U-853 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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	- 1 -
				Copy No.   . . . . . . .
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
				of
			Unterseebootes    " U  8 5 3 "
			-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Kommandant    :	Kapitänleutnant    S  o  m  m  e  r
			Beginning          : 25. June 1943.     Concluding       :   4. July 1944.
			Distribution        :     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 O.K.M., 2.Skl./B.d.U.-Op.     "      " 3 Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West     "      " 5 Führer der Unterseebootesausbildungsflottillen     "      " 6 27. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 7 10. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 8
			Enclosures       :     1 Track chart To    "       " 1, 3, 4, 5, 8. 2 Combat Sketches  "      "       " 3, 8. 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log  "      "       " 1, 3, 4, 5, 8. 2 Torpedo firing reports  "      "       " 3, 4, 5, 8. 1 K.T.B. Maschine  "      "       " 3.
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	- 2 -
		25.06.43		Commissioning.
		26.06.43		Took over the boat.
		28.06.43
		08.00	Bremen	Cast off U-boat yard.
		13.00	Wessermünde [Bremerhaven]	Made fast destroyer pier.
		29.06.43
		03.15	Wessermünde	Cast off destroyer pier.
		14.40	Hamburg	Made fast U-boat Base.
		01.07.43
		06.00	Hamburg	Cast off U-boat Base.
		17.40	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 11.
		02.07. - 18.07.43	Kiel Wik	U.A.K.
		19.07.43
		07.30	Kiel Wik	Cast off Berth 9.
		10.15		Departed for Sonderburg.
		14.20	Sonderburg	Made fast.
		20.07.43
		07.00		Cast off for sound trails per Radio Message.
		16.00	Sonderburg	Departed.
		19.00	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 7.
		21.07.43
		06.00	Kiel Wik	Cast off Berth 7.
		18.40	Swinimünde	Made fast at the "ASTONIA".
		22.07. - 25.07.43		Exercises with Flakschule I.
		26.07.43
		03.45		Cast off from "ASTONIA".
		08.20	Stettin	Made fast U-boat Base.
		27.07.43
		02.55	Stettin	Cast off U-boat Base.
		19.30		Made fast in the Danziger Werft.
		28.07. - 30.07.43	Danzig	U.A.K.
		31.07.43
		08.00		Cast off Danziger Werft.
		16.30	Gotenhafen	Made fast harbor basin 10.
		02.08.43
		11.30	Gotenhafen	Cast off.
		12.40	Hela	Made fast war harbor.
		03.08 - 13.08.43		Agru-Front (I. and II. Training)
		13.08.43
		17.40	Gotenhafen	Made fast New wharf.
		14.08. - 16.08.43	Gotenhafen	New Wharf.
		17.08. - 20.08.43		Tactical training (20. U-Flottille).
		21.08. - 03.09.43		Agru-Front (III. Training).
		03.09.43
		20.00	Gotenhafen	Made fast.
		04.09. - 19.09.43	Gotenhafen	Training.
		20.09. - 21.09.43	Gotenhafen	New wharf.
		22.09.43
		05.30	Gotenhafen	Cast off New wharf.
		19.40	Stettin	Made fast Oder-Werke.

	- 3 -
		22.09. - 06.11.43		Shipyard period.  (repairs and E-motor fire).
		07.11. - 23.11.43	Stettin	Idle and outfitting period.
		24.11.43
		07.30	Stettin	Departed.
		25.11.43
		09.00	Hela	Made fast.
		26.11. - 04.12.43		Agru-Front (IV. and V. Training).
		05.12. - 06.12.43	Gotenhafen	T.E.K.
		07.12. - 08.12.43	Gotenhafen	Torpedo firing.
		09.12. - 26.12.43	Gotenhafen	Shipyard period (repair of the port forward diving plane).
		27.12.43
		01.30	Gotenhafen	Departed.
		07.50	Pillau	Made fast Berth 21.
		27.12. - 31.12.43	Pillau	Torpedo firing with the 26. U-Flottille.
		31.12.43
		08.25		Boat rammed by torpedo recovery vessel.
		13.20	Königsberg	Made fast Schichau Werft Berth 13 (Periscope replacement).
		01.01.44
		09.00		Cast off Schichau Werft.
		11.00		Made fast Berth 20.
		01.01. - 08.01.44	Pillau	Torpedo firing with the 26. U-Flottille.
		09.01.44
		14.00	Pillau	Departed.
		19.30	Gotenhafen	Made fast Harbor basin 9.
		10.01. - 18.01.44		Tactical training.
		19.01. - 21.01.44	Gotenhafen and Pillau	Torpedo firing.
		22.01.44
		10.15	Gotenhafen	Departed for Swinimünde
		23.01.44
		07.50	Swinimünde	Made fast Coal Harbor.
		24.01. - 25.01.44	Swinimünde	Anti-aircraft firing.
		26.01.44
		10.00	Swinimünde	Departed for Stettin.
		26.01.44
		13.30	Stettin	Made fast U-boat Base Berth 33.
		27.01. - 10.03.44		Final adjustments and overhaul Stettin Oder Werke.
		07.03.44		Pier-side trial and degaussing.
		09.03.44		Sea trial.
		10.03.44		Shipyard complete and took over the boat.
		11.03.44		Torpedo and ammunition loading.
		12.03.44		Provisions loading.
		14.03.44
		17.30	Stettin	Departed for Swinimünde
		21.15	Swinimünde	Made fast Coal Harbor.
		15.03. - 20.03.44		Exercises, training and shooting training.

	- 4 -
		18.03.44
		04.00		Departed for rescue of "U-1013".
		19.00	Stettin	Made fast at the Oil Harbor to deliver the rescued.
		19.03.44
		06.00		Departed for Swinimünde.
		09.15	Swinimünde	Made fast.
		20.03.44
		23.00		Departed for square AO 8393.
		21.03.44
		07.00		Reached square.  Began independent training.
		15.00		Transit to Sonderburg.
		22.03.44
		12.45	Sonderburg	Made fast U-boat Base.
		23.03.44
		06.00		Departed for sound trials
		12.30		Made fast at old berth.
		15.00		Departed for Apenrade at the disposition of S.V.x.
		17.15	Apenrade	Made fast in the Old Harbor.
		24.03.44
		08.00 - 17.00	In the Fjord	Trials.
		25.03.44
		05.30		Departed for Kiel.
		11.15		Made fast Berth 34.
		12.40		Made fast in the Arsenal for replacement of the 2 cm Quadruple with 3.7 cm C 42.
		16.00		Made fast in the U-boat bunker.
		26.03.44		Sunday routine.
		27.03.44		Examination of the crew.
		19.25 - 19.50		Boat inspected.
		28.03.44		Anti-aircraft training of the crew.
		29.03.44		Anti-aircraft training of the crew.
		30.03.44		Anti-aircraft training of the crew.
		31.03.44
		08.30		Ready for sea.  Measured mile, afterwards calibration of the 3.7 cm.
		18.47		Made fast in the U-boat bunker, 3.7 cm ammunition taken over.
		01.04.44		Anti-aircraft training of the crew.
		02.04.44
		07.30		Ready for sea.  Anti-aircraft firing of the 2 cm and 3.7 cm.
		13.53		Made fast in the U-boat bunker.
		03.04.44		Anti-aircraft training of the crew.  Afterwards weapons cleaning.
		04.04.44
		07.40 - 10.50		Torpedo loading.
		11.50 - 14.45		Degaussing.
		05.04.44
		08.00 - 11.30		Ammunitions loading.
		06.04.44	Kiel
		16.00 - 17.40		Calibration of the magnetic compass.
		18.10 - 18.45		Pressure test and trim test.
		07.04.44		Final trim test and radio direction finder calibration.
		08.04.44		Dry docked for repair of main ballast tank 5.
		09.04.44		Oil loading.
		10.04.44		Clean ship, afterwards duty free.

	- 5 -
		11.04.44
		08.00	Kiel	Departed U-boat Base for Kristiansand.
			Overcast, fog, wind calm, Vis. 600 meters
		09.33	Baltic	Taken in convoy as No. 2 behind U-860.
		09.33 to 10.15		Anchored due to fog.
		12.00	Clearing, cloudless sky	Day's run:  Surfaced:       27.9 nm
				"      "     Submerged:        -
		12.56		Begin transit on Route 28.
		15.00	Slowly clouding	Overflown by enemy formation at high altitude (around 60 aircraft).  Course west.
		12.04.44	Baltic
		04.10	Arising thick fog, Wind 1-2	Sperrbrecher lost in fog.  Vis. 100 meters.
		04.43		Found again and anchored at the suggestion of U-860.  At dawn determined that there was a strong oil trace.  Decided to return to Kiel with the next convoy together for repairs, as this had been discussed ahead of time with the 5. U-Flottille.
		10.50	Slowly lifting fog up to a visibility of 1200 meters, Wind 1-2, unclear horizon, at times sunny.	Weighed anchor.  Went with escort to Point Schwarz 14, to wait on return escort there.  Returning report given by Sperrbrecher.
				Outgoing Radio Message 1306/12.47:  5. U-Flottille  Have anchored at Point Schwarz 14 for convoy intake.  Transit to Kiel due to reported oil trace.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:  154.8 nm.
		12.45	Afternoon misty, wind calm, in the evening fog down to visibility of 300 meters.
		23.45	Clearing	Taken in convoy for return transit to Kiel.
		13.04.44	Baltic
		00.50	Again fog, wind calm	Anchored because visibility is too bad.
		06.30	Fog lifting	Weighed anchor to continue transit to Kiel.
			NW 0-1
		10.20	Cloudy, 8-9/10, in places heavy fog banks	Escort out of sight (visibility 50 meters).
		10.40		Contact reestablished.
				Anti-aircraft exercises, torpedo fire control training.
		12.00	Increasing visibility, at times sunny, 8/10, afternoon 6-7/10, Vis. to 4 nm, unclear horizon, NW 0-1	Day's run:  Surfaced:       114 nm
				"      "     Submerged:        -
			In the evening clearing to 1/10, Vis. 7-8 nm, E 2-3

	- 6 -
		14.04.44	Baltic
		00.45	Heavy fog set in, Vis. 3-400 meters, wind constant	Anchored due to bad contact holding in fog.
		07.45	Fog lifting, Vis. 2-3 nm, wind freshening, ESE 3	Weighed anchor, continued transit to Kiel.
		09.00	Fog, rainy	Anchored due to bad visibility (Vis. 50-100 meters).
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:  92.5 nm.
		15.10	Clearing with constant cloudiness, Sea and wind, Vis. 2-3 nm	Weighed anchor, continued transit to Kiel.
		18.30	Cheerful, 7-8/10, muggy, thunderstorms	Released from convoy.
		19.28	Rainy, Vis. good
				Made fast Howaldtwerke Kiel.
				Overhaul of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 6 and 7 starboard.
		15.04. - 17.04.44	Kiel Howaldtwerke and Gema-installation    [Gema = radar]
		18.04.44	Kiel
		07.20		Ready for sea delayed due to mine danger.
		08.00		Held at the Base.
		08.26		Made fast Berth 22 (York Pier).
		13.30		Cast off Berth 22.
		14.00		Made fast in the bunker.  Departure delayed until 19 April.
		19.04.44	Kiel
		07.20		Ready for sea.
		07.30		Ready for sea rescinded.  Departure delayed due to mine danger.  Anti-aircraft exercises, torpedo fire control training, exercises, sports.
		20.04.44	Kiel
		07.00	Light overcast, S 2, Vis. 8 nm, unclear horizon	Departed for 1st patrol.  Took up transit formation behind U-861, ahead of U-742.
		08.40 - 09.40		Due to measurement of the other boats in waiting position at the Kiel Lightship.
		09.40		Took up tactical formation as No. 2.
		12.00	1/10, wind abating, Vis. 6-8 nm, lightly misty horizon	Day's run:  Surfaced:  29.2 nm.
		22.00	Evening constant weather, night visibility decreasing	Entered the Kattegat.
		21.04.44	Kattegat
			Wind shifting to the West, slowly freshening
		12.00	0-1/10, SW 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 10 nm	Day's run:  Surfaced:  201.1 nm.
		13.00		Entered the Skagerrak.
		17.00	Strengthening of the wind and Sea, constant Vis. and cloudiness	Released from convoy.
		20.11 - 21.43	Further freshening of the wind, WbyS 5, Sea 4, Vis. 4-5 nm, cloudy to overcast, rainy	Deep diving test.  At depth A +40 meters determined that the starboard shaft stuffing box leaks and the port exhaust gas valve did not hold.
		to 23.47		Waited on U-742, then continued for Kristiansand.

	- 7 -
		22.04.44	Skagerrak
			About morning the wind abated to WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10	Up to dawn off Kristiansand in waiting station.
		04.43	Kristiansand	Entered.
		06.40	Kristiansand - Marviken	Made fast.
		07.36		Outgoing Radio Message 0717/22/8:  5. U-Flottille  During deep diving test heavy water intake through port stuffing box.  No success by tightening.  Question dry-docking in Oslo.  U-Sommer
		10.09		Incoming Radio Message 0930/22/10:  "U 853" Proceed to Bergen with escort.  Confirm.        5. U-Flottille.
		10.49		Outgoing Radio Message 1036/22/11:  5. U-Flottille 0930/22/10 solved correctly here.       "U-853".
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced:       114.0 nm
				"      "     Submerged:       6.7 nm
				120.7 nm
				Oil loading.
		23.04.44	Kristiansand - Marviken	Continued transit to Bergen delayed due to weather.  Sunday routine.
		24.04.44	Kristiansand - Marviken	Fast convoy did not arrive due to weather conditions.  Departure delayed.
		25.04.44	Kristiansand - Marviken
		08.00	Lightly cloudy, WNW 2-3, Vis. 10 nm, heavy Swell, 3/10	Departed.
		08.15		Taken in convoy.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced: 36.8 nm
		13.35 - 13.40	Freshening wind,to WNW 4-5, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. good	Aircraft alarm (approach of an Arado 196).
		13.50 - 13.55		Aircraft alarm (approach of a BV 138).  We had not been told ahead of time that an escort with air protection would meet us.  Because the aircraft approached and was not recognized as own due to the overcoming seas, was shot at.  Shots lie well, turns away immediately.
		15.10	WNW 8, Sea 6, otherwise the same, somewhat cloudy	Due to weather situation headed for Egersund.  (anti-aircraft weapons cannot be manned.)
		16.10	Egersund	Made fast at the pier.
		26.04.44	Egersund
		06.00	NW 2, Sea 0-1, low Swell, 6/10	Ready for sea.
		09.30		Entered the archipelago area from Stavanger. Transit through the archipelago to Bergen.
		12.00	Light rain, Vis. 1 nm, afternoon constant wind shifting to the South.	Day's run:  Surfaced: 54.2 nm
		19.55	Bergen	Made fast at the pier.
		27.04.44	Bergen
		01.05		Cast off to dry-dock.
		02.40		Made fast in the bunker.
		03.00		Dry-docked.  Repairs to the stuffing box and exhaust gas valve.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced: 101.2 nm
		18.10		Un-docked.

	- 8 -
		27.04.44
		19.55		Cast off U-boat bunker.
		20.10 -21.32		Deep diving test.  At depth A +20 port exhaust gas valve leaks heavily.
		22.05	Bergen	Made fast at the pier for second repair.
		28.04.44	Bergen
		15.00		Ready for sea.
		15.24 - 16.36		Deep diving test, headed for depth 2A +20 meters.  No issues.
		16.55		Made fast.
			Support by the 11. U-Flottille was outstanding.
		29.04.44	Bergen
		19.00	NNW 1, Sea 0, low Swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1020 mb	Ready for sea.
		19.10	Bergen	Cast off the pier.  Taken in convoy.
		22.00		Released from convoy.
		22.54		At GF on general course 320° set off from the coast.
		30.04.44
		00.00	AF 7659
		02.50	SW 3, rainy, Vis. 3 nm, 1015 mb	Dived to proceed submerged.
		04.00	AF 8742
		08.00	AF 8742
		12.00	AF 8742	Day's run:  Surfaced:       96.3 nm
			Longitude =  2° 40'E	"      "     Submerged:    24.0 nm
			Latitude   = 61° 49'N	120.3 nm
		16.00	AF 7930
		20.00	AF 7930
		23.50	SW 1, Sea 1, Vis. low, 0/10, misty, medium Swell, 1005 mb	Surfaced to charge and ventilate.
		01.05.44	Northern North Sea
		00.00	AF 7650
		03.05		Dived to proceed submerged.
		04.00	AF 7370
		12.00	AF 7370	Day's run:  Surfaced:       43.7 nm
			Longitude =  0° 40'E	"      "     Submerged:    20.0 nm
			Latitude   = 63° 04'N	63.7 nm
		16.00	AF 7370
		20.00	AF 7370
		21.45		To Action Stations!  Strong sounds of a piston engine in GHG.  Nothing to sea.
		22.15		Secured from Action Stations.
		02.05.44	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4764
			SW 1-2, high Swell, Vis. 5 nm, 0/10, moonshine, 1000 mb
		01.20		Surfaced to charge and ventilate.
		03.36		Dived.  Continued submerged transit.
		04.00	AF 4764
		08.00	AF 4764
		12.00	AF 4764

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.44

	- 9 -
		02.05.44
		12.00	Longitude =  1° 30'W	Day's run:  Surfaced:       29.5 nm
			Latitude   = 63° 55'N	"      "     Submerged:    45.5 nm
				75.0 nm
		16.00	AE 6590	Scare depth charges at medium and long range.
		20.00	AE 6590
		03.05.44	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AE 6936
		00.03	Freshening wind, N 6-7, high Swell, Vis. good, 0/10, moonshine, 996 mb	Surfaced to charge and ventilate.
		02.58		Dived.  Continued submerged transit.
				Scare depth charges at medium range.
		04.00	AE 6936
		08.00	AE 6936
		12.00	AE 6936	Day's run:  Surfaced:       34.5 nm
			Longitude =  4° 10'W	"      "     Submerged:    42.2 nm
			Latitude   = 64° 23'N	77.7 nm
		16.00	AE 6936
		20.00	AE 6936
		21.39	AE 6590                                    About 21.39 hours in relative bearing 90° to 110° a new type shrill noise is reported in my listening gear, as if coming from a circular saw, that sometimes subsides and whose pitch changes. On course 290° the bearing is steady. So I suppose it is a noise buoy or raft, which was deployed above as a scare agent.  I wanted to surface at 00.00 hours to charge and ventilate.  The air was already very stale.  Propeller noises could not be heard because everything was drowned out by the screeching sounds. Suddenly a series of 6 depth charges. Went to depth 2 A meters.  Nothing to hear but these sounds.  So far I had maintained course, now I put the noise astern.
		22.30	To Action Stations and went to periscope depth, to clarify the odd affair.  On coming up astern a destroyer at 1000 to 1500 meters at target angle 90°, bow left, LF.  To the right and left of him one destroyer each, further off abeam to port yet another escort vessel.
		04.05.44	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AE 6590                                    Above the night is bright as day, nearly full moon, starry clear, Northern Lights.  Boat continually cuts under in the low Swell, Chief Engineer calls: "Boat comes out," however is caught at 11 meters.
		01.34	I shoot a T V from tube VI as a near shot on the center destroyer.  Behind the destroyer are several merchant ships.
		01.35	Shot a little too quickly after the first torpedo due to the permanent undercutting on the in the meantime shifting destroyer also a near shot so the running distance extends and is not exhausted in a circle and so still has hit opportunities on the overlapping steamers which have approached closely.  Boat comes to depth A +30 meters.  Boat again comes completely out because it is stern heavy.  The Englander does not notice.  There are no Asdic sounds.  I still see 2 aircraft (biplanes). We dive again.  Nothing follows.  A dull detonation is heard, it is not established if it is from a torpedo. I'm highly wary of this porpoising, because with the hunting zeal I did not realize the difficulties the Chief Engineer had with the bilge water. I turned in order to use the forward tubes.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.44

	- 10 -
		continued
		04.05.44	The luck!  Approach!  The boat broaches again.  2 aircraft are nearly over us.  Was not seen.  Shooting angle is still not free.  With AK and flooding we get under.  We must have been seen.  Everything was within our grasp.  Nothing.  The convoy is away when the Chief Engineer has the boat in hand again. We pump and trim.  Despite the noise the Tommy does not hear us.  The noise drowns out everything.  Because of the strong air and destroyer escort, waited an hour before surfacing.
		02.44	N 1-2, Sea 0-1, Vis. good, 2-3/10, deep Swell, moonshine, clear horizon	Surfaced.  Above it is bright as day, moonshine, low Swell, no clouds.  Charged until it was completely light.
			Reasons for this bad failure.
			1)  I should have gone to periscope depth earlier and not considered the scare and diversion means.
			2)  The report to the Chief Engineer from the torpedo man that both stern tubes were flooded did not get through, as a result late trim compensation and depth control difficulties.  The boat was stern heavy and as a result broached, furthered by the deep Swell.
			Reason:  Probably an inexcusable slip up during the first combat experience with the order transmission system and with the unaccustomed CO² content of the air
			3) Torpedoes ought to have hit a target at the short distance, however all were distracted by the overwhelming noise.
			4)  After surfacing Radio Message was not sent, because, first the boat should remain unobserved, second to breakthrough unnoticed, third to my knowledge there were no boats nearby and also own air cannot be tasked before reaching English waters of the Faroe Islands. It was too late and too bright for pursuit, and I needed to recharge my stocks again.
			Experiences:
			1)  Screeching noise drowned out all propeller sounds and apparently also Asdic because not a single location was determined.
			2)  It seems the T V was distracted because there were enough targets at hand at short range.
			3)  Again and again Order and Reporting exercises.
			4)  Destroyers and air did not notice he boat despite several full surfacing.  Tired and close to home.
		04.15		Continued submerged.
		08.00	AE 6576
		12.00	AE 6570	Day's run:  Surfaced:       20.5 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   46.4 nm
				66.9 nm
		16.00	AE 6578
		20.00	AE 6578
		05.05.44	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 6578
		00.19	E 1, Sea 0-1, low Swell, 1/10, moonshine, Vis. good, 1014 mb	Surfaced to charge and ventilate.
		02.45		Dived.
		04.00	AE 8360
		08.00	AE 8360
		12.00	AE 6780	Day's run:  Surfaced:      38.2 nm
			Longitude =  9° 58'W	"      "     Submerged:   33.8 nm
			Latitude   = 63° 54'N	69.0 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		05.05.44
		16.00	AE 6770
		20.00	AE 6770
		06.05.44	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 6770
		00.34	SW 1-2, no Sea, low Swell, cloudy with rain showers, 1016 mb	Surfaced.
		02.31		Dived.
		04.00	AE 8360
		08.00	AE 8360
		12.00	AE 8350	Day's run:  Surfaced:      26.0 nm
			Longitude = 11° 34'W	"      "     Submerged:  37.0 nm
			Latitude   = 63° 06'N	63.0 nm
		16.00	AE 8350
		20.00	AE 8380
		07.05.44	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 8530
		00.27	SW 6-7, Sea 6, Vis. moderate, high Swell, overcast, -(rain), 1010 mb	Surfaced.
		03.10		Dived.
		04.00	AE 8530
		12.00	AE 8350	Day's run:  Surfaced:      32.0 nm
			Longitude = 13° 30'W	"      "     Submerged:  36.0 nm
			Latitude   = 62° 36'W	67.0 nm
		16.00	AE 8560
		20.00	AE 8550
		08.05.44	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 8550
		00.26	SSW 6-7, Sea 6, high Swell, lightly overcast, moonshine, Vis. changing, 1008 mb	Surfaced.
		03.15		Dived.
		04.00	AE 8570
		08.00	AE 8570
		12.00	AE 8570	Day's run:  Surfaced:      26.5 nm
			Longitude = 15° 12'W	"      "     Submerged:  35.5 nm
			Latitude   = 61° 49'N	62.0 nm
		16.00	AE 8730	Scare depth charges at long range.
		20.00	AE 8730
		09.05.44	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 8730
		01.08	SW 3-4, Sea 3, high Swell, overcast, (rain), Vis. changing, 1009 mb	Surfaced.
		02.17		Incoming Radio Message 1919/9/167:  Sommer.  1)  As passing report give Short Signal weather report.  2)  As temporary attack area occupy AK 40 and 70 and send twice daily Short Signal weather reports from there.  Begin on entering this area.  Strive to deliver at each of the ordered times.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.44

	- 12 -
		continued
		09.05.44
		03.30		Dived.
		04.00	AE 8750
		08.00	AE 8750
		12.00	AE 8770	Day's run:  Surfaced:      25.3 nm
			Longitude = 16° 15'W	"      "     Submerged:  35.0 nm
			Latitude   = 61° 12'N	60.3 nm
		16.00	AE 8740
		20.00	AE 8740
		10.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AE 8770
		00.56	SW 2, Sea 1, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1012 mb	Surfaced.
		03.38		Dived.
		04.00	AL 3120
		04.15		Propeller sounds in the GHG (120 RPM).  Shifts quickly from starboard to ahead.  Far off.  Above nothing seen.
		08.00	AL 3150
		12.00	AL 3140	Day's run:  Surfaced:      33.6 nm
			Longitude = 18° 45'W	"      "     Submerged:  36.9 nm
			Latitude   = 60° 37'N	70.5 nm
		16.00	AL 3140
		20.00	AL 3140	In the course of the day often scare depth charges at medium to long range.
		11.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 3170
		00.55	SW 4-5, Sea 3, high Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1005 mb	Surfaced.
		03.26		Dived.
		04.00	AL 2430
		08.00	AL 2430
		12.00	AL 2450	Day's run:  Surfaced:      26.4 nm
			Longitude = 20° 02'W	"      "     Submerged:  34.6 nm
			Latitude   = 59° 41'N	61.0 nm
		16.00	AL 2450
		20.00	AL 2450	In the course of the day again scare depth charges at longer range.
				Heavy Swell, boat still works heavily at depth A -10 meters.
		12.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2440
		00.55	SW 4-5, Sea 4, high Swell, 0vercast (rain), Vis. good, 1002 mb	Surfaced.
		about 02.20		2 short period Naxos detections.
		03.16		Dived.
		04.00	AL 2360	Course change to 245° due to direct heading to the operations area.
		08.00	AL 2360
		12.00	AL 2350	Day's run:  Surfaced:      20.3 nm
			Longitude = 21° 45'W	"      "     Submerged:  37.6 nm
			Latitude   = 59° 26'N	57.9 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		12.05.44
		16.00	AL 2350
		20.00	AL 2380	In the course of the day scare depth charges at greater range.
		13.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2380
		01.28	NW 3, Sea 2, high Swell, 6-7/10, Vis. changing, 1006 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1490
		04.43		Dived.  Because I have not been able to take an astronomical navigation fix since 5 May due to the weather conditions and by dead reckoning have just passed my reporting latitude I will give location message tomorrow.  Due to heavy Sea State and Swell I must expect a large offset.
		08.00	AL 1630
		12.00	AL 1620	Day's run:  Surfaced:      29.5 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  31.1 nm
				60.6 nm
		16.00	AL 1620
		20.00	AL 1610	Depth charges during the entire day at medium range, no propeller sounds.
		14.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1610
		01.28	W 1, Sea 0, low Swell, 7/10 to overcast, Vis. medium to 5 nm, 1036 mb	Surfaced.
		04.19	AL 2530	Incoming Radio Message 1506/13/130:   1) Following boats occupy new attack areas and therein report weather twice daily at each of the ordered times. Sommer area occupied up to now by Valentiner [U-385 AK 30]. Valentiner area occupied up to now by Reff [U-736 AK 60-90]. Baden area occupied up to now by Wendt [U-765 BD 50-60]. Reff and Wendt begin return transit.
				2)  Radio Message 1242/10 is authoritative for the present area and general instructions.
				3) Additionally send reports in transit to new attack areas.
		05.28	AL 2530	Passing report send by Short Signal weather report.
		05.30		Crash dive!  Steady tone in the "Fliege".  Proceeded at depth A -10 meters because air surveillance is to be expected and on the basis of depth charges in the day ahead.
		08.00	AL 2530
		12.00	AL 2520	Day's run:  Surfaced:      25.1 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  36.4 nm
				61.5 nm
		16.00	AL 2520
		20.00	AL 2520	Curiously, at the same time as on the previous days about 17.00 and 21.00 hours depth charges at medium range.
		15.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2520
		01.04	SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, 5-8 nm, low Swell, overcast, 1041 mb	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.44

	- 14 -
		continued
		15.05.44
		04.00	AL 1630	Position Latitude   = 58° 54'N
				Longitude = 22° 22'W
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  82°T 130 nm.
		05.29		Dived.  Set off on transit to operations area. Remained submerged by day due to pronounced calm and associated long wake strip, and low clouds to counter the increased chance of being detected.
		08.00	AL 1630
		12.00	AL 1620	Day's run:  Surfaced:      32.3 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  32.1 nm
				64.4 nm
		14.10	Weather like the night	Came to periscope depth for am all around sweep.
		14.20		Continued transit at depth A -10 meters.
		16.00	AL 1620	Individual depth charges at various ranges.  Assume that they are indiscriminately thrown from airplanes, because there is always only one bomb also nothing to see.
		20.00	AL 1610
		16.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1610
		01.02	S 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 8 nm, low Swell, overcast, 1039 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 1530
			S 3, Sea 2, low Swell, 8/10, Vis. 8 nm, 1038 mb
		05.55		Dived.  Depth control training by the Chief Engineer.
		06.00	AL 1520	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  115°T, 10 nm.
		08.00	AL 1520
		12.00	AL 1520	Day's run:  Surfaced:      40.2 nm
			Longitude = 25° 22'W	"      "     Submerged:  31.3 nm
			Latitude   = 58° 50'N	71.5 nm
		14.00		At periscope depth for all around sweep.  Nothing seen or heard.
		14.10		Continued transit at depth A -10 meters.
		16.00	AL 1520
		20.00	AL 1510	About 17.00 and 21.00 hours again depth charges at great range.  Direction not determined.
		17.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1510
		00.52	SSE 2, Sea 1, low Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, 1036 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	AK 3630	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  45°T, 10 nm.
		05.55		Dived.
		08.00	AL 3470	Day's run:  Surfaced:      42.4 nm
			Longitude = 27° 55'W	"      "     Submerged:  29.8 nm
			Latitude   = 59° 09'N	72.2 nm
		14.56	SSE 1, Sea 1, low Swell, overcast (fog) -overcast mist, Vis. 1-2000 meters, 1035 mb	Surfaced.
				Sent Short Signal weather report.
		16.00	AK 3390
		16.10		Dived.
				Several times by day went to periscope depth for all around sweep.  Visibility low, nothing seen.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.44

	- 15 -
		continued
		17.05.44
		20.00	AK 3390	Depth charges at long range.  Nothing to see.  Direction not determined.
		18.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3360
			My behavior in the operations area is guided by Radio Message 1626/5/197 of 5 May and Radio Message 1242/10/177 of 10 May.
		00.34	S 3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 300 meters, low Swell, overcast fog, 1034 mb	Surfaced.
		01.29		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AK 3340
		05.53		Dived.
		08.00	AK 3370
		12.00	AL 3370	Day's run:  Surfaced:      67.7 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  23.9 nm
				91.6 nm
		12.49	SbyW 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. good up to 15 nm, low Swell, 3/10, 1036 mb	Surfaced. While proceeding on the surface torpedo fire control for training.  Steered deceptive courses.
		13.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Anti-aircraft weapons fired.
		14.02	About 14.00 hours slowly arising fog	Crash dive with inserted mechanical malfunctions.
		16.00	AK 2490
		20.00	AK 2630	Over the entire day several times at periscope depth for all around sweep.  Nothing seen or heard.
		19.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2630
		01.55	Calm, no Sea, low Swell, overcast (mist), Vis. moderate, 1038 mb	Surfaced.
		02.53		Incoming Radio Message 1534/18/118:  "Valentiner" begins return transit on 20 May therefore:
				1)  "Sommer" occupy previous operations area of Valentiner [AK 60 90].  Continue reports while in transit.
				2)  Concerning Nollau (text and so forth)
		03.10	AK 2650	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  248°T, 11.5 nm.
		04.00	AK 2660
		04.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		06.15		Crash dive for training with inserted mechanical malfunctions.
		06.25	N 0-1, Sea 1, low Swell, overcast mist (fog), Vis. 50 meters, 1038 mb	Dived due to fog (Vis. 50 meters).
		08.00	AK 2830
		12.00	AK 2830	Day's run:  Surfaced:      53.2 nm
			Longitude = 30° 19'W	"      "     Submerged:  28.9 nm
			Latitude   = 58° 03'N	82.1 nm
		13.04	SE 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good up to 15 nm, 1039 mb	Surfaced.
		14.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		14.16		Crash dive due to detection.  Continued transit at A -10 meters.
		16.00	AK 2860

	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.44

	- 16 -
		continued
		19.05.44
		20.00	AK 2860
		about 21.00		Several depth charge series at medium range.  During the entire day several times to periscope depth  for all around sweep.  Nothing to see and hear.
				Instruction at Stations.
		20.05.44	North Atlantic.
		00.00	AK 2860
		01.19	SW 1, Sea 0, low Swell, 1/10, Vis. good, 1037 mb	Surfaced.
		01.35		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  182°T, 12.5 nm.
		02.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		02.22		Sent Radio Message concerning failure of T V on 3 May and cause, because by shift of operations area the danger from having a bearing taken is not so great.
		04.00	AK 6260
		05.45	AK 6120	Reached new operations area.
		06.10		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  357°T, 7.5 nm.
		06.15	SW 1, Sea 0, light Swell, 5/10, Vis. good, 1034 mb	Dived.
		08.00	AK 6120
		12.00	AK 6120	Day's run:  Surfaced:     78.8 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  28.0 nm
				106.8 nm
		14.56	ESE 2, Sea 1, low Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1032 mb	Surfaced.
		15.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		15.58		Dived.
				Went to periscope depth several times, nothing to see.
		16.00	AK 6150
		20.00	AK 6150
		23.49	SE 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1031 mb, falling	Surfaced.
				Instruction at Stations.
				Depth charges at great range.  Believe from direction and estimated range that a bearing was taken on the Radio Message transmission concerning the T V tonight.
		21.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 6180
		00.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		01.49		Incoming Radio Message 0846/20/143:  To weather boats.
				1) (text and so forth).
				2)  "Sommer" tonight report shooting data for T V shot.
		04.00	AK 6510
		05.30		Outgoing Radio Message 0503/21/157:  "Target speed 10, target angle left 90°, range 1500 meters, NS, depth 5 meters, behind target on torpedo course other overlapping vessels.
		07.05		Dived.
		08.00	AK 6570
		11.34		Surfaced.
		12.00	AK 6810	Day's run:  Surfaced:     87.8 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  24.8 nm
				112.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.44

	- 17 -
		continued
		21.05.44
		12.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		14.00 - 21.00		All around sweep at periscope depth.  Nothing to see.
				Individual depth charges, later entire series of up to 100 units, by bearing and estimated range in the area our Radio Message was sent.
			So it's good if you immediately and vigorously change location after delivery of Radio Messages. So far, it seems as if the enemy always throws his depth charges behind us without finding our real location. Since no steamers are there, it works perfectly to play cat and mouse with him and blur our footsteps. It is strange that each they day quite regularly drop the depth charges, during the period 14.00 to 18.00 hours a few, at 21.00 hours a lot and always astern of us. I suppose that they are thrown from flying boats, as they appear promptly after the Radio Messages and are so punctual.
		16.00	AK 6840
		20.00	AK 6850	Went to periscope depth several times.
		22.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 6850
		01.20	SSE 3-4, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1022 mb, wind freshening, strong marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.   Marine phosphorescence is so strong that the lookouts were blinded several times.
		01.40		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Was not understood.
		02.28		Due to the importance sent several times on another frequency and was understood.
		04.00	AK 9220
			SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, light Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate, 1020 mb, strong marine phosphorescence, barometer falling
		06.51		Dived.
		08.00	AK 9280	Except for a few depth charges at long range nothing to hear.
		12.00	AK 9280	Day's run:  Surfaced:     64.9 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  30.9 nm
				95.8 nm
				Several depth charges at medium range and 5 times small detonations like anti-aircraft fire.  Small aircraft bombs?  Above nothing is seen.  Direction not determined.
		14.28	SbyE 4, Sea 4, heavy Swell, overcast, Vis initially up to 2000 meters later fog, 1015 mb, falling strongly	Surfaced.
		15.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Visibility was always worse.
		15.49		Dived because thick fog has set in and visibility is only 50 to 100 meters.
				Fire control and Order and Reporting training.
		16.00	AK 9510	Above nothing to see due to fog.  About evening visibility was better.
		20.00	AK 9520
		23.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9520

	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.44

	- 18 -
		continued
		23.05.44
		01.01	W 0-1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, dark night, at times rainy, 1015 mb	Surfaced.
		01.21		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Strong marine phosphorescence  All around the boat bright as day and despite the lowest speed the wake looks like a comet's tail.
			I want to know how deep you can still see a boat with such lighting and how it looks at periscope depth.
		04.00	AK 9540
		06.47		Dived.
		08.00	AK 9440
		12.00	AK 9730	Day's run:  Surfaced:      40.9 nm
			Longitude = 29° 53'W	"      "     Submerged:  28.8 nm
			Latitude   = 51° 43'N	69.7 nm
				Occasional depth charge detonations at long range.
				While proceeding submerged daily instruction at Stations was completed, in the Control Room by the Watch Officer in the Engine Room by the Watch Mechanics.
		13.43	W 1-2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. good, 1012 mb	Surfaced.
		14.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		14.09		Dived.
		16.00	AK 9730	With several all around sweeps nothing is seen.  No sound bearings.
		20.00	AK 9720
		24.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9720
		00.35	SW 2-3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. initially good, later bad	Surfaced.
		02.47		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Because after surfacing the visibility is still good, fire control and Order and Reporting training.
			1007 mb falling, strong marine phosphorescence, pouring rain, wind picks up SW 4, Sea 3, low rain clouds, Vis. bad	The visibility was getting worse, strong marine phosphorescence, with pouring rain.  In this area frequent weather changes with wind and Sea State, so that Short Signal weather report is obsolete after a short time.
				No navigation fix for 5 days, once again it is time that Peter hangs the lanterns out.
				For day's we have attempted to open the outer tube door of tube II, no success.  Cause cannot be determined.
		06.55		Dived, because one can hear better submerged than one can see on the surface.
		08.00	AK 8930
		12.00	AK 8930	Day's run:  Surfaced:      25.2 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  22.3 nm
				47.5 nm
		14.49	WSW 4, Sea 4, large Swell, overcast (cloudy), Vis. good, 1010 mb	Surfaced.
		14.57		Sent Short Signal weather report.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.44

	- 19 -
		continued
		24.05.44
		15.50	Wind has freshened, W 7	Dived.
				While proceeding submerged fire control- and order transmission training and all hands maneuvers.
		16.00	AK 8920
		20.00	AK 8920	By day went to periscope depth several times, all around sweep free, no sound bearings.
		21.00		Depth charges quite close.
		25.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 8910
		01.03	SW 1-2, Sea 2, high Swell, moderate marine phosphorescence, overcast, 1015 mb	Surfaced.
		01.50		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AK 8560	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 0°T, 31.5 nm.
			W 0-1, medium Swell
		06.52	AK 8530	Shadow astern to starboard.  We steer course 0°.  In the east and south there are thick rain squalls, suddenly 2 steamers are distinguished.  Bridge and superstructure are out.  Bearing 110°T, estimated range 10 nm.
		07.01	Because we are positioned on the bright horizon and must be easily distinguished, dived with crash dive and turned to attack.  But must note that of the steamers, there are now 4 large smoke traces seen, unfortunately quickly shift to broad target angle and are far off, therefore a submerged attack is no longer in question.
		08.00	AK 8530
			The masts are very high and lie far apart.  Probably large passenger steamers.  No locating.  I thought at first a Swedish steamer because the Swedish route was very close.  Hopefully he still zigzags towards me.
		11.00	Bearing 235°T.  Range has increased about 15 to 20 nm.
		12.00	AK 8530	Day's run:  Surfaced:      51.0 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  30.7 nm
				81.7 nm
		12.03	SW 1-2, Sea 1, slight Swell, overcast, Vis. very good, 1006 mb	Surfaced.
				Bearing 238°T.  Range not distinguished.  Ships lie below the horizon.  General course of the convoy 240°, estimated about 17 to 19 knots.
		12.30		Outgoing Radio Message 1227/25/133:  (Short Signal)  Four steamers AK 8530 to the SW.  "U-853".
			When mastheads disappear in the periscope and only the smoke clouds can be seen, surfaced.  At high speed attempted to hold contact on the smoke clouds and maneuver ahead.
		13.20		Incoming Radio Message 1310/25/134:  "Sommer"  No contact keeping reports.  Attack!
				By bearing and range run at a minimum of 17 to 18 knots.  The smoke clouds fool because they remain vertically in the air a long time.
		15.30	I gave up pursuit because no mastheads come in sight and the smoke feathers slowly disappear.
		16.00	AK 8540
		16.08		Outgoing Radio Message 1530/25/137:  Pursuit abandoned.  Enemy speed 18 knots, course 240°, AK 8492.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.44

	- 20 -
		continued
		25.05.44
		16.29		Sent Short Signal weather report.
			To quickly increase range from the transmitting position I ran at GF on course 20°.
				We fired the weapons and completed greasing. No failures. I wanted to dive when suddenly aircraft flying from a high cloud at about 1000 meters altitude.
		17.01	Aircraft alarm!  They turn out to be American carrier aircraft (biplane - type Vought SU 4) [actually British Swordfish]. It was too late for diving.  I decide to repel on the surface.  Detection in the "Wanze" very late, as the aircraft were already close by and had been sighted.  Aircraft flew in the following formation:
		17.09		Outgoing Short Signal:  Was attacked by aircraft.  AK 8520.
		17.23		Outgoing Short Signal:  Attack by 2 or more aircraft.
			At 3500 meters shot at the two aircraft coming from starboard with the 3.7 cm.  After 7 shots the automatic mechanism fails and faultless single action fire follows very quickly.  I take both aircraft astern and go at AK on the opposite course.
			The single aircraft was fired at with one twin [2 cm] and and hesitated when it saw the black explosion clouds.  I turn further to course 90°.  The single aircraft then came in and threw 7 bombs, that looked to be rockets, passed by ahead and shot his machine-gun also from far ahead, was well covered by a twin [2 cm]. The engine burned with a short flame, but went out again, a large piece ripped from the from the wings, it tumbled, tossed a rubber boat and more items, likely to ease weight, and descended to 10 meters above the water. In so doing its tail almost touched the water. Very gradually staggered off and ran off with slow ponderous flight in direction 250°T.
			The first of the simultaneously attacking aircraft was also covered just fine from the other 2 cm, trundled off, it caught about 10 meters above the water, threw various objects including smoke signals and limped very slowly, flying completely unsafely low above the water in direction 270°T. It had previously thrown 7 bombs, all over. The machine gun  swooshed over the conning tower in the water. I am sure that both aircraft no longer reached the aircraft carrier. The engines managed only slow rotations. When they tried to fly higher, they slumped again. Flew slowly like a "Fieseler Storch".
			The third aircraft threw only 3 bombs and was not so dashing as the

Sun and Moon Data 25.05.44

	- 21 -
		continued
		25.05.44	others, instead flew high and remained at about 1000 meters altitude far off as contact keeper or minder on the two wounded, threw, when we shot with the 3.7 cm, a few more bombs far away from us into the water. They [meaning the 3rd aircraft] had done their part too.
		17.32		I gave the Alarm.
			The anti-aircraft crews proved to be excellent, and sprang up like gangsters. If the automatic system would have worked in the 3.7 cm, perhaps none of the attackers would have gotten away.
				Moved off submerged on course 140°.
		19.50		Far individual depth charges or aircraft bombs.  Then it starts with depth charges in all directions, however none close.
		20.00	AK 8550	A search group is heard, I put astern and move off at silent running at depth = 2 A meters.  Strangely enough,there is a circular saw like noise again in the throwing search group.  It was only turned off and on occasionally.
		up to
		23.40		Depth charges are strewn.
				Keep the destroyers astern and surface at 02.45 hours.  All around sweep free.
		26.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 8560
		02.45	W 0-1, Sea 1, light Swell, strong marine phosphorescence, 1006 mb	Surfaced.
			I run in the dark horizon at high speed and soon dive due to the marine phosphorescence water, increasing visibility and expected air. Did not sent Short Signal weather report, to get away first.
		04.00	AK 8590
		08.00	AK 8570
		12.00	AK 8680	Day's run:  Surfaced:      104.4 nm
				"      "     Submerged:    27.2 nm
				131.6 nm
		16.00	AK 8680	About 16.00 hours regular depth charges at great range.  Did not surface by day, due to the expected air surveillance.  Depth charges were probably thrown by aircraft in all directions, randomly.
		20.00	AK 8680
		27.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 8690
		01.19	WNW 7, Sea 6, high Swell, overcast - cloudy (rain), Vis. moderate, 1010 mb	Surfaced.
		03.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Strongly phosphorescent water.
		04.00	AK 9440
		06.49		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -10 meters.
		08.00	AK 9170	Still continuous depth charges, randomly.
		12.00	AK 9180	Day's run:  Surfaced:      49.3 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   28.1 nm
				77.4 nm
				At periscope depth nothing seen of aircraft due to the clouds, however the randomly thrown depth charges far away and close by indicate strong surveillance.  First I want to get well away because apparently they

	Sun and Moon Data 25.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.44

	- 22 -
		continued
		27.05.44		search systematically.
		16.00	AK 9180
		20.00	AK 9180	A non identifiable clicking noise occurs at periscope depth from 12.00 to 1x.00 hours not distinguishable with the far extended periscope.  Also retracting it is useless. It disappears again.
		28.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9420
		00.58	WSW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, 9/10, 1018 mb	Surfaced.
		02.05		Sent Short Signal weather report.
			Overcast (rain) moonshine, Vis. medium, strongly phosphorescent water	Finally again stars.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  73°T, 17 nm.
		04.00	AK 9510	Aircraft with searchlight at long range, seen twice.  No detection.  Remained surfaced.
				The water is strongly phosphorescent.
		02.57		Incoming Radio Message 1558/27/176:  Weather boats.
				1)  Concerning Baden.
				2)  Sommer go to Bader area, in so doing continue reporting. (see Radio Message 1506/13/130)  Bader previous Wendt area and Radio Message 1242/10/xx.
				3)  Concerning Premauer.
				4) . . . . Boats have freedom to maneuver . . . . .  Wendt between 54 and 87.
				Came to course for BD 5052.
		06.42		Dived due to the previous day's heavy air by day and low hanging clouds, to get rid of the now again attracted birds.
				Transit into the new operations area.
		08.00	AK 9540
		12.00	AK 9570	Day's run:  Surfaced:      57.2 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   25.8 nm
				83.0 nm
		12.55	SW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, 3/10, Vis. good, sunshine, 1012 mb	Surfaced.
		13.09		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Anti-aircraft weapons check fired, 3.7 cm intact.
		13.17		Crash dive, detection in the Wanze.
				The mechanical diving plane indicator was repaired, because the shaft had broken.
				On coming to periscope depth several time all around sweep free.
		16.00	AK 9570	Instruction at Stations.
		14.00 - 17.00		Numerous aircraft bombs and individual depth charge detonations at medium and close range.  Several aircraft bomb series (about 5 to 7 units) suspect from carrier aircraft because often small caliber.  They are close that an oil trace was suspected.  Perhaps the locating aircraft also still saw the diving location after the crash dive.
		20.00	AK 9810

	Sun and Moon Data 27.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.44

	- 23 -
		continued
		28.05.44
				In the listening gear a funny noise, one can not describe.  It is not propellers, it is also not boat noises.
		29.05.44	North Atlantic.
		00.00	AK 9810
		01.26	S 1, Sea 1, light Swell, 5/10, Vis. initially good, increasingly worse, moonshine, 1025 mb	Surfaced.  Pursued in the direction of the sound at GF.  Nothing.  Probably hogfish.
		03.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AK 9790	In the morning twilight 2 shadows are reported.  They are deceptively similar to an aircraft carrier and a destroyer.  Maneuvered ahead at GF on the dark horizon.  Everyone is already feverish with joy to get a rich roast, as the alleged carrier and companion rise from the horizon and stand as clouds over it. The disappointment is great, they were emerging clouds.
		06.38		Dived.
			My impression is that in square AK 60 and 90 there is lively independent traffic and perhaps a convoy there.  This is indicated by the presence of the carrier, the strong air monitoring, the prompt reaction of the search group and the daily depth charge and aircraft bomb throwing.  Also the fast 4-steamer convoy came there.  Unfortunately, as a single boat one depends only on random encounters in this large area. It always provided favorable listening conditions. Many propeller sounds that when we go to periscope depth or close can not be distinguished, strengthen the belief in traffic.
		08.00	BD 2350	During the entire day several times at periscope depth, nothing seen.
		12.00	BD 2380	Day's run:  Surfaced:      80.2 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  29.5 nm
				109.7 nm
				Instruction at Stations.
				Fire control training.
				All torpedo tubes were loaded.
		15.56	SSW 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb
		16.00	BD 2380
		16.09		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Was not understood.
				On another frequency 3/4 hour later sent once more.  Understood.
		16.10		Fire control and Order and Reporting training.
		17.03		Dived.
		20.00	BD 2620	Several times at periscope depth, nothing seen.  The scheduled bombing is heard.
		30.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2620
		01.01	SSW 4, Sea 3, high Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. bad, horizon obscured, 1014 mb	Surfaced.
		02.09		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Visibility is very bad, rain, low hanging clouds.  It is suddenly grown very warm.  The

	Sun and Moon Data 28.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.44

	- 24 -
		continued
		30.05.44		water already by 15°C.  More comfortable than in the northern latitudes.
		04.00	BD 2686
		07.19		Dived.
		08.00	BD 2920	Several times a day at periscope depth.
				Instruction at Stations.
		12.00	BD 2920	Day's run:  Surfaced:      58.5 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  22.4 nm
				80.9 nm
		12.50	SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, high Swell, Vis. good, 1013 mb
		13.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Fire control training.
		13.32		Dived.
		16.00	BD 2950	Went to periscope depth several times a day, all around sweep, nothing to see.  No sound bearings.
		20.00	BD 2950
		31.05.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2980
		00.54	SSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), high Swell, Vis. bad, horizon obscured, marine phosphorescence, 1010 mb	Surfaced.
		01.27		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 2980
		04.09		Short Signal weather report sent on another frequency because the first tine not received perfectly.
		06.37		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5330
		12.00	BD 5330	Day's run:  Surfaced:      35.6 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  25.7 nm
				61.3 nm
		16.00	BD 5330
		16.51	W 3, Sea 3, high Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. good, 1010 mb	Surfaced.
		17.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		17.12		Dived.
		20.00	BD 5320	Individual charge detonations at long range.
				Training service.
				Nothing seen in all around sweep at periscope depth, no sound bearings.
		01.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5320
		00.31	SSW 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast - cloudy, Vis. at times bad, moonshine	Surfaced
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  144°T, 14.5 nm.
		02.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 5380
		06.54	SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1021 mb	Wind has increased.  Dived.
		08.00	BD 5380
		12.00	BD 5370	Day's run:  Surfaced:      33.7 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  19.0 nm
				52.7 nm
		14.28	SW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.05.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.44

	- 25 -
		continued
		01.06.44
		14.48		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		15.14		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5610
		20.00	BD 5610	All around sweeps at periscope several times by day, all clear.  No sound bearings.
		02.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5610
		00.35	W 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate, 109.5 mb	Surfaced.
		02.49		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		about 03.00		Weak detection in Naxos from the port side, was put astern, after a short pause again locating from the starboard side.  Aircraft hat presumably flown over the wake because visibility was very poor and water was phosphorescent.
		03.03		Alarm!  Dived.
		05.15		A boxed echo sounder explodes because the cardboard box had soaked. The boat is full of mist. Extinguished with portable fire extinguishers.
		05.24		Surfaced.
		06.46		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5280
		12.00	BD 5250	Day's run:  Surfaced:       45.9 nm
			Longitude =  31° 51'W	"      "     Submerged:   30.4 nm
			Latitude   = 47° 45'N	76.3 nm
		13.52	SSW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast (rain), Vis. good	Surfaced.
		14.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		14.33		Dived.
				Repairs to the diving plane system (See KTB-Maschine).
		16.00	BD 5240
		20.00	BD 5240	Training service.
				With several all around sweeps at periscope depth by day nothing seen.
		03.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5240
		01.15	SSW 4, overcast, fog, Vis. 50 meters, bright night, 1015 mb	Surfaced.
		02.49		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Thick fog, Sea State, nothing seen.  Phosphorescent sea.
		04.00	BD 5270
		05.18		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5510
		12.00	BD 5510	Day's run:  Surfaced:       42.8 nm
			Longitude =  32° 26'W	"      "     Submerged:   31.1 nm
			Latitude   = 47° 03'N	73.9 nm
		15.51	WSW 1, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, 1017 mb	Surfaced.
		16.27		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		16.00	BD 5540
		16.30		Dived.
		20.00	BD 5540

	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.44

	- 26 -
		continued
		03.06.44		Several times at periscope depth by day, nothing seen, no sound bearings.
		04.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5460
		01.28	WSW 1, medium-high Swell, drizzle overcast, very misty, Vis. very bad, 1020 mb	Surfaced.
		01.48		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 5490
		07.12	Wind had freshened somewhat, SSW 3	Dived.
		08.00	BD 5720
		12.00	BD 5720	Day's run:  Surfaced:       39.1 nm
			Longitude =  33° 29'W	"      "     Submerged:   26.0 nm
			Latitude   = 46° 15'N	65.1 nm
		12.32	WSW 2-3, Sea 3, 1022 mb	Surfaced.
		12.49		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		12.53		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5720
		20.00	BD 5720	Went to periscope depth several times by day, nothing seen.
			Operation on the eastbound convoy reported by U-490 by Short Signal 4/117 on 4 June in square AK 8868 with 9-12 knots is not in question for the boat due to the range and the speed of advance.  Confirmed my assumption that there is heavy traffic there.
		05.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5740
		00.58	SSW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, bright night, 1024 mb	Surfaced.
		02.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Repair to the air search periscope.
		07.21		Dived because suspicious crackling sounds detected in Naxos.
		08.00	BD 5790
		12.00	BD 5790	Day's run:  Surfaced:       40.9 nm
			Longitude =  32° 37'W	"      "     Submerged:   35.5 nm
			Latitude   = 45° 48'N	66.4 nm
		15.00	SSW 4, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1024 mb	Surfaced.
		15.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		15.31		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5870	Several times at periscope depth, nothing seen.
				Apparently we are located in a bad area for radio transmission.  Especially by day our Short Signal weather reports are seldom heard.  Also own reception is only measured at Volume 1-2.
				Instruction.
		20.00	BD 5870
		06.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5870
		00.30	SSW 2, Sea 2, high Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb	Surfaced.
		01.09		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  130°T, 34.5 nm.
				Notified by Radio Message of the beginning of the invasion.
		04.00	BD 5880
		07.07		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.44

	- 27 -
		continued
		06.06.44
		08.00	BD 5830
		12.00	BD 5830	Day's run:  Surfaced:       60.0 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   27.9 nm
				87.9 nm
		15.31	WNW 3, Sea 2, high Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1016 mb	Surfaced.
		15.47		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		15.52		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5930	Several times by day at periscope depth, nothing seen and nothing heard.
		20.00	BD 5830
		07.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5910
		01.28	WNW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, medium Swell, Vis. good, overcast, moonshine, 1022 mb	Surfaced.
		02.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 5680
		07.13		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5930
		12.00	BD 5930	Day's run:  Surfaced:       45.0 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   28.3 nm
				73.3 nm
		15.57		Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 5930
			W 2, Sea 2, light Swell, 2/10, Vis. very good, 1024 mb
		16.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		16.50		Because apparently was not received, sent once again.
				Fired anti-aircraft weapons.
		16.57		Dived.
		20.00	BD 6710	Went to periscope several times by day, nothing seen or heard.
				Instruction at Stations.
		08.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6710
		00.29	NW 1, Sea 1, moderate Swell, slight wind beautiful weather, Vis. good, 1023 mb, falling slowly	Surfaced.
		01.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Fire control training.
		04.00	BD 6570	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  60°T, 29.5 nm.
			SW 2, 7/10, 1020 mb
		07.07		Sent Short Signal weather report, because the weather changed.
		07.20		Dived.
		08.00	BD 6570
		12.00	BD 6540	Day's run:  Surfaced:       56.4 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   27.0 nm
				83.4 nm
		13.39	W 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1017 mb, falling	Surfaced.
		14.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Because it was received distorted, sent again on another frequency.
		14.41		Dived.
				Depth control training with the Chief Engineer.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.44

	- 28 -
		continued
		08.06.44
		16.00	BD 6540
		20.00	BD 6430	Several all around sweeps at periscope depth clear.
		09.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6430	Training service.
		00.54	WNW 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, low hanging clouds, Vis. bad, rain squalls, 1019 mb	Surfaced.
		03.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 6420
		06.00		Position by radio bearings 47° 24'N
				28° 48'W
		06.54		Dived.
		08.00	BD 6180
		12.00	BD 6170	Day's run:  Surfaced:       40.7 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   27.3 nm
				68.0 nm
		14.32	WNW 2, Sea 2, low Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, 1020 mb	Surfaced.
		15.18		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		15.32		Dived.
		16.00	BD 6170
		20.00	BD 6170	With several times at periscope depth nothing seen.  No sound bearings.
				Instruction at Stations.
		10.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6410
		00.07	WSW 3, Sea 2, low Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1019 mb	Surfaced.
		00.28		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Fire control training.
		04.00	BD 5630
		07.25		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5660
		12.00	BD 5680	Day's run:  Surfaced:       46.4 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   26.6 nm
				73.0 nm
		12.53	WSW 3, Sea 3, low Swell, Vis. good, 1017 mb, falling	Surfaced.
		13.08		Sent Short Signal weather report, because was not confirmed,
		13.28		sent once again.
		13.46		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5680
		19.47	WSW 4, Sea 3, wind had freshened, Vis. bad, 1017 mb, 1017 mb	Surfaced.
		20.00	BD 5680
		20.08		Sent Short Signal weather report, because there was no confirmation of the previous Short Signal weather report.
		11.06.44	North Atlantic
		about
		00.00	Depth charge detonation at long range.
		00.00	BD 5920
		00.30		6 depth charge detonations at long range, direction not determined, no propeller sounds.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.44

	- 29 -
		continued
		11.06.44
		00.37	NW 2, Sea 2, wind had freshened, Vis. medium, 1018 mb	Surfaced.  There is nothing to see above.  Depth charges after all this time indicate the likely source is a convoy. On convoy frequency there is strong voice traffic. Unfortunately we can not determine the direction. This leaves a 360° possibility to search.  Searched in large legs.  Nothing is seen.  It is very dark, however, very strong marine phosphorescence
		04.00	BD 5970
		04.30		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		06.50	Vis. now good	Dived.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 162°T, 13.5 nm.
		08.00	BD 5890
		12.00	BD 5890	Day's run:  Surfaced:       49.5 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   26.7 nm
				76.2 nm
		15.45	SE 1, Sea 1, medium Swell, 7/10, Vis. very good, 1021 mb	Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 5890
		16.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Was not confirmed.
		16.28		Sent once again.
		16.50		Dived.
		20.00	BD 5850	Repeated all around sweeps by day through the periscope are clear.
				Instructions at Stations.
		12.06.44	North Atlantic
		about 00.00	BD 5850	At the same time as yesterday depth charges and aircraft bombs at long range. Direction and range not determined.  The detonations are heard louder at depth A -10 meters than at periscope depth.
		01.14	NW 1, Sea 1, low Swell, 8/10, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. good, 1020 mb	Surfaced.
		01.46		Sent Short Signal weather report.
				Fire control training.
		04.00	BD 5740
		07.03		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5730
		12.00	BD 5730	Day's run:  Surfaced:       43.7 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   27.0 nm
				70.7 nm
				Instruction at Stations.
		16.00	BD 5490
		16.39	NW 1, Sea 1, low Swell, Vis. very good, 1028 mb	Surfaced.
		17.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.  No confirmation therefore,
		17.27		sent once again.
		17.54		Dived.
		20.00	BD 5480	In the evening hours like both days before several aircraft bomb series at medium to long range.  Direction cannot be determined.  With all around sweep nothing is seen an heard.  Last series lay very close.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.44

	- 30 -
		continued
		12.06.44		By day went to periscope depth several times, all around sweep is clear.
		13.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5480
		01.09	NNW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, 2/10, marine phosphorescence, Hazy horizon, 1029 mb	Surfaced.  Nothing to see, also no detection.
		02.27		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 5460
		06.32		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  11.5 nm, 32°T.
		06.33		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5190
		12.00	BD 5270	Day's run:  Surfaced:       51.2 nm
				"      "     Submerged:   29.3 nm
				80.5 nm
		13.50	SE 1, Sea 2, light Swell, 6/10, Vis. very good, 1026 mb	Surfaced.
				Fire control training.
		14.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		14.17		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5270
		20.00	BD 5270	Training service.
		20.00 - 24.00		Aircraft bombs plastered from close to long range.  Several all around sweeps without results.
			With the aircraft bombs I am still not quite clear whether it is a convoy or reconnaissance that works due to the many Short Signal weather reports because some of the many series in the last days lay very close.  It seemed with the calm, that they were thrown in a circle about our dive or surfacing location. Unfortunately, when I immediately go to periscope depth I have seen no aircraft to have a confirmation.
		14.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5280
		01.05	SE 3, Sea 2, low Swell, overcast, Vis. bad, hazy and very dark, strong marine phosphorescence, 1019 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BD 5260
		04.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		06.52		Detection with "Fliege".  3 short tones at the same interval, Volume 3.  Aircraft flies around us because the visibility is very bad.
		06.54	Took the aircraft astern and Crash dived, so that they do not even see us as a U-boat and report our square.  Had still not noticed us with certainty.
		08.00	BD 5260
		12.00	BD 5260	Day's run:  Surfaced:      44.2 nm
			Longitude = 31° 05'W	"      "     Submerged:  31.8 nm
			Latitude   = 47° 36'N	76.0 nm
		14.50	SSW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. bad, 1019 mb	Surfaced.
		15.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Because there was no confirmation,
		15.27		sent once again.
		15.30		Dived.
		16.00	BD 5340	Training service.
				Depth control training for the Chief Engineer.
				Several times periscope all around sweeps are without results.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.44

	- 31 -
		continued
		14.06.44		Nothing to hear except for far distant aircraft bombs.
			We have now exercised all courses for the net deflector antenna when submitting the Short Signal weather reports, because during the day we are so poorly understood, it does not help.  Also, reception is very bad.
		20.00	BD 5340
		15.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 5340
		00.30		Aircraft bombs at long range.
		01.09	SSW 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, strong marine phosphorescence, occasional drizzle, 1022 mb	Surfaced.
		02.06		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 5380
		06.32		Dived.
		08.00	BD 5630
		12.00	BD 5390	Day's run:  Surfaced:      38.1 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  28.7 nm
				66.8 nm
		12.57	SSW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, 1024 mb	Surfaced.
		13.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		13.30		Dived.
		16.00	BD 6170
		20.00	BD 6170	Repeated all around sweeps by day are clear.  The experience of the last few days shows that in the evening hours in this area there is especially heavy air surveillance.
		16.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6170
		00.15 - 00.20		Aircraft bomb series at medium range.
		00.42	S 2, Sea 2, low Swell, Vis. moderate, marine phosphorescence, 1029 mb	Surfaced.
		01.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 6180
		06.27		Short Signal weather report sent once again.
		06.29		Dived.
		08.00	BD 6190
		12.00	BD 6240	Day's run:  Surfaced:      42.4 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  31.6 nm
				74.0 nm
		12.30		Aircraft bombs at long range.
		15.41	S 2, low Swell, Sea 1, Vis. good, 2/10, 1029 mb	Surfaced.
		16.00	BD 6240
		16.08		Sent Short Signal weather report, because there was no confirmation,
		16.27		repeated.
				Fired anti-aircraft weapons.
		16.32		Dived.
				Depth control training for the Chief Engineer.
		20.00	BD 6240	Aircraft bombs at medium range.
				By day went to periscope depth several times

	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.44

	- 32 -
		continued
		16.06.44		for all around sweep.  Nothing to see and hear.
				Instruction at Stations.
		17.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6270
		00.31	SE 2, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, marine phosphorescence, 1028 mb	Surfaced.
		02.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BD 6280
		06.21		Dived.
		08.00	BD 6610
		12.00	BD 6530	Day's run:  Surfaced:      38.9 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  31.2 nm
				70.1 nm
			Very faintly north of us we hear the well familiar "circular saw" again.
		15.58		At periscope nothing to see.
				Afterwards surfaced to give the Short Signal weather report.
		16.08		Sent Short Signal weather report.
			We are just waiting on confirmation of Short Signal weather report when 2 modern fighters plunge at us from a high cloud under the sun.
		16.16		Aircraft Alarm!
			I had just called "Aircraft", went to AK and hard starboard, when I received a shot in the head and went unconscious. They flew 4 more approaches, the 2 cm crews and the ammunition passers fell. The 3.7 cm had an automatic failure.  One aircraft trailed black smoke and turned away.
		16.20		Crash dive!
			The Navigator ordered everyone below and shook me awake.  By rote, I climbed, got through the tower hatch and ordered Flood.
			The tower hatch was closed despite the Naxos cable and held tight. The "Fliege" remained above.
			I knew nothing about it afterwards.
			Aircraft each threw one small bomb into the water and fire was returned with only the 3.7 cm. Flew only from port astern in a nose dive and aimed at the bridge. All were covered with splinters because they whizzed around in the tub. When diving, the intact aircraft flew over shelling the boat.
			Casualties: 2 Dead: Btsm. Schweichler, UO 3262/36 S.     Masch.Gfr. Löffler, UN 58832/42 T.         4 Severely wounded: Matr.Ob.Gefr.  Kurth,     Matr.Ob.Gefr Hosnofski,     Matr.Gefr. Dörwaldt,     Masch.Gefr. Rosemann.         3 Wounded (not operational): Obstrm. Decken,     Fk.Ob.Gefr. Schanz,     Fk.Ob.Gefr. Schmeling.         Wounded: Oblt.z.S. Frömsdorf,     Masch.Gefr. Edler,     Masch.Gefr. Geissler,     Masch.Gefr. Marzallek.
			I myself have a splinter in the head, in the wrist and in the lumbar area. Left leg and left arm paralyzed. Many small splinters everywhere.
			Make the decision to return and hand over seamanship guidance to the First Watch Officer,

	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.44

	- 33 -
		continued
		17.06.44		Oblt.z.S. Frömsdorf, under my guidance.
				Then the hunt starts.  Went to depth 2 A meters.  The search group is soon approaching.  A whole hail of small caliber aircraft bombs patters down. The behavior of the search group is strange.
		20.00	BD 6560
			They approached in line ahead.  Center destroyer apparently held at the diving location.  All 3 had "circular saws" operating. Suddenly secured this and listened. Then again regular onset. Advancing slowly the outer ships shifted ahead to 90° and 270°. This was probably his plotted distance that we have run from the dive site. Again switched off and listened. Apparently they also stopped there because the noises held and then shifted slowly astern. While steaming they also used echo sounders in addition to the circular saw; although mainly the east direction was searched, our probable running off direction, the north, west and south were also searched.
		18.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6590	Because for a long time there are bearings in the listening gear and also depth charges, did not surface until the morning.
		04.00	BD 6590
		05.05	SSW 1-2, Sea 1, medium Swell, 8/10, Vis. good, marine phosphorescence, 1030 mb	Surfaced.
				Conning tower hatch cannot be opened.  One man goes above through the galley hatch and opens the hatch from above.  2 cm magazine had jammed between the hatch and the spring.
				In boat it looked grim. Because the wounded were first located throughout the boat, blood and bloodstained items were everywhere.  The crew was quite depressed by this first attack with heavy losses. In any event, everyone now knows the other side of an aircraft attack. Concern for the wounded comrades and the associated limitations that imposed themselves was quite large.
				In particular, ship's Doctor, Mar.Ass.Artz.d.R. Dr. Elbrechtz, held office with imperturbable calm and exemplary character.
				Damage to the boat:  All anti-aircraft weapons out of service, main ballast tank 5 starboard damaged, boat has a list, both periscoped out of service.  Apparently the aft diving plane is damaged.  "Fliege" took 6 hits, round dipole has a shot in the pressure-proof conduit, water entry into the sound room.  Fu.M.G. several shots.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.44

	- 34 -
		continued
		18.06.44		And countless in and through shots in the upper deck and bridge cladding.
		05.42		Dived.
		08.00	BD 6830
		12.00	BD 6830	Day's run:  Surfaced:      10.7 nm
			Longitude = 26° 37'W	"      "     Submerged:  49.8 nm
			Latitude   = 46° 20'N	60.5 nm
		16.00	BD 6830
		20.00	BD 6860
		19.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6940
		01.33	SSE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, marine phosphorescence, 1030 mb	Surfaced.
		03.50		Left the operations area.
				Anti-aircraft weapons are conditionally operable.  Naxos again in service.  Periscopes still out of service.
		04.00	BD 9320
		04.45		Dived.
		08.00	BD 9320
		12.00	BD 9350	Day's run:  Surfaced:      44.1 nm
			Longitude = 25° 38'W	"      "     Submerged:  34.5 nm
			Latitude   = 45° 18'N	78.6 nm
		16.00	BD 9350
		20.00	BD 9360	Several times by day depth charges at long range.
		20.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 9360
		01.21	SSE 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, 5/10, 1027 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 7410
		04.07		Outgoing Radio Message ßß:  Began return transit.  Have heavy personnel casualties.  My position is BE 7410.
				- U-853 -
		04.09		Dived.
		08.00	BE 7410
		12.00	BE 7420	Day's run:  Surfaced:      38.2 nm
			Longitude = 24° 24'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.8 nm
			Latitude   = 44° 33'N	71.0 nm
		16.00	BE 7420
		20.00	BE 7450	Bombs at great range.
		21.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7450
		01.35	SE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), dark, marine phosphorescence, 1027 mb	Surfaced.
		02.29		Incoming Radio Message 2237/20/107:  Return harbor for Sommer is Lorient.
				- F.d.U. West -
		04.00	BE 7450
		04.08		Dived.
		08.00	BE 7570
		12.00	BE 7570	Day's run:  Surfaced:      36.5 nm
			Longitude = 23° 06'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.3 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 58'N	68.8 nm
		16.00	BE 7570
		20.00	BE 7580	From time to time depth charges in medium to long range.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.44

	- 35 -
		22.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7820
		01.44	E 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, dark, 1020 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 7860
		04.24		Dived.
		08.00	BE 7940
		12.00	BE 7940	Day's run:  Surfaced:      38.5 nm
			Longitude = 21° 46'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.8 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 19'N	71.3 nm
				Bombs at great range.
		16.00	BE 7940
		20.00	BE 7940
		23.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7950
		01.29	ENE 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, (rain), dark, 1018 mb, falling	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 7990
		05.05		Dived.
		08.00	BE 8770
		12.00	BE 8780	Day's run:  Surfaced:      52.3 nm
			Longitude = 19° 55'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.4 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 01'N	84.7 nm
		16.00	BE 8780
		20.00	BE 8780
		24.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8790
		01.40	ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, 1017 mb, dark	Surfaced.
		03.33		Incoming Radio Message 0958/23/153:  1)  Concerning Röttger.  2) "Sommer" on 24 June 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		04.00	BE 8870
		05.24		Crash dive!  Dived due to detection.
		08.00	BE 8880
		08.00 - 12.00		Continuous depth charge series at medium and long range.
		12.00	BE 8890	Day's run:  Surfaced:      53.0 nm
			Longitude = 17° 40'W	"      "     Submerged:  34.6 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 06'N	87.6 nm
		16.00	BE 8890
		19.45		Propeller sounds in GHG.  Shift quickly from port to starboard.  Probably a fast independent.
		20.00	BE 8890
		25.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8970
		01.03	ESE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast (rain), dark, 1015 mb, falling	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 8990
		06.02		Dived.
		08.00	BE 9770
		12.00	BE 9780	Day's run:  Surfaced:      76.0 nm
			Longitude = 15° 20'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.5 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 06'N	108.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.44

	- 36 -
		continued
		25.06.44
		13.00 - 14.00		To receiving depth for Radio Messages.
		16.00	BE 9780
		20.00	BE 9780
		26.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 9790
		01.04	Calm, no Sea, light Swell, 4/10 - overcast, moonshine, 1008 mb, falling	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 9880
			About morning wind comes up, SE 1-2
		05.34		Dived.
		08.00	BE 9890
		12.00	BE 9890	Day's run:  Surfaced:       68.2 nm
			Longitude = 13° 03'W	"      "     Submerged:  32.5 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 09'N	100.5 nm
		16.00	BE 9970
		about 19.00		Depth charges at medium range.
		20.00	BE 9970
		27.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 9940
			SE 1, no Sea, light Swell, dark, 1014 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 9960
		04.04		Dived.
		05.55		Surfaced to shoot the stars.  No stars.
		05.58		Dived.
		06.02		Entered square BF.
		08.00	BF 7740
		12.00	BF 7740	Day's run:  Surfaced:       44.1 nm
			Longitude = 11° 18'W	"      "     Submerged:  37.0 nm
			Latitude   = 43° 22'N	81.1 nm
		16.00	BF 7740
		20.00	BF 7750
		23.01		Surfaced.  Took navigation fix.
		23.13		Dived.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  320°T, 10.5 nm.
		28.06.44	North Atlantic
		00.00	BF 7720
		01.58	SE 2, Sea 1, light Swell, 1/10, Vis. good, 1014 mb, falling
		04.00	BF 7810	First Spanish coast lighthouse in sight (Cape Vilano)
		05.06		Dived.
		08.00	BF 7820
		12.00	BF 7820	Day's run:  Surfaced:       47.3 nm
				"      "     Submerged:  32.5 nm
				79.8 nm
		16.00	BF 7830
		20.00	BF 7830

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.44

	- 37 -
		29.06.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7830
		02.14	S 2-3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, overcast (rain), 1011 mb, marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
		02.28		Position by lighthouse bearing (Sisargas and Tower of Hercules)                43° 38.5'N
				08° 55.0'W
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  104°T, 7.5 nm.
		04.00	BF 7680
		04.30		Crash dive!  Dived for neutral steamer ahead to port.
		08.00	BF 7680
		12.00	BF 7660	Day's run:  Surfaced:      35.1 nm
			Longitude = 08° 20'W	"      "     Submerged:  30.0 nm
			Latitude   = 44° 09'N	65.1 nm
		16.00	BF 7660
		20.00	BF 7660
		30.06.44	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7630
		02.14	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, 1018 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 8170
		04.37		Dived.
		08.00	BF 8180
			BF 8150	Day's run:  Surfaced:      35.3 nm
			Longitude = 07° 18'W	"      "     Submerged:  35.3 nm
			Latitude   = 45° 1.5'N	70.6 nm
		16.00	BF 8150
		20.00	BF 8160
		01.07.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 8160
		02.18	SW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast (rain), dark, 1016 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5770
		05.02		Dived.
		08.00	BF 5780
		12.00	BF 5750	Day's run:  Surfaced:      40.7 nm
			Longitude = 06° 11'W	"      "     Submerged:  34.6 nm
			Latitude   = 45° 58'N	75.3 nm
		16.00	BF 5750
		20.00	BF 5760
		02.07.44
		00.00	BF 5730
		02.04	WSW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, 1017 mb	Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5770
		04.06		Dived.
		08.00	BF 5540
		12.00	BF 5550	Day's run:  Surfaced:      40.4 nm
			Longitude = 05° 02'W	"      "     Submerged:  33.8 nm
			Latitude   = 46° 55'N	74.2 nm
		16.00	BF 5550
		20.00	BF 5550

	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.44

	- 38 -
		03.07.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5520
		02.58	SW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1009 mb	Surfaced.
		03.05		Outgoing Radio Message 0305/3/90 (Short Signal):  Position 24 hours off objective and convoy intake point.
				- U-853 -
		03.06		Dived.
		04.00	BF 5530
		08.00	BF 5530
		12.00	BF 5550	Day's run:  Surfaced:      1.0 nm
			Longitude = 04° 06'W	"      "     Submerged:  38.1 nm
			Latitude   = 47° 21'N	39.1 nm
		13.27		Incoming Radio Message 1025/3/93:  U-853 (Sommer) Escort positioned 4 July 03.00 hours off Point Leben.
				- 10. U-Flottille -
		14.30		Reached the 100-meter line.
		16.00	BF 5530
		20.00	BF 5530
		04.07.44	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5530
		02.15	NW 1-2, Sea 1, light Swell, 2-5/10, moonshine, Vis. very good	Surfaced.
		03.00	Point Leben	Taken in convoy.
		05.45		Released from convoy.
		06.30	Lorient	Made fast Skorff Bunker.
			E x p e r i e n c e s .
			-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Opponents employs noise equipment for deflecting T V that sounds like circular saws. We heard this circular saw three times in different places.  Noise unknown up to now.
			As the attack by the fighters on 17 June showed fast flying aircraft approach from astern without regard to the 3.7 cm. The target of on-board weapons bombardment is only the bridge. Slow aircraft stay at a respectful distance after the first close acquaintance with the anti-aircraft weapons.
			Heavy traffic prevails in square AK 60 and 90, also strong air surveillance.  (see sound bearings in the K.T.B.)
			With both attacks on 25 May, also on 17 June detection by the Wanze was either too late so that a dive was impossible, or there was no detection at all.  Fliege sowed no results both times.
			The behavior of the crew in each situation was perfect.
			Day's run:  Surfaced:      3760.8 nm
			"      "     Submerged:  2109.1 nm
			Total distance covered:  5869.9 nm
				On board, 4 July 1944.
				Kaptlt. and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.44