German submarine U-263: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
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|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship name=''U-263''
|Ship name=''U-263''
|Ship ordered=15 August 1941
|Ship ordered=15 August 1940
|Ship builder=Bremer-Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen
|Ship builder=Bremer-Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen
|Ship yard number=28
|Ship yard number=28
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|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship fate=Sunk, in January 1944 in the [[Bay of Biscay]] during a deep dive trial<ref name=uboatnet>{{cite web
|Ship fate=Sunk, 20 January 1944 in the [[Bay of Biscay]] during a deep dive trial<ref name=uboatnet>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u263.htm
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u263.htm
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-263
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-263
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
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*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
|Ship range=
|Ship range=
*{{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|8500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship test depth=
|Ship test depth=
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*5 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
*5 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
*14 × [[torpedo]]es ''or'' 26 TMA [[Naval mine|mine]]s
*14 × [[torpedo]]es ''or'' 26 TMA [[Naval mine|mine]]s
*1 × [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 × [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*2 × twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
*2 × twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
{{Service record
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name=uboatnet/><ref name="patrols">{{Cite web
|label=Service record<ref name=uboatnet/><ref name="patrols">{{Cite web
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|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate=31 July 2012
|access-date=31 July 2012
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=
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*[[1st U-boat Flotilla]]
*[[1st U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 November 1942 – 20 January 1944
*1 November 1942 – 20 January 1944
|codes=
|codes=M 02 258
|commanders=
|commanders=
*''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Kurt Nölke
*''[[Kptlt.]] / [[K.Kapt.]]'' Kurt Nölke
*6 May – December 1942
*6 May – December 1942
*1943 – 20 January 1944
*1943 – 20 January 1944
|operations=
|operations=*2 patrols:
*Two patrols:
*1st patrol:
*27 October – 29 November 1942
*27 October – 29 November 1942
*2nd patrol:
*19–20 January 1942
*19 – 20 January 1942
|victories=Two
|victories=*2 merchant ships sunk <br />({{GRT|12,376}})
}}
}}
|}
|}
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In two patrols, she sank two ships of {{GRT|12,376|disp=long}}. She was a member of one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]].
In two patrols, she sank two ships of {{GRT|12,376|disp=long}}. She was a member of one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]].


She was sunk in January 1944 in the [[Bay of Biscay]], during a deep dive trial.
She was sunk on 20 January 1944 in the [[Bay of Biscay]], during a deep dive trial.


==Design==
==Design==
[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|German Type VIIC submarines]] were preceded by the shorter [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIB|Type VIIB submarines]]. ''U-263'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}} She had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder [[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800 to 3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[AEG]] GU 460/8–27 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}}
[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|German Type VIIC submarines]] were preceded by the shorter [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIB|Type VIIB submarines]]. ''U-263'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} She had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder [[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800 to 3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[AEG (German company)|AEG]] GU 460/8–27 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}


The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|17.7|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.6|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-263'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and two twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}}
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|17.7|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.6|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-263'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and two twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}


==Service history==
==Service history==
After training with the [[8th U-boat Flotilla]], the boat became operational on 1 November 1942 when she was transferred to the [[1st U-boat Flotilla|1st flotilla]].
After training with the [[8th U-boat Flotilla]], the boat became operational on 1 November 1942 when she was transferred to the [[1st U-boat Flotilla|1st flotilla]].


===1st patrol===
===First patrol===
''U-263''{{'}}s first patrol began when she departed [[Kiel]] on 27 October 1942. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faroe Islands]]. There followed a series of attacks west of [[Gibraltar]], first by the U-boat on two freighters, then on the submarine by surface ships (on 20 November), aircraft (on 24 November) and a submarine (on 26 November), all of which she was lucky to survive. Even so, the damage sustained needed 13 months of repairs. She arrived at [[La Pallice]] / La Rochelle in occupied France on 29 November.
''U-263''{{'}}s first patrol began when she departed [[Kiel]] on 27 October 1942. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faroe Islands]]. There followed a series of attacks west of [[Gibraltar]], first by the U-boat on two freighters, then on the submarine by surface ships (on 20 November), aircraft (on 24 November) and a submarine (on 26 November), all of which she was lucky to survive. Even so, the damage sustained needed 13 months of repairs. She arrived at [[La Pallice]] / La Rochelle in occupied France on 29 November.


===2nd patrol and loss===
===Second patrol and loss===
The boat departed La Pallice on 19 January 1942. She was sunk the next day in the Bay of Biscay during a deep dive trial.
The boat departed La Pallice on 19 January 1944. She was sunk the next day in the Bay of Biscay during a deep dive trial.


Fifty-one men died; there were no survivors.
Fifty-one men died; there were no survivors.


==Summary of raiding history==
==Summary of raiding history==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! width="120px" | Date
! width="120px" | Date
! width="120px" | Ship Name
! width="120px" | Ship Name
! width="120px" | Nationality
! width="120px" | Nationality
! width="25px" | Displacement
! width="25px" | Tonnage <br />([[Gross Register Tonnage|GRT]])
! width="50px" | Fate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u263.html
! width="50px" | Fate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u263.html
|title=Ships hit by U-263
|title=Ships hit by U-263
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net |accessdate=26 December 2014}}</ref>
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net |access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="right"|20 November 1942
|align="right"|20 November 1942
Line 150: Line 153:
==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book | last1 = Busch | first1 = Rainer | last2 = Röll | first2 = Hans-Joachim | translator-last = Brooks | translator-first = Geoffrey | title = German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary | publisher = Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press | location = London, Annapolis, Md | year = 1999 | isbn = 1-55750-186-6 | ref = harv}}
*{{cite book | last1 = Busch | first1 = Rainer | last2 = Röll | first2 = Hans-Joachim | translator-last = Brooks | translator-first = Geoffrey | title = German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary | publisher = Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press | location = London, Annapolis, Md | year = 1999 | isbn = 1-55750-186-6 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Busch |first1=Rainer |last2=Röll |first2=Hans-Joachim |title=Der U-Boot-Krieg, 1939-1945: Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945 |date=1999|volume=IV |publisher=Mittler|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn |isbn=3-8132-0514-2 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Der_U_Boot_Krieg_1939_1945_Deutsche_U_Bo/vXKwAAAAIAAJ?hl=en |language=de}}
*{{cite book
|last1=Busch
|first1=Rainer
|last2=Röll
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|ref=harv
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last1=Gröner
|last1=Gröner
|first1=Erich
|first1=Erich
|author-link1=
|author-mask1=
|last2=Jung
|last2=Jung
|first2=Dieter
|first2=Dieter
|display-authors=
|last-author-amp=
|last3=Maass
|last3=Maass
|first3=Martin
|first3=Martin
Line 185: Line 169:
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|volume=2
|work=German Warships 1815–1945
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
|ref=CITEREFGr.C3.B6ner1991
}}
}}


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|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}
}}
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
Line 208: Line 192:
|last=Hofmann
|last=Hofmann
|first=Markus
|first=Markus
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 - u-boot-archiv.de
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 – u-boot-archiv.de
|language=German
|language=de
|accessdate=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}
}}


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{January 1944 shipwrecks}}
{{January 1944 shipwrecks}}
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Military of Germany
| portal2=World War II
}}

⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2012}}


{{coord missing|Atlantic Ocean}}
{{coord missing|Atlantic Ocean}}
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[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bremen (state)]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bremen (state)]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1944]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1944]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]

Latest revision as of 14:04, 6 February 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-263
Ordered15 August 1940
BuilderBremer-Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen
Yard number28
Laid down8 June 1941
Launched18 March 1942
Commissioned6 May 1942
FateSunk, 20 January 1944 in the Bay of Biscay during a deep dive trial[1]
General characteristics
Class and typeType VIIC submarine
Displacement
  • 769 tonnes (757 long tons) surfaced
  • 871 t (857 long tons) submerged
Length
Beam
  • 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in) o/a
  • 4.70 m (15 ft 5 in) pressure hull
Height9.60 m (31 ft 6 in)
Draught4.74 m (15 ft 7 in)
Installed power
  • 2,800–3,200 PS (2,100–2,400 kW; 2,800–3,200 bhp) (diesels)
  • 750 PS (550 kW; 740 shp) (electric)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) surfaced
  • 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph) submerged
Range
  • 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth
  • 230 m (750 ft)
  • Crush depth: 250–295 m (820–968 ft)
Complement4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
Armament
Service record[1][2]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 02 258
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. / K.Kapt. Kurt Nölke
  • 6 May – December 1942
  • 1943 – 20 January 1944
Operations:
  • 2 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 27 October – 29 November 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 19 – 20 January 1942
Victories: 2 merchant ships sunk
(12,376 GRT)

German submarine U-263 was a Type VIIC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. The submarine was laid down on 8 June 1941 at the Bremer-Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft (yard) in Bremen as yard number 28. She was launched on 18 March 1942 and commissioned on 6 May under the command of Kapitänleutnant Kurt Nölke.[1]

In two patrols, she sank two ships of 12,376 gross register tons (GRT). She was a member of one wolfpack.

She was sunk on 20 January 1944 in the Bay of Biscay, during a deep dive trial.

Design[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-263 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[3] She had a total length of 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in), a pressure hull length of 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in), a beam of 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in), a height of 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in), and a draught of 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of 2,800 to 3,200 metric horsepower (2,060 to 2,350 kW; 2,760 to 3,160 shp) for use while surfaced, two AEG GU 460/8–27 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 metric horsepower (550 kW; 740 shp) for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two 1.23 m (4 ft) propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 metres (750 ft).[3]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).[3] When submerged, the boat could operate for 80 nautical miles (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). U-263 was fitted with five 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen torpedoes, one 8.8 cm (3.46 in) SK C/35 naval gun, 220 rounds, and two twin 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[3]

Service history[edit]

After training with the 8th U-boat Flotilla, the boat became operational on 1 November 1942 when she was transferred to the 1st flotilla.

First patrol[edit]

U-263's first patrol began when she departed Kiel on 27 October 1942. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the gap between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. There followed a series of attacks west of Gibraltar, first by the U-boat on two freighters, then on the submarine by surface ships (on 20 November), aircraft (on 24 November) and a submarine (on 26 November), all of which she was lucky to survive. Even so, the damage sustained needed 13 months of repairs. She arrived at La Pallice / La Rochelle in occupied France on 29 November.

Second patrol and loss[edit]

The boat departed La Pallice on 19 January 1944. She was sunk the next day in the Bay of Biscay during a deep dive trial.

Fifty-one men died; there were no survivors.

Summary of raiding history[edit]

Date Ship Name Nationality Tonnage
(GRT) 		Fate[4]
20 November 1942 Grangepark  United Kingdom 5,132 Sunk
20 November 1942 Prins Harald  Norway 7,244 Sunk

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-263". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  2. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "War Patrols by German U-boat U-263". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  4. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit by U-263". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary. Translated by Brooks, Geoffrey. London, Annapolis, Md: Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-186-6.
  • Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). Der U-Boot-Krieg, 1939-1945: Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945 [German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945] (in German). Vol. IV. Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn: Mittler. ISBN 3-8132-0514-2.
  • Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. German Warships 1815–1945. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.

External links[edit]

  • Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-263". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  • Hofmann, Markus. "U 263". Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 – u-boot-archiv.de (in German). Retrieved 26 December 2014.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=German_submarine_U-263&oldid=1204136540"