U-601 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Hammerfest	16 September 1943	Hammerfest	7 October 1943	22

 

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Ships Hit

None

Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

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				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  601  "
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    G  r  a  u
				7th Patrol
				Beginning:        13 September 1943
				Concluding:      10 October 1943.
			Distribution:     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine 2.Skl/B.d.U. Op Copy No. 3 Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote Norwegen Copy No. 5 Führer der Unterseebootesausbildungsflottille Copy No. 6 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7 13. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8
			Enclosures:     2 Track charts to Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1 Minefield sketch to Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1 track chart of the convoy operation to Copy No. 1, 3, 8, 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log to Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1 Torpedo firing report to Copy No. 3, 4, 8.
				© U-boat Archive 2024  - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		13.09.43
		17.05		"Cast off "HUASCARAN" (Narvik).
		17.20		Made fast "METEOR".
		18.39		Cast off "METEOR" for transit to Tromsö.
		21.30		Pilot taken aboard in Lödingen.
		14.09.43
		00.00		Made fast Harstad, took over fresh provisions.
		02.05		Cast off Harstad.
		08.35		Tromsö, pilot disembarked, made fast Mine Pier, loaded mines.
			Preparations were made for shallow water operations.
		22.25		"U-960" (Heinrich) the same.
		15.09.43	Kommndanten confer on together transit and completion of the task.
		19.20		Outbound Orders by Radio Message.
				Radio Message 1840/1721/729
				"Seemöve" and "Seeschlange" 15 September.
				- F.d.U. -
		20.15		Cast off Tromsö (Mine Pier) with "U-960" (Heinrich) under R.-Boot escort.
			While leaving grounded.  Flood valves port jammed, starboard easier then normal.
		16.09.43
		08.40		Made fast "BLACK WATCH" Hammerfest.
			Examination of the keel and flood valves by a diver of the Minenräumschiff "PARIS".  Except for a few dents nothing found.
		17.30		Cast off from Hammerfest with U-Heinrich under R.-Boot escort.
		17.45		Dived for trim test.
		18.06		Surfaced.
		20.45		Released R.-Boot escort at Point S R 1.
		17.09.43
		00.00	AC 4245
			Wind NE 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 1-3 nm, +9°C, 1003 mb, Gamma 1.027.5/+11°C	[Gamma = specific gravity, second value is water Temp.]

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		17.09.43	Northwest of the North Cape
		02.02		U-Harms sighted.  Recognition Signal exchange.
		04.00	Twilight
		07.05	AC 4924	Drifting mine English old and mossy.
		12.00	AC 5473	Day's run:  173 nm
			E 1-2, 0/10, Sea 1, Swell, Vis. 8-12 nm, +9°C, 998 mb, Gamma 1.027/+10°C
		19.15	Beginning of twilight
		18.09.43	Barents Sea
		00.00	AC 5359
			E 1-2, overcast (fog), Sea 1, Swell, Vis. 500 meters, +4°C, 997 mb, 1.027/8°C
		02.30	Beginning of twilight
		04.10	AC 6127	Drifting mine old and English.
		12.00	AC 3884
			E 2, overcast (fog, rain), Sea 1, Swell, Vis. 1000 meters, +4°C, 995 mb, Gamma 1.027/+6°C
		15.30	AC 3945	Test dive.
		16.43		Surfaced.
		16.45		U-Heinrich in sight.
		18.00	Mid twilight
		19.09.43
		00.00	AT 1492
			E 2, overcast (rain), Sea 2, Vis. 2000 meters, +4°C, 997 mb, Gamma 1.027/+5°C
		01.40	Twilight
		12.00	AT 2184	Day's run:    251 nm
			E 2, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 12-14 nm, +4°C, 1001 mb, Gamma 1.027/+5°C	3 nm
				254 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		19.09.43	Barents Sea
		15.30		Incoming Radio Message 1512/1052/773
				1.)  "Lange" head for AT 3278 for supply.
				2.)  "Grau" and "Heinrich" each 25 cbm fuel and provisions for 10 days from "Brünner".
				3.)  "Brünner" carry out supply of "Lange" for a further 11 days, thereafter "Lange" report inventory by Short Signal.
				- F.d.U. -
		16.03	AT 2246	Test dive.
		16.29		Surfaced.
		18.50	Twilight.
		20.09.43	Northwest of Nowaja Semlja
		00.00	ÄF 8822
			E 3, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 4-6 nm, +0°C, 1005 mb, Gamma 1.027/+3°C
		00.20	Twilight
		01.50		U-Heinrich suddenly disappeared.
		02.30		Came about.  U-Heinrich met again.
			He thought he saw an enemy and dived.
		12.00	AT 3318	Day's run:  251.5 nm
			E 2, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm, -1°C, 1009 mb, Gamma 1.016/+2.5°C	1.5 nm
				253 nm
		17.45	AT 3278	Enemy patrol vessel in sight.
			It might have been something else, perhaps an iceberg. Before I shoot a friend or let myself be shot I put the boat on the bottom at depth 60 meters.  No sound bearings except for U-Heinrich.
		18.00	Beginning of twilight.
		21.09.43	Kara Sea
		00.30	Twilight.
		02.40	AT 3278	Surfaced.
			S 3, 0/10, Sea 1, Vis. 14 nm, -1.5°C, 1009 mb, Gamma 1.016/+2°C

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		21.09.43	Kara Sea	Base 1
		04.10		Anchored Berth 1
			U-Brünner (703) and U-Lange (711) lie there, U-Heinrich (960) comes in.  4 U-boats in a bay of Nowaja Semlja, truly a strong picture of German Sea power.  Provisions and fuel transfer to "Lange" (U-711).
		11.00		Radio Message 1027/0927/710
				- Wiking, Brünner, Grau -
				20 September 17.40 hours convoy of 7 vessels, 4 mine searchers passes "Kap Greben" on an easterly course.
				- F.d.U. -
			Kommandanten hold a briefing.  Arranged further transit with Heinrich.  Unfortunately the convoy is not for us.  Possibly we can still meet it after the mine task.
		12.00	AT 3278	Day's run:  62 nm
			SSE 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 12-15 nm, +0°C, 1008 mb, Gamma 1.025.5/+2.5°C
		16.00		Weighed anchor got under way.
		16.25	AT 3279	Test dive.
		16.47	Surfaced.  Together transit with U-Heinrich.  Our course is set so that it leads through areas where I suspect no Russian flank minefields.
		17.50	Twilight.
		18.25		Incoming Radio Message 1813/1739/718
				- Lange -
				Return transit to Hammerfest, supply only as necessary.
				- F.d.U. -
		18.55		Incoming Radio Message 1842/2009/720 sz sz
				Have been supplied. Still have 50-60 cbm, Bely Island (about 73°15'N, 70°30'E).
				- Lange -
		22.00		Incoming Radio Message 2142/723 sz sz
				Going temporarily to square AS 40.
				- Brünner -
		22.09.43	Kara Sea
		00.00	AT 3916
			SSE 3, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm, +0°C, 1010 mb, Gamma 1.018/+3°C

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		22.09.43	Kara Sea
		00.20	Beginning of twilight
		07.25		Incoming Radio Message 0713/0519/730
				- Brünner -
				1.)  Short Signal garbled, by which Lange set off with 74 cbm from the landing place to AS 40.
				2.)  Report the smallest ice distance with a bearing to the Cape Jelasnija in sm, if less than 60 nm.
		12.00	AS 4249	Day's run:    210 nm
			SE 3-4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. 8-10 nm, -1.5°C, 1008 mb, Gamma 1.020/+2°C	1.5 nm
				211.5 nm
		13.15		Incoming Radio Message 1258/1151/735
				-  Group Wiking -
				1.)  Reported convoy not worth interference with the task.  Grau:  In AS 40 do not let oneself be seen if operating on it.
				2.)  Brünner ice reconnaissance north of Nowaja Semlja is more important.
				3.)  Lange return transit latest 23 September not Hammerfest, instead Andfjord - Narvik.
				- F.d.U. -
		13.15	AS 4258	U-Heinrich  E.P.     [E.P not understood. possibly E.S. Recognition Signals exchanged]]
		16.40	Twilight
		20.30	AS 4299                                   Put the boat on the bottom.  The visibility is 1000 meters and the mines cannot be laid.
		23.09.43
		00.20	Twilight.
		05.35		Surfaced.
		05.55		U-Heinrich seen.  Navigation comparison.
			Recognition Signals exchanged.  Our position is not completely clear to me.  With 2 legs across the Jenissej, I get an approximate location by sounding series.
		12.00	AS 4285	Day's run:     68 nm
			NE 1-2, overcast (fog), Sea 1, Vis. 300 nm, +2°C, 1003 mb, Gamma 1.018/+2°C	0.5 nm
				68.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		23.09.43	Kara Sea
		15.33	The fog breaks up.  Vern Beacon seen.  Took bearings. The fog curtain is closing.  Despite this ran towards the objective.
		16.40	Twilight
		16.45		Incoming Radio Message 1602/1513/744
				- Group Grau -
				Kentmann reported that Russian vessels are only allowed to depart Jenissej with escort.  In addition to own minefields also Russian are possible.  Before completing task appropriate observation.  Keep emergency message ready.
				- F.d.U. -
			We are positioned at the entrance.
		17.33		First mine deployed.
		19.23		Last mine deployed.
			The accuracy of the first 15 mines amounts to 300 meters.  The last series lies with 2000-meter accuracy, both in east-west direction.  The accuracy to the north and south was better than 200 meters.
			50 meters ahead of the southeast corner of Vern Island,  Turned away.  Out!
			The plotted ship's position before the laying of the first mine was checked by sounding and aural bearings on the buoy at Eklips Bank.
			The mine deployment itself went smoothly.  Off the entrance a steamer gave fog signals.  When we were finished deploying nothing more was heard.  As usual, the 24 mines gave the greatest trouble when loading (50 minutes).  It is suggested to give the boats five instead of four torpedoes and so have 3 less mines.  This is a psychological matter.  No Kommandant and no crew goes to sea without torpedoes in the tubes.  This would fix the reloading difficulties.
			There is a chance the "QUEEN MARY" or the "JOSEPH STALIN" could be on the way!
		23.00	AS 4298
			S 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 100-250 meters, +3°C, 1003 mb, Gamma 1.023/+2°C
		23.25		Dived, put the boat on the bottom.
		24.09.43
		00.30	Beginning of twilight
		08.23		Surfaced.
		12.00	AS 4259	Day's run:     89 nm
			ESE 3, overcast (fog), Sea 3, Vis. 8-10 nm, +2°C, 1004 mb, Gamma 1.022/+2°C	1 nm
				90 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		24.09.43	Kara Sea
		12.01		Met U-Heinrich, he has also deployed his mines.  Together return transit.
		16.00	AS 4246	Dived, put the boat on the bottom.
		16.20	Twilight
		25.09.43
		00.40	Twilight
		01.41	AS 4246	Surfaced.
			SW 1, overcast (fog), Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm, +1.5°C, 1008 mb, Gamma 1.023/+2°C
		11.55		Outgoing Radio Message: 2020/1155/764
				- F.d.U. -
				Task 1 completed.  Going to Point 1.  Question meeting Brünner.
				- Heinrich Grau -
		12.00	AS 1777
			W 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2-10 nm, +2°C, 1008 mb, Gamma 1.018/+2.5°C
		16.30	Twilight
		26.09.43
		00.00	AT 3513
			N 1, overcast (fog), Sea 0, Vis. 500-1000 meters, -1°C, 1010 mb, Gamma 1.016/+3.5°C
		00.50		Incoming Radio Message 0028/2311/766
				1.)  Group "Grau" remain at Point 1.
				2.) Brünner meet there immediately report after ice reconnaissance:  day and approximate time.
				- F.d.U. -
		01.00	Beginning of twilight
		02.45		In Base 1 flooded and put the boat on the bottom.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		26.09.43	Kara Sea	Base 1.
		02.50		Incoming Radio Message 0240/0210/769  sz sz
				173, 178, 951, 27 day of the current month 06.00 hours
				- Brünner -
		12.00	AT 3278	Day's run:    147 nm
			Wind 0, overcast (fog), Sea 0, Vis. 100 meters, +2°C, 1011 mb, Gamma 1.025/+3°C
		13.20		Incoming Radio Message 1250/1107/770
				1.)  Grau, Heinrich, Brünner form Group "Wiking".
				2.)  Brünner has provisions up to 6 October.  Carry out supply so that all boats have the same endurance.
				3.)  Afterwards set off for Position line I from AT 3655 to 3633 in above order.
				4.)  Grau arrive Position line and report the endurance of the other boats.
				- F.d.U. -
		17.20	Twilight
		23.55		Incoming Radio Message 2325/1115/772
				- Wiking -
				From position line I continue transit via
				Roman Numeral II  square AS 1975 to 1928
				Roman Numeral III  square AS 2755 to 2711
				Roman Numeral IV  square XA 7376 to 7262 anticipated.  Times follow.
				- F.d.U. -
		27.09.43
		00.00	AT 3278
			SSE 1, overcast (fog), Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm, +2°C, 1007 mb, Gamma 1.020/+3°C
		01.10	Twilight
		06.15		U-Brünner in sight, comes into the base.
			Kommandanten discussion:
			It was determined:  leader of Group Wiking Kmdt. U-601.
			Reason:  For the most part we cannot hear Leadership over the radio and therefore cannot react promptly.
			Due to the advanced time of year and, in the case of a sighting, the importance of ice and/or attack objectives, it is necessary to have a leader regardless of existing Radio Message communications with the homeland.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		27.09.43	Kare Sea, Base I
			Group Circuit Ulli I.  Boats have an obligation to immediately report water temperature below +0°C, very low air temperature, icing of the boats, encounters with ice.  Acknowledgment by the boats according to "Group Circuit" is particularly important, possibly with reduced transmitter power.
			The time points for Position Lines I to IV was established, because it is still not known when the ordered Radio Message in accordance with Radio Message 26 September 1107/770 will be issued with the current radio communications.  The advance to the Position Lines was established so that key points can be passed in lightness.  The boats are supplied up to 11 October.
		12.00	AT 3278	Day's run:    ./. nm
			Wind 0, 6/10, Sea 0, Vis. 12 nm, +2°C, 1010 mb, Gamma 1.026/+2°C
		16.00		Weighed anchor.
		16.50	AT 3279	Test dive.
		17.10		Surfaced.
		17.00		Outgoing Radio Message:  1715/783  sz sz
				Have provisions for 2 weeks.  Position Line I occupied 23.00 hours.  Position Line IV occupied 29th day of the current month 17.00 hours.
				- Grau -
		17.00	Twilight
		28.09.43	Kara Sea
		00.00	AT 3655
			SE 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm, +1.5°C, 1014 mb, Gamma 1.015/+3.5°C
		12.00	AS 1892	Day's run:    188 nm
			SE 3, overcast (fog, rain), Sea 3, Vis. 2 nm, +2°C, 998 mb, Gamma 1.020/+3.5°C	1 nm
				189 nm
		16.10	Twilight

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		28.09.43	Kara Sea
		20.30	AS 2774	Dived.  There is nothing to see.
			SW 3, overcast (fog, rain), Sea 2, light Swell, Vis. 100 meters, +3.5°C, 998 mb, Gamma 1.023/+2.5°C
		21.00	Ship's position was determined by taking bearings on the surf in the listening device and horizontal measurement with the Underwater Telegraph:  1 nm abeam Vardroppera Island square AS 2781.
		29.09.43
		00.20	Twilight
		01.00		Surfaced.  Visibility was somewhat better.
			The odd method of determining ship's position was correct!
		02.00		Incoming Radio Message 0145/2309/710
				- Wiking -
				After Position Line IV attack area depth 20 nm:  Grau 5869, Heinrich 5837, Brünner 5857.  All XA.  Report ice limitations.
				- F.d.U. -
		11.30	XA 7422	3 patrol vessels abeam, course about 75°.  Range 5000 meters.
			Either they are stationed here at the Jermal Bank, patrolling the route or searching for mines.  I decide not to saweep Patrol Line IV via my position but instead stay on the north side of the shipping route to the attack area.  By my calculations the two other boats should proceed on or to the south of the shipping route.  I did not report by Radio Message because this does not change the situation for the other boats, at most betray, or lead the other two to an attack that I consider inappropriate.
		12.00	XA 7187	Day's run:    191 nm
			WSW 7-8, 8/10, 6/10, Vis. 2-4 nm, +0°C, 993 mb, Gamma 1.023/+1°C	6 nm
				197 nm
		13.15	XA 7136	A fishing trawler abeam, course 220°, range 4000 meters.
			Here, something seems to be going on, our position is correct.
		13.30		Incoming Radio Message 1315/1119/716
				- Wiking -
				1 FW 200 reconnaissance between 15.00 and 16.00 hours ice limit between 60 and 70°E.  4455 kHz, alternate 5689 kHz.  Auka-Table November 41.  Callsign:  Aircraft V B 7  U-boat H D 8.  Next mission anticipated 2 October.
				- F.d.U. -

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		29.09.43	Kara Sea
		15.30	Twilight
		18.45	XA 7239	Dived.
			WSW 8-9, overcast (fog, snow), Sea 7, Vis. 100-200 meters, +0°C, 992 mb, Gamma 1.024/-1°C
		19.35		Put the boat on the bottom, depth 45 meters.
			We don't lie well here.  We ventilated now and then.
		30.09.43
		00.10	Twilight
		01.03	XA 7318	Surfaced.
			WSW 7, overcast, Sea 6, Vis. 5 nm, -1°C, 996 mb, Gamma 1.022/-1°C
		04.00		Incoming Radio Message 0350 sz sz
				Westbound convoy in square XA 7313, speed up to 8 knots.
				- Heinrich -
			Came about , on it!
		05.30		Incoming Radio Message 0518 sz sz
				Convoy XA 4977 up to 5 steamers.  Convoy speed 5-7 knots, steers westerly course.
				- Heinrich -
		06.32		Incoming Radio Message 0626  sz sz
				Very weakly protected convoy square 4898, course 240°.
				- Heinrich -
		06.50		Incoming Radio Message 0618/2252/723
				. . . . . . . . if Leadership is not heard, go to Group Circuit Ulli I, especially Wiking.
				- F.d.U. -
			We are!
		07.35		Outgoing Radio Message:  0745 sz sz
				Request bearing signals from contact keeper.
				- Grau -
			Radio Message was not acknowledged.  I accept that Heinrich was forced to submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		30.09.43	Kara Sea
		08.55		Outgoing Radio Message:  0905  sz sz
				Request bearing signals from contact keeper.  Brünner report position.
				- Grau -
			Up to now I have not heard any acknowledgment of Signals from Heinrich or me.  Is he still there?  Who in the storm and fog before the wind in the abundant clothes grumbled, now clams up.
			I have the intention if contact is lost to have a patrol line formed.  It is impossible to establish the location of the ship by sounding in an unexplored area south of the Sergey Kirov Islands Islands discovered in 1935.  The area does not suit me.  I will go to the point where I met the patrol vessels.
		10.58		Incoming Radio Message 1047/0757
				Small convoy square XA 4897, course 250°, 6-7 knots, 3 escort vessels.  6000 GRT freighter sunk.  W 7, Sea 6-7, -1°C, 999 mb rising, 51 cbm, 3 torpedoes.
				- Heinrich -
		11.38		Incoming Radio Message 1134  sz sz
				Have lost contact.  08.00 hours.
				- Heinrich -
		12.00	XA 7273	Western Siberian Sea at the Nordenskjöld Archipelago.
			SW 4, overcast, Sea 4, Vis. 1-8 nm, -1°C, 999 mb, Gamma 1.023/+0.5°C	Day's run:    180 nm
				5 nm
				185 nm
		15.30	Twilight
			My two air compressors are out of service.  The visibility is very bad.  At the point where the patrol vessels were met I will put the boat on the bottom for repairs and to listen.
		15.58	XA 7189	Dived, put the boat on the bottom.
		19.15		Sound bearing.
		21.10		Sound bearing disappeared.  More will follow.
			They go past ahead to port and disappear in 185°T.
		23.15		One is still loud.  A U-boat is also heard.  Up!  Go!  It will probably work with the air I have.  Its not ideal.
		23.28		Surfaced.

Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43

	- 13 -
		01.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
		00.00	XA 7196
			SSW 2, overcast, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm, -1°C, 995 mb, Gamma 1.026/+1.5°C
		00.05		Smoke clouds ahead.  It may be the convoy.
		00.15		A U-boat abeam to port.
			Looks exactly like U-960 - Heinrich, about parallel course.
		00.18		Incoming Radio Message 2345/1937/731
				- Wiking -
				In area Beluschja - Kara Sea 6 destroyers, 7 mine searchers and 3 watch ships found, of these 3 mine searchers Dickson area.
				- F.d.U. -
		00.20	Twilight
		00.40		U-boat out of sight.
		01.12		Incoming Radio Message 01.04  sz sz
				Very lightly protected convoy square XA 7411, stand by for my bearing signals.
				- Heinrich -
		01.13		Outgoing Radio Message:  0117  sz sz
				I am to the west of the enemy.
				- Grau -
		01.30		Incoming Radio Message 0126  sz sz
				I am east of the enemy.
				- Heinrich -
		01.35	A fog bank comes up, convoy temporarily out of sight.
		01.42		Incoming Radio Message 0137  sz sz
				Convoy changed course to 85°.
				- Heinrich -
			The ships drive very confused courses.  It is too bright to attack.  Waited.  Observed.
		02.43	Vis. changing, fog banks, snow showers, Vis. 200 meters to 5 nm	Muzzle fire from patrol vessel.
		02.45		Depth charges, 15 units.  Was it Heinrich!
		03.27		U-boat!  U-960 (Heinrich) arranged:
			He will maneuver ahead to port me to starboard.  No contact keeping reports.  Contact reports only on request.

Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		01.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
			We both hope not at Brünner (U-703).  Heinrich has also not heard from him.
			The depth charges an hour before were thrown on suspicion.  The convoy consists of 3 medium steamers, an ice breaker and 3 escorts, speed about 9-11 knots, course 270°.
		04.00		One air compressor in service again.  The other is not reparable.
		07.06		Enemy - course 245°.
		07.30		Brünner in sight.  I inform him of the situation and arrangement.
		10.35		Radio Message 1030  sz sz
				Intend to attack in the next hour.
				- Heinrich -
		11.30		U-Heinrich in sight.  Great meeting of 3 U-boats ahead of the convoy.
				Due to the advanced time of day and shortage of torpedoes Heinrich (U-960) and I will attack by night, Brünner, who still has many torpedoes, by day. Then at least there is no crowding submerged and contact remains held.
		11.50		Brünner (U-703) dived.
		12.00	AS 2447	Day's run:    192 nm
			WSW 1, overcast (fog), Sea 1, Vis. 10-15 nm, -1.5°C, 991 mb, Gamma 1.021/+0°C	0.5 nm
				192.5 nm
			Heinrich stays to port, I to starboard ahead of the convoy.
		about 13.00	At times fog, rain and snow showers between the convoy and the boat.  However, contact keeping presents no difficulties.
			Submerged detonations are heard.  Brünner!!!
		13.20		Somehow the convoy zigzags through the area.
		14.30	There are still two steamers.  The main smoker with three masts is missing
				2 patrol vessels join the escort.
			I believe they are the same ones that were there before.  Also the ice breaker is there again.
		15.10	Because the convoy now steers to the east, Heinrich and I are to starboard of the convoy.
			Maneuvered ahead again.
		15.40	Twilight
		16.30	It is just getting darker, the northern lights begin.

Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		01.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
		16.50		Outgoing Radio Message:  1655/1650
				FAT - warning.
				- Grau -
		16.52	Am 30°, range 3000 meters ahead of the convoy which steers 120°.  Icebreaker is ahead.  Port and starboard each one steamer. In echelon behind it, at somewhat greater distance 3 escorts.
			Intend to turn in, attack the ice breaker with 1 torpedo and the port steamer with a 2-fan.  When running off intend to shoot tube V on the starboard steamer.
			At this moment the curtain closes.  The convoy disappears in a snow squall or fog bank.
			I have the impression that it zigzagged to port at the same time.
			In order not to lose contact, turned towards.  The visibility is difficult to judge.
		17.01	The curtain rises abruptly.  I am 150 meters ahead athwart the bow of the ice breaker.  He had zigzagged to starboard!
				"Turn away", "Hard to starboard", "AK ahead"!
				Tube V:  Bow left target angle 90°, speed 10 knots, range 500 meters.
				"Hard to port", "Both LF ahead".
			The ice breaker turns towards me, mow he has me, it was not difficult, he picked up the bow sea and followed in the wake.
				Turned away, came to old course (115°).  "Both 3 x AK ahead".
				"Switching tube V", "Loops short left 500 meters". Enemy bow right target angle 90°, speed 10 knots"
		17.13		"First Watch Officer shoot!"
				"Tube ready, fire!"
				A jolt in the boat.
		17.14		Report from tube V "Tube runner".
				At nearly the same moment explosion column on the port steamer
				Shooting angle     240°
				Angle                  219°
				Target speed         10 knots
				Torpedo speed      30 knots
				Target angle           90°
				Range                  500 meters
				Enemy length        100 meters
				Lead angle             19°

Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		01.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
			Ice breaker shoots anti-aircraft, explosive and star shells.  Red 2 cm tracers whistle around our ears.  Ahead, port, starboard and astern impacts.  The escorts participate.  Nasty!!!  We zigzag 15 with rudder angle 10° around our course (115°) ahead of the ice breaker, who does not want to get smaller.
		17.33		Incoming Radio Message 1730/1715
				Question if FAT operation ended.
				- Heinrich -
		17.34		Outgoing Radio Message:  1740/1730/744
				It is over, was hunted.
				- Grau -
		17.34		We disappear in a fog bank.  Range to the ice breaker 800 meters.
			In the meantime it was determined that the torpedo was fired with at most 2 seconds delay by quickly switching to mine ejection and full air pressure.  The report concerning the tube runner was received late on the bridge.
			Mech.Ob.Gfr. Kniehl switched quickly and properly.
			Whether the hit steamer, which we really didn't mean to shoot, sank or not is not known.
		18.01		Incoming Radio Message 1757/1745/748
				FAT warning.
				- Heinrich -
				Because the ice breaker has still not gone away, I ran off further then advanced, perhaps Heinrich has him in ahead of me and I will get into in his FAT-field in close quarters.
		18.06		A torpedo detonation ans brief fiery glow.
			This is Heinrich and he probably sank the last steamer or ice breaker, possibly both.
		19.00		Outgoing Radio Message:  1905  sz sz
				What is the position of the enemy?
				- Grau -
				Incoming Radio Message 2021/1931
				Convoy is located at 18.06 hours in square AS 2712. Hold contact on forced away wildly zigzagging steamer in square 2716, 1 steamer sunk, 2 hits, out of torpedoes.
				- Heinrich -
		22.00		In the area several detonations were heard.

Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		01.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
		23.11		Incoming Radio Message 2302/2021/747
				Radio Message 1730 from "Grau" not understood, send again.
				- F.d.U. -
			I don't know exactly how, of all my radio messages, the one of 17.30 hours reached the homeland.
		23.00	Communications with the homeland are established for the first time since the beginning of operation "Wiking".  I don't believe that these conditions will last a long time therefore for now sent the Radio Message.
		23.30		Outgoing Radio Message:  2330/2233/753
				- F.d.U. -
				Request return transit.  Group sank approximately 15000 GRT.  Position north of Sverdrup Island.  Boats have at most 40 cbm.  Heinrich out of torpedoes.
				- Wiking -
			Another advance to the east for two days would probably not accomplish anything.  The area is stirred up.  The fuel and provisions situation wound then be tight.
			The time of year for an operation beyond the Nordenskjöld Archipelago is past.  The weather and the water temperature do not speak for a continuation of the operation. One diesel of Brünner has already run on 5 cylinders for a long time.  I myself have one rickety E-compressor in operation.  Heinrich is out of torpedoes.
				The operation against the Heinrich-steamer continues.
		02.10.43	AS 1669
			NW 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 2-3 nm, -2°C, 994 mb, Gamma 1.022/+0.5°C
		00.10	Twilight
		00.58		Incoming Radio Message 0038/2118/750
				For the night up to midday of 2 October in the Polar area again a strong interference on shortwave radio traffic is expected.
				- Radio Observation Station Tromsö -

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		02.10.43	Western Siberian Sea
		06.15		Incoming Radio Message 0607/0107/754
				- Wiking -
				Return transit Andfjord - Narvik.  Brünner bring along the rest of the crew from Hopen Island.
				- F.d.U. -
		06.35		Outgoing Radio Message:  0640  sz sz
				Request information concerning enemy situation.
				- Grau -
		07.00	Again I get a good ship's position by sighting Gavrilina Island of the Izvesti Tsik Islands. I was pretty much in the dark, about our actual position. There has been no navigation fix for 3 days, the sounding series fits almost anywhere.  I still want to pass the route up to Port Dickson.
		07.30	Vis. 5-12 nm	Enemy flying boat in sight type Catalina, range 10000 meters.
				Crash dived.
		07.45		Incoming Radio Message 0730/0712
				After attack 18.06 hours convoy dispersed in all directions. Reported steamer lost in fog in square AB 2716.  Return transit via Place I.
				- Heinrich -
		07.55		Surfaced.
		08.00		Crash dive before the same flying boat.
		08.30		Surfaced.
		08.33		Crash dive!
			I turn away, now the sky is full of planes.
		09.50		Surfaced.
		10.45		Crash dive before enemy flying boat in approach, range 10000 meters.
		12.00	AS 1648	Surfaced.
			W 2, overcast, Sea 1-2, Vis. 8-10 nm, -2°C, 997 mb, Gamma 1.020/+0.5°C	Day's run:    194 nm
				4 nm
				198 nm
		12.02		U-Heinrich abeam to starboard.  Recognition Signals exchanged.
			My faithful companion is here.  He tells me that my torpedoed steamer went down.  Hurray!! It has sunk!  Continued on the surface.
		16.00	Twilight
		21.35		Outgoing Radio Message:  2145/762  sz sz
				Intend to head for Meeting Point I, Hammerfest.
				- Grau -

Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		02.10.43
		21.48		Incoming Radio Message 2135/2050/759
				- Grau -
				Occasionally report details.
				- F.d.U. -
		03.10.43
		00.00	AT 3616
			W 2, 8/10, Sea 1, Swell, Vis. 4 nm, 997 mb, -2°C, Gamma 1.018/+1.5°C
		00.30		Incoming Radio Message 0015/2250/766
				- Grau -
				Avoid unnecessary burden of escort service. Report important reasons for Hammerfest.  Otherwise remain Andfjord.
				- F.d.U. -
		01.40	Twilight
		04.45	AT 3278	Anchored Anchorage I.
			Heinrich (U-960) must carry out urgent diesel repairs.  We want to proceed on return transit together.
		12.00	AT 3278	Kara Sea Base I
			Wind 0, Sea 0, Vis. 10-12 nm, -1.5°C, 997 mb, Gamma 1.016/+1.5°C	Day's run:    180 nm
		18.00		U-703 (Brünner) appears.
				For his trip to Hopen Island I give him some oil and provisions.
			The exchange of views showed:
			1.)  Escaped from the battle were the icebreaker, last seen and reported by Heinrich, size was about like "SAAR" and 2 patrol vessels (high seas fishing trawlers).
			2.)  Shot were:  Heinrich (U-960) on 30 September 1 steamer, by the drawings it must have been a "Liberty ship".  1 steamer 2900 GRT on 1 October type "ANDREEW".  1 patrol vessel type high seas fishing trawler.  By Brünner (U-703) 1 steamer 4200 GRT on 1 October this must have been the "SSERGEJ KIROW".  By me 1 steamer of 5100 GRT on 1 October type "KAMENETS PODOLSK".
			3.)  The convoy was fully loaded, the enemy defense heavy, however with insufficient means and untrained.  Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas.  [Although the power is lacking, the will should be praised all the same.]
			4.)  The radio gear of Brünner must have been somewhat out of order, because he seldom heard Heinrich and me, we did not hear him.  He did transmit!

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		03.10.43	Kara Sea Base I
		16.00		Incoming Radio Message 1500/1039/786
				On 4 October 03.00 hours Summer Time ends.  Set clocks back to 02.00 hours.
				- Adm.Nordmeer -
		16.30	Twilight
		17.30		Weighed anchor.
		19.05	AT 3258	Test dive.
		19.20		Surfaced.
		21.00		U-Heinrich lost from sight.
		04.10.43
		00.00	ÄF 8976
			N 2, overcast (fog), Sea 0, Swell, Vis. 1-3 nm, -3°C, 997 mb, Gamma 1.026/+1.5°C
		11.10	Twilight
		03.00		Clocks set back one hour to M.E.Z.
		11.38		Outgoing Radio Message:  1640/1138/782
				- F.d.U. -
				1.)  30 September convoy square XA 49 to 2 October square AS 27.
				2.)  Sunk:  "Grau" 1 steamer 5100 GRT, "Brünner" 1 steamer 4200 and 2 detonations,  "Heinrich" 1 patrol vessel, 2 steamers 8900 GRT.
				3.)  Got away:  1 ice breaker, 2 patrol vessels.
				4.)  We request Hammerfest for collection of secret items and give over airmen.
				- Wiking -
		12.00	ÄF 7954	Northwest of Nowaja Semlja.
			NNW 2, overcast (fog, snow), Sea 2, Vis. 3-10 nm, -3°C, 997 mb, Gamma 1.026/+1°C	Day's run:    200 nm
				1.5 nm
				201.5 nm
		15.20	ÄF 7954	Test dive.
		16.10		Surfaced.
		16.10	Twilight
		19.55		Incoming Radio Message 1939/1827/784
				1.)  Assumption:  "Grau" took over fliers from "Brünner".
				2.)  "Grau" and "Heinrich" return transit Hammerfest - Tromsö - Narvik.
				3.)  "Brünner" Hopen Island - Andfjord.  "Grau" brings equipment from Hammerfest.
				- F.d.U. -

	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43

	- 21 -
		05.10.43	Eastern Barents Sea
		00.00	AT 1227
			NNE 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm, -4°C, 999 mb, Gamma 1.027/+1°C
		02.40	Twilight
			N 2, 8/10 (fog, snow), Sea 2, Swell, Vis. 6-8 nm, -3.5°C, 1002 mb, Gamma 1.027/+1°C
		12.00	AC 3539	Day's run:    265 nm
			N 2, 8/10 (fog, snow), Sea 2, Swell, Vis. 6-8 nm, -3°C, 1002 mb, 1.027/+1°C	1 nm
				266 nm
		16.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 325°T, 19.5 nm
		16.40	Twilight
		20.00		Outgoing Radio Message:  2023/2050/717  sz sz
				Position 36 hours off return harbor.
				- Grau -
		21.12		Incoming Radio Message 2107/718  sz sz
				Position 36 hours off return harbor.
				- Heinrich -
		06.10.43
		00.00	AC 2964
			NNW 3, 6/10 (fog, snow), Sea 3, Vis. 2-4 nm, -3°C, 1006 mb, Gamma 1.027/+3°C
		03.25	Twilight
		12.00	AC 5167	Northeast of North Cape.
			NNW 2, 7/10, (fog), Sea 2, Swell, Vis. 6-12 nm, +0°C, 1010 mb, 1.027/+4°C	Day's run:    220 nm
		15.42		Incoming Radio Message 1529/1039/743
				- Grau and Heinrich -
				1.)  Ingöy 23.00 - 05.00 hours "Havel" 226 kHz.
				2.)  Gamvik 23.05 - 00.10 hours "G A" 441 kHz.
				3.)  From 07.00 hours escort vessel "Jot" 437 kHz
				from Point S R 1. Every half hour each 5 minutes.
				- F.d.U. -
		15.48	AC 5415	Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		06.10.43	Northwest of North Cape
		16.04		Surfaced.
		16.30	Twilight
		07.10.43
		00.00	AC 4914
			ESE 5, overcast (fog), Sea 4, Vis. 1-2 nm, +2°C, 995 mb, Gamma 1.027/+4°C
		05.00	Twilight
		09.37		Escort in sight.
		10.23		Incoming Radio Message 1021/1018/763  sz sz
				Arrival at given meeting point anticipated 2 hours later.
				- Heinrich -
		10.25		U-Heinrich in sight.  Recognition signals exchanged.
		10.38		Convoy intake by R.-Boot at Point S R 1.
		12.00		Day's run:    230 nm
		14.00		Released escort.
		14.10		Entered Hammerfest, "made fast "BLACK WATCH".  Took over fresh provisions.
		08.10.43
		04.00		Cast off "BLACK WATCH" Hammerfest for transit to Tromsö under R.-Boot escort.
		14.45		Made fast Tromsö.  Took over secret material.
		09.10.43
		12.30		Took over pilot and cast off for transit to Harstadt.
		20.00		Made fast Harstadt. Took over fresh provisions and galley.
		10.10.43
		09.00		Cast off Harstadt for transit to Narvik.
		12.30		Disembarked pilot in Lödingen.
		14.00		Made fast Narvik alongside "METEOR".

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43

	- 23 -
			Experience:
			1.)  The Russians also use the Siberian Sea Route with large steamers.
			2.)  The boat fouled the west harbor entrance off Port Dickson with mines and a steamer of 5100 GRT was sunk.
			3.)  The climatic conditions in the 2nd half of September are severe.  Nearly all of the crew had sinusitis or similar symptoms, headache and respiratory distress.
				On board 10 October 1943.
				Kaptlt. and Kmdt.

 

	Enclosures to U-601's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
ChartA	Track chart of the outbound and inbound transit
ChartB	Track chart of period in the operations area
Mine	Mine report
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Enclosure 1 to F.d.U. Norwegen Gkdos 3674
	Comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen
	on the K.T.B. "U 601" from 13.9. - 10.10.43
	1) To 23 September 19.23 hours:  For mining operations, this main task must first be carried out with as many mines as possible. Usually only 3 additional torpedoes are provided for Type VII.  If there are sufficient attack prospects for the return transit, a fourth torpedo can be accepted. 2) To 27 September 06.15 hours:  The decision and the independent planning of the Kommandanten are approved. 3) The mining operation was carried out with good reasoning, tactical skill and courage. 4) Succeses:  23 September in shallow water mines deployed, 1 October freighter type "KAMENETS PODOLSK" 5100 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department.

	Admiral Nordmeer                                               15 November 1943. B.Nr.Gkdos.01277 A1
	To
	the Marinegruppenkommando Nord/Flottenkommando    Copy No. 1
	for information:
	Führer der Unterseeboote Norwegen                               Copy No. 2
	The enclosed Kriegstagebuch of "U-601" for the period from 13.9. - 10.10.43 with the appropriate Enclosures and the comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen is submitted.
	The comments of the F.d.U. Norwegen are agreed with.
		Signed in draft Klüber

	Marinegruppenkommando Nord
	and Flottenkommando                                Command Center, 4 December 1943.
	B.Nr. Gkdos.5896/43    A2
	To    Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - Skl. -
	Submitted.
	Nothing to note.
		On behalf

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 601" (Grau) from 13.9. - 10/10.1943.
	Agreed.
	Accredited Success:  23 September  Mines deployed.
	1 October  1 freighter 5100 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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