U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30337

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

16 - 31 December 1943

PG30337

16.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	DH 17	U 275	-	Op(BE 82)	U 515	-	Op(ET 60)	U 734	-	AL 72
	86	-	AL 01	284	-	Op(AK 33)	516	-	DO 93	741	-	Op(AK 33)
	92	-	Op(AK 61)	302	-	AE 85	530	-	Op(EB 80)	744	-	AL 14
	103	-	CD 56	305	-	BE 5374	541	-	Op(BD 44)	761	-	Op(AK 3933)
	107	-	Op(BD 35)	311	-	Op(AK 39)	543	-	Op(BD 35)	763	-	AN 36
	129	-	Op(DC 30)	314	-	AN 36	544	-	Op(AK 64)	801	-	Op(BD 38)
	154	-	CF 75	364	-	Op(AK 31)	545	-	AF 47	846	-	AE 83
	155	-	CF 65	377	-	BF 55	618	-	Op(BD 38)	849	-	KY 96
	170	-	BE 98	382	-	BF 71	625	-	Op(AK 64)	850	-	CE 41
	172	-	DS 91	390	-	AE 86	629	-	Op(AK 61)	957	-	AN 36
	178	-	Op(LB 31)	391	-	BF 57	641	-	BF 71	960	-	AL 22
	190	-	EQ 36	392	-	AL 1641	645	-	Op(BD 38)	962	-	Op(BD 35)
	193	-	Op(DM 10)	415	-	Op(BD 34)	653	-	Op(AK 64)	965	-	AN 36
	219	-	DG 35	421	-	Op(AK 64)	667	-	Op(AK 99)	972	-	AL 22
	228	-	BF 57	471	-	Op(AK 33)	672	-	Op(AK 61)	976	-	Op(AK 33)
	270	-	BE 8232	510	-	FM 71	716	-	AF 87	981	-	Op(AK 33)
										1060	-	AN 36

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 154 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 228 - 391 - 516 - 734.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 952 - La Pallice; U 758 - Lorient; U 666 St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	1)	According to intercept report a submarine (U 530?) (U 516) attacked in 9213.
		2)	English units located in: BE 3890 - BE 5170 - CE 6390.
		3)	It is striking how many intercept reports have been received from English patrol vessels concerning sighted or examined merchant ships sailing independently in northerly section of BD - BE and southerly section of AL. The enemy seems to be controlling single ship traffic to an increased degree.
	d)	See paragraph IV d).

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Group "Coronel 3" has concluded southward march and is steering for BE 52. It is intended to operate these boats against a Gibraltar convoy in this area on 20.12. Expected convoy ON 215 must have passed boats on southerly reconnaissance line at speed of 5 - 6 knots. It is still possible that Group will meet convoy while on eastward passage, if weather keeps her speed down to under 6 knots.

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	b)	U 543 steering for BC 52. Boat is to send weather reports from this area for the purpose of servicing Atlantic groups, and they will also be of importance for the bringing in of blockade runners.
	c)	1)	U 761 dropped out of "Coronel 3" and commenced return passage on account of battery explosion. Boat reports limited diving capacity (only one battery in operation).
		2)	U 952 has commenced passage to Mediterranean.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General:
	Course instructions for English convoys
	Since 6.12. a new procedure has been introduced for position reports on all straggler routes of convoys. Positions are no longer given in latitude and longitude, but by distance and bearing from unknown reference points.
	Information gained from intercept sources can now no longer be used at once operationally. In many cases it can still be useful though as they often indicate convoy deviations.
	The following picture was presented of convoy ON 215, on which an operation with Group "Coronel" was planned.
	Date of convoy's departure was estimated to be 9.12. On 15.12. a Special Intercept report was received, according to which assembly point for convoy was given as 1300/11/12 in 82⁰, 232 miles from reference point WW, for 12.12. 1300 in 152⁰ 152 miles from WW, course 224⁰, speed 10 knots.
	At the same time it was deduced from W/T traffic that the convoy (as estimated) lay in the North Channel on 10.12., thus a rough deduction of the convoy assembly points at 1300/11/12 and 1300/12/12 could be made from the estimated position at 1300/10/12 which lay in the vicinity of reference point WW. As these positions still lay in the vicinity of the North Channel, determination of assembly points for 11.12. and 12.12. was possible with approximate accuracy, they lay far to the S.W. and general direction of course 224⁰ was retained. A check up on the accuracy of this procedure was possible by comparison with aircraft report of convoy at 1800/12/12 in AL 99. In future it will be a question of getting at the position of reference points transmitted, by comparing information transmitted and the actual position of convoy, involving a considerable amount of routine work.

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17.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	DH 11	U 270	-	Op(BE 84)	U 530	-	Op(EB 20)	U 744	-	AK 34
	86	-	AL 27	302	-	AE 87	541	-	Op(BD 62)	761	-	AK 63
	92	-	Op(AK 62)	305	-	Op(BE 73)	543	-	BD 84	763	-	AN 29
	103	-	CE 47	311	-	Op(AK 61)	544	-	Op(AK 64)	758	-	BF 55
	107	-	Op(BD 36)	314	-	AN 23	545	-	AE 69	801	-	Op(BD 38)
	129	-	Op(DB 30)	364	-	Op(AK 31)	618	-	Op(BD 65)	846	-	AE 82
	154	-	CF 73	377	-	BF 54	625	-	Op(AK 64)	849	-	KZ 72
	155	-	CF 63	382	-	BE 92	629	-	Op(AK 61)	850	-	CE 44
	170	-	BE 99	390	-	AE 85	641	-	BE 93	952	-	BF 91
	172	-	DS 97	391	-	BF 58	645	-	Op(BD 68)	957	-	AN 29
	178	-	Op(LD 53)	392	-	AK 33	653	-	Op(AK 64)	960	-	AL 27
	190	-	EH 78	415	-	Op(BD 65)	666	-	BF 55	962	-	Op(BD 68)
	193	-	Op(DM 10)	421	-	Op(AK 67)	667	-	Op(BD 38)	965	-	AN 33
	219	-	CF 78	471	-	Op(AK 24)	672	-	Op(AK 62)	972	-	AL 13
	228	-	BF 83	510	-	FM 76	716	-	AF 76	976	-	Op(AK 24)
	275	-	Op(BE 82)	515	-	Op(ET 50)	734	-	AL 88	981	-	Op(AK 33)
	284	-	Op(AK 24)	516	-	DP 48	741	-	Op(AK 24)	1060	-	AN 29

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 154 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 228 - 391 - 516 - 734 - 761.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings in EC 6659 - ED 4721.
		2)	English units located in BE 76 - AL 9250 - DH 2260 - BD 7220 - BE 6130.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	New boats joining Group "Coronel 1, 2 and 4" will be formed into 3 groups of 6 boats each.
		U 364 - 972 - 981 - 744 - 741 to form Group "Sylt".
		U 960 - 392 - 284 - 976 - 311 - 629, Group "Amrum".
		U 92 - 672 - 544 - 625 - 653 - 421, Group "Foehr".
		Groups have been ordered to take up following position lines at 2200/19/12 and following patrol lines at 2200/19/12:
		"Sylt" position line from AK 3417 to 3733; patrol line from AK 3439 to 3833.
		"Amrum" position line from AK 3923 to 6285; patrol line from AK 6381 to 6955.
		"Foehr" position line from AK 9219 to 9598; patrol line from BD 3219 to 3599.

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		It is doubtful whether Group "Foehr" will be able to reach position as a strong westerly gale prevails. In the area covered by these 3 groups 2 east and 2 west-bound convoys are expected in the course of the next few days.
	b)	U 543 has been detailed to attack area BC 20 and 50. Boats sends weather report twice daily from this area (see Diary of 16.12).
	c)	None.
	d)	U 284 has commenced return passage on account of damage caused by heavy seas. Reports both electric motors waterlogged. Junkers compressor and quadruple gun out of action. Starboard electric motor can probably be made serviceable.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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18.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	CF 87	U 275	-	Op(BE 85)	U 516	-	DP 40	U 744	-	AK 33
	86	-	AL 26	284	-	AK 6823	530	-	Op(EB)	758	-	BF 54
	92	-	Op(AK 61)	302	-	AL 2514	541	-	Op(BE 41)	761	-	AL 47
	103	-	CE 41	305	-	Op(BE 80)	543	-	BD 72	763	-	AN 23
	107	-	Op(BD 69)	311	-	Op(AK 61)	544	-	Op(AK 64)	801	-	Op(BD 68)
	129	-	Op(DB 60)	364	-	Op(AK 31)	545	-	AE 88	846	-	AL 2567
	154	-	CF 58	377	-	BF 46	618	-	Op(BE 66)	849	-	KZ 57
	155	-	CG 17	382	-	BE 83	625	-	Op(AK 64)	850	-	CE 71
	170	-	BF 78	390	-	AE 87	629	-	Op(AK 61)	952	-	BF 83
	172	-	EH 37	391	-	BF 50	641	-	BE 5999	960	-	AL 19
	178	-	Op(LD 57)	392	-	AK 33	645	-	Op(BD 69)	962	-	Op(BE 44)
	190	-	EH 76	415	-	Op(BE 44)	653	-	Op(AK 6192)	965	-	AN 30
	193	-	Op(DL 30)	421	-	Op(AK 9244)	666	-	BF 55	972	-	AK 33
	219	-	CF 84	471	-	Op(AK 24)	667	-	Op(BE 41)	976	-	Op(AK 26)
	228	-	BF 50	510	-	FM 88	672	-	Op(AK 61)	981	-	Op(AK 33)
	270	-	Op(BE 80)	515	-	Op(ET 59)	734	-	BE 21	1060	-	AN 23
							741	-	Op(AK 24)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 154 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 228 - 284 - 391 - 516 - 734 - 761.
	Entered Port: U 666 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 260 - St. Nazaire; U 1062 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 544 reported steamer in AK 9833 on S.W. course, high speed.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings in ED 4763 (U 516?). English aircraft reported anti-aircraft gunfire from submarine in unidentified position, submarine subsequently dived.

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		2)	English units located: Naval units in AK 55 - AL 66 - AM 72 - 48, AM 51, BF 2376, AK 5430. Merchant ships in AL 8850 - BF 1430 - AM 5140 - AM 5420 - CF 3150 - CF 2027 - AK 4980.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 421 of Group "Foehr" reported aircraft in AK 9244. Group has therefore been ordered to continue passage submerged for today as seaway makes anti-aircraft defence impossible.
		2)	U 302 (recently arrived from home) will take up position vacated by returning U 284 in patrol line of Group "Amrum".
		3)	Boats belonging to Group "Coronel 3 and 5" outward bound from France (U 801 - 107 - 667 - 618 - 270 - 541 - 645 - 962 - 415 - 305 - 275 - 382 - 641) will take up patrol line at 1000/20/12 from BE 5471 to 5622.
			On evening of 20th a north-bound Gibraltar convoy is expected. Air reconnaissance force consisting of 5 FW 200's was arranged for 19.12, but machines were not able to take off on account of unfavorable weather conditions. Operation planned for 20.12. instead. This will not be of mush advantage to the submarine operation however, as by the time air reports come in there will scarcely be time to improve the position of the boats.
	b)	U 390 - 846 - 545 have been detailed to new position AK 99.
	c)	1)	U 284 reported: "Consider repair of electric motors impossible". Boat has received detailed instructions for repair and rendezvous with U 629 in AK 6454. Both boats then to retire to AK 5535.
			If repair is not successful there will be no prospect of bringing U 284 into a base. Crew will have to be taken over by U 629.
		2)	U 314 - 716 - 957 transferred to Group North (F.O.I.C. Submarines Norway).
	d)	As from 20.12. attacks on single ship traffic are prohibited in area contained by points BD 2622 - BE 1299 - CE 2855 and CF 2758 (on account of own blockade runners).

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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19.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	CF 83	U 270	-	Op(BE 57)	U 515	-	Op(ET 20)	U 744	-	Op(AK 36)
	86	-	AL 31	275	-	Op(BE 58)	516	-	DR 51	758	-	BF 49
	92	-	Op(AK 95)	284	-	AK 64	530	-	Op(EB 90)	761	-	AL 75
	103	-	CE 19	302	-	Op(AK 66)	541	-	Op(BE 46)	763	-	AF 76
	107	-	Op(BE 45)	305	-	Op(BE 58)	543	-	BD 43	801	-	Op(BE 47)
	129	-	Op(DB 90)	311	-	Op(AK 69)	544	-	Op(AK 98)	846	-	AL 2567
	154	-	BF 58	364	-	Op(AK 34)	545	-	AE 67	849	-	KZ 56
	155	-	CG 12	377	-	BF 45	618	-	Op(BE 45)	850	-	CE 78
	170	-	BF 76	382	-	Op(BE 52)	625	-	Op(AK 99)	952	-	BF 85
	172	-	EJ 37	390	-	AL 31	629	-	Op(AK 68)	960	-	Op(AK 63)
	178	-	Op(LD 47)	391	-	BF 58	641	-	BE 68	962	-	Op(BE 46)
	190	-	EH 37	392	-	Op(AK 39)	645	-	Op(BE 48)	965	-	AN 36
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	415	-	BE 46	653	-	Op(AK 95)	972	-	Op(AK 34)
	219	-	CF 82	421	-	Op(BD 32)	667	-	Op(BE 42)	976	-	Op(AK 62)
	228	-	BF 91	471	-	Op(AK 36)	672	-	Op(AK 98)	981	-	Op(AK 37)
	260	-	BF 67	510	-	FM 34	734	-	BE 25	1060	-	AF 82
							741	-	Op(AK 30)	1062	-	AO 47

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 154 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 228 - 284 - 391 - 516 - 734 - 761.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 309 - 731 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	On 17.12. U 515 sank British steamer "Kingswood", 5080 GRT in DA 6711 and on 19.12. steamer "Plemius" 7,400 GRT en route from Lagos to Takoradi, sunk in DA 8134 while traveling on course 240⁰, speed 14 knots.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sighting in ED 4591 (U 516), enemy aircraft reported surfaced submarine which it attacked with depth-charges, scoring 3 hits. Position unidentified.
		2)	English units located in BE 2680 - AM 35 and 36 - BE 80 - AK 9270 - BE 6110 - AL 9210 - BE 87 - 88.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	As from 2200 Groups "Sylt", "Amrum" and "Foehr" will take up patrol line as ordered, Group "Borkum" is en route and will take up patrol line from 2200/20/12.
	b)	None.
	c)	The large number of intercept reports from EC 48, ED 68 and ED 45 lead to the conclusion that course of returning U 516 is known to the enemy. Boat has been instructed to make a large alteration of course to the N.W. or extensive delay in order to shake off

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		continuous reconnaissance. Should this entail shortage of fuel, refueling will be arranged through fighting boat on return passage.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 515 2 steamers 12,480 GRT.

VI.	General:
	Loss of U 964:
	Statements of three of the crew rescued from U 964 produced the following:
	On 16.10.1943 U 964 was off southern tip of Greenland in about longitude 32⁰ West. At 1700 boat was located but remained submerged. At 1720 aircraft was distinguished by lookout. Commander decided to remain on the surface and fired on aircraft with all available armament. Aircraft dropped 3 bombs in first attack which fell off foredeck but caused no damage. Aircraft then circled above U 964 at a height of 3 - 4,000 meters and was fired at by another boat lying to port.
	About 1900 a second attack developed, head on, during which aircraft dropped 4 bombs and fired machine gun. Three of the bombs exploded under the boat which immediately took on a heavy list to starboard. Engineer officer reported a leak in tube III, forward hydroplane out of action, damage to main ballast tank 5, and watertight forecastle. The Commander sent off W/T message reporting attack, and blew tank now and then as boat was heavily down by the bows. 10 one-man rubber dinghy's and one large one were made ready. In so doing all ratings on the upper deck were washed overboard. 15 - 20 minutes after the attack the Commander reported by radio message that boat could no longer be held. Towards 1930 it sank.
	18 of the crew, among them the Commanding Officer and Watch-keeping Officers swam in the water, hanging on to 2 one-man rubber dinghy's. While the stern was still sticking up out of the water, aircraft machine-gunned the crew swimming in the water, wounding an ordinary stoker in the left arm. After a time the rubber dinghy's became leaky through continuous clutching and one of them sank towards 2000. Some of the crew then swam to a light dropped by the aircraft. There the 3 survivors, the Commander and an apprentice artificer were picked up by U 231. The Commander was already dead. He had a wound over the left eye. The apprentice artificer died shortly after being rescued.

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20.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	CF 68	U 275	-	Op(BE 55)	U 530	-	Op(EB 80)	U 758	-	BF 48
	86	-	AE 87	284	-	AK 64	541	-	Op(BE 55)	761	-	BE 13
	92	-	Op(AK 32)	302	-	Op(AK 66)	543	-	BD 41	763	-	AF 72
	103	-	CE 25	305	-	Op(BE 55)	544	-	Op(AK 35)	801	-	Op(BE 46)


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107	-	Op(BE 54)	309	-	BF 54	545	-	AE 85	846	-	AL 01
129	-	Op(DB 60)	311	-	Op(AK 69)	618	-	Op(BE 54)	849	-	KZ 63
154	-	BF 61	364	-	Op(AK 34)	625	-	Op(AK 35)	850	-	DG 17
155	-	BE 99	377	-	BF 44	629	-	AK 64	952	-	BF 84
170	-	BF 84	382	-	Op(BE 56)	641	-	Op(BE 56)	960	-	Op(AK 63)
172	-	EH 63	390	-	AL 25	645	-	Op(BE 55)	962	-	Op(BE 55)
178	-	Op(LG 56)	392	-	Op(AK 66)	653	-	AK 31	965	-	AN 36
190	-	EH 23	415	-	Op(BE 55)	667	-	Op(BE 54)	972	-	Op(AK 34)
193	-	Op(DA 80)	421	-	AK 35	672	-	Op(AK 32)	976	-	Op(AK 76)
219	-	CF 67	471	-	Op(AK 38)	731	-	BF 54	981	-	Op(AK 34)
228	-	BF 93	510	-	FM 65	734	-	BE 29	1060	-	AF 59
260	-	BF 83	515	-	Op(ET 20)	741	-	Op(AK 36)	1062	-	AN 35
270	-	Op(BE 54)	516	-	DP 50	744	-	Op(AK 36)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 154 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 228 - 516 - 734 - 761.
	Entered Port: U 228 - La Pallice; U 154 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 406 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Forenoon reconnaissance by 4 FW 200 south of Group "Borkum's" reconnaissance line; repeated in the evening by one BV 222.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 541 reported gunfire on bearing 172⁰, range 5 miles, position BE 5517.
		2)	U 850 was attacked by aircraft in DF 3720.
	b)	Air reconnaissance was without result. Shipping detection set in 3 machines went out of order. Air reconnaissance carried out by BV 222 during night was also without result.
	c)	1)	Intercept report: Freetown reported torpedoing of unit MG 4Z1 in EV 67. This was later corrected to EV 81. Also submarine warning (U 515).
		2)	U-boat sighting in EC 9393.
		3)	English units located in: AM 45 - 55 - 76 - 77 - AL 66.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Groups "Sylt", "Amrum" and "Foehr" to take up new patrol line as from 2000/21/12.
			"Sylt" from AL 1538 to 1932, "Amrum" from AL 4443 to 7115, "Foehr" from BD 3322 to BE 1473.
			Removal took place so that boats would not be too long in the same position. There is no information concerning convoys.

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		2)	U 846 joined Group "Amrum" taking up most northerly position.
		3)	U 541 of Group "Borkum" reported gunfire on bearing 172⁰ at a range of 5 miles. Own position BE 5517. No further reports were received so this was probably not a convoy escort but a patrol vessel or search group.
	b)	None.
	c)	U 284 reported having carried out repairs according to every detail of instructions. No improvement effected.
		U 629 therefore received orders to take over crew of U 284, sink the submarine and finally report execution. It is planned to allot the crew to another boat.
	d)	Loss of U 391:
		Boat last operated with Group "Weddigen" and on 7.11. received orders for return passage. Last message was on 29.11 reporting sighting of anti-submarine unit on 22.11 and fuel reserves.
		It is fairly safe to assume that boat was victim of an air attack in the middle Biscay on 13.12. On this day a corrupt short signal from a submarine was received: Am being attacked by aircraft in BF 47. Signature unreadable. No reply was sent to further enquiry. As all other boats which might have been concerned have reported in the meanwhile, this could only have been U 391.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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21.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	CF 63	U 302	-	Op(AL 47)	U 516	-	ED 50	U 734	-	BF 45
	86	-	AE 85	305	-	Op(BE 55)	530	-	Op(EB 90)	741	-	Op(AL 17)
	92	-	Op(BD 33)	309	-	BF 54	541	-	Op(BE 55)	744	-	Op(AL 17)
	103	-	CE 34	311	-	Op(AL 47)	543	-	BC 63	758	-	BF 57
	107	-	Op(BE 54)	364	-	Op(AL 15)	544	-	Op(BD 33)	761	-	BE 25
	129	-	Op(DB 90)	377	-	BE 66	545	-	Op(AL 2118)	763	-	AE 47
	155	-	BF 78	382	-	Op(BE 56)	618	-	Op(BE 54)	801	-	Op(BE 54)
	170	-	BF 82	390	-	AL 01	625	-	Op(BD 36)	846	-	Op(AL 44)
	172	-	EJ 48	392	-	Op(AL 47)	629	-	AK 64	849	-	KZ 66
	178	-	Op(LC 20)	406	-	BF 67	641	-	Op(BE 53)	850	-	DF 52
	190	-	DS 92	415	-	Op(BE 55)	645	-	Op(BE 55)	952	-	BF 79
	193	-	Op(DA 93)	421	-	Op(BD 36)	653	-	Op(BD 36)	960	-	Op(AL 44)
	219	-	CF 66	471	-	Op(AL 17)	667	-	BE 54	962	-	Op(BE 55)
	260	-	BF 81	510	-	FM 99	672	-	Op(BD 33)	965	-	AN 36
	270	-	Op(BE 54)	515	-	Op(EV 70)	731	-	BF 57	972	-	Op(AL 15)
	275	-	Op(BE 56)	1060	-	AF 61	1062	-	AN 31	976	-	Op(AL 47)
	981	-	Op(AL 15)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 284 - 516 - 734 - 761 - 544 - 629.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -
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II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance for returning blockade runner in area north and south of patrol line of Group "Borkum"

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 667 sighted destroyer in BE 5484 on course 300⁰ and land-based aircraft.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings in: ED 7410 - DC 7112.
		English units located in: BE 5810 - BE 45/46 - BE 15/18 - AL 9390 - AL 9610 - BF 1738.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Patrol line of Group "Foehr" is to be removed to the N.W., withdrawing it further from the course of the blockade runner. The reason for this is because it has been established that there is always strengthened enemy air patrol over areas where submarines are disposed.
		2)	"Borkum". Since air reconnaissance achieved no result, Group dived at dawn and proceeded submerged on course 210⁰. At 1000/22/12 Group to patrol on line between BE 7231 and 5846. Apart from expected north-bound convoy, there is also a south-bound convoy to be reckoned with.
			U 962 ("Borkum") has commenced return passage on account of fuel shortage.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	As from 22.12. on account of blockade runner "Osorno" a further area has been closed for attack on single ship traffic: from BE 1299 via CF 2758 and CG 1939 to BE 3993.
		2)	U 629 reported having taken over crew of U 284 and sinking the submarine in position AK 6454. U 544 (from Group "Foehr") which is to take over half the crew of U 284, suggests AK 9616 for taking over on 23.12.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

- 392 -

22.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	CG 17	U 305	-	Op(BE 57)	U 543	-	BC 38	U 763	-	Al 69
	86	-	AE 83	309	-	BF 49	544	-	AK 9616	801	-	Op(BE 72)
	92	-	Op(AL 78)	311	-	Op(AL 47)	545	-	AL 2118	846	-	Op(AL 44)
	103	-	BD 89	364	-	Op(AL 15)	618	-	Op(BE 58)	849	-	KZ 66
	107	-	Op(BE 73)	377	-	BE 62	625	-	Op(BE 12)	850	-	DF 91
	129	-	Op(DB 90)	382	-	Op(BE 57)	629	-	AK 64	952	-	CG 22
	155	-	BF 76	390	-	AL 0186	641	-	Op(BE 57)	960	-	Op(AL 44)
	170	-	BF 82	392	-	Op(AL 47)	645	-	Op(BE 49)	962	-	Op(BE 58)
	172	-	EJ 84	406	-	BF 83	653	-	Op(BE 12)	965	-	AF 36
	178	-	Op(LC 60)	415	-	Op(BE 49)	667	-	Op(BE 54)	972	-	Op(AL 15)
	190	-	DS 66	421	-	Op(BE 12)	672	-	Op(AL 78)	976	-	Op(AL 47)
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	471	-	Op(AL 17)	731	-	BF 81	981	-	Op(AL 15)
	219	-	CG 17	510	-	FW 15	734	-	BE 63	1060	-	AF 35
	260	-	BF 73	515	-	Op(EV 70)	741	-	Op(AL 17)	1062	-	AN 31
	270	-	Op(BE 49)	516	-	ED 24	744	-	Op(AL 17)
	275	-	Op(BE 57)	530	-	Op(EC 40)	758	-	BE 68
	302	-	Op(AL 47)	541	-	Op(BE 49)	761	-	BE 29

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 219 - 516 - 734 - 761 - 544 - 629.
	Entered Port: U 406 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.
	1)	G.A.F. Commander Atlantic making reconnaissance in blockade runner area.
	2)	Message from own aircraft reported convoy at 1045 consisting of 40 troop transports with escort and aircraft carrier in AE 9330. (Later message reports ships of smaller tonnage).

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 625 reported steamer in AL 8799 on S.W. course, high speed. Contact lost.
	b)	At 1435 air reconnaissance sighted an aircraft carrier, a destroyer and a number of unknown escort forces in BE 5579 on westerly course, medium speed.
		Group "Borkum" was not detailed to operate
		1)	because enemy land-based air reconnaissance would have been strengthened
		2)	and the chances of sighting a heavily escorted aircraft carrier in bad weather (S.W. 7) and successfully attacking it are only slight.
	c)	1)	U-boat sighting in MZ 26.
		2)	Enemy units located in BE 7660, AL 9880 - BE 3420.
		3)	At 1140 enemy aircraft reported following from AN 4664 (according to location): Have carried out torpedo attack on submarine. No hit observed (U 1062).

- 393 -

	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Groups "Sylt", "Amrum" and "Foehr" are to be divided into 6 new groups of 3 boats each ("Ruegen 1 - 6").
			The disposition of boats in small groups of up to 6 in number hitherto existing has proved insufficient. It must be assumed that the enemy is able to discover the dispositions of even these small patrol lines and guide their convoys through them. The formation of small groups (scattered over traffic area) is preferable to a single boat disposition, since under present conditions it is extremely difficult for a boat to carry out an attack single handed.
			Groups to take up position in following patrol lines as from 1000/24/12:
			"Ruegen 1" - U 364 - 972 - 981 from AL 2274 - 2364
			"Ruegen 2" - U 744 - 545 - 741 from AL 1658 - 1828
			"Ruegen 3" - U 471 - 390 - 546 from AL 2997 - 5249
			"Ruegen 4" - U 960 - 392 - 302 - 976 from AK 5713 - 8124
			"Ruegen 5" - U 311 - 92 - 672 from AL 8299 - 9454
			"Ruegen 6" - U 625 - 653 - 421 from BE 2127 - 2247
		2)	Group "Borkum" proceeding on new patrol line and will be in position BE 7426 to 8411 as from 1000/23/12.
			Removal of Group "Borkum" to the S.W. took place on account of blockade runner.
	b) -	c)	None.
	d)	1)	All Commanders were signaled that blockade runner "Osorno's" position was at present in area BD/BE, and on sighting were instructed to report same, giving position, course and speed. Boats were again instructed not to attack. Strictest secrecy to be observed.
		2)	After entering Egersund U 1062 reported air attack which took place at 1134 on 22.12. in AN 3524, carried out by 5 Beaufighters with torpedoes and machine guns. One killed, 2 seriously wounded. Making for Bergen for repairs. One plane shot down.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 1062 1 aircraft.

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- 394 -

23.December 1943.

I.	U 68	-	BF 55	U 302	-	Op(AL 52)	U 541	-	Op(BE 48)	U 758	-	BE 5352
	86	-	AE 67	205	-	Op(BE 7348)	543	-	Op(BC 20)	761	-	BE 61
	92	-	Op(AL 94)	309	-	BF 48	544	-	AK 9628	763	-	AE 42
	103	-	AL 31	311	-	Op(AL 84)	545	-	Op(AL 16)	801	-	Op(BE 47)
	107	-	Op(BE 7326)	364	-	Op(AL 25)	618	-	Op(BE 84)	846	-	Op(AL 52)
	129	-	Op(DB 95)	377	-	BE 56	625	-	AL 8799	849	-	KZ 40
	155	-	BF 81	382	-	Op(BE 57)	629	-	AK 92	850	-	DR 62
	170	-	BF 61	390	-	AL 6186	641	-	Op(BE 57)	952	-	CG 29
	172	-	EJ 84	392	-	Op(Al 57)	645	-	Op(BE 49)	960	-	Op(AL 57)
	178	-	Op(LC)	415	-	Op(BE 49)	653	-	Op(BE 1329)	962	-	BE 67
	190	-	DS 68	421	-	Op(BE 1368)	667	-	Op(BE 7266)	965	-	AN
	193	-	DA 90	471	-	Op(AL 4220)	672	-	Op(AL 92)	972	-	Op(AL 21)
	219	-	BE 45	510	-	FU 54	731	-	BE 72	976	-	Op(AL 81)
	260	-	BF 76	515	-	Op(EU 90)	734	-	BF 45	981	-	Op(AL 21)
	270	-	Op(BE 7348)	516	-	ED 23	741	-	Op(AL 16)	1060	-	AF 35
	275	-	Op(BE 7354)	530	-	Op(EB)	744	-	Op(AL 18)	1062	-	AN 31

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 86 - 103 - 155 - 170 - 190 - 516 - 544 - 629 - 734 - 761 - 962.
	Entered Port: U 965 - Christiansand; U 1062 - Bergen; U 68 - 170 - Lorient; U 1060 - Narvik.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance for returning blockade runner "Osorno" in area north and south of patrol line of Group "Borkum".

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	In AL 0164 U 471 came on fast west-bound convoy, 6 - 8 large steamers, 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer at high speed. One ship of 8,000 GRT torpedoed, submarine bombed and rendered unfit for diving. Damage proved to be less serious later.
		2)	U 653 sighted a frigate in BE 1329.
		3)	U 421 reported one steamer and escort ship on westerly course. Was depth-charged while attacking at periscope depth.
		4)	See Current Operations.
	b)	1)	At 0706 aircraft sighted a darkened ship in BF 4299, size and speed not distinguishable on account of darkness. This was presumably the "Osorno".
		2)	At 1425 aircraft reported aircraft carrier, and one cruiser, speed 17 knots on course 235⁰ and again at 1620 in BE 5722 on S.W. course, medium speed.
	c)	1)	According to Radio Intercept report aircraft of 19 Group reported 5 German destroyers at 0026 on westerly course. Speed 18 knots in VJ 48 N, NC 25 W. (unidentified).

- 395 -

		2)	U-boat sightings in:
			a) AL 1897 (Contents: submarine with Flak, later this message was recognized as doubtful)
			b) BF 4842 (ASV location by aircraft of 19 Group)
			c) Sighting by aircraft in unidentified position.
		3)	Enemy units located in BE 2220 - AM 4912 - BE 2130 - BE 2525 - BE 4270 - BE 1640 - AL 9610 - AL 6832.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Group "Borkum":
		Group "Borkum" was put on to aircraft carrier formation reported by air reconnaissance as by then "Osorno" must have been already to the east of it. On surfacing Group steered on course 30⁰ with highest possible speed.
		U 377 and U 758 joined Group "Borkum" and extended patrol line eastwards. At 0029 U 305 sighted formation in BE 7334 on S.W. course, reported again at 0049, and was then forced off, enemy steering 250⁰, high speed. At 0015 U 415 reported intention to attack with F.A.T. After this no further message was received from the boat, but it is to be assumed that she carried out an attack. At 0430 U 667 had another hydrophone bearing on 210⁰, high speed in BE 7266.
		At 0435 U 275 was fired on by 2 destroyers, and she attacked with T 5 at 0505. After 7 minutes there was an explosion and after 38 minutes sinking noises. A destroyer dropped depth charges.
		0455 U 275 sighted a destroyer in BE 7354, and U 270 subsequently star shell in BE 7380.
		At daylight Group "Borkum" to proceed on new patrol line from BE 7128 to 7339. As expected south-bound convoy is presumably suffering considerable delay on account of fog, its meeting with patrol line can be reckoned with for two days yet.
	b)	None.
	c)	Transfer of half the crew of U 284 from U 629 to U 544 was not possible on account of weather. Both boats withdrew and will execute task after improvement in weather conditions.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 471 1 ship torpedoed.

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- 396 -

24.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 94)	U 311	-	Op(AL 82)	U 543	-	Op(BC 20)	U 744	-	Op(AL 16)
	103	-	AL 31	364	-	Op(AL 24)	544	-	AL 7759	758	-	Op(BE 55)
	107	-	Op(BE 78)	377	-	BE 5838	545	-	Op(AL 16)	761	-	BE 66
	129	-	Op(DB 94)	382	-	Op(BE 57)	618	-	Op(BE 84)	763	-	AE 83
	155	-	BF 83	390	-	Op(AL 52)	625	-	Op(BE 21)	801	-	Op(BE 47)
	178	-	Op(LC)	392	-	Op(AL 57)	629	-	AK 96	846	-	Op(AL 52)
	190	-	DS 63	415	-	Op(BE 49)	641	-	Op(BE 57)	849	-	KZ 40
	193	-	Op(DA 86)	421	-	Op(BE 22)	645	-	Op(BE 49)	850	-	DR 62
	219	-	BF 78	471	-	Op(AL 29)	653	-	Op(BE 21)	952	-	CG 22
	260	-	BE 92	510	-	FU 82	667	-	Op(BE 48)	960	-	Op(AL 57)
	270	-	Op(BE 78)	515	-	Op(EU 90)	672	-	Op(AL 94)	962	-	BE 68
	275	-	Op(BE 7317)	516	-	DO 95	731	-	BE 69	972	-	Op(AL 23)
	302	-	Op(AL 57)	530	-	Op(EB 74)	734	-	BF 49	976	-	Op(AL 81)
	305	-	Op(BE 79)	541	-	Op(BE 48)	741	-	Op(AL 18)	981	-	Op(AL 23)
	309	-	BF 66

	On Return Passage: U 155 - 190 - 516 - 544 - 629 - 734 - 761 - 962 - 103.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance in eastern half of BE for returning blockade runner "Osorno" and freighter formations made ready.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 515 sank passenger freighter type "Madura" of 9,000 GRT, speed 13 knots course 60⁰ in EU 8373 out of small convoy.
		2)	Group "Borkum", see Current Operations.
	b)	At 1229 FW 200 sighted "Osorno" (exchanged recognition signals) in BF 7121.
	c)	1)	According to intercept reports there are many sighting reports from enemy aircraft of 12 German destroyers and one sighting of a merchant ship (possibly "Osorno").
		2)	U-boat sighting in BF 1657 (boat dived), BF 1729 (boat dived) and 2 boats in unidentified position.
		3)	Enemy units located in BE 2990 - AL 2970/80 - AM 7210/20 - CF 34/35 - BE 1368 - AM 7439 - AL 9231 - AM 7160 - AL 9210.
		4)	Escort vessel of a convoy was located in BE 41/42. Possibly this was a south-bound KMS convoy.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	"Ruegen": U 960 replaced U 471 in position, the latter having only limited diving capacity ("Ruegen 3").

- 397 -

		"Ruegen 1 - 6" to take up new patrol lines:
		"Ruegen 1" from AL 1291 to 1452
		"Ruegen 2" from AL 2648 to 2842
		"Ruegen 3" from AL 0183 to 4266
		"Ruegen 4" from AL 5581 to 5853
		"Ruegen 5" from AL 8436 to 8582
		"Ruegen 6" from BB 1356 to 2411
		The removal took place in order to make it more difficult for the enemy to determine position of single small patrol lines.
	2)	Group "Borkum" dived at daylight and proceeded submerged in direction of patrol line ordered for 23rd. On surfacing at evening Group to take up new patrol line from BE 7128 to 7339 in new order = U 801 - 270 - 541 - 645 - 415 - 305 - 275 - 382 - 758 - 641 - 377 - 107 - 667. The departure of expected south-bound convoy has been delayed on account of fog and meeting with patrol line can be expected within next two days.
		Operation on aircraft carrier formation continued successful.
		At 2056 on 23/12 U 415 sank a destroyer in BE 7321 with T 5. The same boat fired a fan of 3 torpedoes which missed at carrier at 0118 in BE 7343, on S.W. course, speed 14 knots. Turned sharply away and at 0143 fired T 5 at destroyer. Definite explosion, sinking noises.
		2 further destroyers were sunk by U 275 with T 5 at 0505 in BE 7343 after submarine had been fired on by destroyers with star shell, and by U 382 with T 5 at 0520 in BE 7343.
b)	U 309 - 260 and U 731 were detailed to neutral positions in AL 45.
c)	U 629 suggested new position in BD 3355 at 1700/25/12 for transfer of crew (U 248 to U 544).
d)	1)	The loss of U 86 must be reckoned with. Boat sailed from Brest on 11.11, sent passage report from BE 85 on 19.11. and then operated with Group "Weddigen". Boat received orders to commence return passage with sufficient fuel to enable them to reach Bergen without having to refuel.
		Last message was on 28.11 from CF 6247 reporting star shell on bearings 60 and 130⁰. Presumably boat got involved with convoy on 1.12.43. Otherwise even at an outside estimate boat should already have reached Bergen.
	2)	U 172 must be considered lost. Boat was on passage to Indian Ocean and was to have rendezvous 'd with U 190 at 1600/19/12 in EN 3056 for taking over

- 398 -

of "Borkum". On 20th U 190 reported failure to meet boat. Last message from U 190 was on 30.11. from CF 33 reporting mains unit "Wanze" out of order.

It is presumed U 172 was lost as the result of air attack, possibly carrier-borne aircraft while on southward passage.

Reports of Success:

U 515	1 ship	9,000 GRT
U 415	2 destroyers
U 275	1 "
U 382	1 "

VI.

General:

Commander in Chief's Christmas message:

My submarine personnel:

My hopes of spending Christmas Eve in a naval base have been disappointed. All the more then my thoughts are with you and yours on this day.

The fifth Christmas at war finds us, both at the front and at home, firmly and more determinedly than ever behind our "Fuehrer" in the battle for our future.

DÖNITZ.

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25.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 85)	U 311	-	Op(AL 84)	U 543	-	Op(BC 28)	U 744	-	Op(AL 26)
	103	-	AE 84	364	-	Op(AL 29)	544	-	BE 11	758	-	BE 73
	107	-	Op(BE 72)	377	-	Op(BE 73)	545	-	Op(AL 26)	761	-	BF 55
	129	-	Op(DB 67)	382	-	Op(BE 73)	618	-	BE 67	763	-	AE 85
	155	-	BF 82	390	-	Op(AL 34)	625	-	Op(BE 13)	801	-	Op(BE 71)
	178	-	Op(LG)	392	-	Op(AL 55)	629	-	BE 12	846	-	Op(AL 42)
	190	-	DS 68	415	-	Op(BE 72)	641	-	Op(BE 73)	849	-	KZ 65
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	421	-	Op(BE 24)	645	-	Op(BE 72)	850	-	DR 92
	219	-	BF 79	471	-	AL 01	653	-	Op(BE 12)	952	-	BF 25
	260	-	BE 67	510	-	GB 11	667	-	Op(BE 81)	960	-	AL 51
	270	-	Op(BE 71)	515	-	Op(EU 73)	672	-	Op(AL 35)	962	-	BF 47
	275	-	Op(BE 73)	516	-	DP 75	731	-	BE 65	972	-	Op(AL 14)
	302	-	Op(AL 58)	530	-	Op(EB 98)	734	-	BE 67	976	-	Op(AL 58)
	305	-	Op(AL 58)	541	-	Op(BE 72)	741	-	Op(AL 28)	981	-	Op(AL 14)
	309	-	BE 65

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 471 - 516 - 544 - 618 - 629 - 734 - 761 - 962.
	Entered Port: U 734 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 505 - 666 - Lorient; U 547 - Kiel; U 650 - 406 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance for next returning blockade runner in area BE 20, 50.

- 399 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	At 1729 U 305 (Group "Borkum") sighted a destroyer in BE 7219 on S.W. course. At 1850 boat reported having sighted U 1534 (cover name for "Osorno") at 1230 in BE 7242, course 180⁰, speed 5 knots. In reply to question whether this could be "Alsterufer's" boat replied "yes". A consultation with Naval War Staff however ruled out possibility of "Alsterufer's" being in BF 72.
		2)	U 270 reported a destroyer at 0528 on 26th and steamer and destroyer at 0624 in BE 7128 on S.E. course.
		3)	U 392 sighted convoy in AL 4597 at 0700/26.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	A number of intercept reports have been received from aircraft concerning our own convoy ("Osorno").
		2)	U-boat sighting in CC 9616.
		3)	English units located in AM 46 - 47 - 54, BD 6610, AL 6497.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 392 ("Ruegen 6") lost contact with convoy (see paragraph IIIa) after torpedoing destroyer in AL 4592.
		2)	After receipt of messages from U 305 and U 270 (see III a 1) and 2)) and reply from Naval War Staff that this could not be "Alsterufer" it is possible they were sighting scattered units (probably on account of weather conditions) of expected south-bound convoy.
			Group searching on course 225⁰ and high speed for other sections of convoy. This Group has been given freedom to attack single ships.
	b)	U 763, en route from home waters, was detailed to new position AL 45. Boat later to join Group "Ruegen".
	c)	1)	U 471 is again at full war readiness. Boat joined Group "Ruegen 3" as fourth boat.
		2)	U 544 and U 629 did not rendezvous. New rendezvous has been ordered for 26.12. in BD 3666.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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- 400 -

26.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 85)	U 311	-	Op(AL 84)	U 541	-	Op(BE 71)	U 731	-	BE 61
	103	-	AE 84	364	-	Op(AL 12)	543	-	Op(BC 55)	741	-	Op(AL 21)
	107	-	Op(BE 73)	377	-	Op(BE 73)	544	-	BE 11	744	-	Op(AL 26)
	129	-	Op(DB 67)	382	-	Op(BE 72)	545	-	Op(AL 28)	758	-	Op(BE 73)
	155	-	BE 58	390	-	Op(AL 43)	547	-	AO 47	761	-	BF 28
	178	-	MS	392	-	Op(AL 4592)	618	-	BE 59	763	-	AE 87
	190	-	DG 92	406	-	BF 55	625	-	Op(BE 13)	801	-	Op(BE 71)
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	415	-	Op(BE 72)	629	-	BE 12	846	-	Op(AL 42)
	219	-	BF 88	421	-	BE 24	641	-	Op(BE 73)	849	-	KZ 60
	260	-	BE 56	471	-	Op(AL 4140)	645	-	Op(BE 72)	952	-	CF 3281
	270	-	Op(BE 7128)	505	-	BF 55	650	-	BF 55	960	-	Op(AL 01)
	275	-	Op(BE 54)	510	-	GG	653	-	Op(BE 13)	962	-	BF 48
	302	-	Op(BE 82)	515	-	Op(EU 73)	666	-	BF 55	972	-	Op(AL 14)
	305	-	Op(BE 7219)	516	-	DP 73	667	-	Op(BE 73)	976	-	Op(AL 58)
	309	-	BE 61	530	-	Op(EB 98)	672	-	Op(AL 35)	981	-	Op(AL 14)

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 155 - 219 - 421 - 516 - 544 - 618 - 629 - 761 - 962 - 190.
	Entered Port: U 761 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 455 - 386 - St. Nazaire; U 231 - 953 - 343 - 571 - 373 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Own air reconnaissance in area BE for returning blockade runner "Alsterufer".

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 392 reported as retrospective addition to sighting report of 25.12. that convoy sighted consisted of 3 - 4 steamers and 2 - 3 destroyers, speed over 10 knots. Fan of 3 fired at destroyer, one surface detonator, one hit below the bridge, and one hit after 3 minutes, target not distinguishable.
		2)	At 0912 U 270 sighted steamer on S.E. course in BE 7159, and in the evening reported having fired 2 shots which missed at this target.
	b)	Air reconnaissance failed to locate "Alsterufer" but identified a formation in BD 6616 at 2050 (heavy "kick" in apparatus).
	c)	1)	Torpedoing reports; 1 steamer in EL 3121 (U 530?) and 1 steamer in LC 2510 (U 178). Later this steamer called for help, as she was sinking by the bows.
		2)	U-boat sighting in ED 9921.
		3)	English units located in AL 6120 - AM 4191 and a number of locations in Northern waters (Scharnhorst).
	d)	None.

- 401 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Group "Ruegen" to take up following new patrol lines:

Group	1	from	AL 2139	to	2183
	2		AL 1618	to	1675
	3		AL 2925	to	2988	with U 960 - 390 - 846 - 471
	4		AL 4582	to	4829
	5		AL 7521	to	7565
	6		AL 9744	to	9785

In area covered by these groups, one west-bound and two east-bound convoys are expected.

In accordance with aircraft report a new patrol line was ordered for Group "Borkum" from BD 9523 to BE 7431, as report possibly concerned a south-bound convoy. Group now consists of 10 boats since departure of U 667 - 107 - 415 on homeward passage.

None.

As rendezvous between U 629 and U 544 did not take place again today, U 629 proceeding home without transferring crew. U 544 taking over position of U 421 in "Ruegen 6".

Prohibition area for attacks against single ships has been extended 60 miles to the north, as "Alsterufer" can proceed on more northerly passage than had been expected.

U 850 must be considered lost. Boat was en route for the Indian Ocean. It is not clear whether a land-based or carrier-borne aircraft was concerned, but probably the latter. Request for passage report on 22.12. and position on 25.12. remained unanswered.

Reports of Success:

U 392 1 destroyer 1 hit.

VI.

General:

Broadcast to all boats:

Warning Message No. 70:

Recently two boats have again been lost, the sinking of which must be attributed to bombing by enemy aircraft while proceeding surfaced by day in area between 35⁰ N. and 20⁰ N. and 45⁰ W. and 25⁰ W.

Enemy carrier-borne and long range aircraft must now be reckoned with in all areas and under all weather conditions. Therefore instructions concerning method of procedure must be constantly impressed on Officers of the Deck.

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	Proceed on surface both by day and by night only with greatest care, watchfulness and constant defensive readiness.
	The carefree attitude of the Officers' of the Deck in more remote areas is one of the greatest dangers.

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27.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 72)	U 343	-	BF 91	U 530	-	Op(EB 40)	U 672	-	Op(AL 84)
	103	-	AE 83	364	-	Op(AL 21)	541	-	Op(BD 99)	731	-	BE 29
	107	-	Op(BE 78)	373	-	BF 91	543	-	Op(BC 20)	741	-	Op(AL 16)
	129	-	DB 90	377	-	Op(BE 78)	544	-	BE 17	744	-	Op(AL 16)
	155	-	BF 55	382	-	Op(BE 77)	545	-	Op(AL 16)	758	-	Op(BE 78)
	178	-	Op(MS)	386	-	BF 55	547	-	AN 36	763	-	AL 31
	190	-	DG 62	390	-	Op(AL 29)	571	-	BF 91	801	-	Op(BD 99)
	193	-	Op(DA 80)	392	-	Op(AL 4592)	618	-	BE 68	846	-	Op(AL 29)
	231	-	BF 91	406	-	BF 57	625	-	Op(AL 97)	849	-	KZ 60
	219	-	BF 86	415	-	BE 7196	629	-	BE 17	952	-	CF 38
	260	-	BE 28	421	-	BE 28	641	-	Op(BE 78)	953	-	BF 91
	270	-	Op(BE 7161)	445	-	BF 55	645	-	Op(BD 99)	960	-	Op(AL 29)
	275	-	Op(BE 77)	471	-	Op(AL 51)	650	-	BF 55	962	-	BF 49
	302	-	Op(AL 45)	505	-	BF 46	653	-	Op(AL 97)	972	-	Op(AL 21)
	305	-	Op(BE 77)	510	-	CG 46	666	-	BF 57	976	-	Op(AL 48)
	309	-	BE 28	515	-	Op(EU 40)	667	-	Op(BE 78)	981	-	Op(AL 21)
	311	-	Op(AL 72)	516	-	DP 50

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 415 - 421 - 516 - 544 - 629 - 618 - 962.
	Entered Port: U 547 - Christiansand; U 406 - 650 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance for returning blockade runner "Alsterufer".

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 543 hunted a 4-funnel steamer of "Aquitania" class in BE 5495 without success.
		2)	U 107 reported star-shell in BE 7433.
		3)	U 641 was approached by aircraft in BE 7422 without location.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	Enemy aircraft sighted"Alsterufer" a number of times.
		2)	U-boat sightings: Enemy steamer reported from LD 4260: Am being hunted by U-boat; also in BC 7227 surfaced submarine in unidentified position course 140⁰, speed 10 knots.

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		3)	English units located in BE 76, AM 4790, AL 6399, AM 49, BE 5765, AM 4650, BE 9120, BE 7970, CG 4480.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	No fresh reports. It is intended to operate Group "Borkum" on 30.12 against north-bound convoy in BE 80.
	b) -	c)	None.
	d)	As "Alsterufer" has been identified a number of times during day by enemy aircraft, U 309 and U 415 are to send short signals on shipping wave from BE 55 and 84 in order to create diversion.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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28.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 75)	U 311	-	Op(AL 75)	U 516	-	DP 50	U 731	-	BE 25
	103	-	AE 91	343	-	BF 86	530	-	Op(EL 30)	741	-	Op(AL 16)
	107	-	BE 74	364	-	Op(AL 21)	541	-	Op(BD 96)	744	-	Op(AL 16)
	129	-	Op(DB 90)	373	-	BF 86	543	-	Op(BC 54)	758	-	Op(BE 74)
	155	-	BF 85	377	-	Op(BE 74)	544	-	Op(AL 97)	763	-	AL 26
	178	-	Op(LC)	382	-	Op(BD 96)	545	-	Op(AL 16)	801	-	Op(BD 95)
	190	-	DG 39	386	-	BF 88	571	-	BF 86	846	-	Op(AL 29)
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	390	-	Op(AL 29)	618	-	BE 69	849	-	KZ
	231	-	BF 86	392	-	Op(AL 45)	625	-	Op(AL 97)	952	-	CF 65
	219	-	BF 83	415	-	BE 84	629	-	BE 51	953	-	BE 28
	260	-	BE 24	421	-	BE 61	641	-	Op(BE 74)	960	-	Op(AL 29)
	270	-	Op(BD 95)	445	-	BF 82	645	-	Op(BD 96)	962	-	BF 55
	275	-	Op(BD 96)	471	-	Op(AL 29)	653	-	Op(AL 97)	972	-	Op(AL 21)
	302	-	Op(AL 45)	505	-	BF 45	666	-	BF 46	976	-	Op(AL 48)
	305	-	Op(BE 96)	510	-	GG 82	667	-	BE 82	981	-	Op(AL 21)
	309	-	BE 24	515	-	Op(ET 60)	672	-	Op(AL 75)

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 415 - 421 - 618 - 629 - 667 - 962.
	Entered Port: U 962 - 445 - 386 - St. Nazaire; U 373 - 571 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 547 - Christiansand; U 761 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance and fighter bomber escort for returning blockade runner, also destroyers and torpedo boats.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 421 sighted destroyer in BE 2831 on southerly course.

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"Alsterufer" was not found. As she sent no position report by 1400 as ordered, it must be assumed that she was sunk by English air or sea forces on 28.12.

At 1325 own aircraft attacked two cruisers without success in BE 6690.

Own aircraft reported 6 cruisers at 1225 in BE 6696 on northerly course, high speed.

Own aircraft reported 2 cruisers at 1445 on course 30⁰, speed 15 knots in BE 6692.

Colombo broadcast submarine warning in unidentified area.

Enemy units were located in BE 9520 - BE 9160 - BD 4220.

Many radio intercept reports concerning our own naval forces.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Group "Ruegen" to proceed strengthened by U 763 (from home waters) U 260 - 309 and U 731 (from Western France) on following new patrol lines:

Group 1 with	U 744	-	545	-	741	from	AL 1235	to	1284
Group 2 with	U 364	-	972	-	981	from	AL 2621	to	2671
Group 3 with	U 763	-	960	-	390	from	AL 1931	to	1994
Group 4 with	U 471	-	392	-	302	from	AL 5266	to	5539
Group 5 with	U 846	-	311	-	92	from	AL 5771	to	8154
Group 6 with	U 260 - 544 - 672 - 796 from						AL 7822	to	8778
Group 7 with	U 653	-	731	-	309	from	AL 9723	to	9845

Group "Borkum" at present on passage to new patrol line from about BE 76 to 85.

Our own destroyers and torpedo boats came on one or two groups of enemy cruisers and joined battle. No clear picture can be gained either from messages from our naval forces or from aircraft reports. The reports are either incomplete or badly expressed.

In this action Z 27 was shot into un maneuverability by 1458. Message was not received until after 1700.

Two returning boats were sent at high speed to the rescue of survivors from Z 27, in position 6938, U 421 and U 618, and two outward bound boats, U 505 and U 666.

Boats could not reach position before morning of 29.12. as their position was probably more

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		than 150 miles from Z 27. (Area east of 14⁰ W. between 44⁰ 30' N and 48⁰ 30' N. was prohibited to submarines on account of operation to pick up "Alsterufer". Anti-submarine patrol free for our own surface forces).
		Boats U 421 - 618 - 505 and 666 form Group "Hela" and are prohibited from attacking single merchant ships and destroyers.
		U 666 and U 530 received orders to continue outward passage if scene of action could not be reached before 1200 hours.
b)	None.
c)	U 515 commenced return passage on account of fuel reserves.
d)	Current Order No. 34 was broadcast to all ships.
Current Order No. 34
December 1943 Edition
1)	In recent convoy operations a situation has occurred again and again in which the convoy has passed over the boat without its being able to make use of a single opportunity to attack, afterwards being left in a hopeless position astern of the convoy.
2)	The great number of recent unsuccessful submerged attacks also shows that boats were not able to break through the screen without being located or picked up on the hydrophones.
3)	For this reason in future attacking at periscope depth will have to be given up and attempt made to fire blind from a great depth with the new, specially designed torpedoes.
4)	Even if the available hydrophone and location apparatus do not at present give a definite estimate of enemy course, speed and formation, nevertheless in the event of approaching or being passed over by the enemy, the best possible use must be made of even defective data for a blind torpedo attack.
5)	The following procedure is to be aimed at in future.
	a)	As up to now it has only been possible to fire torpedoes at depths of up to 22 meters. Remain as far as possible at a depth of 20 meters in case torpedo attack is possible.
	b)	Under normal circumstances tubes are only to be loaded with "F.A.T." or "Zaunkönig". These have the advantage in that even when fired according to uncertain firing data, the usually hit something when there are a number of ships together.

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		c)	In cases of being passed over by convoy the boat usually has a rough idea of the enemy course, so that it must therefore be possible to fire a fan of F.A.T. torpedoes at right angles to enemy course.
		d)	As hydrophone apparatus makes it possible to distinguish between propellers of steamer and escort vessel, the boat can estimate to a certain extent its relative position to the main bunch of the formation. This data must suffice for firing of F.A.T. torpedoes in accordance with position of convoy with following settings.
			In case of convoy passing directly overhead the shortest preliminary run and a long loop.
			If submarine is to port or starboard of the convoy a medium to long preliminary run according to signal strength on hydrophones, and long loop.
		e)	In order to ensure greatest possible success in the event of a blind attack torpedoes in all tubes must be fired.
			It must be remembered however that unless the Zaunkönig is fired in quite a different direction, an interval of at least 10 minutes must elapse between it and the firing of F.A.T. torpedoes.
		f)	In firing non-contact pistol boat must dive to 40 - 50 meters immediately after firing in order to be safe from explosion of torpedo passing overhead. It is therefore best to fire in the shortest possible time either a fan or quickly successive single shots.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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29.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 81)	U 309	-	BE 25	U 530	-	Op(EL 30)	U 731	-	BE 24
	103	-	AE 86	311	-	Op(AL 81)	541	-	Op(BE 7641)	741	-	Op(AL 14)
	107	-	Op(BE 73)	343	-	BF 88	543	-	Op(BC 50)	744	-	Op(AL 12)
	129	-	Op(DC 70)	364	-	Op(AL 26)	544	-	Op(AL 87)	758	-	Op(BE 7615)
	155	-	BF 58	377	-	Op(BE 13)	545	-	Op(AL 14)	762	-	BF 55
	178	-	Op(MS)	382	-	Op(BE 73)	547	-	AN 29	763	-	Op(AL 18)
	190	-	DH 12	390	-	Op(AL 01)	618	-	BE 69	801	-	Op(BE 74)
	193	-	Op(DA 90)	392	-	Op(AL 54)	625	-	AL 98	846	-	Op(AL 54)
	219	-	BF 91	415	-	BE 86	629	-	BE 5763	849	-	KZ
	231	-	BF 88	421	-	BE 6592	641	-	Op(BE 73)	952	-	CF 68
	260	-	BE 12	471	-	Op(AL 52)	645	-	Op(BE 75)	953	-	BF 88
	270	-	Op(BE 75)	505	-	BE 6933	653	-	Op(AL 97)	960	-	Op(AL 01)
	275	-	Op(BE 75)	510	-	GQ 11	666	-	BE 69	972	-	Op(AL 26)
	302	-	Op(AL 55)	515	-	Op(ET 30)	667	-	BE 94	976	-	Op(AL 72)
	305	-	Op(BE 75)	516	-	DP 50	672	-	Op(AL 78)	981	-	Op(AL 26)

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 415 - 421 - 516 - 618 - 625 - 629 - 667.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 757 - 650 - 386 - 445 - St. Nazaire.

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II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	1)	Air reconnaissance for Z 27 (position where she sank) and for reported cruiser formation 28.12.
	2)	Reconnaissance in area south of Group "Borkum" - target north-bound convoy.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 275 was depth charged in BE 7617. On surfacing sighted frigate and aircraft.
		2)	U 270 sighted silhouette in BE 7292 on N.E. course at high speed, and destroyer in BE 7371.
		3)	U 629, with crew of U 284 on board, sank a destroyer escorting small south-bond convoy in BE 5763.
		4)	U 421 reported hit on destroyer with T 5 in BE 6592 on course 205⁰.
		5)	U 543 sank destroyer in BE 5880.
		6)	For further reports see IV. Current Operations.
	b)	1)	Own aircraft reported 9 rubber dinghy's in BE 6921 at 0935.
		2)	Convoy was not located.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: CH 9138. One sighting in unidentified position, boat steering 240⁰, speed 10 knots. According to intercept report, 3 torpedoes fired and missed steamer in EL 3166. This must have been U 530.
		2)	English units located in BD 3890 - AM 3828 - BE 43 - AM 3711 - BF 2384 - BF 2190.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Of the 4 boats (Group Hela) detailed to search for and pick up survivors of our escort forces, U 505 reported having picked up Commander and 33 ratings from T 25 in BE 6933. Boat now homeward bound. No reports from other boats.
		2)	During night Group "Ruegen" took up new patrol lines ordered on 28.12.
		3)	Group "Borkum" to take up new patrol line from BE 7399 to 5896 by 1000/30/12 in the following order: U 801 - 270 - 571 - 645 - 305 - 275 - 382 - 758 - 641 and 377.
			While on passage to this new patrol line U 541 sank destroyer in BE 7617 at 2215, which she had sighted at 2129. At 0302 the same boat

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reported sighting search group of 3 destroyers. By skillful use of Aphrodite (Radar decoy) boat managed to fire on and sink all 3 destroyers. It is not clear yet whether a total of 3 or 4 destroyers were sunk. The sinkings are all the more remarkable since the ship had twice been bombed on the previous day, and was fired on with star-shell by destroyer group, was therefore sighted before firing.

Expected north-bound convoy is estimated to reach patrol line of Group "Borkum" by evening of 30.12.

U 178 reported position LC 39 and sinking of American ship of type C1 on 27.12. in LC 2197.

None.

Areas at present prohibited for attack on single ships, made free north of 15⁰ N. with immediate effect.

Reports of Success:

U 541	3 destroyers
U 543	1 destroyer
U 178	1 ship	6,500 GRT
U 421	1 destroyer
U 629	1 destroyer.

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30.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 81)	U 311	-	Op(AL 81)	U 530	-	Op(EL 20)	U 731	-	Op(AL 97)
	103	-	AE 47	343	-	BF 79	541	-	Op(BE 84)	741	-	Op(AL 12)
	107	-	BE 83	364	-	Op(AL 26)	543	-	Op(BC 57)	744	-	Op(AL 12)
	129	-	Op(DB 90)	377	-	Op(BE 86)	544	-	Op(AL 78)	757	-	BF 67
	155	-	BF 58	382	-	Op(BE 85)	545	-	Op(AL 12)	758	-	Op(BE 85)
	178	-	Op(MS)	386	-	BF 67	547	-	AF 87	762	-	BF 46
	190	-	CF 89	390	-	Op(AL 19)	618	-	BE 66	763	-	Op(AL 19)
	193	-	Op(DA 93)	392	-	Op(AL 52)	625	-	BE 26	801	-	Op(BE 84)
	219	-	BF 68	415	-	BE 95	629	-	BE 64	846	-	Op(AL 57)
	231	-	BF 44	421	-	BE 66	641	-	Op(BE 86)	849	-	KZ
	260	-	Op(AL 78)	445	-	BF 67	645	-	Op(BE 84)	952	-	CF 93
	270	-	Op(BE 84)	471	-	Op(AL 52)	650	-	BF 67	953	-	BE 76
	275	-	Op(BE 85)	505	-	BE 66	653	-	Op(AL 97)	960	-	Op(AL 19)
	302	-	Op(AL 55)	510	-	CQ 16	666	-	BE 66	972	-	Op(AL 26)
	305	-	Op(BE 85)	515	-	ES 32	667	-	BE 95	976	-	Op(AL 75)
	309	-	Op(AL 98)	516	-	DP 50	672	-	Op(AL 78)	981	-	Op(AL 26)

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 107 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 415 - 421 - 515 - 516 - 618 - 625 - 629 - 667.
	Entered Port: U 650 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 984 - 985 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Reconnaissance in afternoon and evening - target expected north-bound convoy.

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III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 516 reported:
			Sinking of passenger freighter 5,500 GRT on 8.12. in EL 3156, "Zaunkönig" fired at 10,000 GRT tanker in EC 9235 speed 18 knots, which finally ran aground. On 17.12 "Zaunkönig" fired at destroyer which missed.
			On 19.12. was bombed in position ED 48, sustaining considerable damage, only limited diving capacity. Position DQ 7851. Request "Borkum".
		2)	U 129 reported situation Florida coast. 4 air-driven torpedoes fired at convoy, all missed. Later T 5 fired at destroyer according to hydrophone bearing, sinking noises. Will commence return passage on 2.1.
		3)	U 541 sighted searchlight in BE 7173.
		4)	See Current Operations.
	b)	1)	Air reconnaissance for north-bound convoy without result.
		2)	At 1500 own aircraft reported 9 rubber dinghy's with 20 men in BE 6910.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings in DN 8471 - DC 1169 (U 129).
		2)	English units were located in BE 5360 - BD 1940 - BE 5950 - CG 4150 - BE 29 - BE 2594 - BE 6929 - BC 3170 - BE 6684.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 744 ("Ruegen 1") sighted single ship in AL 1215 and fired a fan of 3 and single shot, all which missed, a "Zaunkönig" which detonated after 6 minutes, and later in AL 1136 a single shot and "Zaunkönig", both of which missed on account of evasive action taken.
			U 545 came on convoy of 15 steamers in AL 1128 on S.W. course. The boat torpedoed 3 freighters and 1 tanker, and later boat reported having observed one of the freighters sinking.
			Group "Ruegen" pushed on in S.W. direction but made no contact.
			Group again took up old patrol line.
		2)	Group "Borkum" remains in ordered patrol line. The convoy expected on evening of 30th may still arrive if delayed by low speed.
	b)	1)	U 231 and U 953 have been detailed to new approach point BE 81. Boats en route for Group "Borkum".

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Group "Hela" continuing search.

None.

Loss of U 849 must be reckoned with. Boat last reported on 6.11. giving experiences on Naxos antenna from DS 34. Cause of loss unknown. Loss probably due from land or carrier-based aircraft.

Reports of Success:

U 516	2 ships	15,500 GRT
U 129	1 destroyer
U 545	1 ship	6,000 GRT
	3 ships	torpedoed
U 744	1 ship	torpedoed.

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31.December 1943.

I.	U 92	-	Op(AL 81)	U 311	-	Op(AL 81)	U 541	-	Op(BE 8173)	U 741	-	Op(AL 12)
	103	-	AE 72	343	-	BF 78	543	-	BC 46	744	-	Op(AL 1136)
	107	-	BE 92	364	-	Op(AL 26)	544	-	Op(AL 78)	757	-	BF 83
	129	-	Op(DC 2249)	377	-	Op(BE 58)	545	-	Op(AL 1228)	758	-	Op(BE 82)
	155	-	BF 58	382	-	Op(BE 82)	547	-	AF 73	762	-	BF 45
	178	-	Op(LC)	386	-	BF 83	618	-	BF 44	763	-	Op(AL 19)
	190	-	CF 91	390	-	Op(AL 19)	625	-	BE 37	801	-	Op(BE 73)
	193	-	Op(DA)	392	-	Op(AL 52)	629	-	BE 59	846	-	Op(AL 57)
	219	-	BF 95	415	-	BE 93	641	-	Op(BE 58)	952	-	CG 77
	231	-	BF 75	421	-	BF 44	645	-	Op(BE 81)	953	-	BF 75
	260	-	Op(AL 78)	445	-	BF 83	650	-	BF 83	960	-	Op(AL 19)
	270	-	Op(BE 81)	471	-	Op(AL 52)	653	-	Op(AL 97)	972	-	Op(AL 26)
	275	-	Op(BE 82)	505	-	BF 44	666	-	BE 61	976	-	Op(AL 87)
	302	-	Op(AL 55)	510	-	GQ 57	667	-	BE 93	981	-	Op(AL 26)
	305	-	Op(BE 81)	515	-	ES 22	672	-	Op(AL 78)	984	-	AO 47
	309	-	Op(AL 98)	516	-	DQ 7851	731	-	Op(AL 97)	985	-	AO 47
				530	-	Op(EL)

	On Return Passage: U 103 - 107 - 155 - 190 - 219 - 415 - 421 - 505 - 515 - 516 - 618 - 625 - 629 - 667.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Target expected north-bound Gibraltar convoy.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 545 reported observing sinking of steamer torpedoed on 30.12, and one destroyer sunk in AL 1248.
		2)	U 541 reported destroyer sunk in BE 8181.
	b)	None.
	c)	English units located in BE 81 - BE 62 - BF 32/44.
	d)	None.

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IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 763 - 960 - 544 have been detailed as weather boats and will report weather twice daily from following areas:
			U 763 top half of AK 20
			U 960 from area contained by points AK 5541, 5563, 8577, 8699.
			U 544 from middle and right third of BD 50.
			U 260 will replace U 544 in "Ruegen 6".
			U 360 to remain in previous position as single boat.
		2)	U 270 - 801 - 305 sighted star-shell between 0007 and 0022. Obviously the same star-shell was concerned in each case. Group remained in patrol line, as star-shell was not sufficient evidence for operation.
	b) -	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 545 1 destroyer
	U 541 1 destroyer.















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