O.K.M. - 1.SKL

Daily Situation Report

1-31 March 1945

PG31752

These records were made available by Aaron S. Hamilton

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   01.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1278 (Müller-Bethke) received operations area sea area depth 60 nm around BF 1639.  If there are too few opportunities here, penetration to the NE or E.   b) Operations area U-399 (Buhse) between Landsend and Quessant,  Focal point initially center of the Channel.  If this area is unfavorable, boat should go along the English coast to the east.  Limit latitude of Brighton.   c) Alderney reports:  From AB 15.30 - in 45° several detonations at intervals of about 1 minute.  In the same direction circling aircraft, suspect U-boat hunt.  01.15 hours depth charges in northerly direction.  Each one English circular saw reported 18.30 and 20.52 hours.  Contact in Devonport area.  09.00 hours locating and attack preparations in BF 2616.   d) U-242 (Riedel), U-1024 (Gutteck) Horten departed for Kristiansand       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                       B.d.U. Situation Report       783
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   02.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1064 (Schneidewind) reports beginning return transit from probably AM 75 or 79. Sank up to 25000 GRT.  Operations area was North Channel and Irish Sea.  Start of return transit is not clear because the boat still had 4-6 torpedoes and 80-100 cbm fuel oil, probably due to damage.   b) From B-Dienst report 27 February 10.13 hours naval square BF 2511 steamer torpedoed, afterwards U-boat hunt.   c) U-1172 (Kuhlmann) now 70 days at sea, arrival is expected any day.  By plotting has begun return transit:  U-1208 (Hagen) from the Channel, U-1058 (Bruder), U-1203 (Seeger) from the Irish Sea.   d) U 2321 (Barschkies, 3rd type III boat) on 27 February departed Kiel for Horten.   e) U-868 (Turre) had given over all but 80 cbm fuel oil at fortress.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-995 reported position from AC 8850, no traffic except for patrol vessels,  Fuel oil inventory 20 cbm.  Boat was ordered to return with U-318, because fuel oil inventory is insufficient for operation against suspected nest PQ convoy.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    Loss of U-676 is accepted with certainty.  Boat was ordered to return on 27 February several times and should have arrived yesterday in Danzig.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       784
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   03.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1023 (Schröteler), U-530 (Wermuth) arrived Kristiansand.   b) Operations area:  U-953 (Werner) Channel, focal point Cherbourg and Le Harve; U-1003 (Strübing) North Channel, initial attack area at Inishtrahull and Rathlin.  If here is unfavorable, free to penetrate into the Irish Sea.   c) Passing report:  U-315 (Zeller) AM 4575.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From B-Dienst report Russian flying boat received at 16.20 hours follow-on orders after attack on U-boat east of Kildin, to take prisoners.  Murmansk boats receive orders, to report position.  All 3 U-boats reported.  U-995 reports additionally:  in AC 8858 stationary search group, English escort boat sunk.   Return transit of U-318 was on hold because the boat still has 42 cbm fuel oil and provisiond until 23 March.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       785
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   04.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-2322 (Heckel, second type XXIII boat) 3 March arrived Stavanger.  Sank 6000 GRT in AN 5154.  Missed shots on freighter in 5143.  Torpedo due to low shooting range torpedo apparently had still not steered.   b) U-1064 (Schneidewind) gave situation report:  On 21 February in Clyde entrance sank 3 steamers of 17000 GRT.  Position AM 81.  Outbound route:  AM 5289, Tory, Inishtrahull, 5397, 6179, 6437, 6541.  Mine area not observed.  Operation until exhaustion of supplies as weather boat in AK 03.  Therefore Short Signal concerning sinking was misconstrued   c) Radio Station Holyhead reports:  18.12 hours "KING EDGAR" (4536 GRT) sunk in unknown location.  Both tugs connected to "NOVAALI (3204 GRT).  19.00 hours both ships sunk.  (U-boat success assumed).   d) U-1233 (Kuhn) reported return transit from BD 1770.  Only has sound bearing in CB 11. CA 35, BA 99.  Sea damage on outbound transit:  anti-aircraft weapons, air search periscope.  In operations area Echolot.   e) U-963 (Wentz) reported arrival Trondheim.  Departures:  U-774 (Sausmikat), U-321 (Behrends), 1 March, U-858 (Bode) 2 March Kiel.  U-1202 (Thompsen) Bergen, U-1024 (Gutteck), U-530 (Lange) Kristiansand for patrol.  U-1023 (Strenger), U-249 (Kock) snorkel transit to Bergen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-668 departed Narvik, transit to operations are on the Murmansk coast.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       786
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   05.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-244 (Fischer) gave situation report from the Channel:  Boat torpedoed a 7000 tonner, heavy supply traffic for Seine and Cherbourg only by night.  Little day traffic.  Day traffic observed 24412 and 3256.  Convoys weakly protected, very heavy air.  Many foggy days.  Boat positioned AM 02.   b) From short report U-1017 (Riecken), which entered Trondheim on 2 March:  Heavy traffic on the south coast of England, slight defense.  Crew felt superior to English defense.  (B.d.U. supplemental:  In the last period intense U-boat hunt in the Channel determined from B-Dienst.   c) Departure:  U-1063 (Stefan) from Kiel.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From B-Dienst 14.30 hours sighting of a German U-boat was reported in AC 8853.  Russian S-boat and aircraft tasked for U-boat hunt.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       787
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   06.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-681 (Gebauer) reports from AM 73:  Zaunkönig on patrol vessel, detonation after 9 minutes 24 seconds.   b) 6 March 03.10 hours aircraft report to Gibraltar:  Detection, suspect U-boat in CG 9576, attack preparations, and at 03.32 hours continuing search.  18th Group aircraft reports 22.35 hours: Attack in AC 4435 (possibly U-1232 (Dobratz).   c) Departures:  U-326 (Matthes), U-778 (Jüres) Kristiansand, U-965 (Unverzagt) Trondheim,  U-1001 (Blaudow), U-518 (Offermann) Kiel.   d) U-195 (Steinfeld) 4 March arrived Jakarta.  Further to Surabaya on 5 March scheduled.  Boat supplied U-532 (Junker) on 8 February in JA 6931.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Deployment in operations area off Murmansk coast:  U-668 (snorkel boat) east of AC 8855, U-310 and U-318 west therefrom.  U-995 arrived Narvik from operations area.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       788
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   07.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-246 (Raabe) reports from AM 4314 vigorous practiced U-boat hunt in AN 1113.  On 27 February reversal shot miss on corvette.   b) From B-Dienst report on 6 March at 14.30 hours "EMPIRE GERRANIT" suspect "EMPIRE GRANIT", 8028 GRT torpedoed in AM 9851.  Requested assistance.     In the same area at 15.55 hours English U-boat hunting vessel reported:  Will be with you at 16.00 hours request details of attack.  And at 16.15 hours:  At 14.35 hours in 100°, 2 nm from St. Gowern [Gowan?] Lightship:  Attack target from the right, gear out of service.   c) U-963 (Wentz) arrived on 6 March 10.30 hours from 8th patrol in Trondheim.  U-2321 (Barschkies) arrived Horten.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Nothing to report.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    U-475 reported on request position AO 6139, no traffic.  Boat can remain in operations area until 21 March.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       789
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   08.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1279 (Falke) was given freedom to penetrate to the east if operating in the area off Gibraltar.   b) As operations area received:  U-722 (Reimers) Herbrides between 56°30'N and 57°40'N, possibly corner AM 3790.  If after 10 days no traffic observed, go on own initiative to the south, in North Channel or Irish Sea.  U-714 (Schwebcke) free to maneuver between mine warning area and east coast of England from AN 0180 to 5869, focal point northern half.     U-778 (Jüres) Firth of Morray, If after long observation there is no opportunity go on the convoy route to the south to latitude of AN 5869.  U-1005 (Lauth) area between line connecting AM 8689, 8847, BF 1332, 1237, focal point about AM 8927 off the northern route through the mine warning area.   c) Departures:  U-324 (Edelhoff), U-218 (Stock), U-398 (Cranz) Kiel for Horten.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       790
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   09.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1004 (Hintz) reported from AM 45 the situation in the Channel (literal transcription):     1.)  2 days in operations area, no traffic.     2.)  21 February for BF 25, there daily convoys.  Good listening despite strong stratification.  Strongest surveillance.  Continuous S-gear, also from freighters, was not detected.  Diving depth immaterial, Asdic similar to sounding, when overrun explosive sounding.  Silent running 5 meters above the bottom.  Best depth charges, clear to dive with limitations.     3.)  Racket tones at times suddenly with Volume 3, roaring Volume.  No buoy sightings.  In most cases a short time later patrol vessels with listening, locating , depth charges.     4.)  Patrol vessels on stopping, saw switched on or off, apparently can be throttled, suddenly depth charges, boat not detected.      Successes:  22 February naval square BF 2289 from convoy:             a)  3000 GRT sunk,             b)  on convoy formation hit:                  13.29 hours Zaunkönig 2 minutes, after 8 minutes loud sinking sounds.                  13.31 hours Lut 11 minutes 43 seconds, 13 minutes 46 seconds detonations, loud sinking sounds in the direction of the Lut hit, suspect boiler explosion.  Both each 5000 tons.  Return transit.     B.d.U. supplement:  From B-Dienst on this day at the same time a convoy ship (possibly 3000 tonner) and suspected 2 ships sunk.   b) U-1002 (Boos) gave from AM 43 passing report and medium defenses and surveillance.   c) U-326 (Matthes) had broken off patrol due to failure of rudder motor and circulating ventilation, U-805 (Bernadelli) due to snorkel failure.   d) Operations area received:     U-1002 (Boos) Channel. U-296 (Rasch) Firth of Clyde.  If there is no traffic there Irish Sea is optional.  U-1021 (Holpert) area around Landsend from BF 2251 to 2371, focal point 2198.     U-681 (Gebauer) area between Scilly's and Quessant.  First attempt Channel center, if not worthwhile enough go to the south English coast to the east, limit longitude of Brightom.     U-866 (Rogowski) area off Halifax, U-857 (Premauer) area of Cape Hatteras.  If no traffic there, go along the coast   e) English report:  10.55 hours torpedoed by U-boat, 11.32 hours garbled message from "AMUSEMENT" sailing from overseas territory to Portsmouth indicated that ship 53 was hit on the starboard side, sinking.  From previous determination this is probably [illegible word] ship.     Many reports concerning U-boat locating and sightings from the area.     To the torpedo report from 7 March in AM 9843 from 8 March large beams drifting off Milford Haven were reported as a hazard to navigation.     B.d.U. supplement:  Suspect that the torpedoed ship had sunk.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       791
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   10.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) Operations areas received:     U-1169 (Goldbeck) Channel, U-260 (Becker), U-246 (Raabe) Irish Sea, U-1064 (Schneidewind) weather reporting area with depth 300 nm around AL 4120.   b) Departures:     U-580 (Offermann), U-826 (Lübcke), U-2321 (Barschkies) Horten for Kristiansand.  Arrivals:  U-858 (Bode), U-774 (Sousmikat), U-321 (Behrendsen), U-1063 (Stephan) Horten, U-1023 (Strenger) Bergen.   c) U-1058 (Bruder) reports:  20 February 1 freighter 9000 GRT in AM 9243.  My position AL 36. [handwritten entry difficult to read]       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       792
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   11.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1195 (Cordes) gave passing report from AM 0196.  All passing reports in the last period show that boats are proceeding slower than expected, suspect due to bad weather.   b) A subsequently decoded report from 23 December at 16.49 hours gave that English units in Portsmouth area that ship sinking over the bow was identified as "GRETAFIELD" (tanker 10191 GRT).  B.d.U. supplemental:  U-boat success of the lost boats U-322 (Wysk) or U-772 (Rademacher) assumed because such a large and seaworthy ship could not have sunk from sea damage but instead only by several torpedo hits.  Both boats were in this sea area from 23-28 February 4 further ships were torpedoed from B-Dienst reports (are credited).   c) 20.10 hours an English unit reported to Gibraltar:  Have contact in 35°. . . N, 06° . . .W attacking.   d) Departures:     U-826 (Lübcke) Kristiansand for patrol, U-1001 (Blaudow), U-774 (Sausmikat) Horten for Kristiansand, U-546 (Just), U-881 (Frischke) and U-1109 (Riesen) Kiel for Horten.     Arrivals:  U-581 (Offermann), U-2321 (Barschkies) Kristiansand.  U-326 (Matthes) Stavanger.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    No information concerning the arrival of expected PQ convoy.  U-363 and U-294 (ready for operations) on transfer cruise to Narvik.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    U-475 reported return transit to Danzig for supply intended 15 March.  7 weeks in operations area (northwest to southwest from Dagö) no traffic, desolate solitude.  After supply the boat immediately returns to the operations area, replacement boat in Danzig still not ready for operations due to delays.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       793
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	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   12.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-244 (Fischer) reported arrival 36 hours off Bergen.  U-2321 (Barschkies). U-1001 (Blaudow) departed Kristiansand.   b) U-483 (Morstein) has begun return transit from the northern part of the Irish Sea.  In AM 6841 rammed while snorkeling, snorkel lost, attack periscope bent, leaks.  Limited ability to dive.  Position AM 8275 (suspect 3275 not entirely clear).       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland: Nothing to report.        3.) Homeland:   Aircraft attack on Kiel and Hamburg 11 March:   Kiel shipyards no particular damage, 2 U-boats lightly damaged.   Hamburg:  U-682 in floating dock hit at the level of the diesel room (total loss), floating dock sunk.  U-1201 in dock direct hit, sunk on its side, lies down by the stern.  In this dock were U-2502 and 2503.  Damage to the boats is unknown.  Personnel casualties 1 man missing.  U-boat base Finkenwärder no damage, Tollerrort light damage.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       794
	- 12 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   13.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-907 (Cabolet) reported arrival 48 hours off Kristiansand.   b) U-776 (Martin) departed Kiel, U-518 (Offermann), U-1063 (Stephan) from Kristiansand for patrol; U-774 (Sausmikat) departed Stavanger for Bergen, U-858 for Kristiansand.   c) U-260 (Becker) reports 18.50 hours from AM 8883:  Mine hit at depth 80 meters, not clear to dive, heading for the coast.  Kommandant received instructions that if diving capability cannot be restored sink unseen; or if limited capability to dive can be restored go to St. Nazaire.  22.30 hours the boat reported that the boat will be sunk unseen after destruction classified information, the crew will go to Ireland.   d) U-1005 (Lauth) received freedom to maneuver in the Irish Sea.   e) Alderney reported 17.55 hours in 30 to 60 very far off 3 dull detonations, interval each 1/2 minute.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-307, U-312, U-363, U-716, U-968 and U-997 departed Narvik for deployment against expected PQ west of Bare Narrows.  U-995 (non-snorkeler) departed Narvik for deployment off Kola Bay.       3.) Gulf of Finland:      U-475 reported in direction of Gotskasandoe 3 heavy detonations and for days continuous sound bearings.  Boat is proceeding on return transit via 5386 for a closer examination of continuous sound bearings.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       795
	- 13 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   14.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-249 (Kock) reports return transit by Short Signal, limited diving capability.  18 hours off Bergen convoy intake point.   b) U-1195 (Cordes) received freedom to maneuver (had first conducted successful patrol in Channel)   c) U-1064 (Schneidewind) weather boat will begin return transit 25 March.   d) U-858 (Bode) departed Kristiansand for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From B-Dienst departure of PQ convoy assumed.  Yesterday about same situation as with preceding on 6 February (exactly 5 weeks previously).  By this convoy position 14 March about in AF 16.  Air reconnaissance from 14 March requested.  2 FW 200 launched tonight broke off from reached reconnaissance area due to radar failure.   From Harstadt U-711 and U-992 departed.  7 outbound snorkel boats occupy by 15 March 24.00 hours patrol line from AB 6513 to AB 6825.  Remaining boats proceed directly off Kola Bay.  Departure of 2 further boats is still expected.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    U-475 reports:  pursued sound bearing AO 2971 to 2887.  There Swedish destroyer "ROMULUS" back and forth in position between Hufvadskaer and Almagrundet.  Heard from over 50 nm.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       794
	- 14 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   15.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-774 (Sausmikat), U-880 (Schötzau) departed Bergen, U-326 (Matthes) from Stavanger, U-1106 (Bartke) from Kiel for patrol.   b) U-1002 (Boos) reports position from AM 49.  Patrol interrupted due to failure of port super charger clutch, starboard super charger clutch damaged.  Snorkel limitedly operable, attack periscope out of service.  Moving off to the SW for repairs, can still continue.   c) U-1203 (Seeger) reported situation from AM 48, return transit.  In operations area south of Ireland, and off west exit of the Channel no traffic.  In west exit sunk:  BF 2811 1 ship of 5000 GRT, BF 2542 from convoy torpedoed 1 Liberty ship, 1 corvette.  Due to darkness no observations.  In 2432 1 destroyer sunk.   d) U-1104 (Perleberg) has begun return transit from operations area and successes achieved.  Radio Message was still garbled.   e) 11.19 hours U-boat located in 51°44' North.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Convoy not detected up to now.  New air reconnaissance with FW 200 in area AF 22, AB 87, AE 69 and AF 71 for today is scheduled.  U-992 has not departed due to failure of cooling water pump and compass installation.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    U-475 began return transit.  Therefore there are no further boats in the operations area.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       797
	- 15 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   16.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-874 (IX-D boat, Petersen) departed Kiel, U-764 (v.Bremen) from Bergen, U-321 from Horten.  U-249, U-907 arrived Bergen.   b) From B-Dienst report 14 and 15 March U-boat located and repeated tactical Radio Messages in the Gibraltar area (U-869 possible).   c) U-1104 (Perleberg) reported return transit from AM 3517.  Boat could not approach an aircraft carrier in and 2 small convoys in square AM 3689, on 3rd small convoy in 3823 torpedo failure.  Probably sunk from 4th small convoy in 3689 1 freighter 7000 GRT, 1 tanker 3000 GRT.  U-965 (Unverzagt) occupies the same operations area.   d) U-775 (Taschenmacher) gave heavily garbled situation report from the Irish Sea.  Gathered from this:  Many air, strong patrolling, after shooting a few good depth charges, damage to boat.  Sank apparently 1 freighter 6000 GRT, 3000 GRT torpedoes, further success possible.  Position apparently AM 4769.     Adm.z.b.V. supplement:  Position corresponds to return transit for 51 days.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Air not launched yesterday due to weather conditions. Accordingly PQ was now expected 16 March between about AB 6150 and 6450.  Boats in patrol line must have been passed this evening.  Air reconnaissance requested in area AB 8915 - 8127 - 6175 - 9227.  Experience shows that before contact with the enemy no precise radio reconnaissance results can be expected because they proceed largely in radio silence.   U-313 departed 15 March evening, transit to the Kola Estuary.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       798
	- 16 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   17.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-321 (Behrends) departed Kristiansand for patrol.   b) From Dienst report 08.23 hours 1 ship, 09.20 hours a convoy were attacked in AM 3796 (U-772).  B.d.U. supplemental:  Experience has shown that the type of report suggests that attack was carried out, so it has clashed with the enemy.     19.10 hours a U-boat was attacked in AM 3813 (U-965?).     Both boats received orders to report as soon as possible, if they passed the expected PQ convoy, which is important for the operation of Norwegian Sea boats.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    a) Air has surveyed reconnaissance area with radar and visually with gaps without results.  New air reconnaissance for night 16/17 March south of 70 not launched due to weather conditions.  Patrol line (group "Hagen") remains in position initially, shift delay of the PQ convoy by 2 days is possible.  By radio operations still always English units in the area of Scotland - Faroes or south of the Norwegian Sea.  English land stations gave these units 13 March several Radio Messages, additionally new very urgent Radio Messages to Murmansk.   b) U-995 occupies operations area east of AC 8869.  U-992 departed Harstadt for Kola Bay.  U-294 (on transfer cruise Bergen - Narvik) reported arrival Trondheim due to snorkel breakdown       3.) Gulf of Finland:    U-475 entered Danzig.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       771
	- 17 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   18.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) Departures:  U-2511 (Schnee) first type XXI boat, U-1302 (Christophersen) Kiel, U-546 (Just) Horten for patrol.  U-907 Kristiansand and . . . . Stavanger for Bergen.   b) Operations area:     U-879 (Cape Hatteras), U-190  Halifax.   c) From Dienst report English unit received a mine hit at 23.00 hours in Portsmouth area, needs assistance.  U-boat success assumed.   d) From enemy broadcast U-300 was lost off Gibraltar.  42 men captured 7 fallen among them the Kommandant.  From further broadcast crew from U-260 at Galley Head came ashore as shipwrecked.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From Dienst report formation (PQ convoy?) 17 March passed Bare Island early.  Escort units ran out of Murmansk to meet.  Up to now air reconnaissance thus too far south, nothing detected.  Group "Hagen" 17 March 09.00 hours received orders to head for AC 88 at high transit speed.  Murmansk boats shift focal until arrival of group Hagen about 18 March 24.00 hours AC 8850.  Afterwards distribution of all boats (a total of 13 boats) in individual squares off Persamo to east of Kildin.  Main area for snorkel boats off Kola Estuary.  On 17 March morning launched air reconnaissance no success reported.  Further in operations area:  light winds, clear, good visibility.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       800
	- 18 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   19.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-853 (Frömadorf) passing report from AK 92.   b) U-868 (Turre) departed St. Nazaire 14 March, 35 tons non-ferrous metals.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    a) Convoy by radio conference with F.d.U. Nordmeer yesterday in the Barents Sea.  This time maintains remarkable radio silence, no carrier radio communications. Arrival Murmansk at darkness and from the reverse direction after losses in February assumed.  U-313 reported 20.40 hours multiple vessels in AC 8588.  Since then no reports from boats.   b) Flotillas of F.d.U. Nordmeer were refilled to 40 boats.  Employment of these boats in the Atlantic and according to situation to combat PQ and/or QP convoys.       3.) Gulf of Finland:    Return of all Gulf of Finland boats was ordered.  Further operations are canceled.  If situation requires new operations, deployment at any time is possible.  Boats were to be prepared for Atlantic and/or Norwegian Sea operations.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       801
	- 19 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   20.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-875 (Preuss, IX-D-Boat), U-1010 (Strauch) departed Kiel, U-218, 1109, 881 Horten.  U-878 (Rodig) arrived Nazaire, U-546 (Just) Kristiansand.   b) U-1004 (Hinz) located at Hellisøy, requests escort.  U-326 (Matthes) began return transit, limited ability to dove, was already plotted in AF 7120.  U-1104 (Perleberg) reported arrival.  Boat positioned 36 or 24 hours off Hellisøy   c) U-242 (Riedel) passing report from AM 46.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    a) No reports from the convoy.  Russian flying boat reported 13.08 hours attack on U-boat in AC 8832.  Afterwards U-boat hunt by 2 aircraft with aircraft bombs in same square.  About 13.00 hours observed strikingly animated, urgent Radio Messages sent to Russian warships in the Norwegian Sea, and lively use of  Russian reconnaissance and fighter aircraft possibly related to a U-boat sighting.   b) U-318 (in operations area for 7 weeks) was ordered to proceed immediately to AC 7198 to explore possible English destroyer and vessels which may be there.  Attack free.  Details about this still not known.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       802
	- 20 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   21.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1005 (Lauth) reports at intake point off Bergen had been plotted since 14 March in the Irish Sea, however can not have been positioned in the operations area.  Meanwhile U-1004 (Hinz) arrived Bergen.  U-1235 (Barsch), U-764 (v.Bremen) departed Bergen 19 March.   b) U-548 (Krempl) passing report from AL 22.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Yesterday convoy from B-Dienst report details was suspected to still be in the Barents Sea, arrival expected 20 March in the opinion of F.d.U. Nordmeer.  In the morning bearings were taken in an English aircraft carrier in Barents Sea and further, afternoon up to 7 carrier aircraft and a further 4 fast aircraft were determined by enemy traffic in Kola Bay at U-boat hunt   U-boats were again informed of a possible convoy breakthrough on 20 March.  PQ convoy entered in the afternoon according to night inbound messages.   U-968 reported from convoy afternoon in 8867.  1 destroyer, 1 Liberty ship sunk, 1 further Liberty ship torpedoed.  Many depth charges.  Convoy minimum of 19 ships with heavy sea and carrier air and saw destroyers ran in via 8865.   U-313 reported:  12.32 hours in 8856 three-Fat  on Liberty column, detonation after 3 minutes 30 seconds, 3 minutes 32 seconds and 7 minutes.  Sinking of 3 Liberty freighters was accepted here.    Group "Hagen" received orders, if no other indications at high speed search in fan to the north of Kola for assumed carrier.  Main direction from the north up to 60°N.  Not north of 71°N.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       803
	- 21 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   22.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) Departures:  U-325 (Dohrn) Trondheim, U-249 (Kock) Bergen, U-881 (Frischke), U-546 (Just) Kristiansand for patrol.  U-873 (Steinhoff), U-1106 (Bartke) Horten for Kristiansand.   b) U-326 (Matthes) due to breakdown of forward diving plane and port diesel clutch, U-1104 (Perleberg) arrived Bergen from patrol.   c) From short report must U-1005 (Lauth) had to return after running aground on St. Kilda due to damage.  Because he was still ready for limited operations went off the North Minch.  Sank:  An 1542 1 escort destroyer.  After about 1 week final return transit due to breakdown of forward diving plane.  Situation AN 1541.42 contrary to previous reports of the boats relatively heavy traffic, daily small convoys of 2 ships under 2000 GRT with 1-2 escorts in both directions, twice convoys of large ships.             2.) Norwegian Sea:    a) Further successes against PQ convoy:     U-995 (Hess) 20 March 09.10 hours in AC 8947 steamer 8000 BRT sunk, 2 further ships torpedoed, out of torpedoes.  Cylinder and exhaust breakdown.  Boat ordered to return.     U-716 20 March 10.14 hours destroyer "GROSNY" type sunk.   b) Group "Hagen" received orders,to be at old positions off Kola Estuary at noon today, because departure of return convoy is expected before 23 March.   c) U-997 reported return transit, water intake diesel air intake head valve and snorkel drain by depth charges, limited diving capability.     U-294 on transfer cruise Bergen - Narvik reported arrival Westfjord.       B B-Dienst reports:   1.) Channel:  21 March 04.55 hours Escort Commander reports northbound convoy:  Attack in BF xxx.  (Attacked after previous hit.  Attacked by U-boat)   2.) From 15.00-16.00 hours urgent Radio Messages sent and contact by units in Devonport area.   3.) Cherbourg disseminates 10.50 hours:  Enemy course 250 (or xxx), BF 3525.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       804
	- 22 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   23.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-218 (Stock), U-1106 (Bartke), U-1109 (von Riesen) departed Kristiansand for patrol.   b) U-321 (Behrendes) passing report from AN 1329.  In AN 14 medium surveillance.   c) U-483 (Morstein) position from AE 6684.   d) From B-Dienst report 21 March 15.40 hours BF 2296 1 steamer torpedoes, abandoned by crew.  Believed to be set on the beach.   e) U-2102 (Thompsen) passing report from BE 6118.  21 March from eastbound convoy in BE 3446 sank a destroyer A-J Class, three-fan on auxiliary aircraft carrier.  2 hits, sinking sounds, probably sunk.  After 45 minutes at periscope depth nothing seen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Departing QP convoy was expected today.  U-312 (V. Gaza) return transit due to gyro-compass breakdown, magnetic compass faltering.  U-307 (Krüger) reports heavy water intake via exhaust gas valve.  High lubricating oil loss at vibration damper.  Boat remains for now in operations area.  U-318 (Will) reported arrival,  Boat was withdrawn to search for suspected English destroyers and vessels at the north coast of Söröy Island without success.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       805
	- 23 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   24.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1202 (Thomsen, previously on approach to Gibraltar) has only 6 torpedoes, therefore free to maneuver in the entire sea area at England.   b) U-880, U-518, U-858, U-805, U-1235 have objective BD 60 right edge through the Iceland Passage.  Same objective U-881, U-546, via AM 32.  Intention:  Boats to run on England-America convoy route (Great Circle) in reconnaissance line.   c) U-324 (Edelhoff), U-776 (Martin) departed Kristiansand for patrol.   d) U-764 arrived Bergen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Heightened air and patrol activity and Radio Message traffic on 23 March allows suspicion of early departure of QP convoy.  Otherwise no reports from the boats.  U-997 arrived Harstadt.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       806
	- 24 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   25.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -                                    B.d.U.Op. - F I - Krokodil.
	1.) Atlantic:    a) Departures from Kiel:  U-234 (Fehler) X-B-Boat, U-1107 (Parduhn), U-1274 (Kuscher),    U-516 (Petran), U-249 (Kock) arrived Bergen to give over wounded and repair light damage after aircraft attack.  Mosquito shot down.  Flier prisoner.   b) U-778 (Jürs) reported position from AN 4621.  11 days in operations area Morrey Firth - Peterhead.  No traffic determined.  Always surveillance, also air, continual depth charges, Snorkel undisturbed under the coast, return transit due to G.H.G. failure.  Return harbor Bergen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    a) QP-convoy apparently departed in the night of 23/24.  It was first reported due to heavy U-boat hunt by air, destroyers, patrol vessels and S-boats on 23 March in the evening, U-313 on 23 March 23.00 hours in AC 8250 broad sound band .  Suspect QP departed on NE course.  S 3, snow, Vis. 2 nm.  U-968 24 March 03.20 hours in AC 8835 2 auxiliary carriers, 12 destroyers from Kola, course 30°, 15 knots.  Martlette and Swordfish.  Only approached to 8000 meters.  Caution for S-boats under the coast.  U-668 yesterday at midnight depth charges by S-boats.  QP apparently ran over me in 8861.     Group "Hagen" received orders after passing of return convoy.  immediately set off to Bären Narrows, highest speed.  Deployment in patrol line from AB 6355 to 6922.  Own air operation is anticipated.  Presumably 9 boats in patrol line.  Boats received orders when setting off for patrol line to report situation or position.   b) U-310 reported return transit due to exhaustion of combat strength.  Boat was positioned in operations area 7 weeks, U-995 arrived Harstadt.  U-312 departed Harstadt, transit to patrol line.
	- 25 -

 

The daily reports for 26 and 27 March are missing

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   28.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  to distribution. Teletype from..................................................................................................
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1233 (Kuhn) reports arrival Kristiansand.   b) U 1023 (Schrötler) received freedom to maneuver, intention is to be reported at passing report.   c) U-1063 (Stephan) gave passing report from AM 5429.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    Air reconnaissance in AC 72, AB 29, 73 and 89, no contact with convoy.  Passing of convoy at Bären Island early is possible.  Boats probably reached deployment in patrol line too late due to heavy day air.  U-312 reported yesterday morning on 26 March at 07.00 hours in AB 6376 hearing search group on westerly course, (report probably due to strong radio interference was not sent earlier).  U-363 and U-711 on 27 March at 16.00 hours from AB 6730 heard several detonations to the SW, long range.  Intention:  No further pursuit to the west, return transit today.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       810
	- 26 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   29.03.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                                    1.)  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann                                    2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss                                    3.)  Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. F2
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-1206 (Schnitt), U-1301 (Lenkeit), U-901 (Schrenk) departed Kiel, U-326 (Matthes) Bergen.   b) One boat reported arrival, probably U-775 (Tachenmacher).   c) U-979 (Meermeier) arrived Bergen again due to snorkel breakdown.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From QP-convoy no further reports.  3 boats (U-312, U-716 and U-668) from group "Hagen" go to detect coastal traffic off the Murmansk coast and Varanger Fjord.  Remaining boats run in to Narvik.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       811
	- 27 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   30.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss              "                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -.
	1.) Atlantic:    a) U-2326 (Jobst, type XXIII) departed Kiel, U-1107 (Parduhn), U-1305 (Christiansen) Horten.   b) In the last month heavy losses suffered on the coastal routes in the area around England necessitate setting off from the English coast.  Therefore occupy at a depth of 30 nm:  U-325 BE 3531, U-321 BE 3598, U-774 BE 3656, U-1001 BF 1497, U-826 BF 1435, U-1063 BF 1551.   c) Passing reports in Atlantic:  U-880 position unclear.   d) U 324 (Edelhoff) has broken off patrol, both E-motors broken down  position at Hellisøy.  Likewise U-881 (Frischke) due to snorkel breakdown,  U-1203 (Seeger) positioned at intake point off Trondheim.   e) Own air located QP convoy 29 March 13.50 hours in AF 4431, course 200°.  Boats were informed.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-310 arrived in Harstadt from operations area.   From F.d.U. Nordmeer were transfered for Atlantic operations: U-636 (Schndel), U-956 (Mohs), U-739 (Kosnick) and U-293 (Klingspor).  3 boats expected to depart today.  4 boats about on 2 April.                                                                                                       B.d.U. Situation Report       812
	- 28 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ....................................................... Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   31.03.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.                                     Adm.z.V.b.Ob.d.M. - F II -
	1.) Atlantic:    a) From B-Dienst report on 28 March 15.58 hours in Dartmouth area: search for survivors (U-boat success possible).   b) Further B-Dienst report 29 March at 08.22 hours English warship torpedoes 3.5 nm west Longships (BF 2431).   c) Set in yesterday's situation report under b):  U-905 (Schwarting) occupies BE 3531.  U-325 retains current objective.   d) U-1305 (Christiansen), U-1107 (Parduhn) departed Kristiansand.  U-775, U-1203 Trondheim, U-881, 324 arrived Bergen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    By radio traffic English units determined in Barents Sea.  Traffic Murmansk- Petsamo suspected.  U-668 was set on this traffic.  U-312 occupies operations area off Kola Estuary and north of Fischer Peninsula, U-716 east therefrom.   U-363, U-711, U-313 and U-968 arrived in Harstadt from operations.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       813
	- 29 -