lines of Group "Rochen" will be broken up. The boats will refuel as from 23 February from U 461 in DG 3155.
		5)	Rendezvous of supply Group "Schnoor" will be moved to BD 4595 in view of enemy U-boat sighted.
		6)	U 523 - 228 - 527 - 616 - 526 - 664 - 758 - 591 and 84 will join Group "Burggraf" and will take up position at 0800 on the 24th February in the above sequence in the reconnaissance patrol line from AK 6237 to AL 7142, course 235⁰, speed 4 knots. After detecting Convoy No. 11 U 664 - 758 - 591 - and 84 will leave the Group. New disposition will be necessary.
	c)	1)	U 409 supplied U 437 with spare parts.
		2)	U 606 and 303 refueled from U 460.
	d)	U 437, 258 and 264 will receive further instructions on escorting the blockade runner "Hohenfriedberg" home.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

22. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DG 26)	U 217	-	BF 28	U 448	-	Op(AK 20)	U 600	-	Op(BD 20)
	66	-	CE 80	218	-	Op(DG 20)	454	-	Op(BD 55)	603	-	Op(BD 56)
	68	-	DD 99	223	-	BD 42	456	-	BE 52	604	-	Op(BD 56)
	84	-	BE 21	225	-	Op(BD 20)	459	-	DT 55	606	-	BD 42
	87	-	Op(DG 20)	226	-	BD 42	460	-	BD 42	607	-	BD 42
	89	-	Op(AK 20)	228	-	AK 63	461	-	CE 99	608	-	Op(AK 20)
	91	-	Op(BD 56)	229	-	AN 35	462	-	BE 92	614	-	BE 65
	92	-	Op(BD 55)	230	-	AL 24	468	-	Op(AK 56)	615	-	BE 67
	103	-	Op(CF 40)	258	-	CE 42	504	-	Op(DG 20)	616	-	AL 19
	106	-	BE 89	264	-	CE 42	506	-	Op(KZ)	618	-	BF 58
	107	-	Op(CF 40)	303	-	BD 54	509	-	Op(GR)	620	-	BF
	108	-	BE 72	332	-	Op(BD 56)	510	-	Op(EO)	621	-	Op(BD 20)
	118	-	BF 73	358	-	BD 42	511	-	Op(CF 40)	623	-	Op(BD 20)
	119	-	Island	359	-	Op(AK 20)	513	-	BF 40	628	-	Op(BD 55)
	135	-	Op(AK 20)	376	-	Op(AK 20)	515	-	BF 54	633	-	AN 35
	155	-	DF 15	377	-	Op(AK 55)	516	-	Op(GR)	634	-	AE 67
	156	-	Op(EO)	382	-	Op(CF 40)	518	-	Op(FJ 96)	638	-	Op(AK 20)
	160	-	Op(GR)	383	-	BD 42	521	-	Op(CE 80)	641	-	AN 35
	172	-	BF 54	402	-	BF 90	522	-	CF 88	642	-	AN 35
	175	-	BF	403	-	BD 42	523	-	AL 15	653	-	Op(BD 55)
	180	-	AL 24	405	-	Op(AK 20)	525	-	Op(AK 20)	659	-	Op(AK 20)
	182	-	Op(KP)	409	-	CE 31	526	-	AL 27	664	-	BD 36
	183	-	DE 42	410	-	Op(CF 10)	527	-	AL 16	665	-	AN 35
	185	-	CD 92	432	-	BE 72	529	-	Op(AK 20)	707	-	BD 43
	186	-	BD 42	435	-	BE 26	530	-	AN 35	709	-	AE 68
	190	-	AN 35	437	-	CE 42	558	-	Op(DG 20)	753	-	Op(BD 56)
	202	-	Op(DG 20)	442	-	BF	566	-	Op(AK 20)	758	-	BD 35
	211	-	BE 53	445	-	CF 10	569	-	Op(CF 40)	759	-	Op(AK 20)
	214	-	BF	447	-	AN 35	591	-	BE 13	D 3	-	AE 86

	On Return Passage: U 108 - 118 - 175 - 186 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 223 - 226 - 303 - 358 - 402 - 403 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 707 - D 3.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 439 - Brest; U 508 - Lorient; U 590 - 757 - 406 - St. Nazaire.

- 104 -

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoys Nos. 10, 11 and 12 - see paragraph IVa.

U 107 sank, in the Azores Group - CE 6837, British refrigerator ship "Roxburgh Castle", 7,801 GRT, course 210⁰, speed 16.5 knots.

None.

U-boat sightings: FJ 93, EC 36, CG 9588, DS 4231.

U-boats were attacked in BE 5383 and BD 5336.

U-boat attack in EC 3651.

A report on torpedoing of a destroyer in the vicinity of Cape Spartel indicates a new sinking through the mines laid by U 118, since no German boat was operating in this area at the time.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 10:

The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 4, sea 3 and variable visibility at midday on the 22nd February. Towards evening wind was S.W. 7.

The contact with the convoy was not broken. At 1025 U 606 detected the convoy again in BD 5551. U 603 also contacted it at 1035 and U 628 at 1601 in BD 5458. In the course of the night U 92, 358, 223 and 186 also came up to the convoy. At 0738 U 628 reported it in BD 4564. According to the reports of the boats it was proceeding at 8 knots and maintaining its mean course of 250 - 260⁰.

Few reports were received regarding enemy escort. No air cover at all was reported. U 753 reported having been depth-charged, one Diesel being out of action for 20 hours and main periscope and stern tube being faulty. She received orders to operate against the subsequent Graef convoy after repairs. 5 boats reported being driven off by destroyers.

Sinkings:		Admitted:
U 753	reported 1330 in BD 5265
	escorted 5,000 GRT freighter sunk	5,000 GRT
U 604	reported 0341 in BD 4633
	passenger freighter 7,000 GRT sunk	7,000 GRT
		2/12,000 GRT

- 105 -

	The operation on the convoy is being continued. 5 boats from the supply group will also operate against the convoy, i.e. U 358, 707, 223, 186 and 403.

	Convoy No. 11:
	Last contact report came from U 664: 0945 enemy in BD 3568. No further contact.
	Boats operating in this area will form Group "Sturmbock". Operational orders, course 230 - 250⁰, enemy speed 7 - 9 knots. Indications of convoy route: U 403 reported at 0128 on 23rd single destroyer BD 6116, 236⁰, speed slow. U 753 reported at 0510 destroyer in BD 5238, no hydrophone fix. According to this the convoy is following Convoy No. 11.

	Convoy No. 12:
	U 522 reported at 1413 convoy in DH 1165. The following were sent into operation Group "Rochen" including U 66, 521, 43, 218, 504, 558, 87 and 202. In addition U 107, 382, 569 of Group "Robbe". U 522 reported continuous contact until 2016. Mean course of the convoy 235⁰, speed 10 knots. After losing contact the boats were ordered to search in the sector from 280 - 230⁰, 2 boats each in a 10⁰ sector, one boat at enemy speed 11 knots, the other 9 knots. U 107 broke off operations as she was too far away. U 522 freedom of action.
	At 0740 U 522 again contacted the convoy in DG 6239. Group "Rochen" was sent in.
	Sinkings:
	U 522: 0741 2 hits on a large tanker, left sinking.
b)	1)	Boats of Group "Robbe" will calculate their speed so that the operational area is reached by the 28th February. Earlier arrival and operation would be too dangerous, in view of the unfavorable phase of the moon and strength of night fighter activities, and at the same time there would be only slight prospects of attack.
	2)	Group "Neptun" will proceed further west and at midnight on the 24th February will pass position line from AJ 3364 to AK 4688 and at midnight on the 25th February the position line from AJ 3588 to AK 4845. U 377 will have the most southerly position in this patrol line.
	3)	Rendezvous of supply Group "Schnoor" will be revised to BD 4355 in view of the direct westerly course of the convoy. The boats there are ordered to operate against Convoy No. 10 or, if refueling later, against Convoy No. 11. Further refueling is permitted. For this reason U 462 (U-tanker) is ordered to proceed to BD 81 at high speed.
	4)	Since Group "Rochen" has been ordered to operate against Convoy No. 12, refueling from U 461 has been temporarily suspended. U 461 will, therefore, arrive at 1600 on the 23rd February in CF 7355 with U 511 to carry out refueling and to supply a Radar intercept antenna. Subsequently U 461 will proceed at slow speed behind the convoy, U 511 will cover the operational area ordered off Gibraltar.
c)	None.

- 106 -

	d)	1)	Further orders to U 258, 437 and 264 upon sighting blockade runner. Boats will approach the ship to request from the Captain information on speed and intentions and will then take up positions: U 437 right ahead of the ship, U 264 - 45⁰ to port, U 258 - 45⁰ to starboard. Distance apart 40 miles. Since the ship's route runs south of the lower line of Route A, the area between 40⁰ 20' N and 42⁰ N eastwards up the coast will also be prohibited for attacks on single vessels.
		2)	U 620 and 442 have not replied in spite of repeated orders to report. U 442 last reported on the 9th February a destroyer in CG 4861 and U 620 on the 12th February two destroyers in CF 9266. Both boats had been ordered to return, but up to now have not arrived in their port of destination. They were probably lost on operations on the south-bound Gibraltar convoy, sighted by U 569 on the 12th or 13 February in area CG 40. On the night of the 13th February several U-boats were attacked by aircraft (British Intelligence reports).

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 107 - 1 ship 7,801 GRT
	753 - 1 ship 5,000 GRT
	604 - 1 ship 7,000 GRT
	522 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

23. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DG 30)	U 218	-	Op(DG 30)	U 454	-	Op(BD 40)	U 600	-	BD 47
	66	-	Op(DG 30)	223	-	Op(BD 40)	456	-	BE 69	603	-	Op(BD 40)
	68	-	DP 12	225	-	Op(BD 40)	459	-	DT 28	604	-	Op(BD 40)
	84	-	Op(BD 60)	226	-	BD 42	460	-	BD 42	606	-	Op(BD 40)
	87	-	Op(DG 30)	228	-	AL 15	461	-	CF 73	607	-	BD 42
	89	-	Op(AK 51)	229	-	AN 30	462	-	BE 97	608	-	Op(AK 10)
	91	-	Op(BD 40)	230	-	AL 18	468	-	Op(BD 40)	614	-	BF 44
	92	-	Op(BD 40)	258	-	CE 16	504	-	Op(DG 30)	615	-	BE 52
	103	-	CF 58	264	-	CE 13	506	-	Op(KZ)	616	-	AK 66
	106	-	CF 61	303	-	Op(BD 40)	508	-	BF 54	618	-	BF 49
	107	-	CF 49	332	-	BD 52	509	-	Op(GR)	621	-	Op(BD 40)
	108	-	BF 49	358	-	Op(BD 40)	510	-	Op(EO)	623	-	Op(BD 40)
	118	-	BF 49	359	-	Op(AK 10)	511	-	CF 73	628	-	Op(BD 40)
	119	-	Island	376	-	Op(AK 10)	513	-	BF 71	633	-	AN 30
	135	-	Op(AK 10)	377	-	Op(AK 50)	515	-	BF 72	634	-	AE 83
	155	-	DE 39	382	-	DG 33	516	-	Op(GR)	638	-	Op(AK 10)
	156	-	Op(EO)	383	-	BD 42	518	-	Op(FJ)	641	-	AN 30
	160	-	Op(GR)	402	-	BF 68	521	-	Op(DG 30)	642	-	AN 30
	172	-	BF 49	403	-	BD 43	522	-	DG 38	653	-	BD 48
	175	-	BF 55	405	-	Op(AK 10)	523	-	AK 03	659	-	Op(AK 50)
	180	-	AL 01	409	-	BD 56	525	-	BD 42	664	-	BD 55
	182	-	Op(KP)	410	-	CF 52	526	-	AL 44	665	-	AN 30
	183	-	DD 66	432	-	BD 65	527	-	AL 18	707	-	BD 42
	185	-	CD 83	435	-	BE 21	529	-	Op(AK 50)	709	-	AE 83
	186	-	Op(BD 40)	437	-	CE 13	530	-	AN 30	753	-	BD 55
	190	-	AN 30	406	-	BF 58	558	-	Op(DG 30)	757	-	BF 58
	202	-	Op(DG 30)	439	-	BF 54	566	-	Op(AK 50)	758	-	BD 56
	211	-	BE 65	445	-	CF 55	569	-	FG 32	759	-	Op(AK 10)
	214	-	BF 52	447	-	AN 30	590	-	BF 58	D 3	-	AE 91
	217	-	BF 52	448	-	Op(AK 10)	591	-	Op(BD 60)


- 107 -

On Return Passage: U 108 - 118 - 175 - 186 - 211 - 214 - 223 - 226 - 303 - 358 - 383 - 403 - 454 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 707 - D 3.

Entered Port: U 217 - Brest; U 402 - La Pallice.

Sailed: U 338 - Kiel.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoys Nos. 10, 11 and 12 see IVa.

None.

U-boat sightings: EE 4877, EE 4799, EC 9271. Reports of attacks from DN 7388 and EC 6697. Report of torpedoing of two ships of a convoy. Position unknown.

None.

IV.

Current Operation:

Convoy No. 10:

The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 2, sea 3 on the 23rd February midday. Towards evening it freshened to west south west 5, sea 4. At 1030 U 707 contacted the convoy and reported it continuously until 0110 on the 24th. Besides this boat the following also approached the convoy, U 621, 358, 653, 468, 92, 600 and 628. On the morning of the 24th U 628 reported the convoy in BC 9361.

According to data, the convoy had maintained its mean course of 250⁰ until 0200 on the 24th. According to the latest report of U 628 it was proceeding at 8 knots.

There was no air cover with the convoy on the 23rd. 4 boats reported being depth-charged, U 454 with serious damage, so that the boats had to turn back. U 303, 223, 186 and 358 also broke off the operation in order to refuel.

The operation against the convoy is being continued.

Sinkings:		Assumed:
		Sunk Torpedoed.
U 303	reported at 0245 in BD 4654 5,000 GRT freighter sunk in flames after a hit	5,000 GRT
U 303	reported at 0331 damaged 4,000 GRT tanker sunk (probably without firing)	4,000 GRT
U 606	in BD 4583 6,000 GRT sunk out of a convoy	6,000 GRT
U 186	in BD 4835 freighter 7,000 GRT sunk	7,000 GRT
	in BD 4835 freighter 6,000 GRT probably sunk	6,000 GRT

- 109 -

Sinkings:			Assumed:
			Sunk	Torpedoed.
	Hits on 2 further vessels of which the same boat reports at 1547 damaged tanker Eulima 6,207 GRT sunk		6,207	1 torpedoed
U 223	At 0951 in BD 4559 tanker 6,000 GRT		6,000
U 628	0714 in 4564 medium freighter sunk out of convoy		5,000
	tanker torpedoed			1 torpedoed
U 621	At 2021 in 4716 3-fan torpedo on type Dalgonia 5,953, hit probable			1 torpedoed
U 707	At 0121 in BC 9328 6,000 GRT ship sunk		6,000
	1 steamer torpedoed			1 torpedoed
U 653	At 0116 in BC 6956 4-fan torpedo 1/6,000 GRT sunk		6,000
	1/5,000 GRT left burning		5,000
	2 further hits heard			1 torpedoed
	In all:	11 ships	62,207 GRT	5 ships torpedoed.

Convoy No. 11:

No contact.

According to aircraft locations, the convoy is about in the same latitude. A patrol line has been ordered from BC 3995 to BD 4755.

In operation: U 758, 664, 591, 84, 432, 409, 753, 332, 383, 226, 607.

The location reports received from the boats show that the majority are probably already behind the convoy.

The convoy is awaited towards 1800 on the 25th February in the area of the patrol line.

Convoy No. 12:

Contact constantly by U 522, which dived for attack at 1540. Since then contact by U 202 until 2220, then by U 87 until 0820. Convoy route DG 6239, squares 6191, 5624, 5812.

All the boats contacted the convoy which consisted of 16 large ships in two lines abreast, with 2 destroyers each as remote escort fore and aft, two destroyers and two corvettes as close escort. Speed of convoy was 10 knots. Probably convoy bound from Gibraltar to America.

Weather: wind S.E. 2-3, sea 1 - 2, 1/10 - 3/10 clouded, good visibility.

In the course of night attacks 5 boats were seen by escorts and attacked with depth charges.

Sinkings:

U 382

2214 1 "Falke" on a bunch of steamers, hits not observed, since submerged. 1 single F.A.T. and a two-fan on 2/8,000 tonners, 3 hits heard. Sinkings probable.

- 109 -

U 202	At 2220 in CG 5624 1 tanker, 1 steamer each 6,000 GRT sunk 2 further hits probable.
U 569	At 2230 3 hits on large tanker, effect not observed, since she dived on account of destroyers.

Group "Burggraf" will be newly assembled. U 228 - 527 - 230 - 523 - 526 - 616 - 435 and 615 will form a reconnaissance line from AK 6289 to AK 9398, course 240⁰, day's run 90 miles, at 0800 on the 25th February. Boats arriving earlier have freedom of action outside the patrol line up to the time of departure. U 615 will, on account of her great distance away, only arrive during the course of the 25th. The group will cover the area south of Group "Neptun" which is cruising about 300 miles further in the west.

Group "Robbe" will be instructed regarding convoy movements and action in the area off Gibraltar.

Boats cruising in the American and Caribbean area will receive instructions regarding the traffic situation and escorts. They will be disposed in the following operational areas: U 183 - DL 60, 90, DM 40 and 70. Route to these areas permitted through the Florida Straits. U 155 - DM middle and north third. U 68 - DN 70, 80, DM 90, EB 30, EC 10. U 185 - CA 87. If the traffic situation is unfavorable, freedom of action to northeast and southwest.

U 180 will proceed over BD 80 and is to take over there from U 462, 60 cbm. fuel and the casks for special purposes.

Rendezvous U 461 and 511 for handing over of Radar interception cables carried out.

U 403, 525, 607, 226, 283 refueled from U 460.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 303	2 ships	9,00 GRT
603	1 ship	6,000 GRT
186	2 ships	13,000 GRT	2 hits
223	2 ships	12,207 GRT
628	1 ship	5,000 GRT	1 ship torpedoed
701	1 ship	6,000 GRT	1 ship torpedoed
653	2 ships	11,000 GRT	2 hits
382	1 ship	8,000 GRT
202	2 ships	12,000 GRT	2 hits
569	1 ship	8,000 GRT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

24. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DG 50)	U 218	-	Op(DG 52)	U 448	-	Op(AJ 30)	U 591	-	Op(BD 40)
	66	-	Op(DG 50)	223	-	BD 43	454	-	BD 81	600	-	Op(BC 93)
	68	-	DO 38	225	-	Op(BC 60)	456	-	BF 40	603	-	BC 93
	84	-	Op(BD 40)	226	-	BD 43	459	-	DT 63	604	-	Op(BC 60)
	87	-	Op(DG 50)	228	-	AK 03	460	-	BD 43	606	-	Op(BC 60)
	89	-	Op(AK 40)	229	-	AN 20	461	-	CF 73	607	-	BD 43
	91	-	BC 93	230	-	AL 41	462	-	BE 88	608	-	Op(AJ 30)
	92	-	Op(BC 93)	258	-	CE 13	468	-	Op(BC 93)	614	-	BF 40
	103	-	CF 92	264	-	CE 13	504	-	Op(DG 50)	615	-	BE 16
	106	-	CF 58	303	-	BD 43	506	-	Op(KZ)	616	-	AK 60
	107	-	CF 83	332	-	Op(BD 40)	508	-	BF 48	618	-	BF 40
	108	-	BF 61	338	-	AD 70	509	-	Op(GR)	621	-	Op(BC 93)


- 110 -

U 118	-	BF 40	U 358	-	BD 43	U 510	-	Op(EO)	U 623	-	Op(BC 60)
119	-	Island	359	-	Op(AJ 30)	511	-	CF 73	628	-	Op(BC 60)
135	-	Op(AJ 30)	376	-	Op(AK 40)	513	-	CF 37	633	-	AN 20
155	-	DE 61	377	-	Op(AK 40)	515	-	BF 70	634	-	AE 84
156	-	Op(EO)	382	-	Op(DG 50)	516	-	Op(GR)	638	-	Op(AK 40)
160	-	Op(GR)	383	-	BD 43	518	-	Op(FJ)	641	-	AN 20
172	-	BF 70	403	-	BD 43	521	-	Op(DG 50)	642	-	AN 20
175	-	BF 61	405	-	AJ 30	522	-	Op(DG 50)	653	-	Op(BC 93)
180	-	AL 44	406	-	BF 81	523	-	AK 60	659	-	Op(AK 40)
182	-	Op(KP)	409	-	Op(BD 40)	525	-	BD 43	664	-	Op(BD 40)
183	-	BD 91	410	-	CF 64	526	-	AK 60	665	-	AN 20
185	-	CD 76	432	-	Op(BC 40)	527	-	AL 45	707	-	Op(BC 93)
186	-	BD 43	435	-	AL 84	529	-	Op(AL 40)	753	-	Op(BD 14)
190	-	AN 20	437	-	CE 13	530	-	AN 20	757	-	BF 80
202	-	Op(DG 50)	439	-	BF 40	558	-	Op(DG 50)	758	-	Op(BD 40)
211	-	BF 40	445	-	CF 67	566	-	Op(AK 40)	759	-	Op(AJ 30)
214	-	BF 52	447	-	AN 20	569	-	Op(DG 50)	D 3	-	AF 72
						590	-	BF 40

	On Return Passage: U 108 - 118 - 175 - 186 - 211 - 214 - 223 - 226 - 303 - 358 - 383 - 403 - 454 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 707 - D 3.
	Entered Port: U 214 - Brest; U 108 - 175 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 86 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 10, 11 and 12 see No. IVa.
		2)	U 160 has been in the Capetown area since the 14th February and, in this area as well as cruising from GQ 55 over GQ 93 to GR 95, found no traffic. Boat sank the steamer "Roger P. Taney, 6,800 GRT in GF 2224 on the 8th February, course 250⁰ from Capetown to New York.
		3)	U 513 sighted a hospital ship on the 22nd February with course 160⁰ in BE 9681 and single vessels with south-easterly course in BE 9599. Further, U 462 reported a single vessel in BD 9359 with southerly course.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CF 6564, FC 85, BF 5518, CJ 7729.
		U-boats were attacked in BC 9248, BC 9253.
		U-boat attack in CD 1496, BC 9350.
		Aircraft reported eddy effect in BF 4756 and further eddy with periscope in BF 4515.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Italian U-boat reported convoy in CG 1778 with course 340⁰, speed 12 knots. German boats were ordered to operate against it as far as possible but not to pursue it.

- 111 -

Convoy No. 10:

In the area of the convoy on the 24th the weather situation by day was particularly calm, wind N.E. 1, visibility 10 miles. It was particularly dark before the moon rose which made contact with the convoy very difficult, then there was bright moonlight towards 0300. By day, contact was maintained by U 603 and was reported by this boat, at 2124 for the last time in BC 9186. Before darkness U 621, U 600 and U 628 also came up to the convoy, only U 628 of these being able to maintain contact. At 0639 U 628 reported the convoy in BC 5987. U 91 also contacted the convoy at 0414 in 9175. In the first half of the night contact was maintained for the most part only by hydrophone fixes, but after the moon rose the convoy was again sighted. According to reports from U 628, which reported the convoy further to the N.W. than the other boats, it appeared that there were two separate convoy groups. This was confirmed by two reports from U 603 which assumed the convoy to be divided. U 603 reported at midday on the 24th a bunch of 7 steamers while U 92 had definitely seen during underwater attack a bunch of 5 steamers. The two groups could not be distinguished exactly according to dead reckoning. On the 24th by day and in the night of the 25th, there were reports of air cover with the convoy. One boat was attacked by aircraft. 4 boats reported being pursued and depth-charged. U 604 being obliged to retire for repairs owing to considerable depth-charge damage.

Sinkings:		Sunk	Torpedoed
U 600	reported at 0735 in BC 9359 hit on medium freighter		1 torpedoed
U 628	reported at 0813 4-fan and stern
	2 hits on large 3-masted freighter	7,000 GRT
	2 hits on medium freighter	4,000
	1 hit on medium freighter		1 torpedoed
U 92	reported at 1050 in BC 9375
	passenger freighter 8,000 GRT sunk	8,000
U 621	reported at 1930 2 hits observed on steamer (probably another boat)	5,000
		4/24,000	2 torpedoed

U 603, 628, 468, 600, 653, 621 and U 91 are operating now against the rest of the convoy. The convoy was, at 0639 on the 25th February, in BC 5987.

Convoy No. 11:

Since it is assumed that the convoy will deviate to the north in order to avoid the area of the boats operating against Convoy No. 10, the patrol line will be moved northward, that is from BC 3685 to BC 6935. The boats will take up positions in the following sequence: U 332, 432, 753, 226, 383, 758, 607, 664, 84, 409, 591.

- 112 -

	4)	Convoy No. 12:
		In spite of avoiding movements to the south, contact was maintained by U 521, 202, 504, 66 until 0216. Convoy route DG 5812, 5713, 4922, 4892. Mean course of the convoy 250⁰ cruising speed 10 knots. Course leads on to the Windward Passage.
		U 558 reported, in 5389 at 2345 on the 23rd February, a damaged freighter sighted and a stopped tanker sunk, 9,000 GRT.
		U 87 broke off operations owing to shortage of lubricating oil.
		U 522 has not reported since underwater attack, in spite of orders to do so.
		U 382, 218, 43, 558 were attacked by night, detected by destroyers and attacked with depth-charges. U 382 heavily damaged, withdrew for repairs.
		Further boats were driven off by destroyers. U 202 and U 521 fired but unsuccessfully.
		Weather: Wind east southeast 3, sea 2, 3/4 clouded, good visibility.
		Conditions for detection by destroyers were apparently particularly favorable.
		Sinkings:
		U 558 reported later: On 23rd February at 2345 a damaged steamer sighted and a stopped tanker of 9,000 GRT sunk. DG 5385.
b)	1)	Owing to the late arrival of U 230 Group "Burggraf" will only take up the ordered reconnaissance patrol at 0800 on the 26th February.
	2)	Group "Neptun" is proceeding and will pass position line from AJ 3742 to AJ 9367 on the 26th February, and position line from AJ 5331 to 9515 on the 27th. According to their dead reckoning a convoy may be expected about the 25th February in the patrol line.
	3)	U 106 will proceed to DF 60 at slow speed. After refueling from U 461 operations in the American area are intended.
	4)	U 513 will temporarily patrol area DH 12, 15 and 18 until operations are decided upon.
	5)	As several boats in the Gibraltar disposition are operating against Convoy No. 12, a new distribution is ordered, as follows: U 107 - CG 81 and 84, U 511 - CG 82 and 85. U 410 - CG 83 and 86. U 103 - CG 89, DJ 21 and 24. U 445 - CG 91, 94, 97, DJ 22 and eastward up to own minefield. (Western line of this minefield lies 1.5 miles eastward CG 9585).
c)	None.
d)	1)	The "Hohenfriedberg" which is expected home was sighted by U 437 at 0940 in CE 1629. Since U 264 reported that she could only proceed for another 10 miles, U 437 and 258 took up position 30 degrees to port and starboard. U 264 remaining close to the ship. The following boats took up their position as a stationary wing protection with the order to report immediately on all enemy sightings and any substantial air reconnaissance: U 515 - CG 1421,

- 113 -

U 172 - CG 8965 and U 508 - CG 9488. Depth 30 miles.

In Route A the area between 5⁰ South and 40⁰ North now open for attack on single vessels.

Reports of Success:

U 160	1 ship	6,800 GRT
600			1 ship torpedoed
628	2 ships	11,000 GRT	1 ship torpedoed
92	1 ship	8,000 GRT
?			2 hits
558	1 ship	9,000 GRT

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

25. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DG 40)	U 225	-	Op(BC 91)	U 456	-	BF 50	U 600	-	Op(BC 83)
	66	-	Op(DG 48)	226	-	Op(BC 39)	459	-	DH 72	603	-	Op(BC 59)
	68	-	DO 44	228	-	Op(AK 62)	460	-	BD 43	604	-	Op(BC 67)
	84	-	Op(BC 66)	229	-	AF 76	461	-	DG 26	606	-	Op(BC 91)
	86	-	BF 50	230	-	AL 01	462	-	BD 81	607	-	Op(BC 63)
	87	-	Op(DG 51)	258	-	CE 32	468	-	Op(BC 82)	608	-	Op(AJ 41)
	89	-	Op(AK 47)	264	-	CE 34	504	-	Op(DG 48)	614	-	BF 50
	91	-	Op(BC 58)	303	-	BD 81	506	-	Op(KZ)	615	-	AL 77
	92	-	Op(BC 67)	332	-	Op(BC 36)	508	-	BF 71	616	-	Op(AK 93)
	103	-	CF 90	338	-	AN 36	509	-	Op(GR)	618	-	BE 60
	106	-	CF 76	358	-	BD 73	510	-	Op(EO)	621	-	Op(BC 58)
	107	-	CF 80	359	-	Op(AJ 38)	511	-	CF 80	623	-	Op(BC 91)
	118	-	BF 50	376	-	Op(AK 44)	513	-	CF 56	628	-	Op(BC 59)
	119	-	Island	377	-	Op(AK 71)	515	-	BE 99	633	-	AF 79
	135	-	Op(AJ 63)	382	-	Op(DG 48)	516	-	Op(KP)	634	-	AE 85
	155	-	DE 49	383	-	Op(BD 63)	518	-	Op(FJ)	638	-	Op(AK 41)
	156	-	Op(EO)	403	-	BD 64	521	-	Op(DG 48)	641	-	AF 76
	160	-	BD 43	405	-	Op(AJ 38)	522	-	Op(DG 40)	642	-	AF 78
	172	-	BE 96	406	-	BF 40	523	-	Op(AK 69)	653	-	Op(BC 86)
	180	-	AK 96	409	-	Op(BC 66)	525	-	BD 56	659	-	Op(AK 47)
	182	-	Op(KP)	410	-	CF 60	526	-	Op(AK 69)	664	-	Op(BC 66)
	183	-	DO 17	432	-	Op(BC 39)	527	-	Op(AK 65)	665	-	AF 79
	185	-	CD 74	435	-	Op(AK 93	529	-	Op(AK 47)	707	-	BC 93
	186	-	BD 73	437	-	CE 35	530	-	AF 75	709	-	AE 87
	190	-	Op(DG 48)	439	-	BE 60	558	-	Op(DG 48)	753	-	Op(BC 39)
	202	-	Op(DG 72)	445	-	CF 60	566	-	Op(AK 44)	757	-	BF 40
	211	-	BF 52	447	-	AF 79	569	-	Op(DG 48)	758	-	Op(BC 63)
	218	-	Op(DG 48)	448	-	Op(AJ 38)	590	-	BF 48	759	-	Op(AJ 35)
	223	-	BD 43	454	-	BD 73	591	-	Op(BC 69)	D 3	-	AF 79

	On Return Passage: U 118 - 186 - 211 - 223 - 226 - 303 - 358 - 383 - 403 - 454 - 456 - 459 - 525 - 606 - 607 - 614 - 707 - D 3.
	Entered Port: U 211 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 373 - La Pallice; U 666 - 306 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 10, 11 and 12 see IVa.
		2)	U 410 lost contact, after a 12-hour chase, of a large vessel with two funnels when the weather suddenly deteriorated. The steamer was proceeding on a course of 15⁰, speed 16 knots. Last position CF 3549.

- 114 -

Situation of U 509: Only one steamer with course 160⁰ sighted from 15/21 February in area GR 2948 - 5358. Moderate sea patrol. In view of own minefield, a nearer approach to the harbor to determine number of ships and their courses was not possible. Further operations intended in GR 6477 to 6763.

None.

U-boat in BC 91 attacked by aircraft (621).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 10:

Weather situation in the area of the convoy was extremely unfavorable for operations on the 25th and in the night of the 26th. The visibility was generally less than 300 meters owing to thick fog, sea calm, it only freshened towards evening to wind S.E. 5. At 1127 on the morning of the 25th U 468 contacted the convoy in BC 8239 and reported on it continually until 2130. It was also possible to maintain contact by hydrophone fix, when darkness fell, however, contact was lost in view of an especially dark night. U 600 and U 621 also came up to the convoy for a short time.

U 468 reported on the morning of the 25th that the convoy still consisted of 26 large steamers and tankers, while U 600 reported 4 more steamers. Possibly this was a new convoy which had joined the one already attacked.

Sinkings:		Assumed Sunk
U 600	reported 4 firings on convoy, 3 detonations heard, no effect observed.
	1 steamer of 5,000 GRT assumed sunk	5,000 GRT
U 628	reports 2 hits obtained, 1 ship of 5,000 GRT assumed sunk	5,000 GRT
		1/10,000 GRT

The operation was broken off on the morning of the 26th, upon reaching the 100 m. line off Newfoundland.

Final Review on Convoy No. 10:

The convoy operation lasted from the 20 - 26 February 1943 over 1,100 miles from AK 96 up to the 100 m. line of the Newfoundland Bank. 19 boats in all were in operation, of which over half only took part in the operation for about 3 days, since part of them had first to come up from the north at the beginning of the operation, and another part only arrived from the west later, coming from supply rendezvous.

The boats succeeded in maintaining contact with the convoy from the 20th onwards, in spite of a comparatively high average speed on a mean course of 8.2 knots. The operation was made difficult in the last two days by very poor visibility, with partial fog. During the whole operation the weather was comparatively calm, so that the convoy on one occasion was able to get away and, also, conditions were favorable for locations by the escort. Nothing definite can be stated regarding the size of the convoy. There seems, according to various reports from the boats and also according to various locations at the end of the operation, to have definitely been 2 convoys. The convoy attacked, which must have comprised about 25 - 30 ships, was reported at the end only to consist of 4 steamers. It is particularly pleasing in connection with this convoy operation that 13 of the 19 boats operating fired successfully.

- 115 -

	Therefore, over half of the boats participated equally in the sinkings. 23 ships in all were sunk, with 132,171 GRT, and a further 7 ships were torpedoed.
	One boat, the U 606 was lost in the operation.At 2000 on the 22nd the boat reported for the last time in BD 5441, no further reports being received. It is to be assumed that the boat attacked and made hits since U 303 reported having sighted a tanker and a freighter, both probably having been fired on, on the morning of the 23rd. Since no other boats had fired or none can have scored hits at this time they must have been steamers fired on by U 606. 10 boats were depth-charged by escorts 4 boats of which had to break off operations on the convoy on account of repairs.
	Summarizing, it may be said that this convoy operation was particularly successful in view of the participation of 13 boats in the direct success. In spite of normally strong escort and unfavorable conditions for the boats, success was made possible by stubborn shadowing and continued pursuit of the convoy. Demands made on the boats were particularly high. However, the Commanding Officers were for the most part experienced older men.

	Convoy No. 11:
	Apart from destroyers reported by U 664 and U 607 nothing was sighted in the patrol line. On the 26th February at 1034 Group "Sturmbock" was dispersed. Convoy operation concluded.

	Convoy No. 12:
	Contact was again made by U 202 in DF 7134 at 0912, which was maintained until 2118 by U 202, 66, 558, and 504. Convoy route DF 7121, 9345, 9264. At 0430 the convoy was again detected in DF 9124 by U 558, and reported on until 0820. Position of convoy at 0820 by U 558, DF 8365.
	The following broke off operations: U 218 owing to rudder damage, U 382 owing to heavy damage from depth-charges. U 202, U 43 owing to fuel shortage.
	The question of approach is becoming increasingly difficult in view of very watchful, numerous and scattered escorts.
	Sinkings:
	U 66 at 2118 on the 25th February in DF 9264 1 certain hit on destroyer, 3 probable hits on convoy.
b)	1)	U 68 was withdrawn, in view of faulty radar intercept gear, from the Windward Passage area where the air cover is very strong, and will proceed to DN 30 and DO, upper third, as a temporary operational area. Later operations with additional boats in the outer area of the American coast are intended. U 185, which was originally to have operated off Hatteras, will be ordered to the Windward Passage in place of U 68 in order to keep the former operational area clear before the arrival of a group of U-boats.
	2)	U 119 carried out special task of laying a minefield off Reykjavik and will now proceed to BD 42 to give up her remaining fuel.
c)	U 460 has supplied U 223 and 186 the last boats, and will now return. The whole conduct of supply operations by U 460 was excellent.

- 116 -

In view of strong pressure by the Americans on the commander of the Vichy-controlled Islands in the Caribbean, boats are instructed not to approach these in cases of emergency owing to danger of internment.

U 606 - 225 and U 623 were operating against Convoy 10 and have not reported up to now in spite of repeated orders to do so. While U 606 certainly reached the convoy and, according to a report from U 92, at 2222 on the 22nd February after successfully attacking, was probably machine-gunned and subsequently pursued and depth-charged, it is not certain that the other two boats contacted the convoy at all. They were ordered to report on the weather for the first time on the 22nd but did not reply. Since boats generally report on contacts at once, their loss must have occurred earlier unless the circumstances are exceptional. 3 boats are considered lost.

U 522 was operating against Convoy No. 12 and reported it last at 1536 on the 23rd February as being in DG 6158. The boat then dived for daylight attack. She has not reported again although repeatedly ordered to do so. Loss is probable.

Reports of Success:

U 600	1 ship	5,000 GRT
628	1 ship	5,000 GRT
66	1 ship	5,000 GRT
	1 destroyer.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

26. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DF 90)	U 228	-	Op(AK 62)	U 456	-	BF 52	U 600	-	Op(BC 85)
	66	-	DF 59	229	-	AF 75	459	-	DG 42	603	-	Op(BC 85)
	68	-	DN 67	230	-	AK 66	460	-	BD 52	604	-	Op(BC 84)
	84	-	Op(BC 66)	258	-	CF 21	461	-	DG 27	607	-	BC 42
	86	-	BF 45	264	-	CF 21	462	-	BD 81	608	-	Op(AJ 65)
	87	-	DG 27	303	-	BD 49	468	-	Op(BC 75)	614	-	BF 64
	89	-	Op(AJ 93)	306	-	AO 40	504	-	Op(DF 59)	615	-	Op(AK 93)
	91	-	BC 91	332	-	Op(BC 36)	506	-	Op(KZ)	616	-	Op(AK 93)
	92	-	Op(BD 71)	338	-	AN 31	508	-	Op(BE 94)	618	-	BE 64
	103	-	CG 74	358	-	BD 73	509	-	GR 83	621	-	Op(BC 73)
	106	-	CE 99	359	-	Op(AJ 62)	510	-	Op(EO)	628	-	BC 67
	107	-	CF 95	373	-	BF 91	511	-	CF 96	633	-	AF 75
	118	-	BF 52	376	-	Op(AJ 68)	513	-	CF 85	634	-	AE 87
	119	-	AK 03	377	-	AJ 93	515	-	Op(CG 14)	638	-	Op(AJ 65
	135	-	Op(AJ 65)	382	-	Op(DG 88)	516	-	Op(KZ)	641	-	AF 71
	155	-	DE 47	383	-	Op(BC 63)	518	-	FJ 69	642	-	AF 74
	156	-	Op(EO)	403	-	BE 44	521	-	Op(DG 90)	653	-	Op(BC 76)
	160	-	Op(KY)	405	-	Op(AJ 29)	523	-	Op(AK 69)	659	-	Op(AJ 69)
	172	-	Op(BE 89)	406	-	BE 69	525	-	BE 74	664	-	Op(BC 66)
	180	-	AL 93	409	-	Op(BC 66)	526	-	Op(AK 69)	665	-	AF 75
	182	-	Op(KP)	410	-	CF 39	527	-	Op(AK 65)	666	-	AO 40
	183	-	DN 65	432	-	Op(BC 39)	529	-	Op(AJ 93)	707	-	BD 72
	185	-	CC 97	435	-	Op(AK 93)	530	-	AF 71	709	-	AL 31
	186	-	BD 13	437	-	CF 24	558	-	Op(DF 67)	753	-	Op(BC 39)
	190	-	AF 71	439	-	BE 27	566	-	Op(AJ 68)	757	-	BE 61
	202	-	Op(DF 59)	445	-	CG 75	569	-	Op(DF 67)	758	-	Op(BC 63)
	218	-	Op(DG 47)	447	-	AF 75	590	-	BE 59	759	-	Op(AJ 29)
	223	-	BD 43	448	-	Op(AJ 62)	591	-	Op(BC 69)	D 3	-	KF 70
	226	-	Op(BC 39)	454	-	BD 81


- 117 -

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 87 - 92 - 186 - 202 - 218 - 223 - 226 - 258 - 264 - 303 - 358 - 382 - 383 - 403 - 437 - 454 - 459 - 460 - 525 - 558 - 569 - 604 - 607 - 628 - 707 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 456 - Brest; U 614 - St. Nazaire; U 118 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	Convoy No. 12 see IVa.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DF 99
		SSS reported from a convoy in unknown position.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 12:
		At 1350 U 504 reported in DF 8354 contacting an escort far ahead. At 1625 U 569 was driven off by starboard remote escorts and at 1755 reported last enemy position as in DF 8292.
		U 504 diving for underwater attack, reported at 2032 no intercept.
		Contact was therefore broken off and not found again.
		U 569 damaged by depth-charges, broke off operations owing to fuel shortage.
		The following are now operating: U 66, 504, 521. At 1731 on the 27th February U 66 reported sinking a single vessel on south-westerly course, in DF 7587. This vessel was apparently separated from the convoy. U 504 reported a destroyer in DR 1111, course 250 at 2028, and at 2121 she was driven off after several hours' pursuit with hydrophone contact. U 66 withdrew to take on torpedoes and for repairs.
		U 521 reported faulty port Diesel maximum speed 11 knots, U 504 fuel 19 cbm. Convoy operation broken off owing to poor prospects of success.
		The strong and efficient remote escort of the convoy made operations by the boats difficult. On account of particularly good radar location by destroyers, conditions were most unfavorable. The following report was made by radio "Group Rochen". 1 destroyer and 8 steamers of the convoy were sunk and further hits made on the units in tenacious and difficult attacks - escorts were strong and efficient, stormy conditions favored defense. This success proves that the U-boat can win against all odds when commanded by an efficient officer and a good crew. The fight was hard.

- 118 -

		This convoy operation is concluded with the order to boats to refuel from U 461.
	b)	1)	The boats received the following orders upon conclusion of operations against Convoy No. 10: U 468 - 653 - 91 - 600 - 603 - 332 - 753 - 621 - will refuel from U 461 and then go into operation again. U 607 - 226 - 383 - 358 - 454 and 707 will refuel for economical return speed.
		2)	U 604 and 753 will also have to return owing to extensive damage.
		3)	Boats U 382 - 558 - 202 - 43 and 569, breaking off operations against Convoy No. 12, will refuel from U 461 in DF 6928.
		4)	There is a convoy expected in the patrol line of Group "Neptun" during the day, according to special intercept message. The Group will remain as a patrol line in position line from AJ 2985 to AJ 9377. In order to intercept the convoy a higher speed is permitted.
		5)	Group "Sturmbock" has waited in vain for Convoy No. 11 in patrol line. The boats needing fuel will proceed via U 462 home, U 432 - 758 - 664 - 84 - 409 and 591 will form Group "Wildfang" and, at economical cruising speed, take up patrol line from AJ 9856 to BC 3562.
		6)	U 513 will proceed to CA 50 after rendezvous with U 459.
	c)	U 382 and 87 have refueled from U 461 and will return.
	d)	1)	Blockade runner "Hohenfriedberg" which was escorted by 3 U-boats was detected by a British aircraft at 0945 in CF 2467, and according to report by U 264, sunk by a heavy cruiser of the "London" class at 1750 in 2433. U 264 had before this attacked the cruiser with a 4-fan torpedo but without success. The boat took on all the crew and is returning. U 258 and 437 will remain in the vicinity on return in order to be able to give help in an emergency. Boats U 172 - 515 and 508, which comprised a wing protection, are now free and will proceed to CA 50.
		2)	U 508 reported towards 1800 having been bombed by a British aircraft and being unable to dive though able to remain afloat. Pressure hull has 3 cracks apart from much other damage. Boat is proceeding a maximum speed to the west. I 525 - 172 - 406 and 590, as medical boat, have been ordered to go to U 508 to render assistance or to take over the crew.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 66 - 1 ship 4,312 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


- 119 -

27. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	DF 91	U 228	-	Op(AK 64)	U 448	-	Op(AJ 61)	U 590	-	BE 51
	66	-	Op(DF 82)	229	-	AF 71	454	-	BD 81	591	-	Op(BC 38)
	68	-	DN 14	230	-	Op(AK 67)	459	-	DH 12	600	-	BC 92
	84	-	Op(PC 38)	258	-	CF 32	460	-	BD 61	603	-	BC 92
	86	-	BE 60	264	-	CF 33	461	-	DG 27	604	-	BD 81
	87	-	DG 27	303	-	BD 81	462	-	BD 81	607	-	BD 81
	89	-	Op(AJ 92)	306	-	AN 30	468	-	BD 75	608	-	Op(AJ 65)
	91	-	BC 93	332	-	BD 18	504	-	Op(DF 82)	615	-	Op(AK 95
	92	-	BD 81	338	-	AN 20	506	-	Op(KZ)	616	-	Op(AK 95)
	103	-	CG 87	358	-	BD 81	508	-	Op(BE 94)	618	-	BE 27
	106	-	DG 25	359	-	Op(AJ 64)	509	-	Op(GR)	621	-	BC 83
	107	-	CG 75	373	-	BF 80	510	-	Op(EO)	628	-	BC 93
	119	-	AK 65	276	-	Op(AJ 68)	511	-	CG 76	633	-	AF 71
	135	-	Op(AJ 64	377	-	Op(AJ 96)	513	-	Op(DH 10)	634	-	AL 24
	155	-	DD 92	382	-	DG 51	515	-	Op(CG 14)	638	-	AJ 65
	156	-	Op(EO)	383	-	BD 81	516	-	Op(KZ)	641	-	AE 69
	160	-	Op(KY)	403	-	BE 43	518	-	Op(FJ)	642	-	AE 93
	172	-	BE 88	405	-	Op(AJ 61)	521	-	Op(DF 81)	653	-	BC 88
	180	-	AK 98	406	-	BE 85	523	-	Op(AK 91)	659	-	Op(AJ 92)
	182	-	Op(KP)	409	-	Op(BC 38)	525	-	BE 73	664	-	Op(BC 35)
	183	-	DN 58	410	-	CG 49	526	-	Op(AK 91)	665	-	AF 71
	185	-	BE 21	432	-	Op(AJ 99)	527	-	Op(AK 67)	666	-	AN 30
	186	-	BD 56	435	-	Op(AK 95)	529	-	Op(AJ 92)	707	-	BD 81
	190	-	AE 68	437	-	CF 36	530	-	AE 69	709	-	AL 23
	202	-	Op(DF 58)	439	-	BE 17	558	-	DF 67	753	-	BC 41
	218	-	DG 46	445	-	CG 85	566	-	Op(AJ 68)	757	-	BE 27
	223	-	BD 62	447	-	AF 71	569	-	DF 83	758	-	Op(BC 35)
	226	-	BD 1							759	-	Op(AJ 29)
										D 3	-	AN

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 87 - 92 - 186 - 202 - 218 - 223 - 226 - 258 - 264 - 303 -358 - 382 - 383 - 403 - 437 - 454 - 459 - 460 - 525 - 558 - 569 - 604 - 607 - 628 - 707 - 753.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 441 - 440 - Brest; U 167 - 221 - St. Nazaire; U 305 - 415 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 13 see IVa:
		2)	U 607 reported at 1414, 3 destroyers in BD 4533, 225⁰ speed slow. At 2100 boat lost contact in BD 4525.
		3)	U 182 reported: for 3 days in KP 53 at night off harbor entrances 5 Portuguese vessels bound to and from the north. Boat operating up to 35 and 38.
		4)	U 156 did not encounter any traffic. Moving operational area to ED.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: None.
	d)	West bound convoy was in DH 4979 at 2000 on the 26th February course 260⁰, speed 8 knots.

- 120 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 13 (Group "Neptun"):
		Information was only received by Control at 1700, owing to radio interference in the Greenland area, through a radio repeat by U 405, that U 759 had detected a convoy at 0300, and lost it at 1100 in AJ 2839, 30⁰, 7 knots. Boats were on the group frequency provided for this contingency, communications within the Group at least being guaranteed by this. In order to clarify the situation, the boats were radioed that Control was assuming that all "Neptun" boats would operate against this convoy. U 529 and 664 were detailed to repeat radio messages so that Control might receive information on the course of the operation even, if possible, during combat. At 1740 U 405 reported destroyers in AJ 2650. According to a delayed message from U 759 the convoy consisted of numerous steamers in three wide columns. "Neptun" later received orders that only boats in a favorable position as regards distance were to continue the operation, and were to report on this, giving position. The following will definitely be operating at present: U 759 - 405 - 376 - 608. Probably U 448 - 359 and 135. Owing to unfavorable position, U 638 received orders to break off operations. Last report at 0618 from U 405: 1 steamer, 3 destroyers course 60⁰ in AJ 2057 (?) weather, wind S.E. 5, sea 4, snow showers.
	b)	1)	Group "Neptun" has received orders to continue to take up reconnaissance patrol and should therefore pass the following position lines at midnight in each case: 28th February AJ 2977 to 9525, 1st March from AJ 5523 to 9572, 2nd March from 5728 to 9735.
		2)	Group "Burggraf" is to pass at 0800 on the 28th February position line from AK 5855 to 8965.
		3)	After refueling from U 461 operations are intended, with Group "Rochen" on the convoy detected by special intercept message.
	c)	U 513 rendezvous with U 459 carried out.
	d)	U 508 will be in BD 9595 with U 172, as from 1200 on the 28th for rendezvous with U 590. All remaining boats operating under U 508 will be ordered to continue outward passage also U 172 after rendezvous with U 590.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General:
	The importance of the Tunisian campaign makes it imperative to do everything possible to interrupt enemy supplies to North Africa. Operations up to now in the Atlantic to this end have only led initially to satisfactory results. Later operations off Gibraltar west of the Iberian Peninsular and further north and south of the Azores have led only to slight successes. Reasons for this have been set out earlier.

- 121 -

	On the orders of the Naval High Command attempts are now to be made with large boats to intercept supplies off American harbors i.e. off New York primarily. Prospects of success for this are not particularly favorable in view of the scarcity of the traffic and the vastness of the area not covered by air escort and reconnaissance. In spite of this it also must be attempted.
	U 106 - 172 and 513 will proceed to the area off New York as the first boats on these operations.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

28. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	DF 69	U 226	-	BD 81	U 441	-	BF 54	U 569	-	DF 69
	66	-	DF 73	228	-	Op(AK 58)	445	-	Op(CG 97)	590	-	BE 70
	68	-	Op(DO)	229	-	AE 92	447	-	AE 68	591	-	Op(AJ 35)
	84	-	Op(AJ 32)	230	-	Op(AK 82)	448	-	Op(AJ 53)	600	-	BD 72
	86	-	BE 61	258	-	BE 97	454	-	BD 81	603	-	BD 71
	87	-	DG 31	264	-	BE 97	459	-	DH 12	604	-	BD 81
	89	-	Op(AJ 92)	303	-	BD 81	460	-	BE 44	607	-	BD 46
	91	-	ED 73	305	-	AO 40	461	-	DF 69	608	-	Op(AJ 60)
	92	-	BD 81	306	-	AN 43	462	-	BD 81	615	-	Op(AK 89)
	103	-	CG 89	332	-	BD 49	468	-	DF 73	616	-	Op(AK 86)
	106	-	DG 19	338	-	AF 79	504	-	DF 73	618	-	BE 27
	107	-	Op(CG 84)	358	-	BD 81	506	-	Op(KZ)	621	-	BC 92
	119	-	AK 64	359	-	Op(AJ 64)	508	-	BE 70	628	-	BD 72
	135	-	Op(AJ 64)	373	-	BF 72	509	-	Op(GR)	633	-	AE 92
	155	-	DD 85	376	-	Op(AJ 67)	510	-	Op(EO)	634	-	AL 18
	156	-	Op(EO)	377	-	Op(AJ 95)	511	-	Op(CG 81)	638	-	Op(AJ 67)
	160	-	Op(KY)	382	-	DG 26	513	-	Op(DH 12)	641	-	AE 91
	167	-	BF 91	383	-	BD 81	515	-	CF 25	642	-	AN 91
	172	-	BE 70	403	-	BE 56	516	-	Op(KZ)	653	-	BC 94
	180	-	BD 26	405	-	Op(AJ 53)	518	-	Op(FJ)	659	-	Op(AJ 91
	182	-	Op(KP)	406	-	BE 70	521	-	DE 93	664	-	Op(AJ 32)
	183	-	DN 84	409	-	Op(AJ 32)	523	-	Op(AK 83)	665	-	AE 68
	185	-	DE 18	410	-	Op(CG 86)	525	-	BE 85	666	-	AN 43
	186	-	BD 69	415	-	AO 40	526	-	Op(AK 86)	707	-	BD 81
	190	-	AE 8	432	-	Op(AJ 98)	527	-	Op(AK 53)	709	-	AL 18
	202	-	DF 69	435	-	Op(AK 89)	529	-	Op(AJ 95)	753	-	BD 49
	218	-	DG 28	437	-	BE 97	530	-	AE 91	757	-	BE 12
	221	-	BF 91	439	-	AL 77	558	-	DF 69	758	-	Op(AJ 98)
	223	-	BE 44	440	-	BF 54	566	-	Op(AJ 91)	759	-	Op(AJ 53)
										D 3	-	AN

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 87 - 92 - 186 - 202 - 218 - 223 - 226 - 258 - 264 - 303 - 358 - 382 - 383 - 403 - 437 - 454 - 459 - 460 - 525 - 558 - 569 - 604 - 607 - 628 - 707 - 753.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 130 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 13 - see IVa.
		2)	U 757 reported a large freighter at 16 knots at 1930 in BE 1991 probable hit by F.A.T. torpedo.

- 122 -

		3)	U 435 starboard thrust bearing burnt out, repairs 48 hours. On the 20th February group of patrol vessels with aircraft in BF 4234.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AL 9885.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 13:
		U 566 reported several hydrophone fixes: 1230 AD 9771 - 330⁰, 1530 - AD 9751 - 260⁰, 1815 in 9721 - 0⁰. At 0130 fix on a underwater telegraphy. Weather sea 5, misty, wind southeast 5-6. U 405 contacted 5 steamers in AJ 3341 90⁰.
		Control considers that reports from U 566 concern the main convoy and that the 5 steamers reported by U 405 are part of a convoy. At midnight U 405 reported part of a convoy dispersed with course 60⁰, 11 knots. One steamer was hit twice and left burning. At 1045 on the 1st March U 759 reported unescorted steamer in AK 1132, course northeast probably part of the convoy. U 709 and 634 were also ordered to operate against the convoy. The following are returning: U 135 owing to damage and fuel, U 376 owing to serious defects and fuel. At the present there is only contact with single vessels presumably separated.
	b)	1)	U 448 - 359 - 638 - 89 - 529 will join Group "WILDFANG" (432 - 758 - 664 - 84 - 409 - 591). The Group is ordered to take up patrol line at 0800 on the 3rd March from AJ 4686 to 9112. If U 448 - 359 - 529 are, however, operating against Convoy No. 13 they should continue the operation.
		2)	Group "BURGGRAF" will take up a new patrol line from AJ 9125 to 9687 at 0800 on the 1st March.
		3)	New objective for U 119 is BD 36.
	c)	U 358 - 707 - 303 - 604 - 454 have refueled as ordered for return.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.


			for Flag Officer Commanding U-boats.
			Chief of Operations.
			(Signed): GODT.

- 123 -