U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-666 3rd War Patrol

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Oblt.z.S. E n g e l

Excerpt of the Radio Log of "U-666"

for the patrol from 31 August 1943 to 16 October 1943.

02.09.43
00.47	Coastal
	U-260, U-386, U-666:
	Officer-Only Ida
	6. U.-Flottille.

03.09.43
04.35	Coastal
	"Hagenuk" failed, power supply transformer burnt through, return transit. Position 4 September 15.00 ours Point Herz 438.
	"Engel"

03.09.43
14.15	Coastal
	For U-666 escort will be positioned at Herz 438 on 4 September 1943 at 15.00 hours.
	6. U.-Flottille.

14.09.43
04.18	on 54 meters Norddeich
	My position is naval square Bruno Emil 55.
	U-666

14.09.43
06.04	Coastal
	Engel passed outbound naval square Bruno Emil 55 today 16.30 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.

16.09.43
20.30	Ireland
	Group "Leuthen"
	Officer-Only Paula

19.09.43
18.38	Ireland
	Group "Leuthen"
	1.) In first line operate primarily on night attacks. By day only use favorable attack opportunities.
	2.) The passing of a westbound convoy in the disposition of the boats can be expected from today. If this is sighted, operate on it immediately at highest speed.

20.09.43
03.56	Ireland
	Convoy in naval square Anton Lucie 1944, course 270°.
	"U-270"

20.09.43
05.12	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	"Otto" report contact and free to attack. "Manseck" report weather.

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

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20.09.43
10.04	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	1.) Reduced air and locating danger due to weather conditions favors surprise success in the coming night.
	2.) Nearby boats operate by all means to maintain contact by day. This ensures that more distant boats can operate so that the convoy is still reached before dankness.
	3.) In the coming night all boats must get close. Remember the biggest chance of a surprise strike is at the beginning of the operation. The weather may improve this evening.

20.09.43
11.12	Ireland
	Group "Leuthen" on 21 September at 08.00 hours switch to "Hubertus" Circuit.

20.09.43
23.50	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	1.) Leadership expects that the convoy continues on the Great Circle. "Bahr" sighting report probably belongs to the convoy.
	2.) Continue to search on higher speed on enemy courses between 280-240°. Starting point AL 3930.
	3.) Consider the possibility of identifying vessels using Hagenuk and thus gaining information about the convoy.

21.09.43
00.34	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	1.) Enemy speed presumably 9-10 knots.
	2.) If in contact, report immediately.

21.09.43
03.11	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	1.) Star shells and destroyer from "Otto" probably do not belong to the convoy, because they are too far back.
	2.) Otto despite this continue searching in the direction of the sighting.

21.09.43
03.24	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	After receiving Short Signal from "Kinzel" all boats remain on the surface. Advance at highest speed on the convoy. Mass boats around the convoy to release the victims. Up to now according to B-Dienst only 2 aircraft are at the convoy.

21.09.43
10.10	Ireland
	"Leuthen"
	1.) By the report of "Kluth" and plotting at 03.44 hours the convoy was in AK 2927, course 270°, speed 9 knots.
	2.) "Baltz" report position.

21.09.43
10.10	Hubertus
	"Leuthen"
	The sinking of 5 destroyers is a great success. Get in contact today by day, to mass against aircraft. Use further opportunities on destroyers by day, so that by this in the

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	coming night the enemy is ripe for the main strike against the actual group of ships.

21.09.43
17.10	Hubertus
	In fog proceed on straight course without detours ahead of the convoy, so that boats are positioned ahead with visibility improvement.

21.09.43
1935	Hubertus
	Leuthen:
	1.) Enemy position "Kluth" at 16.15 hours is certainly the convoy.
	2.) The fog also has disadvantages for the enemy. It precludes aircraft. The remote screen can be pierced in fog, so that when the fog breaks up all boats on can be in the immediate vicinity of the group. That must be the goal. Example was the great success at the Spitz-convoy in the 3rd night after sudden clearing 4 hours before the beginning of darkness.

21.09.43	Hubertus
	Leuthen:
	1.) You are reminded of the order, to add fuel inventory when sending Radio Messages once daily.
	2.) Report weather: Manseck between 24.00 and 06.00 hours. Albrecht, Kinzel between 06.00 and 12.00 hours. Forstner, Epp between 12.00 and 18.00 hours.

21.09.43	Hubertus
15.32	Leuthen:
	1) "Kluth" reports 10.00 hours from 0167 sound and convoy voice in 187°T. Operate on this and on SW-course, enemy speed 9 knots.
	2.) In fog use Hagenuk and medium frequency direction finder extensively.
	3.) The escort is around 7 destroyers weaker. That must make massing of the boats at the convoy and with visibility improvement also successes against other ships possible.

22.09.43	Hubertus
01.50	Leuthen:
	1.) Between Kluth and Deecke reports considerable navigation difference is likely.
	2.) If in contact report immediately.

22.09.43	Hubertus
10.28	Leuthen:
	By the received reports several boats are in the vicinity of the convoy. Now it is important to maintain contact, by this with visibility improvement all is in place and the attack in the coming night on the ship group can be successful. With your tenacity, the weather Gods will still have sway. Visibility improvement is expected in the afternoon

22.09.43	Hubertus
14.44	Leuthen:
	Several reports of independents in the area of the convoy lead to the conclusion, that part of the ships have lost the convoy in fog.

22.09.43	Hubertus
16.50	14.00 hours naval square AK 4594 after diving to listen aircraft bombs. Suspect from unnoticed contact holding aircraft. 84 cbm.
	"Rendtel"

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23.09.43	Hubertus
00.42	Leuthen
	Boats that hold contact send bearing signals on their own. All boats stand by for bearing signals. All depends on boats getting close tonight.

23.09.43	Hubertus
06.06	Just now AK 7147 two leading destroyers sunk with T 5. 02.45 overrun by convoy, course 225°. SW 3, Sea 3, 1020 mb, Vis. good, 52 cbm, 9 torpedoes.
0201/23/871
	- Engel -

23.09.43	Hubertus
10.58	Leuthen
	Break off operation on convoy. Boats in favorable position ahead of the convoy use opportunities.

23.09.43	Hubertus
10.35	Group Leuthen
	All boats except for Ferro, Bahr, Techand, Manseck, Forster, Otto, Rendtel, Engel, Albrecht, Poeschel report position immediately, add fuel, insofar as not reported yesterday.

23.09.43	Hubertus
14.24	Leuthen
	1.) Otto move off, suspect convoy.
	2.) Group Leuthen no operation on Otto-report intended.

23.09.43	Hubertus
18.05	Leuthen
	Exploit given attack opportunities unconditionally. Suspect further independents in the convoy.

23.09.43	Hubertus
21.25	Leuthen
	This successful battle, the great success against escorts and testing of new weapons, is your achievement. You have used this new weapon with rigor and energy and forced its success. The opponent wanted to prevent this first success with a numerically strong escort. He did, however, draw the short straw, and at the end of the operation, if there had been better weather conditions, he would certainly have lost a large part of his ships. You can be proud of having proven yourself as pioneers in reinstating the convoy battles.

23.09.43	Hubertus
23.57	Group Leuthen
	1.) Next operation intended on eastbound convoy about on 27 September. Submit all necessary messages in the course of this night. Further orders follow, as soon as all reports are received. On 24 September continue to expect with increased enemy aerial reconnaissance and remain submerged.
	2.) Bahr, Poeschel report position during the night.
	3.) Mäder handover of transcript of the instructions for the address book is anticipated later.

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24.09.43	Hubertus
16.14	1.) Finke, Speidel, Rendtel, Techand, Lauterbach, Engel, Manseck, Forster, Deecke, Giersberg, Mäder, Curio, Ferro, Purkhold, Baltz, Bork, Hunger, Freyberg, Dauter form Group "Rossbach". In this order on 26 September at 16.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from naval square AK 2644 to naval square AK 6845. Westbound convoy is expected from 26 September.
	2.) From experience the enemy suspects a disposition between naval square AK 7986 and BC 6394. Therefore on the current approach remain unseen if possible, use the currently favorable weather conditions, to gain ground. Radio silence except for tactically important reports.
	3.) On detecting the convoy: Lauterbach released, and heads for naval square CB 40. Purkhold free to maneuver.
	4.) Supply for return transit anticipated after operation.

26.09.43	Hubertus
00.55	Group Rossbach:
	Contrary to previous orders: On 27 September at 06.00 hours be in patrol line from AK 2555 to AK 6757. Interval 15 nm. Convoy expected first from 27 September.

26.09.43	Hubertus
18.09	Group Rossbach:
	1.) From morning a westbound convoy, speed 9 knots is expected. Delay of up to 2 days is possible. From 29 September expect westbound convoy, speed 7.5 knots.
	2.) With unsettled weather dive to listen often, that goes especially for boats with low fuel inventories.

27.09.43	Hubertus
12.12	Rossbach:
	From 12.00 hours course 300°, speed 7 knots. On 28 September 00.00 hours stop. Remain in reached position as patrol line.

27.09.43	Hubertus
21.16	Rossbach:
	Meeting with the expected convoy is expected now. Monitor well. Use medium frequency direction finder for convoy voice frequency, as far as available.

28.09.43	Hubertus
21.21	Rossbach:
	Tonight by all means monitor the ling with certainty. The convoy must come.

29.09.43	Hubertus
21.22	Group Rossbach:
	Course 70°, speed 7 knots. More to follow.

29.09.43	Hubertus
22.23	Group Rossbach:
	1.) Heilmann and Krueger join Group Rossbach. 30 September at 08.00 switch to Hubertus Circuit.
	2.) Group Rossbach in order: Heilmann, Speidel, Rendtel, Techand, Lauterbach, Engel, Hunger, Manseck, Deecke, Freyberg, Giersberg, Mäder, Curio,

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	Ferro, Purkhold, Baltz, Bork, Dauter, Bahr, Krueger, Forstner on 1 October at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from naval square Anton Dora 8815 to Anton Karl 6363, interval 15 nm. On 1 October a slow westbound convoy is expected. Maintain radio silence except for tactically important reports. If possible remain unnoticed.
	3.) After convoy operation supply of low fuel boats is anticipated in area naval square Bruno Dora 8113.
	4.) Forstner proceed so that ordered square is reached with 10 cbm.
	5.) For Heilmann: Reference points in the envelope "Gurke".

01.10.43	Hubertus
20.45	Only to Group Rossbach:
	Officer Viktor.

01.10.43	Hubertus
20.52	Group Rossbach:
	Westbound convoy may be in the vicinity of Forstner. However, if an eastbound convoy is sighted, do not operate on it. Use offered attack opportunities.

01.10.43	Hubertus
20.43	Group Rossbach:
	Westbound convoy still expected in the general area of previous and new patrol line. Also be watchful when shifting tonight.

01.10.43	Hubertus
19.26	Group Rossbach:
	Officer-Only Sophie

02.10.43	Hubertus
23.12	Group Rossbach:
	Shift patrol line further 50 nm in direction 350°. . . . . . until reaching new position.

03.10.43	Hubertus
23.17	Group Rossbach:
	Tonight pay close attention and monitor reconnaissance area. Immediately report each indication that the convoy passes the line or had passed by day. 3 or 4 boats were sighted by enemy air by day (B-Dienst reports).

04.10.43
03.00	3 October 16.45 hours search group AD 8551 after sound bearings heavy depth charges by search group, setting off for repairs.
	Engel.

04.10.43	Hubertus
04.09	Group Rossbach:
	Aircraft reported by Freyberg are possibly advance reconnaissance or convoy escorts. Pay close attention.

04.10.43
07.30	Radio Message 0204/4 received and solved from radio repeater up to group 22. Due to heavy interference further reception impossible.

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04.10.43	Hubertus
14.18	To Serial No. 891
	If a boat has clearly received FT 0204/4, be sure and try to get through to the homeland.

04.10.43	Hubertus
14.10	Group Rossbach:
	At 10.00 hours course 90°, speed 8 knots.

04.10.43	Hubertus
18.37	Group Rossbach:
	Due to falling out of Engel:
	Hunger shift position 10 nm, Techand 5 nm to the north. By this interval Lauterbach to Manseck is 20 nm.

04.10.43	Hubertus
18.10	Group Rossbach:
	Stop! in the position that should be reached at 17.00 hours. At 21.00 hours set off on course 195°, day's run 150 nm.

04.10.43	Hubertus
19.07	Group Rossbach:
	1.) Expected westbound convoy has probably passed the patrol line yesterday evening.
	2.) Today at 21.00 hours proceed from 17.00 hour position on course 195°, day's run 150 nm, proceed such that enemy does not notice deployment. With unfavorable weather conditions or if required by air reconnaissance proceed submerged by day and run at high speed by night.
	3.) Intention is, to catch an eastbound convoy about in naval square Anton Karl 80 and 90 and to supply boats low in fuel in the familiar area.
	4.) Tonight Heilmann and Krueger report fuel inventory.
	5.) Boats low in fuel, or that can not operate further for personnel or material reasons report this tonight. Add fuel.

04.10.43	Hubertus
21.35	Hunger and Group Rossbach:
	Reports concerning destroyers and aircraft were of crucial importance for the overall operation and should have been sent immediately even with full commitment of the boat. Not sending, if very special circumstances were not present, was a serious failure and will be answered for by the Kommandanten after return.

05.10.43	Hubertus
03.44	From position line for 17.00 hours not at 21.00 hours on course 195°, day's run 150 nm but instead first on 5 October at 08.00 hours. The last possibility to detect a convoy is tonight. Report each indication immediately. Prepare reports immediately. Correct Radio Message Serial No. 802 and 803 appropriately.

05.10.43	Hubertus
01.10/5	Position naval square AK 2227, clear to dive to depth A, both shafts bang, heavy self noise, operations not possible, 49 cbm.

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05.10.43	Hubertus
14.40	1.) Engel begin return transit.
	2.) Curio continue operations. Every boat, every eye is applied.

06.10.43	To remaining Leuthen boats:
16.11	Otto arrived today.

13.10.43
20.20	Return harbors:
	U-305, Techand, U-643, Finke is Brest.
	Engel, U-264, Purkhold, U-641 St. Nazaire.
	Curio, U-645, Bork of La Pallice.
	Lauterbach, U-419 Lorient.
	F.d.U. West.

08.10.43
18.37	Hubertus
	1.) Schrewe continue transit in accordance with special task.
	2.) New objective for Lamby, Scheibe and Wenzel is naval square Anton Karl 50. In named area await further orders. Economical fuel consumption.
	3.) Schrewe, Scheibe and Wenzel switch from 9 October at 08.00 hours Hubertus, Locke Coastal, Engel, Bahr, Techand, Purkhold Ireland Circuit.

13.10.43	Ireland
2x.xo	1.) New interim objective for Schuch and Wintermeyer is naval square Dora Gustav 70.
	2.) Bahr, Curio, Purkhold, Engel tomorrow at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
	3.) Barleben, new objective is the naval square that was sent to Brauel in Officer-Only Radio Message from 12 October, Serial No. 41

14.10.43	Coastal
23.06	Position 16 October 07.00 hours Point Herz 438.
	- Engel -

15.10.43	Coastal
06.30	U-666
	Escort positioned on 16 October 43 at 07.00 hours Herz 438.
	6. U.-Flottille

Excerpt of the Officer-Only Radio Message Log "U-666"
Patrol "U-666" from 1.9. to 16.10.43

10.09.43	Coastal
22.17	Officer Fritz
	1.) "Forstner", "Rendtel", "Dauter", "Curio", "Engel", "Mäder", "Otto", "Poel" proceed so AK 63 can be reached on the evening of 20 September. If necessary, steer other courses, as anticipated on outbound orders. However safety comes first in the Bay of Biscay.
	2.) "Baltz", "Kluth" reach AK 6958 at the same time point.
	3.) Envelope with reference points is to be opened by the Kommandanten.

15.09.43	Ireland
22.59	Officer-Viktor

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	1.) "Bork", "Poeschel", "Epp", "Purkhold", "Albrecht", "Kinzel", "Techand", "Hepp", "Otto", "Ferro", "Foretner", "Deecke", "Schetelig", "Engel", "Rendtel", "Curio", "Mäder", Manseck", "Kluth", 'Baltz" form Group "Leuthen". In named order on 20 September 20.00 hours be in patrol line from AK 3441 to AL 4762.
	2.) Open envelope with reference points.

16.09.43	Ireland
20.30	Officer-Paula
	To Group "Leuthen."
	1.) Operation only on westbound convoy. From 20 September O.N.S. -, from 23 September O.N.-convoy expected. With westbound convoys delay is possible.
	2.) On sighting eastbound convoy no operation. However use favorable attack opportunities. Report only if boat is noticed by the enemy. After using attack opportunities quickly back to position in patrol line.

01.10.43	Hubertus
00.23	Officer-Only Lucie
	Contrary to previous orders: 1 October 12.00 hours be in new patrol line from AD 8815 to AK 0338.

01.10.43	Hubertus
20.45	Officer-Only Viktor
	Shift patrol line ordered in Serial No. 833 by 2 October 08.00 hours 60 nm in direction 350°. New order from the north:
	"Speidel", "Rendtel", "Lauterbach", "Engel", "Hunger", "Techand", "Manseck", "Deecke", "Freyberg", "Giersberg", "Finke", "Mäder" and further as ordered. No reports for late arrival.

02.10.43	Hubertus
19.26	Officer-Only Sophie
	1.) Up to and including 3 October meeting the O.N.S.-convoy in the line, from 3 October with the O.N.-convoy is expected. Therefore continue to watch out.
	2.) Guarded enemy comments from the "Leuthen"-convoy confirm that the enemy has been dealt a severe blow.

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