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Acknowledgement

Translation of these radio documents from U-505 are courtesy of Stephen Paul Revai, a graduate from Language Specialists International, Berlin.

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Radio Documents Captured on German Submarine U-505

The documents below come from a folder captured on German submarine U-505. The folder contains loosely arranged, typed documents, concerning radio frequencies and radio equipment used by the German Navy (Kriegsmarine). The documents are marked with the letters FT in pencil, which means, Funken-Telegraphie, Wireless Telegraphy, or WT (radio). Many of the documents are on small strips and pieces of paper originally attached to the folder.

The documents cover operations from 8 January 1944 to 18 February 1944.

____________________________________________

U-505

“For Handling”

[First Page]

WT
U-505

8.11

 Amendment to the G.F.L.;
   

1.) Fissure occurred separating the G.F.L. to the C in C U-Boats. Assignment list for radio transmission
Section A [Written orders] under the Fuhrer and C in C in lead pencil. Section B corresponding.
   

2.) A Fixed Land Radio accessed these assignments:
Bruno Wilhelm Anton for MNO Bernau.
Jota Richard Nanni for C in C Radio Command.
List of fixed radio section A part P in lead pencil. Section B corresponding.
10.11 Report to the commandant Nr.11 cipher 3a concerning all offered over flights for U-hunt with aircraft. 
12.11 A few boats at sea from the homeland and from the Western area are equipped with reserve Borkum detectors (Detector receivers in the range of 1-3 meters.) as a replacement for Wanze [Wellenanzeiger; radar warning indicator] to be handed over to other boats on leave from sea. Handing over can only be done at such a time. The preparation for the Naxos system transition will result in a device capable of handling a lower frequency amplification than the Borkum direct range system. Housing for all Naxos systems must be in the sound room. Boats currently under construction with the Naxos system in the control room must have the system transferred to the sound room. Lengthening of the antenna lead wire of the Command Naxos Antenna through the special cable for the radar observation equipment cross command is possible.
In case of failure of the cross [Biscay Cross] round dipole antenna, if necessary a horizontal receiver over 2 operator cables is sufficient. Extension of the Naxos antenna must be with flawless soldering between vein and vein and casing and casing, the enclosing casing must be isolated from the veins. Guidance over the Borkum system is through command guidance.
Supplies for boats without the Naxos system must likewise be run.
14.11 It follows radio verse with code word “Rose” and running Nr. The contained information over new frequencies and switching (cut out) times for the U-boat circuitry “Atlantic”. The new frequencies and switching times proceeds, first from special orders in the force by internal forces proceedings, the armed forces command, C in C U-boats ( NBU U-boats) corresponding to amendments. [NBU=northern latitude boats]
 


War radio intercept

 

15.11 New frequencies and switching times for U-boat circuits Atlantic in accordance with radio verse code word “Rose” on 17. Nov. 1200 hours in Force.
17.11 In the new switching plan for circuitry Africa and others in the time from the 1000 hours till 1800 and switching Africa 1b from 0800 to 1000 hours the frequency specified for SN: 14 600 kHz.

-2- 
19.11. 1.) As a result of transmitter failure the frequency for out of Africa B from 10-18 hours set down frequency 18 670 kHz in 18 090 kHz ab. 20. Nov. around 10 hours difference. 
2.) N.B.U. – boats Bef. Nr.204 Anl.1 in pencil amendments.
25.11. Through cooperation between the Naxos system with the Borkum system we had set the detectors frequncies receiver sound amplifier. 
With back setting, Naxos and Borkum detectors performed sound amplification tests at highest level. Testing of the reserve detectors, detectors and fixtures were facilitated through color coded instructions.
25.11. 1.) On 25. November 00 hours synchronized the following longest wave sender in Force: a) Paris 1: 15,22 kHz for coasts according to program time command Nr. 201 Cipher 5 Caesar and for Diana to the following times: 07 til 09. 10 til 11, 12 til 14, 15 til 17, 18 til 19, 20 til 22. Daily transmissions from 02 to 04 hours b) Paris 2: 21.05 kHz for Ireland to program times according to order Nr. 203 cipher 5 Anton for America 1 and 2 general program times according to order Nr. 203 cipher 5 Bruno c) longest wave Africa 2 goes on without continuation.
2.) Earlier given instructions over longest wave program are therefore void.
3.) N.B.U.-boats amended in pencil.
20.11. 1.) Longest wave transmitter Goliath overtake program for circuitry Diana on 21. Nov. 1200 hours at 16.2 kHz to the following program times:
0800-0900 hours ** 1800-1900 hours
1100-1300 hours ** 2100-2300 hours
1500-1700 hours ** daily transmissions from 0400-0600 hours.
2.) N.B.U.-boat orders Nr.205 cipher 5 in pencil amendment.
 

War radio intercept

 

WT. From the 25.1.44, 1116/25/75.
Following radio- flag- and Morse codes were recorded in order:
For” UIT 21” : 156 1941 UWA Division number GFL,
For “UIT 22” : 432 1942 UWB Flags- Morse code,
Signal Book and GFL in pencil amendments.
---
WT! from the 25.1.44, 1403/25/77.

Instructions for radio personnel: From published Naval Order Nr. 201 general cipher code 2 C. There after switching from western French sea born boats: 12 hours after starting out confirmation of passage announcement self supporting from off Ireland switching (provided it is not through FT. Discontinuation or operational order switched to alternative orders.)
---

WT. from the 27.1.44, 0822/27/10.

Naxos finger must be steadily and slowly rotated back and forth 360 degrees, and the highest received reports remain secured. Naxos accounting corresponds to reports.
---

WT. from the 28.1.44. Time Signal Group 0836/28/30.

Amended posted order Nr.47:

-3-

1.) Circuitry c) alternating 90 degrees in 360 degrees
2.) New circuitry d)
Recently suspected, the enemy is locating with a set frequency of 4 cm. By observations with Naxos set up to special position a cracking metal sound is observed, however the rhythm does not fall in to an advantageous range. Final communication observed at earliest possible time by radio, reported at earliest time upon return.
---

WT. from the 23.1.44. 1532/23/51.

Over and over again it has been observed, that when the boat is in short [fair weather]- frequency is frequently set between slow and short signals. This method for signal handling offers the enemy the least preferable bearing. Zone tempo should be set to a magnitude of from 60 to 70 code groups per minute.
---

WT. From the 24.1.44, 1856/24/66.

Shielding of the antenna assembly for the Naxos cabels connected to the Borkum casing must be flawlessly grounded, and impairment of the radio receiver by leaking and Naxos reception must be improved.
---

W.T. from the 18.1.44, 1854/18/53.

In the time table for the standard key table (noted in installment 3 A.V.- Air ) effective for the month and the circuity “August”. Report remains in transit.
---

W.T. from the 18.1.44, 1902/18/52.

In the month of February the effective code book of the decoding table 3011 we follow:
From 1. to 6. Feb. book 12, to 17.
From 7. to 16. Feb. book 2 to 11.
From 17. to 23. Feb. book 25 to 31.
From 24. to 29. Feb. book 18 to 23.
---
W.T. from 19.1.44, 1026/19/64.

Repairs to the ceramic rod in the Naxos antenna with friction [insulation?] tape are possible in boats after a short cruise. 
---
WT. from the 13.1.44. 1347/13/38.

1) Goliath- Longest wave transmitter on 13. Jan. 1800 hours to perform a test run in the 24.59 kHz range settings for circuitry “Ireland” for all even hours, for circuitry “Diana” for all uneven hours. 
2) So far the longest wave program circuitry is running continuously. 
3) Every following intelligence report is repeated up to 6 successive program times. 
4) The test run required for [northern latitude operations?] - Boats is not to be corrected or amended. 

 


War radio intercept


Secret Command Document

Important attested document Nr. 10/44 from 23.1.44. “U-505” Trial Nr. 22

W.T. from the 21.1.44. 1520/21/8 – 1544/9 – 1847/13 – 2033/14 -.
W.T. from the 22.1.44. 0244/22/18.
  1) Using the enclosure from the longest wave of the high range must be test run.
2) In so far as all the Atlantic standing boats are so frequently carrying out training, in training daybook entries and with dead reckoning positions or equivalent astronomical instrumentation. 
3) Test runs for preferred bearings to be extended for the following places.
a) How far and to which direction in the west may a European longest wave transmitter take location bearings with adequate accuracy?
b) From where are the American transmitters located which are able to take location bearings with sufficient accuracy? 
c) Are American and European cross locating bearings attainable in the mid Atlantic?
d) Estimating direction finding returns with regard to selectivity and minimum adjustment. Estimating the entire direction finding bearings visibly useful for this purpose.
4) Transit bearing by radio (wireless) personnel. Evaluation exclusively through ship transit under the auspices of “Nautical Radio Service” page 42. Shorter lecture from the commander over practical reporting. Earlier written reports on general cipher 3a/d on intelligence reports from the boats under paragraph 3 cipher 1. Evaluation.
5) In concluding cipher 6 the bearings in question arrived with the lead transmission. Sequence of the transmission: Sender name, frequency in kHz, call sign, location with length and width in degrees minutes and seconds through six digit numbers. For sender in U-boat circuits concludes with only name and given location. 
6) Transmitter specifications: 
a) Paris 1 and 11: 023400 east – 483207 north.
b) x-------------: 004830 west – 444222 north.
c) Basselande : 010906 east – 523900 north. 
d) Nauen : 125500 east – 523900 north.

W.T from the 22.1.44 0346/22/19 – 0602/22/23 – 0705/22/24.

Continuation from 02244/22.

e) Goliath : 11° 23' east – 52°38' north,
f) Rugby: 16 GBR : 01°11'15" west - 52°'22'10" north.
g) Carnarvon : 04°11'32" west - 53°07''25" north.
21.37 GMU
h) Madrid : 03°47'13" west - 40°24'26" north.
21.58 EGC
i) Annapolis : 76°27' west - 38°59'25" north.
-5-
17.8 NSS
j) Rocky Point : 72°56'10" west - 40°55'26" north.
18.2 WQK
k) Yuckerton
18.4 WCI and : 74°22'16" west - 39°33'31" north.
22.1 WGG
l) New Brunswick
21.8 W11 :74°29'18" west – 40°31' north.
22.6 WRT
m) “Marion” 22.35 :70°46'47" west – 41°42'45" north.

War radio intercept

-4-

Secret Command Document


Important attested document Nr. 7/44 from 16.1.44. “U-505” Trial Nr. 22.

W.T. from the 12.1.44. 1815/12/20.

Successful agreement among sea born boats, that with a fragile ceramic fixture in the interior of the Naxos antenna and with the use of tin foil paper, in accordance with known procedure, a weakened tube may be mended in the bent section with sheet brass and repaired so as to be readied for further operational applications.

W.T from 8.1.44. 1957/8/59.

On account of equipment difficulty it is extremely difficult to effectively identify each aircraft spotted, due to the identification apparatus lighting being less than fully effective.

W.T. from the 9.1.44. 1527/9/66/

By using the Northern Embankment frequency “in” and “near” out bound and incoming boats, can be updated with radio messages.
On the receiving side, occupying the mid frequency range for frequency settings with the Main Radio Placement, encoding and transferring the intelligence reports from U-boat frequencies can be done securely in short time.

W.T. from the 8.1.44. 1902/8/58.

With the following volume listings come the following considerations:
1) Only identification letter observer frequencies noted. Only the given kHz is unknown.
2) Opposite place observations underlined in red.
3) Longest wave observations more than minor entries.
4) The interpretations by scientific establishments, are actually the only flawless recordings.

W.T. from the 8.1.44. 1905/8/57.
In shortwave signal list 41 set in pencil on side 45 behind HVES: “ Have survived over taking.”


War radio intercept

-6-

Secret Command Document

Important attested document Nr. 5/44 from the 15.1.44 “U 505 “ Trial Nr.22.

W.T. from 13.1.44, 2048/13/48

This follows 10 radio communications with password “Rose” and current running number. The final steps in modifying the U-boat circuitry “Atlantic,” on 17. Jan. 1200 hours are in force. The corresponding orders of the Northern Latitude U-boats are amended in pencil. Wavelengths indicated with code letters. Given frequencies are only in the new wave lengths.

W.T from the 13.1.44. 2132/13/49

“Rose” Nr. 1
Circuitry “Ireland” Order 202:
20 to 7 hours Wavelength “Bruno Anton”
7 " 8 " " “Nanni Dora”
8 " 9 " " “Paula Fritz”
9 " 11 " " “Richard Bruno”
11 " 17 " " “Ida Richard”
17 " 18 " " “Richard Bruno”
18 " 19 " " “Paula Fritz”
19 " 20 " " “Nanni Dora”

W.T. from the 13.1.44. 2149/13/50.

“Rose” Nr. 2
Circuitry “America Ia” Order 203:
23 to 8 hours Wavelength “Karl Gustav”
8 " 9 " " “Wilhelm Ysop”
9 " 11 " " “Caesar Anton”
11 " 20 " " “Caesar Bruno”
20 " 21 " " “Caesar Anton”
21 " 23 " " “Wilhelm Ysop”

W.T from the 14.1.44. 0126/14/52
“Rose” Nr. 3
“America Bruno” Order 203:
23 to 8 hours Wavelength “Willi Ysop”
8 " 9 " " “Caesar Anton”
9 " 11 " " “Caesar Bruno”
11 " 20 " " “Ida Paula”
20 " 21 " " “Caesar Bruno”
21 " 23 " " “Caesar Anton”

W.T.from the 14.1.44. 0422/14/60.
“Rose” Nr. 4
Circuitry “America 11c” Order 203:
Following successive circuit times and frequencies:
10 to 12 hours Wavelength “Richard Ida” 9395 kHz
12 " 19 " " “Sofie Hans”
19 " 20 " " “Richard Ida”

Remaining circuit times present.
W.T. from the 14.1.44. 0314/14/56.

-7-

“Rose” Nr. 5
Circuitry “America 11d” Order 203:
Following successive circuit times:
12 to 19 “Sofie Nanni” 14540 kHz.
19 " 20 “Sofie Hans”

Remaining circuit times present.

****************************************************************



War radio intercept

Secret Command Document

Important attested document Nr. 6/44 from the 16.1.44 “U 505” Test Nr. 22
W.T. from the 14.1.44. 1047/14/68. “Rose” Nr. 6
Circuitry “Africa 1a” Order 204:
22 to 4 hour Wavelength Otto Toni 6180 kHz
4 " 6 " " “Ida Wilhelm”
6 " 7 " " “Richard Ysop”
7 " 9 " " “Ida Paula” 13565 kHz
9 " 16 " " “Ida Xant” 15880 kHz
16 " 18 " " “Richard Ysop”
18 " 22 " " “Ida Wilhelm”

W.T. from the 14.1.44. 1806/14/74.
“Rose” Nr. 7
Circuitry “Africa 1 Bruno” Order 204:
22 to 4 hour Wavelength “Ida Wilhelm”
4 " 6 " " “Richard Ysop”
6 " 7 " " “Ida Paula”
7 " 9 " " “Ida Xant”
9 " 16 " " “Ida Quatsch” 19420 kHz
16 " 18 " " “Ida Xant”
18 " 22 " " “Richard Ysop”

W.T. from the 14.1.44. 1923/14/76.
“Rose” Nr. 8
Circuitry “Africa 2” Order Anton:
Following successive circuit times:
15 to 18 hour Wavelength “Richard nanni”
18 " 04 " " "Otto Ludwig”
Successive additional circuit times interchangeable.

W.T. from the 14.1.44. 2116/14/79.
“Rose” Nr. 9
Circuitry “Diana” Order 205:
21 to 8 hour Wavelength “Wilhelm Otto” 3920 kHz
8 " 9 " " “Nanni Dora” 4965 kHz
9 " 10 " " “Caesar Toni” 6290 kHz
10 " 12 " " “Richard Emil” 7700 kHz
12 " 13 " " “Caesar Ulrich” 9350 kHz
13 " 18 " " “Richard Xant” 10300 kHz
18 " 19 " " “Caesar Ulrich”
19 " 20 " " “Richard Emil”
20 " 21 " " “Nanni Dora”
W.T. from the 15.1.44. 0139/15/92.
“Rose” Nr. 10 and latest Rose”- Radio [ ? ] message.
Circuitry “Hubertus”, the circuitry is not in operation. Order 205:
21 to 8 hour Wavelength Quatsch Anton” 4075 kHz
8 " 9 " " Otto Toni”
9 " 11 " " Richard Anton” 7845 kHz
11 " 13 " " Ida Zet”
13 " 17 " " Sofie Anton” 11068 kHz
17 " 19 " " Ida Zet”
19 " 20 " " Richard Anton”
20 " 21 " " Otto Toni”


War radio intercept

W.T. from the 16.2.44. 2114/16/100.
1) From 18. Febr. 8 hours longest wave Diana equals exactly 16.55 kHz. Radio name Arger Dora Anton. Program times 2- hourly, beginning around 0 hours, so that at 0 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour installments. Daily roll call beginning with important radio communications depending on the spoken direction guide number which follows.
2) Navy Order 205 cipher 5 Caesar amended in pencil.


u505radio08

 
W.T. from the 17.2.44. 1521/17/7.
1) In the month of March, from the timetable of the standard position code table (Section 3A. by air) the division “May” reads return. On the 1. March is the effective table for 31. May on the 2nd March marks 30. May.
2) Timetable amended in pencil.
W.T. from the 17.2.44. 180 1/17/10.
From 18. Febr. 8 hours longest wave “Ireland” 15.22 kHz.
Program times:

10 to 12
14 " 16
18 " 20
22 " 24
Daily roll call: 02 " 05 hour.

Navy Order Nr. 202 cipher 5 amended in pencil.
 

u505radio09

Secret Command Document 

Important attested document Nr. 18 from the 21.2.44. U 505” Test Nr. 18.

W.T. from 18.2.44. 1832/18/21.
Radio communication for Diana longest wave is at present returning to the initial 3rd successive series program times, then it will jump a program time and a further time again for 3 program times. 
Regulations effectively countermanded.

W.T. from 18.2.44. 1158/18/16.
For the longest wave program times the Diana circuitry works with “Goliath.” By using 16.55 kHz the program times are available in the times from 1250 to 1310 and from 0050 to 0110 hours for time transmission. 


u505radio10

W.T. from 18.2.44. 1236/18/17 - 1331/18/18. (Admonition- W.T. Nr. 88)

“Cordes” was the only Atlantic boat with the new and efficient Radar Position Locator “Hohentwiel” platform, and received instruction over the range of the apparatus while on war cruise. The special features for air threats during the island and Biscay passages were not installed in the apparatus, and so as not to be betrayed by our emissions, special precautions were taken to improve security with the Naxos antenna and the Aphrodite assembly. Conclusion: For three days aircraft attack. This conduct was sharply disapproved of: 
1. With the radar I not only was able to fix aircraft at a minimum 12000 meters, but can also observe bearings and position.
2. The enemy can perhaps verify with position locator emissions, by aircraft, but likely unreliable. As long as the boat can make use of surprise we should be able to remain undetected, it is nevertheless better, that through emissions every air crafts true time can be confirmed, as without radar emissions, we would perhaps be more vulnerable to surprise attack. 
3. Only many war cruises can qualify us, then the head start for the enemy in radar location may be eliminated. 
4. Navy Order Nr. 252 noted. 


u505radio11

Secret Command Document

W.T. from the 8.2.44. 1059/8/47.
1) On 9. Febr. 12 hours takeover sender “Nauen” 13000 meters equal 23.08 kHz over taking longest wave program times for the circuitry “Ireland.”
2) Taken down with pencil mark Northern Latitude U-boats order 202.


u505radio12

W.T. from the 11.2.44. 1138/?/?.
Long wave rotating radiofire “electra sonne Nr. 6” on 9. Febr. 12 hours on account of reorganization which continued after removal from service. Future operational activation is assured.


u505radio13

W.T. from the 6.2.44. 0017/6/4.
Instructional Radio personnel:
With closing of the short code signals directions for use of the code word group file for the short code signals file cipher 6 and Verbal Code Training after the “Enigma mess up” general cipher 50b instigated.


u505radio14

W.T from the 28.1.44. 1014/28/31.
Shocked Naxos System.
Contact angle detector and high pass must often be maintained against light oxidation.


u505radio15

W.T. from the 31.1.44. 1224/31/14.
In the month of February Code cipher 5 of the deception board scheme password “Mundung.” Additionally under these ciphers there are three more “Dora” and “Fritz.”


u505radio16

W.T. from the 28.1.44. 1737/28/36.
Following radio-, flags and Morse were used in series:
The following: Section Nr. G.Fl. “Flags- Morse name for U-it. 23:
1045. 1943. Ulrich Wilhelm Caesar. For U-it. 24: 845. 1944. Ulrich Wilhelm Dora. U-it. 25: 942. 1945. Ulrich Wilhelm emil.
Addition for “Penang”: Boats at see will receive correspondence amended in block letters.

W.T from the 28.1.44. 1746/28/37.
1) On 1. February 1944 exchanged code file to Au.Ka.- board and location code board (Afu. Air system 3) daily around 03 hours.
2) Amended in pencil.

W.T from the 29.1.44. 0058/29/46.
1) Sequential list for code groups to the K-book code word “shark” given on 1. Febr. 00 hour in Force. With equivalent time points noted with code words “Pike” with Force, however these are not to be eliminated.
2) Validation mark given with pencil in the head of the “shark.”


u505radio17

Secret Command Document

Important Attested document Nr. 18 from the 21.2.44. “U 505” Test Nr. 18.

W.T. from the 1.2.44. 1603/1/27.
For section “Africa 11” work is immediate for longest wave transmitter Paris 11 in 21.05 kHz for the following program times:
02 to 03 hours
08 " 09 "
12 " 13 "
16 " 17 "
and Daily Roll Call from 20 to 22 hours.
Pencil mark in Northern Latitude U-boat order Nr. 204 Anton.

W.T. from the 3.2.44. 0431/3/48.
From the standing War Order (NLB) Nr. 200 cipher 38 B observe.
Main Radio Position
Supplement to the Flotilla: Cipher 38 B reads: Short signal and short weather not successively placed one behind the other. No “sk”! Several times a short signal is delivered in short space contrary to the desired procedure.


u505radio18

[END]

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Published: Tue Apr 28 09:57:40 EDT 2015