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Coordinates: 53°55′N 14°17′E / 53.917°N 14.283°E / 53.917; 14.283
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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
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|Ship ordered=7 December 1940
|Ship ordered=7 December 1940
|Ship builder=[[DeSchiMAG]] [[Seebeckwerft]], [[Bremerhaven]]
|Ship builder=[[DeSchiMAG]] [[Seebeckwerft]], [[Bremerhaven]]
|Ship yard number=712
|Ship yard number=361
|Ship laid down=30 June 1942
|Ship laid down=30 June 1942
|Ship launched=1 April 1943
|Ship launched=1 April 1943
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|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship fate=Sunk by a mine, 27 April 1944
|Ship fate=Sunk by a mine on 27 April 1944
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
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|Ship class=[[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC/40|Type IXC/40]] [[submarine]]
|Ship class=[[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC/40|Type IXC/40]] [[submarine]]
|Ship displacement=
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|1144|t|LT|abbr=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|1144|t|LT|abbr=on|lk=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|1257|t|LT|abbr=on}} submerged
*{{convert|1257|t|LT|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length=
|Ship length=
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|Ship armament=*6 × [[torpedo tube]]s (4 bow, 2 stern)
|Ship armament=*6 × [[torpedo tube]]s (4 bow, 2 stern)
*22 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo]]es
*22 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo]]es
*1 × {{convert|10.5|cm|in|abbr=on}}[[deck gun]] (180 rounds)
*1 × [[10.5 cm SK C/32 naval gun|{{convert|10.5|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} SK C/32]] [[deck gun]] (180 rounds)
*1 × {{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} AA gun
*1 × [[3.7 cm Flak 18/36/37/43|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} Flak M42]] AA gun
*1 × twin [[2 cm FlaK 30]] AA guns
*2 x twin [[2 cm Flak 30, Flak 38 and Flakvierling 38|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA guns
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}{{Infobox service record
}}{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|is_ship=yes
|label=
|label=
|partof=[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]
|partof=
*[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]
*7 September 1943 – 27 April 1944
|codes=
|codes=M 52 544
|commanders=
|commanders=
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Karl Schimpf
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Karl Schimpf
*July 1943 – April 1944
*7 September 1943 – 27 April 1944
|operations=None
|operations=None
|victories=None
|victories=None
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[[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC/40|German Type IXC/40 submarines]] were slightly larger than the original [[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC|Type IXC]]s. ''U-803'' had a displacement of {{convert|1144|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|1257|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}} The U-boat had a total length of {{convert|76.76|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|58.75|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.67|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[MAN SE|MAN]] M 9 V 40/46 [[supercharged]] four-stroke, nine-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|4400|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] 2 GU 345/34 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|1000|shp|PS kW|-1}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.92|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}}
[[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC/40|German Type IXC/40 submarines]] were slightly larger than the original [[German Type IX submarine#Type IXC|Type IXC]]s. ''U-803'' had a displacement of {{convert|1144|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|1257|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}} The U-boat had a total length of {{convert|76.76|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|58.75|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.67|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[MAN SE|MAN]] M 9 V 40/46 [[supercharged]] four-stroke, nine-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|4400|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] 2 GU 345/34 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|1000|shp|PS kW|-1}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.92|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}}


The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|18.3|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.3|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|63|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|13850|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-803'' was fitted with six {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and two at the stern), 22 [[torpedo]]es, one [[10.5 cm SK C/32 naval gun|{{convert|10.5|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/32 naval gun]], 180 rounds, and a {{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} as well as a {{convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of forty-eight.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}}
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|18.3|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.3|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|63|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|13850|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-803'' was fitted with six {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and two at the stern), 22 [[torpedo]]es, one [[10.5 cm SK C/32 naval gun|{{convert|10.5|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/32 naval gun]], 180 rounds, and a [[3.7 cm Flak 18/36/37/43|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} Flak M42]] as well as two twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of forty-eight.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=68}}


==Service history==
==Service history==
She was completed in September 1943 and spent the next seven months on working up cruises in the [[Baltic Sea]] near [[Swinemunde]] in order to get the crew and boat ready for operational cruising in the [[Battle of the Atlantic]], which was at a critical stage.
She was completed in September 1943 and spent the next seven months on working up cruises in the [[Baltic Sea]] near [[Swinemünde]] in order to get the crew and boat ready for operational cruising in the [[Battle of the Atlantic]], which was at a critical stage.


As the boat worked up on 27 April 1944, just days off its intended first cruise, she struck a [[sea mine]] in the bay and sank, nine of her crew going down with the boat, and 35 being rescued by nearby ships. The boat was salvaged in August 1944, but was too badly damaged to repair, and was broken up for components for use in other [[U-boat]]s. Her surviving crew were largely transferred to other units, principally {{GS|U-3009||2}}, on which they surrendered in May 1945. The mine had been air-dropped over the bay by the [[Royal Air Force]], who had realised the use that the area was being put to through photo-reconnaissance flights. The air-dropping of mines was a frequent tactic of the RAF, and achieved dividends off many German harbours.
As the boat worked up on 27 April 1944, just days off its intended first cruise, she struck a [[sea mine]] in the bay and sank, nine of her crew going down with the boat, and 35 being rescued by nearby ships. The boat was salvaged in August 1944, but was too badly damaged to repair, and was broken up for components for use in other [[U-boat]]s. Her surviving crew were largely transferred to other units, principally {{GS|U-3009||2}}, on which they surrendered in May 1945. The mine had been air-dropped over the bay by the [[Royal Air Force]], who had realised the use that the area was being put to through photo-reconnaissance flights. The air-dropping of mines was a frequent tactic of the RAF, and achieved dividends off many German harbours.
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==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 }}
*{{cite book
*{{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}}
|last1=Busch
*{{cite book |last1=Gröner |first1=Eric |last2=Jung |first2=Dieter |last3=Maass |first3=Martin |translator-last1=Thomas|translator-first1=Keith|translator-last2=Magowan|translator-first2=Rachel |title=German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels |date=1991 |publisher=Conway Maritime Press |location=London |volume=2 |isbn=0-85177-593-4 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/German_Warships_1815_1945/Udg-0AEACAAJ?hl=en|ref=CITEREFGröner1991}}
|first1=Rainer
|last2=Röll
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 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
|last1=Gröner
|first1=Erich
|author-link1=
|author-mask1=
|last2=Jung
|first2=Dieter
|display-authors=
|last-author-amp=
|last3=Maass
|first3=Martin
|translator-last1=Thomas
|translator-first1=Keith
|translator-last2=Magowan
|translator-first2=Rachel
|year=1991
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|work=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|ref=CITEREFGr.C3.B6ner1991
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Sharpe
|last=Sharpe
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|year=1998
|year=1998
|isbn=1-85780-072-9
|isbn=1-85780-072-9

|ref=harv
}}
}}


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|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|accessdate=7 December 2014
|access-date=7 December 2014
}}
}}
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
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|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=2 February 2015
|access-date=2 February 2015
}}
}}


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{{German Type IXC/40 submarines}}
{{German Type IXC/40 submarines}}
{{April 1944 shipwrecks}}
{{Subject bar

| portal1=Military of Germany
| portal2=Submarine
| portal3=World War II
}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}


Latest revision as of 12:58, 4 April 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-803
Ordered7 December 1940
BuilderDeSchiMAG Seebeckwerft, Bremerhaven
Yard number361
Laid down30 June 1942
Launched1 April 1943
Commissioned7 September 1943
FateSunk by a mine on 27 April 1944
General characteristics
Class and typeType IXC/40 submarine
Displacement
  • 1,144 t (1,126 long tons) surfaced
  • 1,257 t (1,237 long tons) submerged
Length
Beam
  • 6.86 m (22 ft 6 in) o/a
  • 4.44 m (14 ft 7 in) pressure hull
Height9.60 m (31 ft 6 in)
Draught4.67 m (15 ft 4 in)
Installed power
  • 4,400 PS (3,200 kW; 4,300 bhp) (diesels)
  • 1,000 PS (740 kW; 990 shp) (electric)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 18.3 knots (33.9 km/h; 21.1 mph) surfaced
  • 7.3 knots (13.5 km/h; 8.4 mph) submerged
Range
  • 13,850 nmi (25,650 km; 15,940 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 63 nmi (117 km; 72 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth230 m (750 ft)
Complement4 officers, 44 enlisted
Armament
Service record
Part of:
Identification codes: M 52 544
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. Karl Schimpf
  • 7 September 1943 – 27 April 1944
Operations: None
Victories: None

German submarine U-803 was a Type IXC/40 U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II at Bremerhaven.

Design[edit]

German Type IXC/40 submarines were slightly larger than the original Type IXCs. U-803 had a displacement of 1,144 tonnes (1,126 long tons) when at the surface and 1,257 tonnes (1,237 long tons) while submerged.[1] The U-boat had a total length of 76.76 m (251 ft 10 in), a pressure hull length of 58.75 m (192 ft 9 in), a beam of 6.86 m (22 ft 6 in), a height of 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in), and a draught of 4.67 m (15 ft 4 in). The submarine was powered by two MAN M 9 V 40/46 supercharged four-stroke, nine-cylinder diesel engines producing a total of 4,400 metric horsepower (3,240 kW; 4,340 shp) for use while surfaced, two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 345/34 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 1,000 shaft horsepower (1,010 PS; 750 kW) for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two 1.92 m (6 ft) propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 metres (750 ft).[1]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 18.3 knots (33.9 km/h; 21.1 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 7.3 knots (13.5 km/h; 8.4 mph).[1] When submerged, the boat could operate for 63 nautical miles (117 km; 72 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 13,850 nautical miles (25,650 km; 15,940 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). U-803 was fitted with six 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and two at the stern), 22 torpedoes, one 10.5 cm (4.13 in) SK C/32 naval gun, 180 rounds, and a 3.7 cm (1.5 in) Flak M42 as well as two twin 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of forty-eight.[1]

Service history[edit]

She was completed in September 1943 and spent the next seven months on working up cruises in the Baltic Sea near Swinemünde in order to get the crew and boat ready for operational cruising in the Battle of the Atlantic, which was at a critical stage.

As the boat worked up on 27 April 1944, just days off its intended first cruise, she struck a sea mine in the bay and sank, nine of her crew going down with the boat, and 35 being rescued by nearby ships. The boat was salvaged in August 1944, but was too badly damaged to repair, and was broken up for components for use in other U-boats. Her surviving crew were largely transferred to other units, principally U-3009, on which they surrendered in May 1945. The mine had been air-dropped over the bay by the Royal Air Force, who had realised the use that the area was being put to through photo-reconnaissance flights. The air-dropping of mines was a frequent tactic of the RAF, and achieved dividends off many German harbours.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, p. 68.

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, Eric; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.
  • Sharpe, Peter (1998). U-Boat Fact File. Great Britain: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-072-9.

External links[edit]

  • Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type IXC/40 boat U-803". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  • Hofmann, Markus. "U 803". Deutsche U-Boote 1935–1945 – u-boot-archiv.de (in German). Retrieved 2 February 2015.

53°55′N 14°17′E / 53.917°N 14.283°E / 53.917; 14.283

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