German submarine U-461: 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
|Ship image=[[File:U-461 Versenkung.jpg|300px]]
|Ship image=German submarine U-461 underway at sea, in 1943 (AWM P00642.004).JPG
|Ship image size=300px
|Ship caption=Attack on ''U-461'', which along with two other U-boats, was sunk on 30 July 1943 in the [[Bay of Biscay]]
|Ship caption=''U-461'' in 1942 – 1943
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
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|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship fate= Sunk, 30 July 1943{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=136-7}}
|Ship fate= Sunk on 30 July 1943{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=136-7}}
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
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|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship type=Ocean-going submarine tanker
|Ship class=[[Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] ocean-going submarine tanker
|Ship displacement=
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|1688|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|1688|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced
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|Ship complement=6 officers and 47 enlisted
|Ship complement=6 officers and 47 enlisted
|Ship armament=
|Ship armament=
*2 × {{convert|3.7|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
*2 × [[3.7 cm SK C/30|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} SK C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
*1 × {{convert|2|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} AA gun
*1 × [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
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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=2009-12-07
|access-date=2009-12-07
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/patrols/u461.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/patrols/u461.html
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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=2009-12-07
|access-date=2009-12-07
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=
*[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]
*[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]
*30 January - 30 June 1942
*30 January – 30 June 1942
*[[10th U-boat Flotilla]]
*[[10th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 July - 31 October 1942
*1 July – 31 October 1942
*[[12th U-boat Flotilla]]
*[[12th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 November 1942 - 30 July 1943
*1 November 1942 – 30 July 1943
|codes=
|codes=M 26 683
|commanders=
|commanders=
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck
*30 January - 21 April 1942
*30 January – 21 April 1942
*''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Wolf-Harro Stiebler
*''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Wolf-Harro Stiebler
*22 April 1942 - 30 July 1943
*22 April 1942 – 30 July 1943
|operations=
|operations=*6 patrols:
*1st patrol: 21 June - 16 August 1942
*1st patrol:
*21 June – 16 August 1942
*2nd patrol: 7 September - 17 October 1942
*2nd patrol:
*7 September – 17 October 1942
*3rd patrol: 19 November 1942 - 3 January 1943
*3rd patrol:
*19 November 1942 – 3 January 1943
*4th patrol: 13 February - 22 March 1943
*4th patrol:
*13 February – 22 March 1943
*5th patrol: 20 April - 30 May 1943
*5th patrol:
*a. 20 April – 30 May 1943
*6th patrol: 27–30 July 1943
*b. 22 – 23 July 1943
*6th patrol:
*27 – 30 July 1943
|victories=None
|victories=None
}}
}}
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'''German submarine ''U-461''''' was a [[German Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] supply and replenishment [[U-boat]] ("''Milchkuh''") of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].
'''German submarine ''U-461''''' was a [[German Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] supply and replenishment [[U-boat]] ("''Milchkuh''") of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].


Her keel was laid down on 9 December 1940, by [[Deutsche Werke]] in [[Kiel]] as yard number 292. She was launched on 8 November 1941 and commissioned on 30 January 1942 with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck in command. Bernbeck was promoted to ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' by 21 April 1942, when he was relieved by ''[[Korvettenkapitän]]'' Wolf-Harro Stiebler.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
Her keel was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 9 December 1940, by [[Deutsche Werke]] in [[Kiel]] as yard number 292. She was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 8 November 1941 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 30 January 1942 with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck in command. Bernbeck was promoted to ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' by 21 April 1942, when he was relieved by ''[[Korvettenkapitän]]'' Wolf-Harro Stiebler.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


==Design==
==Design==
[[German Type XIV submarine]]s were shortened versions of the [[German Type IX submarine|Type IXD]]s they were based on.‘’U-461’’ had a displacement of {{convert|1688|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|1932|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} The U-boat had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|48.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|11.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|6.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] [[supercharged]] four-stroke, six-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800|-|3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] 2 GU 345/38-8 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|240|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}
[[German Type XIV submarine]]s were shortened versions of the [[German Type IX submarine|Type IXD]]s they were based on. ''U-461'' had a displacement of {{convert|1688|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|1932|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} The U-boat had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|48.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|11.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|6.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] [[supercharged]] four-stroke, six-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800|-|3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] 2 GU 345/38-8 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|240|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}


The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|14.4|-|14.9|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|6.2|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|120|nmi}} at {{convert|2|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|12350|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ‘’U-461’’ was not fitted with [[torpedo tube]]s or [[deck gun]]s, but had two {{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a {{convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of fifty-three.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|14.4|-|14.9|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|6.2|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|120|nmi}} at {{convert|2|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|12350|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-461'' was not fitted with [[torpedo tube]]s or [[deck gun]]s, but had two [[3.7 cm SK C/30|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} SK C/30]] anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of fifty-three.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}


==Operational career==
==Operational career==
''U-461'' conducted six patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.
''U-461'' conducted six patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.


===1st and 2nd patrols===
===First and second patrols===
''U-461''{{'}}s first patrol took her from Kiel to [[St. Nazaire]] in occupied France, via the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faeroe Islands]] and out into the mid-Atlantic.
''U-461''{{'}}s first patrol took her from Kiel to [[St. Nazaire]] in occupied France, via the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faeroe Islands]] and out into the mid-Atlantic.


Her second patrol was much like her first; the most westerly point in the vast Atlantic wastes was reached on 30 September 1942.
Her second patrol was much like her first; the most westerly point in the Atlantic was reached on 30 September 1942.


===3rd and 4th patrols===
===Third and fourth patrols===
''U-462''{{'}}s third sortie commenced with her departue from St. Nazaire on 19 November 1942. Travelling south, she reached the furthest spot in the patrol which was roughly between South America and Africa. There, she spent two days (according to her position reports), before moving a short distance west on 11 December 1942. She returned to her French base on 3 January 1943.
''U-461''{{'}}s third sortie commenced with her departure from St. Nazaire on 19 November 1942. Travelling south, she reached the furthest spot in the patrol which was roughly between South America and Africa. There, she spent two days (according to her position reports), before moving a short distance west on 11 December 1942. She returned to her French base on 3 January 1943.


She steamed to a point west of the [[Canary Islands]], which she reached on 2 March 1943. Having departed St. Nazaire on 13 February, she returned there for the last time on 22 March.
She steamed to a point west of the [[Canary Islands]], which she reached on 2 March 1943. Having departed St. Nazaire on 13 February, she returned there for the last time on 22 March.


===5th patrol===
===Fifth patrol===
She left St.Nazaire on 20 April 1943, but was attacked on the return leg on 23 April by a Canadian [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington]] of [[No. 172 Squadron RAF|172 squadron]] RAF, equipped with a [[Leigh Light]]. Three bombs were dropped, resulting in slight damage and, more seriously, a trail of oil. She returned to France, but this time to [[Bordeaux]].
She left St.Nazaire on 20 April 1943, but was attacked on the return leg on 23 April by a Canadian [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington]] of [[No. 172 Squadron RAF|172 squadron]] RAF, equipped with a [[Leigh Light]]. Three bombs were dropped, resulting in slight damage and, more seriously, a trail of oil. She returned to France, but this time to [[Bordeaux]].


===6th patrol and loss===
===Sixth patrol and loss===
She had left Bordeaux on 27 July 1943, but was hardly out of the [[Bay of Biscay]], northwest of [[Cape Ortegal]], Spain, when she was sunk on 30 July by an Australian [[Short Sunderland|Sunderland]] [[flying boat]] from [[No. 461 Squadron RAAF]] piloted by [[Flight Lieutenant]] Dudley Marrows. Coincidentally this aircraft had the registration "U", also making it known as 'U-461'. As a result of the attack, the pilot dropped an inflatable dinghy, fifteen of her crew survived; 53 were killed.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
She had left Bordeaux on 27 July 1943, but was hardly out of the [[Bay of Biscay]], north-west of [[Cape Ortegal]], Spain, when she was sunk on 30 July by an Australian [[Short Sunderland|Sunderland]] [[flying boat]] from [[No. 461 Squadron RAAF]] piloted by [[Flight Lieutenant]] Dudley Marrows. Coincidentally this aircraft had the registration "U", also making it known as 'U-461'. As a result of the attack, all 12 Australian crew on the flying boat agreed to drop an inflatable dinghy, fifteen of her crew survived; 53 were killed.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-461'' took part in three [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely.
''U-461'' took part in three [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely:
* [[Wolfpack Wolf|Wolf]] (26 July - 1 August 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Wolf|Wolf]] (26 July – 1 August 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Vorwärts|Vorwärts]] (16–20 September 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Vorwärts|Vorwärts]] (16 – 20 September 1942)
* Rochen (26 February - 1 March 1943)
* Rochen (26 February – 1 March 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 141: Line 152:
|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 147: Line 159:
|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 = 83, 154
| pages = 83, 154
| publisher = Cassell Military Classics
| publisher= Cassell Military Classics
| ref = {{sfnRef|Edwards}}
| ref = {{sfnRef|Edwards}}
}}
}}
*{{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 176: Line 183:
|translator-first2=Rachel
|translator-first2=Rachel
|year=1991
|year=1991
|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=harv
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Kemp
|last=Kemp
|first=Paul
|first=Paul
|title=U-Boats Destroyed - German Submarine Losses in the World Wars
|title=U-Boats Destroyed – German Submarine Losses in the World Wars
|location=London
|location=London
|year=1999
|year=1999
|publisher=Arms & Armour
|publisher=Arms & Armour
|isbn=1-85409-515-3
|isbn=1-85409-515-3
|ref=harv
}}
}}

{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|U-461 (submarine, 1941)}}
* {{Cite web
* {{Cite web
|url= http://uboat.net/boats/u461.htm
|url= http://uboat.net/boats/u461.htm
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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= 6 December 2014
|access-date= 6 December 2014
}}
}}


{{Type XIV submarine}}
{{German Type XIV submarines}}
{{July 1943 shipwrecks}}
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Military of Germany
| portal2=Submarine
| portal3=World War II
}}


{{coord|45|33|N|10|48|W|display=title}}
{{coord|45|33|N|10|48|W|display=title}}
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[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks of the Biscay coast]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Bay of Biscay]]
[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]

Latest revision as of 10:04, 10 February 2024

U-461 in 1942 – 1943
History
Nazi Germany
NameU-461
Ordered14 May 1940
BuilderDeutsche Werke, Kiel
Yard number292
Laid down9 December 1940
Launched8 November 1941
Commissioned30 January 1942
FateSunk on 30 July 1943[1]
General characteristics
Class and typeType XIV ocean-going submarine tanker
Displacement
  • 1,688 t (1,661 long tons) surfaced
  • 1,932 t (1,901 long tons) submerged
Length
Beam
  • 9.35 m (30 ft 8 in) o/a
  • 4.90 m (16 ft 1 in) pressure hull
Height11.70 m (38 ft 5 in)
Draught6.51 m (21 ft 4 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
  • 14.4–14.9 knots (26.7–27.6 km/h; 16.6–17.1 mph) surfaced
  • 6.2 knots (11.5 km/h; 7.1 mph) submerged
Range
  • 12,350 nmi (22,870 km; 14,210 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 55 nmi (102 km; 63 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth240 m (790 ft)
Complement6 officers and 47 enlisted
Armament
Service record[2][3]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 26 683
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck
  • 30 January – 21 April 1942
  • K.Kapt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler
  • 22 April 1942 – 30 July 1943
Operations:
  • 6 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 21 June – 16 August 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 7 September – 17 October 1942
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 19 November 1942 – 3 January 1943
  • 4th patrol:
  • 13 February – 22 March 1943
  • 5th patrol:
  • a. 20 April – 30 May 1943
  • b. 22 – 23 July 1943
  • 6th patrol:
  • 27 – 30 July 1943
Victories: None

German submarine U-461 was a Type XIV supply and replenishment U-boat ("Milchkuh") of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Her keel was laid down on 9 December 1940, by Deutsche Werke in Kiel as yard number 292. She was launched on 8 November 1941 and commissioned on 30 January 1942 with Oberleutnant zur See Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck in command. Bernbeck was promoted to Kapitänleutnant by 21 April 1942, when he was relieved by Korvettenkapitän Wolf-Harro Stiebler.[2]

Design[edit]

German Type XIV submarines were shortened versions of the Type IXDs they were based on. U-461 had a displacement of 1,688 tonnes (1,661 long tons) when at the surface and 1,932 tonnes (1,901 long tons) while submerged.[4] The U-boat had a total length of 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in), a pressure hull length of 48.51 m (159 ft 2 in), a beam of 9.35 m (30 ft 8 in), a height of 11.70 m (38 ft 5 in), and a draught of 6.51 m (21 ft 4 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft supercharged four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines producing a total of 2,800–3,200 metric horsepower (2,060–2,350 kW; 2,760–3,160 shp) for use while surfaced, two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 345/38-8 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 propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 240 metres (790 ft).[4]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 14.4–14.9 knots (26.7–27.6 km/h; 16.6–17.1 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 6.2 knots (11.5 km/h; 7.1 mph).[4] When submerged, the boat could operate for 120 nautical miles (220 km; 140 mi) at 2 knots (3.7 km/h; 2.3 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 12,350 nautical miles (22,870 km; 14,210 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). U-461 was not fitted with torpedo tubes or deck guns, but had two 3.7 cm (1.5 in) SK C/30 anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a complement of fifty-three.[4]

Operational career[edit]

U-461 conducted six patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.

First and second patrols[edit]

U-461's first patrol took her from Kiel to St. Nazaire in occupied France, via the gap between Iceland and the Faeroe Islands and out into the mid-Atlantic.

Her second patrol was much like her first; the most westerly point in the Atlantic was reached on 30 September 1942.

Third and fourth patrols[edit]

U-461's third sortie commenced with her departure from St. Nazaire on 19 November 1942. Travelling south, she reached the furthest spot in the patrol which was roughly between South America and Africa. There, she spent two days (according to her position reports), before moving a short distance west on 11 December 1942. She returned to her French base on 3 January 1943.

She steamed to a point west of the Canary Islands, which she reached on 2 March 1943. Having departed St. Nazaire on 13 February, she returned there for the last time on 22 March.

Fifth patrol[edit]

She left St.Nazaire on 20 April 1943, but was attacked on the return leg on 23 April by a Canadian Wellington of 172 squadron RAF, equipped with a Leigh Light. Three bombs were dropped, resulting in slight damage and, more seriously, a trail of oil. She returned to France, but this time to Bordeaux.

Sixth patrol and loss[edit]

She had left Bordeaux on 27 July 1943, but was hardly out of the Bay of Biscay, north-west of Cape Ortegal, Spain, when she was sunk on 30 July by an Australian Sunderland flying boat from No. 461 Squadron RAAF piloted by Flight Lieutenant Dudley Marrows. Coincidentally this aircraft had the registration "U", also making it known as 'U-461'. As a result of the attack, all 12 Australian crew on the flying boat agreed to drop an inflatable dinghy, fifteen of her crew survived; 53 were killed.[2]

Wolfpacks[edit]

U-461 took part in three wolfpacks, namely:

  • Wolf (26 July – 1 August 1942)
  • Vorwärts (16 – 20 September 1942)
  • Rochen (26 February – 1 March 1943)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kemp 1999, pp. 136–7.
  2. ^ a b c Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type XIV boat U-461". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "War Patrols by German U-boat U-461". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, p. 79.

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. pp. 83, 154. 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.
  • Kemp, Paul (1999). U-Boats Destroyed – German Submarine Losses in the World Wars. London: Arms & Armour. ISBN 1-85409-515-3.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to U-461 (submarine, 1941).

45°33′N 10°48′W / 45.550°N 10.800°W / 45.550; -10.800

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