B.d.U. HQ moves from Paris to Berlin, Hotel am Steinplatz (until 12/43).
Soviet troops recapture Rzhev, Russia.
Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"):
As contact was not reestablished before nightfall the boats discontinued the pursuit and were assigned to new operations areas.
A new patrol lie is to be disposed, composed of boats from home and Western France, to intercept other ON, HX and SC convoys. U 447, 229, 665, 633, 641, 190, 530, 642, 439, 618, 757, 406, 86, 373, 441, 440 and 221 form Group "Neuland" and are to take up position at 1200 on 7.3. from AK 6685 to BE 1521, course 240°, speed 5 knots. Boats able to reach their position sooner, have freedom of movement outside the position.
U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Alois Zech) is proceeding to BD 29 for the proposed
supplying of
U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) and
U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier).
The following have taken on supplies for further ops. from "Milkcow"
U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) = U 653, 621, 600 and 468.
U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Nicolai Clausen) took fuel and trunks on board for execution of special duties.
In order to obtain a survey of defence and mining conditions in the Iceland Passage, the 10 last boats from home to arrive in this area were requested to send a situation report. From this it can be seen that aerial reconnaissance is to be expected in the entire area; although some boats have made no mention of the fact.
Mines and surface patrols were only occasionally encountered.
U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl)
undergoes Final Repairs at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg.
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115