German submarine U-381: Difference between revisions

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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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{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country={{nowrap|[[Nazi Germany]]}}
|Ship country=[[Nazi Germany]]
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship name=''U-381''
|Ship name=''U-381''
|Ship namesake=
|Ship ordered=16 October 1939
|Ship ordered=16 October 1939
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]] AG, Kiel
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]] AG, Kiel
|Ship yard number=12
|Ship laid down=26 April 1941
|Ship laid down=26 April 1941
|Ship launched=14 January 1942
|Ship launched=14 January 1942
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=25 February 1942
|Ship commissioned=25 February 1942
|Ship fate=Went missing south of [[Greenland]] since 10 May 1943
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship fate=Posted missing south of [[Greenland]] in May 1943. The cause of her disappearance has never been determined.
|Ship status=
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption={{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship displacement={{convert|769|t|LT|0}} surfaced<br />{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|769|t|LT|0|lk=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length={{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]<br />{{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship length=
*{{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]
*{{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship beam={{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a<br />{{convert|4.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship beam=
*{{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a
*{{convert|4.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship height={{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height={{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft={{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s, totalling {{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}}. Max [[rpm]]: 470–490<br />2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Motor-generator|double-acting electric motors]], totalling {{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} and max rpm: 296.
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
|Ship speed={{convert|17.7|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship range={{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship propulsion=
|Ship test depth={{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*2 shafts
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship speed=
*{{convert|17.7|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
|Ship range=
*{{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship test depth=
*{{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
|Ship sensors=
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament={{plainlist|
|Ship armament=
*5&nbsp;×&nbsp;{{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&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[torpedo]]es
*14 × [[torpedo]]es
*1&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 × [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 x [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
*various AA guns
}}
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u381.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-381
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=2 September 2014
}}</ref>
|partof=
*[[5th U-boat Flotilla]]
*25 February – 30 September 1942
*[[7th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 October 1942 – 10 May 1943
|codes=M 43 526
|commanders=
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg
*25 February 1942 – 10 May 1943
|operations=*3 patrols:
*1st patrol:
*1 October – 21 November 1942
*2nd patrol:
*19 December 1942 – 19 February 1943
*3rd patrol:
*31 March – 10 May 1943
|victories=None
}}
}}
|}
|}
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'''German submarine ''U-381''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]]. She failed to return in May 1943 and was declared missing in unknown circumstances.
'''German submarine ''U-381''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]]. She failed to return in May 1943 and was declared missing in unknown circumstances.


The boat was laid down on 26 April 1941 at the ''[[Howaldtswerke]]'' in [[Kiel]] as yard number 12, launched on 14 January 1942 and commissioned on 25 February; ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limburg was her CO throughout her career.
The boat was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 26 April 1941 at the ''[[Howaldtswerke]]'' in [[Kiel]] as yard number 12, [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 14 January 1942 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 25 February; ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg was her CO throughout her career.


She did not sink any ships.
She did not sink any ships.

Sunk by HMS Duncan (escorting convoy SC130 Halifax to Liverpool) commanded by Captain Peter Gretton.
[source: The Battle of the Atlantic by Jonathan Dimbleby, 2015 (Penguin Books) Chpt20]


==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-381'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}} It 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 [[Garbe, Lahmeyer & Co.]] RP 137/c [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|shp|PS kW}} for use while submerged. It had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. It was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
[[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-381'' 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 [[Garbe, Lahmeyer & Co.]] RP 137/c [[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|1985|pp=72-74}} When submerged, it could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, it could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-381'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at its bow and one at its 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 an anti-aircraft gun. It had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
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-381'' 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 a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}}


==Service history==
==Service history==
She began her service life in the [[5th U-boat Flotilla]], a training organization, between 25 February 1942 and 30 September of the same year, before moving on to the [[7th U-boat Flotilla|7th flotilla]] for operations.
She began her service life in the [[5th U-boat Flotilla]], a training organization, between 25 February 1942 and 30 September of the same year, before moving on to the [[7th U-boat Flotilla|7th flotilla]] for operations.


==Operational history==
===First patrol===

===1st patrol===
''U381''{{'}}s first sortie took her from Kiel to a point three-quarters of the way across the Atlantic before steaming empty-handed to [[St. Nazaire]] in France.
''U381''{{'}}s first sortie took her from Kiel to a point three-quarters of the way across the Atlantic before steaming empty-handed to [[St. Nazaire]] in France.


===2nd patrol===
===Second patrol===
Her next patrol was no better, starting and finishing in St. Nazaire between 19 December 1942 and 19 February 1943, (a total of 63 days at sea). She was unsuccessfully attacked on the return leg west of Portugal by a [[Consolidated PBY Catalina|Catalina]] flying boat of [[No. 202 Squadron RAF]].
Her next patrol was no better, starting and finishing in St. Nazaire between 19 December 1942 and 19 February 1943, a total of 63 days at sea. She was unsuccessfully attacked on the return leg west of Portugal by a [[Consolidated PBY Catalina|Catalina]] flying boat of [[No. 202 Squadron RAF]].


===3rd patrol and loss===
===Third patrol and loss===
U-371{{'}}s third patrol ended abruptly after 52 days when she was sunk with the loss of all hands on 21 May 1943 (probably). She was lost in mid-Atlantic (south of [[Greenland]]) through unknown circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web
U-381{{'}}s third patrol ended abruptly after 52 days when she was sunk with the loss of all hands, probably on or around 21 May 1943. She was lost in mid-Atlantic (south of [[Greenland]]) through unknown circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/u381.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u381.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-381
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-381
|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>

===Previously recorded fate===
A postwar assessment stated that ''U-381'' was sunk on May 19, 1943 in the North Atlantic southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland at position {{coord|54|41|N|34|45|W|dim:2000000}} by depth charges from {{HMS|Duncan|D99|6}} and {{HMS|Snowflake|K211|6}}. This attack was actually against {{GS|U-304||2}} and {{GS|U-636||2}}, both of which escaped with no damage.


===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-381'' took part in nine [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely.
''U-381'' took part in nine [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely:
* Panther (11–20 October 1942)
* Panther (11 – 20 October 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Veilchen|Veilchen]] (20 October – 5 November 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Veilchen|Veilchen]] (20 October – 5 November 1942)
* Delphin (26 December 1942 – 14 February 1943)
* Delphin (26 December 1942 – 14 February 1943)
* Adler (11–13 April 1943)
* Adler (11 – 13 April 1943)
* Meise (13–27 April 1943)
* Meise (13 – 27 April 1943)
* Star (27 April – 4 May 1943)
* Star (27 April – 4 May 1943)
* Fink (4–6 May 1943)
* Fink (4 – 6 May 1943)
* Inn (11–15 May 1943)
* Inn (11 – 15 May 1943)
* Donau 1 (15–21 May 1943)
* Donau 1 (15 – 21 May 1943)


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
{{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
|last1=Busch
Line 104: Line 149:
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|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
|series=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|publisher=Mittler
Line 110: Line 156:
|year=1999
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|language=de
|ref=harv
}}
}}
* {{cite book
* {{cite book
| last=Edwards
| last=Edwards
| first=Bernard
| first=Bernard
| title=Dönitz and the Wolf Packs - The U-boats at War
| title=Dönitz and the Wolf Packs - The U-boats at War
| year=1996
| year=1996
| isbn=0-304-35203-9
| isbn=0-304-35203-9
| pages=212
| pages=212
| publisher=Cassell Military Classics
| publisher=Cassell Military Classics
| ref={{sfnRef|Edwards}}
| ref={{sfnRef|Edwards}}
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Gröner
|last1=Gröner
|first=Erich
|first1=Erich
|last2=Jung
|title=U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher
|first2=Dieter
|work=Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945
|last3=Maass
|volume=III
|first3=Martin
|publisher=[[Bernard & Graefe]]
|translator-last1=Thomas
|location=Koblenz
|translator-first1=Keith
|year=1985
|translator-last2=Magowan
|isbn=3-7637-4802-4
|translator-first2=Rachel
|language=German
|year=1991
|ref=harv
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
}}
}}


{{Refend}}
==External links ==

==External links==
*{{Cite web
*{{Cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/u381.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u381.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-381
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-381
|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
}}
}}


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{May 1943 shipwrecks}}

{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Italic title prefixed|16}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:U0381}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:U0381}}
[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:Missing U-boats]]
[[Category:Missing U-boats of World War II]]
[[Category:Ships built in Kiel]]
[[Category:Ships built in Kiel]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1942]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1942]]

Latest revision as of 17:17, 7 March 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-381
Ordered16 October 1939
BuilderHowaldtswerke AG, Kiel
Yard number12
Laid down26 April 1941
Launched14 January 1942
Commissioned25 February 1942
FateWent missing south of Greenland since 10 May 1943
General characteristics
Class and typeType VIIC submarine
Displacement
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]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 43 526
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg
  • 25 February 1942 – 10 May 1943
Operations:
  • 3 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 1 October – 21 November 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 19 December 1942 – 19 February 1943
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 31 March – 10 May 1943
Victories: None

German submarine U-381 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She failed to return in May 1943 and was declared missing in unknown circumstances.

The boat was laid down on 26 April 1941 at the Howaldtswerke in Kiel as yard number 12, launched on 14 January 1942 and commissioned on 25 February; Kapitänleutnant Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg was her CO throughout her career.

She did not sink any ships.

Sunk by HMS Duncan (escorting convoy SC130 Halifax to Liverpool) commanded by Captain Peter Gretton. [source: The Battle of the Atlantic by Jonathan Dimbleby, 2015 (Penguin Books) Chpt20]

Design[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-381 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[2] 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 Garbe, Lahmeyer & Co. RP 137/c 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).[2]

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).[2] 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-381 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 a 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[2]

Service history[edit]

She began her service life in the 5th U-boat Flotilla, a training organization, between 25 February 1942 and 30 September of the same year, before moving on to the 7th flotilla for operations.

First patrol[edit]

U381's first sortie took her from Kiel to a point three-quarters of the way across the Atlantic before steaming empty-handed to St. Nazaire in France.

Second patrol[edit]

Her next patrol was no better, starting and finishing in St. Nazaire between 19 December 1942 and 19 February 1943, a total of 63 days at sea. She was unsuccessfully attacked on the return leg west of Portugal by a Catalina flying boat of No. 202 Squadron RAF.

Third patrol and loss[edit]

U-381's third patrol ended abruptly after 52 days when she was sunk with the loss of all hands, probably on or around 21 May 1943. She was lost in mid-Atlantic (south of Greenland) through unknown circumstances.[3]

Previously recorded fate[edit]

A postwar assessment stated that U-381 was sunk on May 19, 1943 in the North Atlantic southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland at position 54°41′N 34°45′W / 54.683°N 34.750°W / 54.683; -34.750 by depth charges from HMS Duncan and HMS Snowflake. This attack was actually against U-304 and U-636, both of which escaped with no damage.

Wolfpacks[edit]

U-381 took part in nine wolfpacks, namely:

  • Panther (11 – 20 October 1942)
  • Veilchen (20 October – 5 November 1942)
  • Delphin (26 December 1942 – 14 February 1943)
  • Adler (11 – 13 April 1943)
  • Meise (13 – 27 April 1943)
  • Star (27 April – 4 May 1943)
  • Fink (4 – 6 May 1943)
  • Inn (11 – 15 May 1943)
  • Donau 1 (15 – 21 May 1943)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-381". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-381". 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). Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945 [German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945]. Der U-Boot-Krieg (in German). Vol. IV. Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn: Mittler. ISBN 3-8132-0514-2.
  • Edwards, Bernard (1996). Dönitz and the Wolf Packs - The U-boats at War. Cassell Military Classics. p. 212. ISBN 0-304-35203-9.
  • 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]

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