U-96 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn, Jan Kockrow and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
27 October 1941
St. Nazaire
6 December 1941
41

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
31 Oct 41
15.05
50°53'N, 24°13'W
BENNEKOM
5,998
Netherlands
OS-10
     
 Total = 5,998
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
           
                                       Copy No.   
           
         
           
       
K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
 
       
_ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _
 
           
       
"  U-96  "
 
           
        Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant Lehmann - Willenbrock  
           
     
 
 
                              Beginning:  12.  9. 1941.
                              Ending:        6.12. 1941.
 
 
 
 
           
       
Distribution:    
"U B" Copy No. 1
7th U-boat Flotilla     " 2
B.d.U.-Op.      " 3
2. A.d.U.-Boote     " 4
O.K.M.     " 5+6
 
           
       
Enclosures  
1.) 1 Track Chart                  With Copy No. 1-5
2.) 1 Summary of the General Radio Log 2-5
3.) 1 Original General Radio Log 1
4.) 1 Original Officer-Only Radio Log 1
5.) 5 Torpedo firing reports 1-3
     
 
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.09.41 St. Nazaire Wharf Oblt.z.S. Stock, Oblt.z.S. Steinhoff detached.  Lt.z.S. Hermann came aboard.  
    03.09.41   07.00 hours service begins.  (Boat cleared of torpedoes and provisions).  18.00 hours the deck is clear.  
    04.09.41   Sunday routine.  
    05.09.41   Shipyard period begins ( ___ men on leave)  
        Shipyard overhaul from 15 September to 23 October 1941.  
        The following shipyard work was performed:  
        Engine Installation:  
        All cylinder liners pulled.   Oil scraper rings renewed, 2 foundation bearings and 11 crank bearings poured.  Overhaul of the diesel clutches, fuel and starting valves, the supercharger clutches, the coolant pumps, the fuel pumps, various valves, the exterior exhaust gas flap valves, the trim pump, the vent valves and blowing manifold, the main rudder arrangement, the starboard and port compressors, and the fire extinguishers.  Grind the vent and blow valves. Weld together and seal the cooling water jackets and exhaust manifolds.  Insert a new radio receiver and a hand wheel shaft.  Pack the propeller shaft bushings. Cleaning of the fresh water distiller, the collecting tank, as well as all vacuum parts.  
        Electrical Installation:  
        Overhaul of the speed measuring arrangement, the gyrocompass transformers, the radiators and the E-motor support bearings.  Final calibration of the whole installation.  High and low charging of the battery.  
        Ship Construction:  
        Overhaul of the hatches, the W.C.s, the rudder installation, the upper deck fasteners, all catches, the anchor equipment, the torpedo loading device, the flood valves and vent valve linkages, the bunks and lockers, and intake and exhaust air valves.  Painting of the exterior and the upper deck.  
        Radio Installation:  
        Overhaul of the radio direction finder, the keyer and 6 KVA transformers, calibration possibly overhaul of the GHG installation.  Requisitioning of the record player.  
        Torpedo Installation:  
        Overhaul of the control and regulators for tubes I-V, the finish pin, the hold and opening pins, the converter, for surface and submerged firing, the bow caps, the bushings of the bow cap operating mechanism, the tubes, pistons, the drip water lug, and drip water catcher.  Renewal of the displacement piping for tube II and the watertight lubrication fittings for tube IV.  
        Artillery:  
        Overhaul of the 8.8 cm cannon, the M.G. C/30, of 2 submachine guns, the signal guns, of 6 pairs of binoculars, fire control and firing assembly, the UZO glasses, renewal of the lens hood  
           
           
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
        for the search periscope.  Repair of the periscope motors. Ease of movement of the forward periscope, checking the fire control transformer.  Adjust the fire control system. Making of an impact ring for the UZO graduated ring.  
        Orders during the shipyard period:  
       
Mtr.II Schulze came aboard on 20 September
Mtr.II Schneider     "         "       " 22 September
Fähnr.z.S Haß     "         "       " 04 October
    "     " "  Schop     "         "       " 04 October
Ob.Masch.Mt. Biß     "         "       " 07 October
Mech.Ob,Gfr. Trupat  (sick)     "       " 07 October
Mtr. Rupp     "         "       " 09 October
Mtr. Roß     "         "       " 09 October
Btsmt. Borgert     "         "       " 13 October
Ob.Masch.Mt Kloß Departed 26 September
Masch.Ob.Gfr. Dörner        " 26 September
     "       "     "   Thamm        " 26 September
Mach.O.Gfr. Stahl        " 07 October
Mtr.H.Gfr.    Staats        " 09 October
Mtr.O.Gfr.    Trautow        " 09 October
Btsmt.           Beyer        " 18 October
Fähnr.z.S. Perkoneg        " 01 October
     "    " "  Kasparek        " 01 October
Masch.O.Gfr. Simon        " 27 October
 
    22.10.41      
    08.10   Cast off from the Bassin de Penhoët.  
    08.27   Made fast in the lock.  
    08.49   Cast off from the lock.  
    09.00 - 09.40      
    11.15 - 12.00   Sea trials  
    09.57 - 10.12      
    10.34 - 11.05   Trim test and submerged test run.  
    12.00 - 13.10   Radio direction finder calibration.  
    14.22   Made fast in the lock.  
    14.51   Cast off from the lock.  
    15.15 - 17.30   Boat degaussed.  
    18.00   Made fast in Bunker 9 b.  
                                                          
    23.10.41   Shipyard final adjustments and overhaul.  
    16.53   Moved for compensation.  Compensated the magnetic compass until 17.46 hours.  
    18.18   Made fast in the U-boat bunker  
                                                          
    24.10.41   Torpedo loading.  
                                                          
    25.10.41   Dry goods loaded.  
                                                          
           
           
           
 
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.10.41   Fresh provisions loaded.  
                                                          
    27.10.41   Oberleutnant (Ing.) Dengel came aboard.  
        Lt.(S) Buchheim came aboard.  
    09.52   Cast off in U-boat bunker 10 a.  
    10.04   Made fast in the lock.  
    10.23   Cast off.  Departed in convoy.  
    12.00 BF 6439  NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced  17.0 nm  Submerged 0.0 nm.  
    12.35   Released from convoy course 239°T.  
    12.39 - 13.05   Trim test.  
    15.30   On course 270°T.  Exchanged recognition signals with U-129.  
    16.00 BF 6457  NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    20.00 BF 5559  NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3    
    22.30   On course 292°T, course for ordered approach point AK 45.  Distance approximately 1300 nm.  Speed 10 knots.  
    24.00 BF 5544  NW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
                                                          
    28.10.41      
    04.00 BF 5428, N 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    08.00 BF 4333, NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3    
    09.15 - 10.57   Crash dive and depth control exercises.  
    12.00 BF 4386  NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced  217 nm  Submerged 4.4 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4348  NNW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4    
    19.27   Position Short Signal transmitted per operational orders:  Position BF 42.  
    20.00 BF 4264  NbyW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.00 - 20.09   Proceeding submerged, torpedo maintenance.  
    24.00 BF 4227  NNW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
                                                          
    29.10.41      
    04.00 BF 4132  NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3    
    08.00 BF 1784  NbyE 1, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 3    
    12.00 BE 3965, NNE 2, Sea 2-3, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced 180.5 nm  Submerged 6.5 nm.  
    14.27   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 12 nm at 260°.  
    16.00 BE 3839  NNE 2, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.00 BE 3821  NNE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    24.00 BE 3491  NNE 1-2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.41
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.41
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.10.41      
    02.48   Weather short signal transmitted by request.  
    04.00 BE 3445  NNE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.00 BE 2625 NNE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.23   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 6.8 nm at 83°.  
    09.00 - 11.00   Diving, depth control and fire control exercises.  
    10.30 - 11.00   Various courses.  
    11.02   On course 292°T.  
    12.00 BE 2378  NEbyN 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 228 nm  Submerged 7.2 nm.  
        By radio message time group 12.56 hours, patrol line ordered as Group "Stoßtrupp" (6 boats) from BC 3395 to AJ 9822.  
    14.00      
    15.29   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 1.3 nm at 83°.  
    16.00 BE 2286, NE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.00 BE 2196  SE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    22.07   Closed on flare bearing 45°T.  Nothing met.  
    23.00   On course 270°T.  
    24.00 BE 2182  NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    31.10.41      
    04.00 BE 1391, EbyN 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    04.07   Weather short signal transmitted by request.  
    07.28   Bearing 340°T.  Signal serial 0707 received from Topp (U-552):  Convoy in sight, AK 9973, northerly course, speed 10 knots.  
        Operated on the convoy based on general course 40°. Distance 230 nm.  
        Radio message from B.d.U.:  Received 07.50 hours:  Orders - operate on Topp convoy.   Topp gives running contact keeper reports.  
    08.00 BE 1347  EbyS, 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    11.27   3 destroyer masts in sight bearing 300°T.  Maintained contact for the time being, because it may be a search group or outrider of the convoy.  Destroyers run at high speed, on zigzag course to the south.  Contact lost at 13.00 hours.  Continue to operate on Topp convoy.  
    12.00 AL 8795, EbyS 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, Vis. good, changing, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 247 nm   Submerged 0 nm.  
    13.33   On course 340°T.  
    14.56   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 3.3 nm at 294°.  
    15.05   Various courses to maintain contact and get ahead.   Smoke cloud in sight bearing 350°T.  Contact keeping is difficult due to changing visibility in rain squalls,  Cannot determine whether it is the convoy or a search group.  Steers a southwesterly course.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    31.10.41      
    16.00 AL 8746  EbyS 1, 5/10, overcast, Vis. good, changing    
    19.30   A convoy, approximately 4 columns is sighted.  Intend to attack at night.  As yet, the full moon was heavily darkened by clouds.  
    19.52   Evasive maneuver on the surface with AK before an escort vessel, that approaches from outside (the south).  Ran to the front of the convoy, boat is hidden behind smoke and the diesel exhaust gases.  Good camouflage in the twilight.  
    20.00 BE 1211, EbyS 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.03   Flare over the convoy.  Probably a signal for change of course. Short time later the convoy changed course to the west.  
    21.37   Radio message transmitted:  Convoy AL 7898, course 240°.  
    22.40   Running in to attack.  Unfortunately the night is very bright as the moon is unobscured.  It is too dark for an underwater attack on the guarded convoy.  To approach, took advantage of a cloud bank covering the moon which, contrary to expectations, moves away quickly.  Therefore shots must be made from a long distance.  
    22.47   Shots were made on the middle column.  4 independently targeted shots on the largest ships.  2 hits amidships on an 8000 GRT passenger steamer (2 full length decks) and on 5000 GRT freighter.  A torpedo apparently running too slow, breaks the surface on firing and is almost overtaken by the boat moving at high speed.  
        Firing data:  Target speed 8.5 knots,  
        Target angle:  Bow left, 80-70°,  
        Lead angle:  16°- 15°.  
        Running time:  4 minutes 20 seconds = 3900 meters.  
        2nd - Running time not noted.  
        Firing position BE 1125.  
        Boat was seen by the escorting gunboat behind which the approach was made.  When turning for a stern shot the gunboat fires approximately 8.8 cm guns and smaller caliber.  Salvos are long, bearing good.  Gunboat turns toward and sets white masthead lantern.  
    22.53   Crash dive to 70 meters.  
    23.06 - 23.16   18 depth charges.  Very poor pursuit, apparently without sound locator.  Approaches draw aft.  I close the convoy, so that own sounds are masked.  Depth charges were laid shallow.  While submerged, both torpedo detonations, later the sinking of a steamer, are heard perfectly.  
    24.00 BE 1126, SWbyS 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1, bright moonlight    
                                                          
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.11.41      
    00.16   No sounds heard in the immediate area.  Surfaced.  Passenger steamer lies about 3800 meters off.  Stopped.  Stern submerged, burning over the whole deck with explosive eruptions.  3 protecting vessels nearby, probably engaged in rescue work, it is too bright to attack, stern shot not employed due to imprecise firing data.  By-passed hit position to the north.  
    01.45   On course 240°.  
        Expect the former direction of the convoy with a course change to the south at dawn.  The protecting vessels also disappear in this direction.  
    03.50   Radio message transmitted:  Depth charge pursuit by gunboat, 4 targeted shots, two hits.  Passenger steamer 8000 GRT burning, 5000 GRT sunk.  In pursuit square 1125.  
    04.00 BD 3339  SWbyS 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    04.22   On course 270°.  
    05.25 - 05.45   Dived to listen. Sounds, probably from a single vessel heard bearing 179°.  
    05.40   Course 190°.  Since the convoy was not found in the bright night in sector 190-230°, changed course for southerly convoy course.  There is still a faint sound bearing there.  
    06.30   Radio message transmitted:  No contact.  Operating on convoy course 250-200°.  Speed was 8.5 knots.  Square 3353.  
    07.48 - 08.11   Dived to listen.  Nothing heard.  
    08.00 BD 3385  SSW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. medium, Swell 1    
    08.19   On course 179°.  
    09.55   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 1.5 nm at 60°.  
    09.58   Destroyer mast bearing 185°, probably on southerly course, pass quickly out of sight.  Expect convoy is close by.  
    10.36   Smoke clouds bearing 131°.  Identified as the convoy.  
    11.00 Rain Changing southerly courses to maintain contact.  
    11.33   Radio message transmitted:  Convoy square 3636, course 170°.  
    12.00 BD 3659  SSE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 263 nm  Submerged 9 nm.  
      During the approach only 4 masts seen.  No further smoke clouds distinguishable.  So probably only two steamers on boiler propulsion.  Several destroyer masts seen nearby.  
    13.06   Radio message transmitted:  Two detached steamers with destroyers.  Square 3693.   
        Intend to maneuver ahead for day attack.  While moving ahead the convoy is sighted again.  Probably running at highest speed, it is widely dispersed.  
    14.24   Radio message transmitted:  Whole convoy approximately 20 steamers. Square 3933.  Course south.  
        3 German boats and 2 Italians are committed to the convoy.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.11.41      
    14.56   Destroyer positioned in the outer screen in sight.  Evaded to the west on the surface.  
    16.00 BD 3938, S 1, Sea 1, 1-4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    16.50   Radio message transmitted:  Square 1717.  Widely dispersed with a broad destroyer screen.  
    18.31   Radio message transmitted: Square 1745. 140°. 3 knots. Inattentive screen.  
    18.57   Sighted by gunboat approaching from astern.  
    19.06   Dived.  Gunboat running at high speed, 220 RPM, makes small course changes.  Attempting to shoot, at 500 meters range gunboat changes course towards us, probably sighted the periscope in the calm sea.  Went to depth 70 meters.  
        During the approach observed gunboat signal: 1 flag 1 pennant, blue with white cross.  In the masthead 3 men posted as a lookout.  
    19.50 -   Several depth charge runs. 12 depth charges.  Unusually poor pursuit.  Sporadic low-pitch sonar impulses.  Used flooding equipment.  No observations.  I have the impression that from the start the gunboat had no [sound] location or sound bearings.  The depth charges, in some cases only two per approach, were at the diving position.  
    20.10    
    20.00 BE 1774  SSE 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 On course 200°.  
      Gunboat departs and surprisingly turns back on the dark horizon.  It is still very light.  
    21.52   Surfaced.  Gunboat bears 90°T at about 6000 meters.  Ran off pre-flooded on E-motors on course 250°.  
    22.19   On course 230°.  Signal rocket bearing 230°T.  Hurried after.  Nothing found.  
    22.40   Radio message transmitted:  Forced off, pursuing on course 180°, square 1774.   
        Suspect course change to the west.  Based on plotting, I am positioned in front of this course change ahead of the convoy.  Therefore moved back and forth in place on two legs before the line of advance.  
    24.00 BD 6329  SSE 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 1, bright moonlight    
                                                          
    02.11.41      
    01.00   On course 340°T.  
    02.00   On course 200°T.  
    02.15   On course 85°T.  Signal rocket bearing 85°.  Ran towards it.  Later changed course to the south following a search curve.  
    02.50   On course 128°T.  Star signals seen bearing 120°T.  
    03.18   Radio message transmitted:  Star signals bearing 120°, square 6328.  
    03.20   Weather short signal transmitted.  
    03.30   On course 150°T.  
    04.00 BD 6353  ESE 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. good, Swell 1, bright moonlight    
    05.35   On course 170°T.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.11.41      
    06.30   On course 190°T.  
        Nothing found on southerly course, therefore, searching on convoy courses up to 250° continued.  
    08.00 BD 6628  ESE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.47   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 16 nm at 94°.  
    11.55   On course 210°T.  
    11.46   Radio message transmitted:  Have not gained contact.  Searching in sectors 190 - 240°.  Very good visibility, question beacon signals for Condor square 6684.  
    12.00 BC 6681, ESE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Day's run:  Surfaced  245 nm  Submerged  5.0 nm.  
    12.58   Radio message from B.d.U.:   No bearing signals needed for Condor.  
    15.00   On course 250°T.  
        From 15.00 hours standing by to receive airborne reconnaissance bearing signals.  
    16.00 BD 6863  ESE 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3    
    16.40   On course 264°T.  
        Bearing signals from aircraft bearing 264°.  
    17.23   Naval short signal transmitted.  BD 6862, 264°.  
    17.35   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 1.6 nm in square 3398.  
    17.50   Several bearing signals have been received, accordingly own bearing must be the counter bearing.  
        It turned out, the error was caused by a wrong bearing in the device.  
        On course 125°.  
        Operating on convoy location determined from the other bearing.  It appears likely that the convoy executed two big changes of course during the evening.  Initially to a southwesterly course.  Associated with this a flare was seen around 22.19 hours.  Later, after darkness, an easterly change of course (sighting of the star signal bearing 120°T).  Continued pursuit on this flare bearing might have brought success.  
    19.16 Rain On course 135°.  
        19.16 hours received report from Gysae (U-98) concerning contact in square 4799, course SW.  
    20.00 BD 6892  ESE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3 Gyase is driven off after two-hours (received at 21.00 hours) square 7136.  Contact not regained.  
    20.30   On course 140°.  
        For convoy's southerly course continued own course 140°.  
    24.00 BD 9343  ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
                                                          
    03.11.41      
    04.00 BD 9632  ESE 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    08.00 BE 7448  ESE 3, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    12.00 BE 7722  ESE 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 4 Day's run:  Surfaced  265 nm.  
    16.00 BE 7761  E 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 From 14.30 hours standing by to receive bearings from air reconnaissance.  Aircraft find nothing.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.11.41      
    17.27   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 0.5 nm at 150°.  
    16.38   Condor in sight bearing 40°, on southerly course, later opposite course, did not sight us.  
    18.19   Reported position by naval short signal as ordered square 7768.  
    20.00 BE 7793  EbyS 6, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
    20.30   On course 150°T.  
        By radio message from B.d.U., received 22.25 hours, boats (8) are to set up an east-west patrol line positioned to search for speed of advance from 5.5 to 7.5 knots.  Search line between CF 1817 to CF 2814.  
    23.02   On course 180°T.  
        U-96 is positioned between 1837 and 1918.  Course becomes South.  Am located at the plotted position for a convoy moving at 7 knots.  Therefore, during the night proceeded submerged in order to listen.  Limited visibility on the surface due to the rough sea.  Circled until past the position for a convoy moving at 5 knots.  
    24.00 CF 1311  EbyS 6, Sea 4-5, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
                                                          
    04.11.41      
    02.01 - 02.15   Proceeded submerged.  2 U-boats heard.  
    04.00 CF 1341  no observation    
    08.00 CF 1344  no observation    
    09.15   On course 200°T.  
    09.33   On course 160°T.  
    12.00 CF 1378  EbyN 6, Sea 5, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 Day's run:  Surfaced  105 nm  Submerged  15 nm.  
    12.30   On course 190°T.  
    16.00 CF 1644  EbyS 7-8, Sea 6, overcast,  Vis. good, Swell 5 No air reconnaissance due to weather.  
    16.04   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 7.3 nm at 215°.  
    16.35 - 17.38   Various courses.  Met U-572 (Hirsacker) at 16.35 hours.  PK Bucheim takes powerful storm photography.  
    17.38   On course 180°T.  
    20.00 CF 1835  EbyS 7, Sea 5-6, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
    22.35   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Boats' new designation:  Group Störtebecker is to operate on a convoy which departed from Gibraltar on 1 November and is expected on 5 November in square CF 68 or 69.  Further approach orders to follow based on air reconnaissance.  
        Proceeding at low speed into the sea to the east to windward, and because convoy will certainly pass to the east of my current location.  
    23.39   On course 90°T.  
    24.00 CF 1892  EbyS 4, Sea 5-6, 8/10, rain, Vis. good, Swell 5    
                                                          
    05.11.41      
    04.00 CF 1972  EbyS 5, Sea 6, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
    05.46   Proceeding submerged because of low visibility and heavy seas.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.11.41      
    08.00 CF 1981  no observation    
    11.35 - 12.54   Proceeding submerged for lunch.  
    12.00 CF 1983  E 5, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 Day's run:  Surfaced  140 nm  Submerged  9 nm.  
    13.00   Standing by to receive bearing signals from air reconnaissance.  No findings.  
    16.00 CF 2771  E 6, Sea 5-6, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
    16.20   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 9 nm at 85°.  
    18.35   Patrol line is ordered by radio message from CF 5187 to 2933 for 6 November at 09.00 hours.  Distance to our position in the line is 50 nm.  
    19.30   On course 144°T.  
    20.00 CF 2783  E 5, Sea 5-6, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
    20.40   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 3.5 nm at 330°.  
    22.00   On course 135°T.  
    24.00 CF 5132  E 5, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5    
                                                          
    06.11.41      
    04.00 CF 5242  E 5, Sea 4-5, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 On course 54°.  Reached patrol line.  
    04.02 - 06.58   Proceeding submerged to listen.  
    08.00 CF 5219  no observation    
    09.00   On course 234°T.  
    09.40   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 8 nm at 310°.  
    09.47   Met U-69.  
    11.00   On course 75°T.  
    12.00 CF 5217  E 5, Sea 5, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 5 Day's run:  Surfaced 115 nm  Submerged 12 nm.  
        From 12.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals from air reconnaissance still unsuccessful.  
    16.00 CF 5227  E 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 On course 234°T.  
    18.00   On course 54°T.  
    20.00 CF 5219  EbyS 5, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 5 On course 270°T.  
    21.00   On course 300°T proceeding to my patrol line per radio message received at 19.38 hours.  
        Patrol line from CF 1873 to 2468.  Distance 115 nm.  
    24.00 CF 5131  EbyS 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 5    
                                                          
    07.11.41      
    04.00 CF 2772  EbyS 5-6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    07.15 - 08.38   Proceeding submerged for breakfast.  
    08.00 CF 1953  no observation    
    09.45   On course 247°T.  Reached position in patrol line.  
    10.26 - 13.11   Proceeding submerged due to poor visibility.  
    12.00 CF 1919  no observation Day's run:  surfaced 152 nm   Submerged 7 nm.  
        Scheduled air reconnaissance cancelled due to weather.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.11.41      
    12.30   On course 67°T.  
    16.00 CF 1927  EbyS 6, Sea 6, overcast (fog rain), Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    17.27 - 19.47   Various courses.  Proceeding submerged.  
    19.48   On course 230°T.  
    20.00 CF 1919 SE 5, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    21.00   On course 123°T.  
        Departed patrol line in accordance with radio message received at 16.58 hours.  Proceeding to new patrol line from CF 1974 to 2894.  Orders are to search on general course south starting at dawn in the assigned patrol line.  Operating on expected Freetown convoy.  Distance to the initial position 49 nm.  
    24.00 CF 1954  SE 5, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3, very dark night    
                                                          
    08.11.41      
    04.00 CF 1991, SEbyS 5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4    
    08.00 CF 2774  SEbyS 4, Sea 4, 9/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 4 On course 270°T.  
    10.00   On course 210°T.  
    12.00 CF 4332  SWbyW 4, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 4 From 12.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals.  No bearings.  Hirsacker received a bearing.  Aircraft sighted the convoy without reporting its location.  
        Day's run:  surfaced 86 nm  Submerged 6 nm.  
    13.40   On course 150°T.  
    16.00 CF 4338  SWbyW 5, Sea 5, overcast, medium visibility, Swell 4    
    17.02   On course 220°T.  
    18.40   On course 14°T.  
        Proceeding to new reconnaissance line (per radio message received at 17.52 hours).  
        On 9 November at 10.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from CF 1366 to 2346 with general course North, speed of advance 7 knots, searching for Freetown convoy.  
    20.00 CF 4335, WbyN 5, Sea 5, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4    
    23.51   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Be alert for possible distress situation involving a Condor in the Störtebecker area, particularly square CF 2414.  
    24.00 CF 2744  NW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 4 On course 3°T.   
        Running through square 2415 as planned.  From 04.30 to 08.30 hours shot a white star every half hour.  Nothing found  
                                                          
    09.11.41      
    04.00 CF 2471  WbyN 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    07.30   On course 20°T.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.11.41      
    08.00 CF 2412  WbyN 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    12.00 CF 2151  SWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 4 Day's run:  Surfaced 193  Submerged  0.  
        From 12.00 hours ready to receive bearing signals.  Air reconnaissance without success.  
    13.00   On course 0°T.  
    16.00 BE 7975  NW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    16.10   Condor bearing 160°T, course 70°.  
        Continuing on northerly course in accordance with radio message, received at 17.25 hours.  On 10 November at 10.00 hours search in the reconnaissance line BE 7252 to 8163 with 7 knot speed of advance general direction North.  
    18.30   On course 5°T.  
        Distance to the initial position 124 nm.  Course 5°.  Because of weather conditions can only run at low speed.  As a result, we will reach the initial position late.  
    20.00 BE 7972  NWbyW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 5    
    20.40   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 25 nm at 165°.  
    24.00 BE 7973  NWbyW 6, Sea 5-6, 8/10, Vis. poor, Swell 5    
                                                          
    10.11.41      
    04.00 BE 7924  NWbyW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, (rain squalls), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    08.00 BE 7657  NW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    09.40   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 9 nm at 189°.  
    12.00 BE 7627  NWbyN 6, Sea 5, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 5 Day's run:  Surfaced  143 nm  Submerged  5 nm.  
      From 12.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals.  Air reconnaissance is unsuccessful.  
    14.00   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 2 nm at 69°.  
    16.00 BE 7382  NW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, (rain squalls), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    20.00 BE 7328  NW 6, Sea 5, 7/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 5 On course 0°T.  
        Radio message from B.d.U.:  Received at 19.50 hours. On reaching the line BE 4582 to 5493 stop as stationary patrol.  According to weather conditions steam back and forth in east-west direction.  
    20.28   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 6 nm at 270°.  
    24.00 BE 4981  NW 6, Sea 5, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 5    
                                                          
    11.11.41      
    04.00 BE 4924  NW 5, Sea 5, 5/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 5    
    06.56 - 09.09   Proceeding submerged for torpedo maintenance.  
    08.00 BE 4681  no observation Reached position in patrol line.  
    09.22   On course 90°T.  
    12.00 BE 4683, NW 2, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced 144 nm  Submerged 4.5 nm.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.11.41      
    13.12   On course 270°T.  
    13.22   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 7.4 nm at 7°.  
        From 14.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals.  Air reconnaissance unsuccessful.  
    16.00 BE 4659  NW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Per radio message received 19.37 hours, the search for Freetown convoy is abandoned.  Area change and advance to new patrol line from AK 9528 to BE 3399.  
    20.00 BE 4657  NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    20.15   On course 320°T.  
    20.28   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 10 nm at 245°.  
    24.00 BE 4563  NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
                                                          
    12.11.41      
    04.00 BE 4297  NW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.00 BE 4257  NW 2, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3 At 08.00 hours switched to Greenland Circuit.  
    12.00 BE 4214  WbyS 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced 129 nm.  
    16.00 BE 1795  WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.00 BE 1756  NWbyW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    24.00 BE 1724  NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    13.11.41      
    04.00 BE 1474  NW 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.00 BE 3661  WNW 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    10.10   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 7.8 nm at 130°.  
    10.17 - 10.46   Test dive.  
    12.00 BD 3626  NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Day's run:  Surfaced 141 nm  Submerged 2 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3376  NW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 On course 330°T.  
    20.00 BD 3342  SbyE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    24.00 AK 9998  SSE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3    
                                                          
    14.11.41      
    04.00 AK 9967  ESE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    08.00 AK 9998, WbyS 3, Sea 2, 7/10, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3 Position in patrol line is reached.  
    09.50 - 10.25   Test dive.  
        Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 4 nm at 349°.  
    10.28   On course 138°T.  Reversed course in patrol line.  
    12.00 AK 9921  W 2, Sea 2, 7/10 Day's run:  Surfaced  147 nm  Submerged  2 nm.  
      Vis. good, Swell 3    
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.11.41      
    ??.??   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Patrol line relocated from AK 6784 to AK 9993.  
    ??.??   On course 318°T.  
    ??.?? [text illegible], Sea 2, 6/10, [text illegible], Swell 2    
    ??.?? [text illegible]Sea 2, overcast (rain) Vis. medium, Swell 3    
    21.42 - 21.58      
    23.07 - 00.10   Training dive with simulated malfunctions.  
    24.00 AK 9647  SbyE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. poor, Swell 3, very dark night    
                                                          
    15.11.41      
    04.00 AK 9538  WSW 4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, overcast rain, Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    04.06 - 08.48   Proceeding submerged to listen.  
    08.00 AK 9526  no observation    
    10.38   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 10 nm at 138°.  
    12.00 AK 9526, SW 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 4 Day's run:  Surfaced  83 nm  Submerged  17 nm.   
      Assumed position in patrol line.  
    12.21   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Group Störtebecker, course 138° speed of advance 8 knots.  
    12.28   On course 138°T.  Radio message amended.  Patrol line from AL 7771 to BE 1867 to search for outbound convoy held by B-Dienst, distance 200 nm to our position in the line.  
    16.00 AK 9566  W 4-5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    16.20      
    18.20   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 3.6 nm at 341°.  
    20.00 AK 9676, WbyS 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    24.00 AK 9929  WSW 4, Sea 3-4, 9/10, (rain squalls), Vis. good, Swell 4    
                                                          
    16.11.41      
    04.00 AK 9993  NWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4    
    08.00 BD 3313, WNW 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 4    
    10.50   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 7 nm at 27°.  
    12.00 BD 3365  WNW 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 4 Day's run:  Surfaced  182 nm.  
        From 13.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals, air reconnaissance unsuccessful.  
    14.00   Reached patrol line.  
    16.00 BE 1176  WNW 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 5 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 6.4 nm at 43°.  
    18.00   On course 290°T.  
    20.00 BE 1179  NWbyN 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    22.00   On course 180°T.  
        Per radio message received 15 November, proceeding to new patrol line.  Distance 90 nm, from BD 3641 - BE 4561.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.11.41      
    24.00 BE 1414  WbyN 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    17.11.41      
    04.00 BE 1474  WNW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.00 BE 1741  NNW 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.41 - 10.08   Test dive.  
        On course 135°T.  Patrol line reached.  Steering NW-SE courses, as directed by radio message received at 11.30 hours.  
    10.11   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 16 nm at 238°.  
        Until the evening of 19 November in patrol line.  
    12.00 BD 3999  N 2, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced  165 nm  Submerged  1 nm.  
      From 12.30 hours standing by to receive bearing signals.  Air reconnaissance unsuccessful.  
    14.00   On course 62°T.  
    16.00 BE 1748  NNW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    17.00   On course 116°T.  
    18.30   On course 335°T.  
    20.00 BE 1748  NNW 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 On course 315°T.  
    22.00   On course 135°T.  
    24.00 BE 1748  NbyW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    18.11.41      
    02.00   On course 315°T.  
    04.00 BE 1748  NbyW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    06.00   On course 135°T.  
    08.00 BE 1748  NbyW 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    10.00   On course 315°T.  
    09.28 - 10.01   Test dive.  
    12.00 BE 1776  SSW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Day's run:  Surfaced 128 nm  Submerged 1 nm.  
    14.00   On course 90°T.  
    16.00 BE 1773  S 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    18.00   On course 290°T.  
    20.00 BE 1749  SbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    21.00   On course 315°T.  
    22.30   On course 135°T.  
    24.00 BE 1748  SSE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3, very dark night    
                                                          
    19.11.41      
    01.10 - 04.59   Proceeding submerged to listen due to low visibility.  
    02.00   On course 315°T.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.11.41      
    04.00 BE 1748  no observation    
    07.20   On course 135°T.  
    08.00 BE 1748  W 2-3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, Vis. medium, Swell 2    
    10.50   On course 315°T.  
    11.29 - 12.54   Dived for lunch.  
    12.00 BE 1748  no observation Day's run:  Surfaced  112 nm  Submerged  11 nm.  
        From 13.00 hours standing by to receive bearing signals.  Air reconnaissance unsuccessful.  
    14.00   On course 135°T.  
    16.00 BE 1748  W 3, Sea 2, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 2    
    18.00   On course 315°T.  
    20.00 BE 1748  W 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.29   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 6 nm at 159°.  
    22.00   On course 135°T.  
    24.00 BE 1772  WbyS 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 5 On course 315°T.  Proceeding to new attack area (Radio message received 23.33 hours).  AK 9845, depth 80 nm, Day's run 120 nm.  
                                                          
    20.11.41      
    04.00 BD 3966  WSW 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    08.00 BD 3937  WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3    
    12.00 BD 3922  WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10 (rain hail), Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced 114 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3676  WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.00 BD 3641  W 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 2    
    24.00 BD 3538  WbyN 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. medium, Swell 3    
                                                          
    21.11.41 BD 3523  WbyN 2, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. Medium, Swell 2    
    08.00 BD 3281  WbyN 2, Sea 2, 9/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 2    
    09.17 - 10.28   Test dive.  Depth control exercises.  
    12.00 BD 3242  WbyN 2, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Day's run:  Surfaced  118 nm  Submerged  2.5 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3139  no observation From 13.50 to 15.40 hours, maneuvering drills, buoy maneuvers.  
       
15.44 - 17.06  
17.09 - 17.25 Crash dive for training.  Depth control exercises, rapid depth changing
18.05 - 18.54
19.44 - 20.10
 
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.11.41      
    20.00 BD 3134  WbyN 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 20.34 hours, difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 16 nm at 129°.  
    24.00 BD 3131  WbyN 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
                                                          
    22.11.41      
    04.00 AK 9886  NW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    08.00 AK 9881  NW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    08.44 -   On various courses.  
    10.30   Test dive, depth control exercises.  
    10.30   On course 315°T.  
    12.00 AK 9849  SW 2, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 2 Day's run:  Surfaced  88 nm  Submerged  13 nm.  
    16.00 AK 9841  S 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    20.00 AK 9732  SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3    
    20.20   Officer-Only radio message from B.d.U.:  
        1.)  After supply Lehmann is slated for CG 90.  
        2.)  Supply for Lehmann is to be accomplished at Bernardo. . . . . .  
        Considerations:  
        1.)  New operations area is received with enthusiasm.  
        2.)  Fuel remaining is 28.5 cbm.  Boat is still in order technically.  
        3.)  Distance to Bernardo is 1050 nm.  
        4.)  Proceeding on both diesel engines at LF results in daily consumption of 4.2 cbm.  
        Should supply fail 7 cbm would remain for return, which would be sufficient to reach St. Nazaire on one diesel at KF.  
    21.53   On course 125°T.  
    24.00 AK 9736  SW 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 1    
                                                          
    23.11.41      
    04.00 AK 9859  WbyS 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    08.00 BD 3212  NWbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. poor, Swell 3    
    12.00 BD 3261  WbyS 2, Sea 1, 7/10, good visibility, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 189 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3376  W 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.00 BD 3637  WbyN 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    20.30   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 12 nm at 281°.  
    24.00 BE 1449  WbyN 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
                                                          
    24.11.41      
    04.00 BE 1723  NWbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.11.41      
    08.00 BE 1845  W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    08.59 - 09.15   Test dive.  
    11.54   Radio message from B.d.U. (Officer-Only) to Lehmann:  Try to accomplish resupply at Bernardo during the night of 28/29 November.  
    12.00 BE 1894  NW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced  120 nm  Submerged  1 nm.  
    15.25   Officer-Only radio message to B.d.U. transmitted:  Will be at Bernardo the afternoon of the 27th, question the possibility of debarking PK Bucheim, has exhausted his material.  Supplement of Mediterranean charts requested, already have Nos. 1874, 1843 and 0309.  Square BE 43.  
    16.00 BE 4318  WSW 4, Sea 3, 2-4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    19.28   Officer-Only radio message received from B.d.U.:  
        To Lehmann:  Bernardo scheduled for the night of 27-28 November.  Transfer of PK-man not possible.  Chart supply will be attempted.  
    20.00 BE 4391  NbyW 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3    
    20.16   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 4.5 nm at 294°.  
    24.00 BE 4412  NbyW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
                                                          
    25.11.41      
    04.00 BE 5443  WbyN 1, Sea 1, 2-5/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    08.00 BE 5575  WbyN 1, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    12.00 BE 5829  SSW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 229 nm.  
    16.00   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 4.5 nm at 240°.  
    16.00 BE 5972  SWbyS 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.00 BE 8326  SW 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 2.8 nm at 216°.  
    24.00 BE 9144  SW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis good, Swell 2    
                                                          
    26.11.41      
    04.00 BE 9186  SbyE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    08.00 BE 9514  SbyE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    09.24   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 8 nm at 83°.  
    12.00 BE 9567  SWbyS 2, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3 Day's run:  Surfaced  236 nm.  
    16.00 BE 9679  SbyW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    18.02 - 19.00   Various courses.  Smoke feather bearing 80°T.  Closed.  Spanish fishing steamer.  
    19.00   19.00 hours advance continued on course 125°T.  
    20.00 BE 9035  SbyW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.11.41      
    22.00   On course 122°T.  
    24.00 BF 7755  SSW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    27.11.41      
    04.00 CG 7877  SSW 3, Sea 2, 5/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1    
    06.10   Finisterre flashing light over the horizon.  
    08.00 CG 2261  SSW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.10   Approached steamer heading south.  Spanish "CASTILLO PERNAFIEL" has correct lighting, on course 90°T.  
    08.47   Fixed position by land bearings (Finisterre, Salvora).  
    09.35 -   Dived, set off from the steamer submerged.  
    10.00   Steered for island of Ons.  
    09.37   On course 100°T.  
    10.00 -   Stopped.  Let 2 fishing steamers pass on NW course.  
    10.43   09.34 hours radio message from B.d.U.:  To Lehmann.  Supply is scheduled during the night of 27-28 November.  
    12.00 CG 2266  S 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. Medium, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced  223 nm  Submerged  1.5 nm.  
    13.04   On course 140°T.  
        Headed for north entrance to Bernado.  From 13.28 hours proceeding on various courses for arrival.  
        13.28 hours dived.  Proceeding submerged through the north entrance steered for the Bernado Bay.  
    16.00 CG 2373  no observation    
    16.40   Put the boat on the bottom in 39 meters.  
    20.00 CG 2373  no observation    
    20.28   Surfaced.  Proceeding on the surface.  
        Headed for "BESSEL" anchorage.  
    22.03   Made fast alongside "BESSEL".  By 03.45 hours supply accomplished, forward above deck torpedo taken into the boat.  
    24.00 CG 2381  no observation Summary up to the supplying.  
        Days at sea:  32  
        Total distance:  Surfaced  5x7x nm  Submerged  138 nm.  
        Expended:  4 Etos, independently fired.  
        2 hits, resulting in:  one 8000 GRT British passenger steamer loaded with ammunition, one 5000 GRT British freighter  
        Used:  Fuel oil = 123.2 cbm  Lubricating oil = 3470 kilograms  Fresh water = 2840 liters  
                                                          
    28.11.41      
    04.00   Cast off "BESSEL".  Departed via the south exit.  
    05.11   On course 236°T.  
    05.45   Beacon on Sileio abeam to port.  
    06.15 - 06.30   Test dive.  
    08.00 CG 2532  N 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Proceeding to Gibraltar.  Speed 10 knots.   
    10.14   On course 119°T.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.11.41      
    12.00 CG 2553  NbyW 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced 70.5 nm  Submerged 15.5 nm.  
    16.00 CG 2825  N 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    17.06   Short signal transmitted:  Supply accomplished.  Was confirmed.  
    20.00 CG 2884  N 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    24.00 CG 5249  N 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 On course 180°T.  
                                                          
    29.11.41      
    04.00 CG 5543  N 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    06.00   On course 160°T.  
        Beacon on Cape Darosa bearing 68°.  
    08.00 CG 5824  N 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.50   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 7 nm at 225°.  
    09.01 - 09.23   Test dive.  
    12.00 CG 5885  NbyE 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced  240 nm  Submerged  2 nm.  
    12.36 - 13.00   Dived for aircraft bearing 280°T.   Was probably sighted.  
    16.00 CG 8264  ENE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    15.48 - 16.10   Dived for aircraft.  
    16.31   On course 121°T.  
    17.40   Smoke clouds bearing 10°T.  
    18.18 -   Various courses.  
    20.20   18.18 hours closed.  Maneuvered ahead for twilight attack.  19.03 hours dived for the attack.  Steamer sets lights at sunset.  Lights up Spanish nationality markings.  Attack broken off.  19.27 hours surfaced.  Steamer steers round Cape St. Vincenz, likely for Cadiz. 19.40 hours radio message from B.d.U. received:  "Lehmann occupy as attack area square CH 84 and square 81 lower and middle third."  Intention is to head for Strait of Gibraltar close to the Spanish coast.  
    20.00 CG 8344  NbyE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.16   On course 130°T.  
    20.30   Ship's position for land bearings:  Sagres and Cape St. Vincez.  
    24.00 CG 8384  NNE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1, very bright moonlight During the night independent illuminated neutral vessels avoided.   
                                                          
    30.11.41      
    01.18 - 02.13   Various courses.  01.18 hours shadow bearing xxx°.   Turned toward.  At 01.40 hours suddenly disappears.  Probably a U-boat that has dived.  
         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.11.41   Diving position by-passed.  
    02.13   On course 100°T.  
    04.00 CG 8633  NNE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 1, bright moonshine    
    08.00 CG 9425  NNE 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.00   On course 150°T.  
    09.16 - 09.47   Dived for aircraft, flies on a northern course along the coast.  
    10.30 - 10.54   Dived for aircraft far distant.  
    11.25 - 13.03   Dived for aircraft far distant.   
        Aircraft flying reconnaissance line, later several are in sight at the same time.  
    12.00 CG 9461  NNE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced  172 nm  Submerged  7.5 nm.  
    13.12   On course 310°T.  
        Smoke streak bearing 300 - 320°.  Closed.  Two escorts making convoy clouds.  
    13.57   On course 130°T.  
    14.55 - 15.50   Dived for air reconnaissance.  
    16.00 CG 9465  N 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    16.05   Aircraft in sight.  Distant.  Showing a narrow silhouette.  Moving at slow speed.  
    16.11   Smoke clouds bearing 200°.  Closed.   
        Patrol vessel.  Evaded.  
    16.14   Dived for flying boat bearing 150°.  
        Remained submerged, because air surveillance is too strong. Want to pass through the Strait of Gibraltar during the night and not be sighted before then.  Want to arrive in time so there is a large reserve for evasion of patrol vessels, the east entrance can be reached in the dark morning hours, or can be passed through if necessary.  
    19.17   Surfaced.  
        The night will be very bright.  Nearly cloudless.  Moon only rarely obscured.  The air is clear, surprise seems impossible.  Want to pass through along the African side, because less monitoring is expected there and patrol vessels hidden in the shadow of the coast can be seen against the moon.  
    19.45   Set off at 7.5 knots on course 114°.  
    20.00 CG 9574  E 0, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 0    
    20.46   On course 200°T.  Flying boat apparently a returning reconnaissance aircraft bearing 50°.  Evaded on the surface.  
    20.30   Beacon on Cape Espartel (African Coast) in sight.  
    20.40   Patrol vessel in sight directly ahead.  
        Stopped at an opportune distance and observed.  Patrol vessel moves back and forth and is slowly withdrawing.  Moved off to the south until out of sight.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.11.41      
    20.56   On course 130°T.  
    21.04   On course 70°T.  
    22.10   Patrol vessel 20° to starboard with faint navigation lights.  
    22.20   Patrol vessel ahead to port in sight on opposite course.  
        Flashing from astern.  Apparent observed an exchange of recognition signals.  These are small patrol vessels running slowly.  Will break through on the surface.  
    22.35   Bi-plane approaches low astern.  Crash dive.  Boat is not fully submerged when two bombs detonate.  Pressure wave tears the conning tower hatch from my hand, however it is closed immediately.  In the boat everything fails:  
        It is pitch black, emergency lighting does not illuminate, hatchway ladder jumps from the fixtures.  E-motors stop. Everywhere rattle from breaking glass and falling objects.  Boat sinks heavily by the bow.  Using flashlights the most important malfunctions are quickly repaired.  A depth meter in the Control Room is quickly repaired by re-attaching the pointer.  E-motors are repaired by reinserting the battery automatic switch.  Boat can be held at depths between 20 and 30 meters.  Diving planes and rudders can be operated manually all gyro-repeaters are inoperable, mostly the bearing rings sprung, magnetic compass is not readable, master gyro compass is operable.  Sound locator is repaired.  It is reported that the Galley hatch, which leaked after the detonation, holds tight again after being tightened. (hatch reinforcement was in place).  E-motor Room water leaking behind instrument panel 1 a.  Leak is sealed by wood plug.  Diesel Engine Room reports oil and water leaking from around Internal Fuel Oil Tank 1, likely a tear in the pressure hull.  Bow Torpedo Room and all other rooms quickly report they are operable.  It becomes clear that the boat is still buoyant, but depth can only be held for a short time, because the Diesel Engine Room bilge is rapidly filling.  Patrol vessels are still far away, but become louder.  Above presumably a large oil slick (later confirmed).  Decide to surface, and run off on the surface, and try to pump against water entry and reach water depth in which the boat can lie on the bottom.  From 22.37 hours on various courses.  
    23.00   Surfaced.  Ran off to the south with both diesels at GF.  Boat cannot be blown, diving cell V leaks air.  Heavy oil slick. Patrol vessels still far distant.  Aircraft are heard nearby.  Apparently they circle us.  Nothing is visible.  
    23.15   Crash dive to avoid more aircraft bombs.  With the strong trim angle the diving planes can hardly be moved by hand.  At depth 50 meters vents are closed.  Stopped blowing.  Boat sinks further but, we descend more slowly.  At 80 meters the boat touches bottom. (23.25 hours) boat lies heavily down by the stern, movement within the boat with the strong list is barely possible.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.11.41      
        E-motor Room reports that water from Diesel Engine Room is running aft.  The stern torpedo tube is half submerged in the water.  A brief discussion of the situation:  The water intake can be held by pumping overboard with the main bilge pump.  This is possible only at depths under 40 meters.  Additionally, fuel oil and water intake from Internal Fuel Oil Tank 1 is less at shallow depths.  Therefore continued blowing ballast tanks.  Boat rises slowly.  Is held with E-motors, brought on an even keel, and bailed.  Boat rises so as not to lose blowing air (135 kgs remain in high pressure cylinders), repeated attempt to surface.  
        23.48 hours surfaced.  Immediately ran off to the south with diesels.  Still a heavy oil slick.  Big slick at the diving location.  On the surface the trim angle (Ballast tank 5 is flooded) is countered with the dive planes.  23.55 hours aircraft with navigation lights bearing 300°T shoots flares, it becomes light as day.  Patrol vessels have not detected us yet.  
    24.00 CG 9585  no observation Dived.  
                                                          
    01.12.41   Boat is too heavy.  At 55 meters at 00.11 hours the boat runs aground with a lot of speed.  Break for listening.  Vessels come close.   All transformers including gyrocompass and the listening gear turned off.  2 patrol vessels overrun the boat, circle around the boat and remain nearby, sometimes stopped.  No sound gear is heard, likely oil slick.  Diving watch in all rooms, otherwise peace.  With hand bilge pump diesel bilge is transferred into the Control Room, later using the auxiliary bilge pump into the Regulating Ballast Tank and then pumped overboard.  Guard vessels depart, have probably already given up on us.  Even with long pumping, all propeller sounds remain quiet.  Water intake can be held.  
    04.00 CG 9588  no observation The chances for escape in the dark morning hours after moonset, are great.  
    04.45   On course 230°T.  
        Boat is off the bottom, surfaced.  3 vessels with lights can be seen, of them 2 are evidently neutral.  1 patrol vessel to the NE.  Ran off to the SW at 2 x HF with charging.  The repair parties have the most important electrical equipment operating again.  
    05.12   2 dimmed patrol vessels in sight bearing 220°.  Made off to the north.  3 additional patrol vessels are sighted, which are avoided on the surface.  
    05.15   On course 300°T.  
    05.47   On course 270°T.  
    06.40   On course 300°T.  
    07.31   On course 270°T.  
    08.00 CG 9498  NW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.21   On course 230°T.  Dived to proceed submerged at the coming of daylight.  Starboard diesel clutch is grinding, it hammers and must be stopped.  [missing line]  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.12.41   This means the port shaft is making noise outboard.  During the day patrol vessels are heard almost constantly.  
    12.00 CG 9723  no observation Day's run:  Surfaced  117 nm  Submerged  19.5 nm.  
        The most critical failures turn out to be: 14 battery cells torn and leaking other cells partly torn, these are bridged, both compressor bases are torn, they are supported by rear girder and wood wedges against the pressure hull.  Exhaust vent for Ballast Tank V can no longer be closed completely.  Internal Fuel Oil Tank I torn, this is probably only leakage of the axial bushing for flood valve for External Fuel Oil Tank 2a.  The optics of the Control Room periscope shattered.  Porcelain insulators of the grommet for the stern aerial on the bridge shattered.  The training mechanism with optics for the cannon, sight slide, range drum and elevation aiming circle were flung to the deck, the locking mechanism was broken.  Based on the damage, and observation of the aircraft approaching from astern it would seem that both small bombs must have struck the water very close aboard to starboard near the cannon and the galley.  Besides these damages aggravation of the situation was caused by the pressure wave which tossed all objects in a shambles, and many welded fixtures in the pressure hull were broken off.  The crew behaved coolly and worked unshakably on the repair of malfunctions.  
    12.51   On course 250°T.  
    16.00 CG 9722  no observation From 13.25 hours breathed through potash cartridges.  
    19.55   Surfaced.  Patrol vessel bearing 50°T, aircraft with lights bearing 30°T.  Dived at 19.57 hours.  
    20.00 CG 9724  N 1, Sea 1, 0/10. Vis. good, Swell 0, very bright moonlight On course 270°T.  
    21.21   Surfaced.  Aircraft bearing 80°T.  
    21.22   Dived.  
    22.47   Surfaced.  Patrol vessel bearing 180°T, evaded.  
    22.56   On course 290°T.  
    23.21   Dived for aircraft with lights bearing 11°T.  
    23.27   On course 270°T.  
    24.00 CG 9712  no observation    
                                                          
    02.12.41      
    00.42   Surfaced.  
    00.55 - 01.55   Various courses.  
    01.52   On course 280°T.  
    03.10 - 03.44   Various courses.  
    03.45   On course 280°T.  
    04.00 CG 8697  NW 1, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. good, Swell 1, bright moon    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.12.41      
    05.10   Small vessel with lights bearing 290°, evaded.  
    05.11 - 07.21   Courses about 220°.  
    07.22   On course 280°T.  
    08.00 CG 8915  N 2, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.00   Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 12 nm at 263°.  
    09.47 - 10.08   Boat put into the sea in order to examine diesel exhaust ducting and upper deck damage and to tie down the cannon. On course 280°T.  
         
    12.00 CG 8816  NbyE 2, Sea 2, 1-3/10, Vis. good, Swell 1 Day's run:  Surfaced  210 nm  Submerged  7.5 nm.  
    12.32   On course 320°T.  
    14.00   On course 350°T.  
    14.35   Radio message transmitted:  During the night of 1 December in CG 9585 two bombs from a biplane, capable of diving at shallow depths.  Returning.  Square 88.  In squares 94, 97 and to the east heavy air patrol.  Individual patrol boats.  Believe that during bright moonlit nights operations there are hopeless.  
    16.00 CG 8462  NE 2, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    17.04 - 20.58   Dived for work on the batteries.  
    20.00 CG 8432  no observation    
    24.00 CG 8137  NE 2, Sea 2, blue sky, Vis. good, Swell 2    
                                                          
    03.12.41   On course 0°T.  
    04.00 CG 5761  NEbyN 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 2    
    05.38   Steamer in sight bearing 240°.  Closed, [steamer is] steering SE-course.  Passenger superstructure.  Spanish markings.  Brightly lit.  Size and course made him appear suspicious.  Used searchlight in order to request him to stop.   Gives name "CABO DE HORNOS".  Requested to send papers in English and Spanish language.  Steamer acknowledges. It remains stopped, nothing happens.  
    06.52   Radio message to B.d.U. transmitted:  Is not received by administration and is acknowledged only at 08.12 hours.  
        "Large passenger steamer "CABO DE HORNOS" Spanish markings, steering SE, question reported status.  CG 5467."  
        After approximately one hour nothing happened, with renewed demand he answered with international signal groups "forziere pp".  Morsed in Spanish that if the boat is not launched within 10-minutes, torpedoing will take place.  
    05.43 - 08.00   Various courses.  
    07.37   After 15-minute stern shot fired on stopped ship.  It fails, likely an effect of the bombs.  Before the second shot boat is in the water.  Papers aboard at 08.00 hours.  Are correct. On the way from Buenos Aires  
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.12.41   to Bilbao by way of Lisbon.  
    08.00 CG 5731  W NE 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.05   Radio message transmitted:  "Papers examined.  Enroute Bilbao."  
    09.26   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Let pass.  
        08.30 hours  Continued on course 0°T.  
        09.17 hours  Difference between actual and dead reckoning position: 2.8 nm at 228°.  
    12.00 CG 5434  W NE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2 On course 80°T.  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  218 nm  Submerged  6 nm.  
    16.00 CG 5162  NEbyE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    20.00 CG 2769  NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    24.00 BF 2571  NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    04.12.41      
    04.00 BF 2275  NE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 8    
    08.00 BF 7879  NE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.19 - 16.03   Proceeding submerged per orders of B.d.U.  
    10.15   On course 58°T.  
    12.00 BF 5857  no observation Day's run:  Surfaced  255 nm  Submerged  7 nm.  
    16.00 BF 7855  no observation    
    20.00 BF 7915  NEbyE 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    24.00 BF 7693  ENE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    05.12.41      
    03.06   Short Signal transmitted:  Position 36 hours from entering port.  Was acknowledged.  
    04.00 BF 8437  NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    08.00 BF 8283  NEbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    09.42 - 18.57   Proceeding submerged.  
    13.32 - 13.49   Surfaced to air the boat.  
    12.00 BF 8344  no observation Day's run:  Surfaced  176.5 nm  Submerged  13.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 8342  no observation    
    20.00 BF 8325  EbyN 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    24.00 BF 6771  ENE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
                                                          
    06.12.41      
    00.47   Radio message from B.d.U.:  Escort for Lehmann positioned on 6 December at 16.00 hours at Point N 1.  
    02.20   On course 31°T.  
    04.00 BF 6726  NE by E 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 1    
    06.30   On course 5°T.  
    08.00 BF 6439, NE 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           

Note:  the position for 12.00 on 04.12.41 (BF 5857) is a typo - the correct position is BF 7857

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.12.41      
    08.15   Corrected ship's position after land bearings 7 nm at 300°.  
        Steering for N 1.  
    10.06   Radio message transmitted:  "Waiting at N 1 on the bottom.  
    10.20   Reached N 1.  
    10.23 - 10.43   Dived.  Bottom is too rocky to lie.  Departed on course 240°.  
    11.15   On course 240°T.  
    11.32 - 15.15   Proceeding submerged, because the boat bumps too hard on the bottom.  
    12.00 BF 6462  no observation Day's run:  Surfaced  171 nm  Submerged  18.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 6439 Taken under escort and entered port.  
    17.27   Made fast in the lock.  
        Welcomed by the Flotilla Commander.  
    18.52   Cast off from the lock.  
    19.02   Made fast in the bunker.  
        Remaining distance:  Surfaced 22.0  Submerged  5 nm.  
           
        Summary:  
        The boat was at sea 9 days, covered 1557.3 nm Surfaced and 97.5 nm Submerged.  
        Fuel oil consumed:  48.5 cbm.  
        Lubricating oil consumed:  910 kg.  
        Fresh water consumed:  850 liters.  
        Damage to the boat:  By aircraft bombs (see KTB Maschine)  
        Losses in the crew:  None.  
                                                          
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41

Enclosures to U-96's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Torpedo Torpedo firing report
Radio Excerpt of radio log

 
 
     
 
C  o  p  y   !
 
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the War Diary of "U-96" from 13 September - 6 December 1941.
 
 

 

 
 
        A precise and well executed patrol.  The calm sure work of the crew is particularly emphasized after the serious damage from aircraft bombs on 30 November.
 
     
     
     
   
For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
 
   
The Chief of Operations
 
     
     
     
     
 


Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page