U-277 - 2nd War Patrol
Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster
Departed |
Date |
Arrived |
Date |
Days at Sea |
Hammerfest |
29 August 1943 |
Narvik |
10 October 1943 |
43 |
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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 Attacked |
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None |
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Note: The positions iin the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website. The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank. |
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K r i e g s t a g e b u c h | |||||||||||||
====================== | |||||||||||||
"U 277" | |||||||||||||
Kommandant: Oberleutnant zur See L ü b s e n . | |||||||||||||
2nd Patrol. | |||||||||||||
Beginning on: 18 August 1943 | |||||||||||||
Ending on: 10 October 1943 | |||||||||||||
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© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved | |||||||||||||
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB |
- 1 - |
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1943 | Operated under Operations Order 1 (Nordmeer). | ||||
Norwegian Sea, between Nordkap and Bäreninsel | |||||
18. - 29.08.43 | Hammerfest | Boat underwent a brief overhaul with the assistance of a small work group. | |||
Outfitting. | |||||
11.00 | Hammerfest | Put to sea for patrol. | |||
Escort by R-boat. | |||||
Transit via prescribed route to Point SR 1. | |||||
13.10 | At Tufjord released from convoy. | ||||
13.57 | SR 1 | Transit to attack area. | |||
NE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good | |||||
16.00 | AC 7217 | ||||
NE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. good | |||||
20.00 | AC 4762 | ||||
ESE 4-5, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. good | |||||
20.30 | AC 4738 | Test dive. | |||
21.22 | Surfaced. | ||||
24.00 | AC 4456 | ||||
ESE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium | |||||
30.08.43 | |||||
04.00 | AC 4181 | ||||
ESE 5, Sea 4, at times fog, overcast, Vis. moderate to bad | |||||
08.00 | AC 1778 | ||||
ESE 4-5, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 500-700 meters | |||||
09.00 | Bäreninsel in sight abeam to port. | ||||
Norwegian Sea, between Bäreninsel and Spitzbergen | |||||
10.00 | AB 3999 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 230°T, 11 nm. | |||
Transit to attack area. | |||||
12.00 | AB 3967 | Day's run: Surfaced 246.0 nm | |||
ESE 4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. 500-700 meters | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
248.6 nm | |||||
14.40 | AB 3927 | Radio Message (1137/230/733): | |||
"U-277" - Lübsen - relieves "La Baume" early 31 August in AB 3528, depth 30 nm, and joins Group "Monsun". | |||||
16.00 | AB 3677 | ||||
ESE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. moderate | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 29.08.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.43 |
- 2 - |
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continued | |||||
30.08.43 | |||||
20.00 | AB 3528 | Reached attack area. | |||
ESE 6, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, heavy squalls, Vis. medium | Back and forth on search courses in the attack area. | ||||
24.00 | ENE 6-7, Sea 5, fog, Vis. bad | ||||
31.08.43 | |||||
00.37 | Radio Message (2327/744): | ||||
"Group Monsun" - serve as radio repeater for weather transmitter "Gerhard". Transmits on 7790 kHz at about the following times: 08.15, 11.15, 18.00 and 21.00 hours repeatedly 2 different groups of 4 letters. Monitor 10 minutes ahead eac time. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
04.00 | ENE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
08.00 | EbyN 6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
09.34 | Test dive. | ||||
10.07 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | EbyN 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 170.0 nm | |||
Submerged 1.9 nm | |||||
171.9 nm | |||||
16.00 | EbyN 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | |||||
16.30 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 157°T, 8.5 nm. | ||||
20.00 | EbyN 5, Sea 5, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good | ||||
24.00 | ENE 5, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good | ||||
01.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good | ||||
08.00 | EbyN 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good | ||||
12.00 | E 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 158 nm | |||
13.32 | Test dive. | ||||
14.25 | Surfaced. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 30.08.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.43 |
- 3 - |
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continued | |||||
01.09.43 | |||||
16.07 | E 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | Radio Message (1602/983): | |||
"12.47" hours square AB 3894 a individual mastheads. Suspect: 2 patrol vessels. No contact. Very low frequency "Yes". | |||||
Moß. | |||||
20.00 | EbyS 5, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
24.00 | EbyS 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
02.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | EbyS 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
07.15 | Test dive. | ||||
08.03 | EbyS 4, Sea 2-3, Vis. good to very good | Surfaced. | |||
08.06 | Radio Message (0702/791): | ||||
F.d.U. - Brief smoke cloud sighted in AB 3843, no contact. ESE 2-3, overcast, Vis. changing, 1031 mb, 76 cbm. | |||||
U-360. | |||||
Radio Message was sent by "U-360" twice. Was not heard by Control. I repeated time group, however was not heard. | |||||
12.00 | E 4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 150.0 nm | |||
Submerged 5.8 nm | |||||
155.8 nm | |||||
16.00 | E 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
20.00 | E 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
21.24 | AB 3519 | Long heavy, very sharp at the top mast bearing 310°T, 12 nm away. | |||
Held onto it, later recognized as a U-boat. | |||||
Runs at a sharp target angle towards me. | |||||
21.55 | Dived! good bearing for 10 minutes in the sound gear (diesel). | ||||
22.28 | Surfaced, because the sound bearing was weaker. Pursued in 260° without results. | ||||
23.07 | Dived to listen, apparently E-motors. Own course 180°. Bearing astern to starboard. | ||||
03.09.43 | |||||
00.25 | E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. bad | Surfaced to send a Radio Message. | |||
Radio Message (2354/717): | |||||
To F.d.U. - 21.24 hours U-boat with extended periscope AB 3519. Boat probably dived 10 minutes after me. Question: La Baume, otherwise enemy. E 1, Sea 1, 1034 mb, Vis. very good. | |||||
Lübsen. | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 01.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43 |
- 4 - |
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continued | |||||
03.09.43 | |||||
00.42 | Dived! Vis. bad. | ||||
Sound bearing abeam to starboard. Bearing shifts from starboard to port. | |||||
The boat must have crossed my course at very low range. For safety's sake went to T meters. Held contact on sound bearing on courses between 150° and 180°. | |||||
02.40 | Sound bearing was slowly fainter. Changed to diesel sounds. Apparently the boat has surfaced. | ||||
Surfaced. Pursued in 120° without success. | |||||
Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | |||||
02.43 | Radio Message (0141/720): | ||||
"La Baume?" Report by Short Signal if you are the same boat reported in Radio Message 2354/707. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
02.47 | Dived to listen! Sound bearing ahead to port bearing 140°T. | ||||
03.05 | Surfaced and pursued in 140°, GF. | ||||
03.50 | E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Short Signal (0307/721): | |||
"No". | |||||
"U-355" | |||||
03.50 | Dived to listen. Always good sound bearings bearing 90°. | ||||
04.20 | Surfaced! Pursued in 90°. | ||||
04.52 | AB 3559 | U-boat in sight. Recognition signals exchanged. "La Baume"! | |||
Signal traffic: | |||||
Kommandant to Kommandant - Have I held contact on you since yesterday evening? | |||||
Answer: Kommandant to Kommandant - Impossible. Yesterday evening I was much further to the west. | |||||
It is quite possible, that "La Baume" was the U-boat followed by me. However due to his staunch rejection, refrained from Radio Message to F.d.U. | |||||
Returned to own attack area. | |||||
Still intend to be submerged in the square until 17.00 hours moving back and forth in position. Believe it is possible that with the good sound conditions a U-boat could be heard both on the surface and submerged. | |||||
06.16 | Radio Message (0417/724): | ||||
"Group Monsun" - Apparently an enemy U-boat in own disposition. Shift attack areas in 280°, 70 nm. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
08.00 | E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Reached own attack area. | |||
12.00 | E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 122.0 nm | |||
Submerged 23.2 nm | |||||
145.2 nm | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43 |
- 5 - |
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continued | |||||
03.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | ||||
16.38 | E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. very good | Surfaced. | |||
Transit into the ordered attack area. | |||||
20.00 | E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. very good | Reached new attack area AB 2633 on 3 September at 22.00 hours. | |||
24.00 | ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
04.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | SE 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
07.24 | Recognition signals exchanged with "U-Becker". | ||||
07.51 | SE 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good | Test dive. | |||
08.47 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | SE 3, Sea 2, at times fog, otherwise Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 129.0 nm | |||
Submerged 14.4 nm | |||||
143.4 nm | |||||
13.42 | Officer-Only Radio Message (1104/783): | ||||
In September expect own fishing cutter "COBURG" from square AB 2257 upper-left course 157. Smokestack and bridge astern. Morse call-sign "KWS". | |||||
16.00 | SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times fog banks, otherwise Vis. good | ||||
17.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 211°T, 9.8 nm. | ||||
20.00 | SE 4, Sea 2, overcast, at times fog banks and drizzle, otherwise Vis. good | ||||
24.00 | SE 4, Sea 2, overcast, misty, Vis. good | ||||
05.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | SE 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | Back and forth on search courses in attack area. | |||
08.00 | SE 3, Sea 1, overcast, at times rain, Vis. medium | ||||
11.21 | Test dive. | ||||
12.38 | SE 1, Sea 0, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 152.0 nm | |||
Submerged 3.9 nm | |||||
155.9 nm | |||||
14.06 | Dived for sound reception. Oil spill and oil track on the water. | ||||
14.30 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | SE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43 |
- 6 - |
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continued | |||||
05.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | ||||
17.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 10°T, 3 nm. | ||||
20.00 | SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, large fog banks, outside of which Vis. very good | ||||
24.00 | SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis changing | ||||
06.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
07.04 | Test dive. | ||||
08.03 | SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Surfaced. | |||
12.00 | SE 3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 164.0 nm | |||
Submerged 4 nm | |||||
168.0 nm | |||||
Back and forth on search courses in attack area. | |||||
15.48 | Officer-Only Radio Message (1514/743): | ||||
To "Monsun" and "La Baume": Own warship formation at sea. Observe Operations Order for Nordmeer U-boats No. 1 Paragraph 25 exactly. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
16.00 | SE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
20.00 | SEbyS 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
24.00 | SSE 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
07.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | SSE 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
07.31 | Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-360" (Becker). | ||||
08.00 | SE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
11.15 | Test dive. | ||||
12.47 | SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
Day's run: Surfaced 150.5 nm | |||||
Submerged 3.2 nm | |||||
153.7 nm | |||||
16.00 | SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
20.00 | SEbyE 6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
24.00 | SEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. medium | ||||
08.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | SEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium | Back and forth on search courses in attack area. | |||
08.00 | SEbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43 |
- 7 - |
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continued | |||||
08.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | ||||
11.20 | Test dive. | ||||
13.01 | SEbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium | Surfaced. | |||
Day's run: Surfaced 130.0 nm | |||||
Submerged 4.5 nm | |||||
134.5 nm | |||||
16.00 | SEbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate | ||||
17.00 | SE 5, Sea 4, fog, Vis. very bad | Dived. Greater surveillance range with sound observation. | |||
20.07 | SE 6, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad | Surfaced. | |||
22.30 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
23.30 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | SE 6, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad | ||||
09.09.43 | |||||
03.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
04.00 | SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. moderate | ||||
04.30 | End of twilight | ||||
07.47 | SE 4, Sea 3, fog, rain, Vis. changing mostly very bad | Dived. Sound observation! | |||
12.08 | S 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate | Day's run: Surfaced 114.0 nm | |||
Submerged 22.0 nm | |||||
136.0 nm | |||||
Back and forth on search courses in attack area. | |||||
12.25 | Radio Message (1106/715): | ||||
Boats except for Becker, that are not equipped with new Auka Table May 1943, report this by Short Signal Key Word "Wotan". | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
15.10 | Dived due to heavy fog. Sound observation. | ||||
16.11 | S 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. bad | Surfaced. | |||
16.52 | Short Signal (1652/9/721): | ||||
Keyword "Wotan". | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
20.00 | S 3, Sea 2, fog, (misty), Vis. changing mostly very bad (200 meters) | ||||
22.45 | Dived. Vis. bad due to fog. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.43 |
- 8 - |
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10.09.43 | |||||
05.17 | SbyW 3, Sea 3, fog, at times drizzle, Vis. changing | Surfaced. | |||
08.00 | SbyW 5, Sea 3-4, at times drizzle, Vis. clanging mostly bad | ||||
12.00 | SSW 5, Sea 3, fog, Vis. clanging mostly bad | Day's run: Surfaced 105.0 nm | |||
Submerged 14.8 nm | |||||
119.8 nm | |||||
16.00 | SSW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium to good | ||||
20.00 | SW 4, Sea 2, heavy fog, Vis. changing between bad and very bad | ||||
22.30 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
Norwegian Sea, southwest of Spitzbergen | |||||
22.37 | Radio Message (2044/75): | ||||
To Lübsen: 1.) At highest sustained speed head for observation position off Eisfjord Spitzbergen. | |||||
2.) Task: Observation and reporting of enemy forces entering there to assist or reoccupy and to attack these. | |||||
3.) In any case remain unnoticed from land. Close submerged. | |||||
4.) At the same time enemy reconnaissance by U-boat is possible. Caution! | |||||
5.) Report moving off by Short Signal. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
23.30 | End of twilight | ||||
23.50 | Short Signal (2350/10/756): | ||||
Will begin transit according to plan at 00.00 hours. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
24.00 | SW 3, Sea 1, fog banks, Vis. changing | Transit to observation position off Eisfjord. | |||
11.09.43 | |||||
03.30 | Beginning of twilight. | ||||
04.00 | SW 4, Sea 3, Vis. moderate | ||||
08.00 | SW 4, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, rain showers, at times misty, Vis. good | Reached 78°N. Land in sight. Southern tip of Prinz Karl Vorland. | |||
Search courses. | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 10.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.43 |
- 9 - |
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continued | |||||
11.09.43 | |||||
Back and forth in position just out of sight from land. At the beginning of twilight I intend to run to an observation position directly off Eisfjord, lie on the bottom there during the day for sound observation, going to periscope depth only for program time. By nights I will move off and surfaced to charge the battery. Afterwards again to observation position off Eisfjord and lie on the bottom. | |||||
12.00 | SW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 240.0 nm | |||
16.00 | SWtoW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
18.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 248°T, 14 nm. | ||||
Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west Spitzbergen | |||||
20.00 | SWbyW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
21.00 | First steered on course 100° to within visual range of the south tip of Prinz Karl Vorland, then on course 130° to the Sentinelle Bank. | ||||
24.00 | SW 1, Sea 0, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | ||||
12.09.43 | |||||
03.30 | Sentinelle Bank | Put the boat on the bottom in 32 meters water, 5 tons negative buoyancy. | |||
Beginning of twilight | |||||
Sound observation! | |||||
12.00 | Periscope depth, program time. | ||||
Day's run: Surfaced 82 nm | |||||
14.00 | On the western tip of the Sentinelle Bank put the boat on the bottom in 49 meters water, 3 tons negative buoyancy. | ||||
20.00 | Boat raised from the bottom. Moved off from land on course 270°. | ||||
21.56 | Surfaced. | ||||
Boat ventilated. Began charging, HF. | |||||
22.58 | ÄG 7588 | English U-boat (Taku class) surfacing bearing 40°T, 3000 to 4000 meters. Own course 330°. Both diesels ahead AK, turned towards machine guns manned. Intend to shoot bridge watch, however was seen too early. Englander turned away and dived. | |||
23.00 | Crash dive! Went to silent running and listened. E-motor 180-190 RPM. S-gear detection, several impulses. Was not detected. Moved off on course 270°. Depth 40 meters. | ||||
23.40 | Sound bearing 40°T. Own course 270°. | ||||
13.09.43 | Sound bearing shifts out ahead slowly. About 01.00 hours sound bearing is abeam to starboard (0°T). Continues to shift slowly ahead. Estimated enemy course 280°. | ||||
02.30 | Last sound bearing 342°T. Afterwards no further bearings. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 11.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.43 |
- 10 - |
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continued | |||||
13.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west Spitzbergen | ||||
04.05 | English U-boat newly detected bearing 348°T, low Volume. E-motors. | ||||
05.25 | Up to 05.25 hours the sound bearing shifts out astern quite quickly, in so doing grew very faint. 05.25 hours last sound bearing 40°T (relative bearing 130°). | ||||
Afterwards enemy finally lost. | |||||
06.00 | Periscope depth, program time. | ||||
10.00 | Englander detected once more in the sound gear. Asdic impulses, no propeller sounds (high chirping tone, irregular repetition from 8-10 seconds). Search duration 10-15 minutes. | ||||
10.55 | NW 5, Sea 4, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | Surfaced to charge. Moved off on course 140°. Then closed on course 60°. | |||
11.25 | Radio Message (1029/13/704): Kr Kr | ||||
To F.d.U. - 12 September 22.58 hours sighted surfacing English U-boat "type Taku" square ÄG 7588. Both dived. Contact lost 05.30 hours submerged. W 5, Sea 4, 1008 mb, 75 cbm. Am missing Serial No. 780-83. | |||||
Lübsen. | |||||
12.00 | NW 5, Sea 4, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 23 nm | |||
Submerged 25 nm | |||||
48 nm | |||||
12.37 | Radio Message (1135/707): | ||||
1.) "U-307" (Herrle) come about. Occupy attack area AB 3825, depth 30 nm. Join Group "Monsun". | |||||
2.) "U-737" (Brasack) break off task. Transit for surveillance Eisfjord. ÄG 78, south of 77°50'N | |||||
3.) "U-277" (Lübsen) north therefrom. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
16.00 | NNW 6, Sea 4-5, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
16.07 | Dived: | ||||
Set off submerged for the entrance to Eisfjord. | |||||
21.00 | ÄG 7588 | Weak sound bearing in 10°T. Own course 330°. E-motors bearing remains astern. Enemy seems to hold contact on me. Silent running! | |||
14.09.43 | |||||
06.00 | ÄG 7573 | ||||
Up to 06.00 hours held contact on one another. Because I want to charge my batteries, surfaced and moved off at 2 x HF on course 330°, afterwards 270°. | |||||
WSW 3, Sea 1, Swell, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 13.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43 |
- 11 - |
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continued | |||||
14.09.43 | West Spitzbergen, Eisfjord | ||||
06.28 | Radio Message (2359/13/723): | ||||
"Lübsen": Attempt to run to Barentsburg unseen and attack suspected enemy U-boat there. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
08.00 | WSW 3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
08.48 | Radio Message (0734/729): | ||||
F.d.U. - Presence of enemy U-boat established again tonight 21.00 - 06.00 hours sound bearings from ÄG 7588-7573. | |||||
Weather: WSW 3, Sea 1, Vis. good, 1016 mb | |||||
Lübsen. | |||||
Until 09.30 hours moved off on course 270°. Afterwards approached the Fugle-Huk. | |||||
I moved off so far to the west to be able to advance unnoticed and unexpectedly from the north close under the coast of Prinz Karls Forland to the Eisfjord entrance. | |||||
12.00 | W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 72 nm | |||
Submerged 38 nm | |||||
110 nm | |||||
14.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 30°T, 8 nm. | ||||
14.23 | Radio Message (1051/14/731): | ||||
1.) Surveillance objective Eisfjord in named order: | |||||
"U-277" (Lübsen), "U-737 (Brasack), "U-360" (Becker) between 78°15'N to 77°45'N to 77°30'N | |||||
2.) New attack area., depth 30 nm: "U-713" AB 3523, "U-307" AB 3568. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
18.00 | Sal Point abeam to port. | Dived off the entrance to Eisfjord. | |||
I proceeded submerged from Sal Point up to a position where I have Kap Linné abeam to starboard - I suspect the enemy U-boat is between these two points - and then approach Barentsburg under cover of darkness. | |||||
23.13 | Radio Message (1907/14/734): | ||||
"Group Monsun" is settled. Boats at Bäreninsel form Group "Eisenbart", boats off Eisfjord Group "Spitzbergen". | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
15.09.43 | |||||
02.25 | Eisfjord | Surfaced. Continued on the surface. | |||
Bright night | |||||
02.40 | Beginning of twilight. | ||||
02.54 | Dived. | ||||
I must dive, it is too bright. | |||||
I refrain from calling at Barentsburg now, instead set course for "Kohlenbai". I will charge there, advance from there to Barentsburg, stay until my battery is nearly empty, then retreat again to Kohlenbai and charge. | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43 |
- 12 - |
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continued | |||||
15.09.43 | |||||
09.55 | Kohlenbai | Put the boat on the bottom in 30 meters water, 3 tons negative buoyancy. | |||
The shore of Kohlenbai is inhabited! There are 5 stone or log houses there. Occasionally people. | |||||
I must do without charging. Lay on the bottom. All unnecessary current consumption switched off. Sound reception! Must wait for the beginning of darkness. Then I will run out of the bay, surface and charge my battery in Eisfjord. | |||||
Listening is hopeless. Nearly the entire scale sounds from glacial streams, ice bergs etc. | |||||
12.00 | Kohlenbai | Day's run: Surfaced 68 nm | |||
Submerged 39 nm | |||||
107 nm | |||||
21.00 | Kohlenbai | Boat raised from the bottom. Ran out of Kohlenbai submerged. | |||
22.00 | Beginning of twilight. | ||||
22.48 | Eisfjord | Surfaced: | |||
E 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, bright full moonshine | Zigzag course close under the coast. | ||||
Charging transit. | |||||
23.15 | End of twilight | ||||
23.19 | Eisfjord | Radio Message (1511/15/748): | |||
Group "Spitzbergen": Not closer than 2 nm from limits of the allocated area to prevent confusion with enemy submarine. Cross only after enemy report. Shoot at submarine only when determined with certainty as enemy. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
24.00 | Eisfjord | ||||
E 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, gloomy, moonshine, Vis. medium | |||||
16.09.43 | |||||
01.30 | Beginning of twilight. | ||||
02.00 | E 4, Sea 2, medium cloudy, moonshine, Vis. medium | ||||
02.53 | Eisfjord | Dived. It is already too bright. | |||
03.00 | End of twilight | Ran submerged to Barentsburg. | |||
07.30 | Grüner Hafen, Barentsburg | Put the boat on the bottom off Barentsburg in 33 meters water 3 tons negative buoyancy. | |||
Neither U-boat or other vessels are seen. Only a few burning coal piles, destroyed houses, and the destroyed wharves. | |||||
12.00 | Grüner Hafen, Barentsburg | Day's run: Surfaced 36 nm | |||
Submerged 18 nm | |||||
54 nm | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43 |
- 13 - |
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continued | |||||
16.09.43 | West Spitzbergen, Eisfjord | ||||
20.00 | Boat raised from the bottom. | ||||
Ran up to 200 meters off Barentsburg. No signs of life anywhere. The destroyed wharf makes it impossible for any vessel to make fast there. | |||||
Believe it is unlikely that an enemy U-boat would chose Grünen Hafen and Barentsburg, for example to charge. Favorable berthing possibilities no longer exist and the chance to out maneuver an attack are very slim with the narrow width of Grünen Hafen. Also on the surface no fire protection can be expected from land. | |||||
Departed "Grünen Hafen" submerged. Course 330°. | |||||
23.14 | Eisfjord | Surfaced. | |||
Zigzag course - charging transit. General course west. | |||||
I will move off far to the west, to be able to get a full charge in the morning. | |||||
24.00 | Eisfjord | ||||
E 3, Sea 1, overcast, snow, dark night, Vis. low | |||||
17.09.43 | |||||
00.45 | Dived. Sound observation! | ||||
Moved off further to the west. | |||||
08.06 | West of Sal Point | Surfaced. | |||
E 3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Moved off on course 280°. High charging. | ||||
Later course 0° until 14.00 hours, then angled in to Fugle Huk, and from there again advance close under the coast along Prinz Karl Vorland to the southern tip. | |||||
12.00 | E 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 39.0 nm | |||
Submerged 19.5 nm | |||||
58.5 nm | |||||
14.07 | Radio Message (1347/703): | ||||
F.d.U.: Was positioned in Eisfjord 14 - 16 September. Approached Barentsburg. Nothing seen of enemy U-boat. No traffic. NNE 1, Sea 1, overcast, 999 mb, Vis. good, still 65 cbm. Am missing Serial No. 740, 751, 754 to 761. | |||||
Lübsen. | |||||
15.18 | Radio Message (1437/799): | ||||
Lübsen!: Report results reconnaissance "Barentsburg". | |||||
16.00 | ÄG 7439 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 320°T, 5 nm. | |||
20.00 | NNE 2-3, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43 |
- 14 - |
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continued | |||||
17.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters, west of Spitzbergen | ||||
Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||||
21.30 | Dived off Eisfjord. Sound observation. | ||||
18.09.43 | Monitored area | ||||
09.04 | N 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
12.00 | N 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 100.0 nm | |||
Submerged 33.0 nm | |||||
133.0 nm | |||||
16.00 | N 6-7, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
20.00 | N 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
21.00 | Dived off Eisfjord. | ||||
19.09.43 | Monitored area | ||||
09.13 | N 7, Sea 6, Vis. medium to moderate | Surfaced | |||
12.00 | N 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium to moderate | Day's run: Surfaced 96.5 nm | |||
Submerged 36.0 nm | |||||
132.5 nm | |||||
16.00 | N 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate | Dived. | |||
20.27 | N 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. moderate | Surfaced. | |||
21.00 | Dived. | ||||
20.09.43 | Monitored area | ||||
03.04 | N 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium | Surfaced. | |||
03.30 | Dived. | ||||
06.02 | N 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
11.30 | N 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good | Dived off Eisfjord. | |||
12.00 | Day's run: Surfaced 92.0 nm | ||||
Submerged 35.0 nm | |||||
127.0 nm | |||||
17.57 | N 7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
19.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 290°T, 13 nm. | ||||
19.20 | Dived. | ||||
21.09.43 | Monitored area | ||||
01.30 | N 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
02.00 | Dived. | ||||
08.00 | N 5, Sea 4, Vis. medium to good | Surfaced. | |||
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Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43 |
- 15 - |
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continued | |||||
21.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west of Spitzbergen | ||||
Search courses submerged and surfaced and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||||
09.51 | Aircraft bearing 310°T, 3000 meters away. Own course 200°. Type is not exactly recognized due to the mist. Both diesels ahead AK, turned hard away. Aircraft flies towards me without shooting recognition signal. It is possible that it is an enemy aircraft. Check fired the anti-aircraft weapons with large lead! Aircraft turns away hard and flies away from me. | ||||
Apparently it was a German aircraft type Ju 88. As such they behaved incorrectly. There are strict orders that aircraft are forbidden from flying towards warships. At the very least Recognition Signals must be shot! | |||||
My shots were not dangerous for the aircraft. However it managed to make the situation clear. | |||||
09.58 | Crash dive! | ||||
11.05 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | N 5, Sea 4, overcast, snow, Vis. medium to good | Day's run: Surfaced 65.0 nm | |||
Submerged 48.0 nm | |||||
113.0 nm | |||||
15.17 | Radio Message (1235/21/715): | ||||
Group "Spitzbergen": Immediately report by Short Signal "Yes" if today at 09.55 hours square ÄG 7548 shot at a Ju 88 (weather aircraft). | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
15.51 | Short Signal (1555/21/717): | ||||
"Yes". | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
The suspicion that it was a German aircraft was confirmed by the above Radio Message. | |||||
16.00 | NNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
16.15 | Dived. | ||||
22.05 | Surfaced. | ||||
22.44 | Dived. | ||||
22.09.43 | |||||
05.07 | NNW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium | Surfaced. | |||
05.45 | End of twilight. | ||||
08.00 | NNW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, snow, Vis. good | ||||
11.15 | NNW 6, Sea 4-5, fog, snow, Vis. moderate to bad | Dived. | |||
12.00 | Day's run: Surfaced 91.0 nm | ||||
Submerged 34.0 nm | |||||
125.0 nm | |||||
13.00 | NNW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. moderate | Surfaced. | |||
16.00 | NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, at times fog, and snow, Vis. moderate | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43 |
- 16 - |
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continued | |||||
22.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west of Spitzbergen | Search courses submerged and surfaced and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
18.00 | NNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, snow, Vis. bad | ||||
20.00 | NNW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, snow, Vis. bad | ||||
21.30 | Dived. | ||||
23.09.43 | |||||
08.09 | SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good to very good | Surfaced. | |||
12.00 | SW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. good to very good | Day's run: Surfaced 91.0 nm | |||
Submerged 31.0 nm | |||||
122.0 nm | |||||
16.00 | NW 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
20.00 | Changing wind 3, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. good sometimes very good | ||||
20.35 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
21.30 | Dived. | ||||
24.09.43 | |||||
07.52 | NNW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. very good | Surfaced. | |||
12.00 | NNW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 94.0 nm | |||
Submerged 32.0 nm | |||||
126.0 nm | |||||
16.00 | NNW 3, Sea 3, Swell, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
20.00 | NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, at times snow, Vis. good | ||||
20.40 | Beginning of twilight | Intend, at the beginning of darkness to run into Eisfjord and reconnoiter Barentsburg a second time. This time I will come from the south close under the coast into Eisfjord. | |||
21.35 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | N 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, cloudy | ||||
25.09.43 | |||||
01.34 | N 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | Dived in Eisfjord. | |||
I run submerged at the beginning of morning twilight into Grünen Fjord. (Barentsburg). | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43 |
- 17 - |
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continued | |||||
25.09.43 | West Spitzbergen, Eisfjord | ||||
09.30 | Passed Barentsburg submerged at a distance of 200-300 meters. Not much has changed in Barentsburg. At the pier and in the neighborhood no vessels are distinguished. New are apparently 2 cannons, that are well camouflaged half way up the mountain. Caliber 5 to 7 cm. I would not have recognized them if the barrels had not been swung for drill. Upon further observation I also recognize a range finder which belongs to the battery. Left of the guns at the same level, two new 15 to 20 meter high masts have been erected. Apparently this belongs to a new small radio station. | ||||
10.30 | Came to opposite course. Left Grünen Fjord. While leaving on the starboard side at the entrance to the fjord after Barentsburg a watch post is recognized. Otherwise no traffic is observed. | ||||
These observations were not noted during the last reconnaissance of Barentsburg on 14 - 16 September 1943. At that time no people or soldiers were detected despite long observation. It's likely that that in this case it's the remaining occupation troops and guns that were hidden. On the other hand there is also the possibility that the battery is part of troops stationed elsewhere, for example, Advent Fjord at Longyear. | |||||
21.14 | NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, dark night, Vis. changing | Surfaced. Moved off on various courses to charge the battery. | |||
24.00 | NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, at times fog and snow, Vis. changing, dark night | ||||
26.09.43 | |||||
00.41 | Radio Message (2347/767): | ||||
F.d.U. - Ran into Barentsburg again. Two cannons (5-7 cm) with crew observed. A provisional radio station is likely. Otherwise no traffic. WNW 3, Sea 2, 1001 mb, Vis. good, 45 cbm. | |||||
Lübsen. | |||||
04.00 | NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, at times fog and snow, therein Vis. bad, otherwise Vis. medium, dark night | ||||
04.40 | Beginning of twilight. | ||||
05.50 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | NNW 5, Sea 3, overcast, misty, snow showers, Vis. moderate to medium | ||||
12.00 | NNW 5, Sea 3, overcast, at times snow, therein Vis. bad otherwise good | Day's run: Surfaced 110.0 nm | |||
Submerged 28.0 nm | |||||
138.0 nm | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43 |
- 18 - |
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continued | |||||
26.09.43 | West Spitzbergen, Eisfjord | ||||
16.00 | NNW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, at times snow, therein Vis. bad otherwise good | ||||
20.00 | NNW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, snow, Vis. good | ||||
20.10 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
21.35 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | NNW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
27.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, dark night, Vis. good | ||||
05.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.30 | End of twilight | ||||
Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | ||||
08.00 | N 5-6, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium to good | ||||
08.45 | Test dive. | ||||
09.36 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | N 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. changing | Day's run: Surfaced 134.0 nm | |||
Submerged 31.6 nm | |||||
165.6 nm | |||||
Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 290°T, 9 nm. | |||||
16.00 | N 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
20.00 | N 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, snow squalls, therein Vis. bad otherwise good | ||||
24.00 | N 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
28.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | NbyE 5-6, Sea 5, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, bright night, Northern Lights | ||||
05.05 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.10 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | NbyE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium to good | ||||
12.00 | NbyE 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. medium to good | Day's run: Surfaced 150.0 nm | |||
Submerged 2.4 nm | |||||
152.4 nm | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43 |
- 19 - |
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continued | |||||
28.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west of Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
16.00 | NbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium to good | ||||
20.00 | NbyE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
20.10 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
21.45 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | NbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
29.09.43 | |||||
04.00 | NbyE 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, bright night, Northern Lights | ||||
05.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.20 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | NNE 3, Sea 1, overcast, snow, Vis. medium to good | ||||
11.15 | NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | Test dive. | |||
12.00 | Day's run: Surfaced 151.0 nm | ||||
Submerged 6.0 nm | |||||
157.0 nm | |||||
13.00 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | NNE 2-3, Sea 2, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 260°T, 8 nm. | |||
20.00 | NNE 0-1, Sea 0, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
20.15 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
21.00 | Dived off the entrance to Eisfjord. Sound observation. | ||||
30.09.43 | |||||
05.36 | Beginning of twilight | Surfaced. | |||
06.00 | E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. very good | ||||
06.15 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | E 2, Sea 1, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
12.00 | NE 3-4, Sea 2, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 125.0 nm | |||
Submerged 26.0 nm | |||||
151.0 nm | |||||
16.00 | NE 2, Sea 1, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | Dived. Sound reception. | |||
18.00 | Surfaced. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43 |
- 20 - |
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continued | |||||
30.09.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west of Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
18.09 | Radio Message (1425/727): | ||||
Lübsen for Masch.Mt. Krause! Wedding Masch.Mt. Günter Krause, Frl. Herta König took place on 2.10.43. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
20.00 | NNE 2, Sea 1-2, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
20.15 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
21.30 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good, Northern Lights | ||||
01.10.43 | |||||
04.00 | NbyE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, starry clear night, Vis. very good, Northern Lights | ||||
05.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.10 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | NNE 3, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
12.00 | NNE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 159.0 nm | |||
Submerged 6.0 nm | |||||
165.0 nm | |||||
13.25 | Officer-Only Radio Message (1057/1/741): | ||||
"Spitzbergen" and "Eisenbart" from F.d.U.: | |||||
There are indications that resupply convoy to Barentsburg is possible. Radio Station there is in operation again. | |||||
13.32 | Test dive. | ||||
14.32 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | NbyE 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
20.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
NbyE 4, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. very good | |||||
21.10 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | N 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium to good | ||||
02.10.43 | |||||
04.00 | NbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium to good, dark night | ||||
05.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43 |
- 21 - |
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continued | |||||
02.10.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west Spitzbergen | Search courses submerged and surfaced and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
06.35 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | NbyW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times fog banks, Vis. medium | ||||
09.30 | Test dive. | ||||
Control room was prepared for marriage by proxy. | |||||
11.00 | Marriage by proxy of Masch.Maaten. Günter Krause with Frl. Herta König was conducted by the Kommandant. | ||||
12.00 | Day's run: Surfaced 148.0 nm | ||||
Submerged 14.5 nm | |||||
162.5 nm | |||||
13.11 | NbyW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
16.06 | NbyW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | Dived. Sound reception. | |||
20.37 | N 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
21.00 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | N 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
03.10.43 | |||||
04.00 | N 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, dark night | ||||
05.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.30 | End of twilight | ||||
07.15 | Test dive. | ||||
08.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 240°T, 9 nm. | ||||
08.15 | N 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good | Surfaced. | |||
12.00 | N 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 142.0 nm | |||
Submerged 16.5 nm | |||||
158.5 nm | |||||
16.00 | N 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. very good | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 290°T, 7 nm. | |||
16.19 | Officer-Only Radio Message (1008/767): | ||||
To Group "Eisenbart" and "Spitzbergen". | |||||
Expect proceeding northward patrol "Kreuzritter" accompanied by "U-355" and associated air reconnaissance west of local position. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
19.40 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
20.00 | N 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
21.00 | End of twilight | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43 |
- 22 - |
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continued | |||||
03.10.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters west of Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
24.00 | N 5, Sea 3-4, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | ||||
04.10.43 | |||||
03.00 | End of DSZ | [clocks set back one hour] | |||
04.00 | NNW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, dark night | ||||
04.30 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
05.40 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | N 6, Sea 4-5, overcast Vis. good | ||||
09.00 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 254°T, 9 nm. | ||||
12.00 | N 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 154.0 nm | |||
Submerged 6.0 nm | |||||
160.0 nm | |||||
16.00 | N 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good | ||||
19.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
20.00 | N 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy. Vis. good | ||||
22.25 | End of twilight | ||||
24.00 | N 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good | ||||
05.10.43 | |||||
04.00 | Wind calm, Sea 0, snow, Vis. medium, dark night | ||||
04.25 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
05.50 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | Changing wind 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. changing from bad to good | ||||
12.00 | W 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, snow squalls, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 151.0 nm | |||
Submerged 2.7 nm | |||||
153.7 nm | |||||
13.02 | Test dive. | ||||
14.19 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, medium cloudy, Vis. good to very good | ||||
18.40 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
19.50 | End of twilight | ||||
20.00 | WNW 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43 |
- 23 - |
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continued | |||||
05.10.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters, west of Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
22.20 | WNW 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good | Dived to listen. | |||
06.10.43 | |||||
03.11 | Surfaced. | ||||
04.00 | N 2, Sea 1, medium cloudy, Vis. good | ||||
04.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
05.55 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | N 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good to very good | ||||
12.00 | N 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | Day's run: Surfaced 136.5 nm | |||
Submerged 12.5 nm | |||||
149.0 nm | |||||
14.07 | Test dive. | ||||
14.42 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | N 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
18.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
19.40 | End of twilight | ||||
20.00 | N 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
24.00 | N 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. very good | ||||
07.10.43 | |||||
00.59 | Radio Message (2239/759): | ||||
1.) "U-737" (Brasack) relieves "U-277" ÄG 75 on 7 October 12.00 hours. | |||||
2.) "U-360" (Becker) relieves "U-307" in AB 3568 on 8 October 12.00 hours. | |||||
3.) Relieved boats immediate Short Signal if overhaul Hammerfest will suffice. Lübsen via AB 3490. | |||||
4.) Brünner report, if task completed. Time return transit. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
01.00 | Dived for sound reception. | ||||
06.08 | NNE 2, Sea 1, clear Vis. good to very good | Surfaced. | |||
06.20 | Short Signal (0620/7/762): | ||||
"No". | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
12.00 | NNE 3, Sea 2, medium cloudy, Vis. good to very good | Day's run: Surfaced 130.0 nm | |||
Submerged 18.0 nm | |||||
148.0 nm | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43 |
- 24 - |
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continued | |||||
07.10.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters, west Spitzbergen | Search courses surfaced and submerged and sound observation in assigned monitored area. | |||
12.00 | Radio Message (1135/764): | ||||
After relief return transit: "U-277" Andfjord Narvik. "U-307" Hammerfest. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
16.00 | NNE 3, Sea 2, Vis. medium to good, show showers | ||||
19.00 | Began return transit. Have not met Brasack. 2 x HF. | ||||
18.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
19.10 | End of twilight | ||||
Norwegian Sea, south of Spitzbergen | |||||
20.00 | ÄG 7765 | ||||
NNE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
23.48 | AB 2362 | Short Signal (2348/7/776): | |||
Position 36 hours off entrance point. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
24.00 | NNE 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium | ||||
08.10.43 | |||||
02.07 | AB 3175 | Dived to listen. Odd red light bearing 55°T. No sound bearing. | |||
02.34 | Surfaced. | ||||
04.00 | AB 3427 | ||||
N 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
05.00 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.20 | End of twilight | ||||
06.08 | Served as radio repeater for "Herrle" Radio Message (05387/778): | ||||
To F.d.U. - Relieved, position 24 hours off objective point. | |||||
Herrle. | |||||
08.00 | AB 3732 | ||||
NNW 5, Sea 3, overcast, at times rain and snow, Vis. good | |||||
12.00 | AB 3877 | Day's run: Surfaced 288.0 nm | |||
NNW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, at times rain and snow, Vis. good | Submerged 1.5 nm | ||||
289.5 nm | |||||
12.15 | Radio Message (1055/781): | ||||
"Lübsen", "Brünner": 9 October transmits: | |||||
1.) Andenes 09.00 - 14.05 hours "Memel" 511 kHz. | |||||
2.) Lingö 09.05 - 11.10 hours "LAJK" 792 kHz, half hourly each 5 minutes. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
14.01 | AB 6244 | Test dive. | |||
14.33 | Surfaced. | ||||
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Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43 |
- 25 - |
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continued | |||||
08.10.43 | Norwegian Sea, coastal waters northern Norway | ||||
16.00 | AB 6275 | Return transit. | |||
NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. very good | |||||
17.55 | Radio Message (1651/785): | ||||
1.) "Lübsen". Continue transit with Group "Wiking". | |||||
2.) "Brünner". Prepare to give over Russians to Harbor Captain Harstad; give documents. | |||||
F.d.U. Norwegen. | |||||
17.25 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
18.20 | End of twilight | ||||
20.00 | AB 6573 | ||||
NNW 1, Sea 0, overcast, gloomy, Vis. good | |||||
24.00 | AB 6881 | ||||
E 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Northern Lights | |||||
09.10.43 | |||||
04.00 | AB 9258 | ||||
SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
04.30 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.10 | End of twilight | ||||
08.00 | AB 9553 | ||||
SE 7, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. medium to good | |||||
12.00 | AB 9735 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 169°T, 45 nm. | |||
SE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium | |||||
Day's run: Surfaced 144.0 nm | |||||
Submerged 2.4 nm | |||||
146.4 nm | |||||
Came to HF, because fuel oil is short (1.6 tons). | |||||
16.00 | AB 9825 | Return transit. | |||
SE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium | |||||
17.20 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
17.44 | AB 9829 | Short Signal (1744/9/792): | |||
Repetition of the bearing signals on the same frequency. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
17.30 | Diesel-electric HF | ||||
18.40 | End of twilight | ||||
19.32 | Radio Message (1832/793): | ||||
To "Lübsen". 1.) Transmits: Andenes from 19.00 hours "Memel" 511 kHz, Lingö from 1905 hours "LAJK" 792 kHz repeat half hourly for 5 minutes each. 2.) Report passing "Schwarz 25" by Short Signal. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
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Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43 |
- 26 - |
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continued | |||||
09.10.43 | |||||
20.00 | AB 9834 | ||||
SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, heavy rain, Vis. bad | |||||
21.25 | AB 9837 | Short Signal (2125/9/794): | |||
01.00 hours. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
24.00 | SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, at times rain, Vis. medium | ||||
10.10.43 | |||||
00.30 | "Schwarz 25" | Reached objective point. | |||
00.45 | Radio Message (2323/798): | ||||
"Lübsen" report passing "Schwarz 25" by Short Signal. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
01.29 | Short Signal (0129/10/702): | ||||
00.30 hours. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
01.00 | Radio Message (0028/701): | ||||
"Lübsen" NNE 8 runs in the opposite direction to "Schwarz 25", gives bearing signals "Willi" on 470 kHz from 00.30 hours. Afterwards escort to Topsund. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
Coastal waters, northern Norway | |||||
02.00 | At E-motors LF. | ||||
04.00 | SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, at times rain, Vis. bad | Have not met escort. Continued without escort. | |||
05.25 | Beginning of twilight | ||||
06.00 | Both diesels LF. | ||||
06.30 | End of twilight | ||||
07.00 | "Schwarz 24" abeam | ||||
08.00 | SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, at times rain, Vis. good | ||||
08.25 | Radio Message (08.00/703): | ||||
Lübsen" report position. | |||||
F.d.U. | |||||
08.40 | Short Signal (0840/704): | ||||
09.00 hours Harstad. | |||||
"U-277". | |||||
09.00 | Harstad | Made fast Harstad. Fuel loading. | |||
Group "Wiking" departs for Narvik. I will follow at highest speed after loading fuel. | |||||
12.00 | S 5, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | Day's run: Surfaced 120.0 nm | |||
01.00 | Harstad | Continued transit to Narvik with pilot. | |||
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Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43 |
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43 |
- 27 - |
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continued | ||||||||||||
10.10.43 | ||||||||||||
15.19 | Radio Message (1446/706): | |||||||||||
To "Lübsen" immediately report arrival "METEOR" Narvik. | ||||||||||||
F.d.U. | ||||||||||||
16.00 | Lödingen | Passed Lödingen. | ||||||||||
16.06 | S 5, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good | Short Signal (1608/10/707): | ||||||||||
18.00 Narvik. | ||||||||||||
"U-277". | ||||||||||||
18.00 | Narvik | Day's run: Surfaced 68.0 nm | ||||||||||
Made fast "METEOR". | ||||||||||||
Boat reported back from war patrol to F.d.U. | ||||||||||||
Summary: | ||||||||||||
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On board 10 October 1943 | ||||||||||||
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Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant. | ||||||||||||
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Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43 |
Enclosures to U-277's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document | |
Radio | Excerpt of the Radio Log |
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